Sound test for hollow tile
We tap the tile and listen for a hollow sound, which indicates the tile has lost its bond to the substrate underneath.
Signs It's Time for a Repair
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A tile sounds hollow when you tap it
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One tile has cracked from an impact
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Grout is cracked, crumbling or missing
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The same area keeps failing
How we diagnose a tile problem
Check the extent of the issue
One cracked tile in isolation is a different repair than cracking spreading across a floor or wall.
Look for the underlying cause
Cracked grout along a joint often points to normal movement; widespread hollow tile can point to a substrate problem.
Honest recommendation
We tell you plainly whether a targeted repair will hold or whether the area needs a full re-tile, and why.
When a targeted repair holds
A targeted repair, replacing a cracked tile, re-grouting a section, or resealing a joint, makes sense when the problem is contained and the surrounding tile is still properly bonded. It's the lower-cost, less disruptive option, and it's the right call more often than homeowners expect, especially for grout issues and isolated tile cracks caused by an impact rather than an underlying installation problem.
Signs a full tile reset is needed instead of a repair
Sometimes the more useful thing we can tell a homeowner is that a patch repair won't last. Widespread hollow tile, tile failing in the same area repeatedly, or damage traced back to a failed waterproofing membrane underneath are all signs that the underlying substrate needs to be addressed properly, which usually means removing tile in that area and starting over rather than chasing individual failures one at a time. We'd rather give you that answer upfront than sell a repair we don't expect to hold.
How Much Does Tile and Grout Repair Cost in Ottawa?
Repair work is quoted per project since two jobs that look similar can involve very different scope, here's what actually drives the price.
Repair work
Quoted per project
Number of tiles affected and whether matching material is available
Whether the issue is isolated or has spread across a larger area
Access to the area and any furniture or fixtures that need moving
Whether the cause is normal grout movement or an underlying substrate problem
Why Tile Fails
Full mortar contact
Tile standards call for at least 80% mortar contact under each tile in dry indoor areas, and at least 95% in wet areas and outdoors. Gaps under a tile are what make it sound hollow and crack later.
A floor stiff enough for the tile
Tile standards limit floor movement to L/360 for ceramic and porcelain tile and L/720 for natural stone, where L is the joist span. A bouncy floor cracks grout and tile no matter how well it is set.
Missing movement joints
Tile needs flexible joints where it meets a tub, a wall or another material. Without them, grout cracks along those lines first, and the repair includes adding the joint, not just new grout.
Our Process
How We Diagnose and Repair Tile or Grout
1
Inspect and sound-test
We tap the tile to check for hollow spots and look closely at cracked grout to understand what's actually going on underneath.
2
Determine scope and cause
We figure out whether the damage is isolated or spreading, and whether it points to normal movement or a substrate issue.
3
Match material where possible
We try to source matching tile and grout colour for the repair, and let you know honestly when an exact match isn't possible.
4
Repair and blend the finish
The affected area is repaired, grouted, and sealed to blend in as closely as possible with the surrounding tile.
Tiles Experts provides professional tile and grout repair throughout Ottawa, Ontario. Not every tile problem needs a full re-tile, and not every problem should be patched over either – the honest answer depends on what's actually gone wrong underneath the surface, which is where a proper diagnosis matters more than the repair itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my tile is loose or just the grout is cracked?
A simple tap test helps tell the two apart: tile that has lost its bond to the substrate sounds hollow when tapped, compared to the solid sound of properly bonded tile nearby. Cracked grout, on the other hand, is usually visible as a line separating from the tile edge, with the tile itself still firmly attached underneath.
Can a single cracked tile be replaced without redoing the whole floor?
Often, yes, if the crack is isolated and the surrounding tile is still sound. We carefully remove the damaged tile, clean the substrate underneath, and set a matching replacement. The honest caveat is that finding an exact match for an older or discontinued tile isn't always possible, which we'll flag before starting the repair.
When does a repair stop making sense and a full re-tile make more sense?
When hollow or loose tile shows up across a wide area rather than in one isolated spot, it usually points to a substrate problem – like a failed bond or moisture issue – that a patch repair won't solve for long. In that case, we'll tell you honestly that a full reset of the affected area is the more durable answer, rather than repairing tile after tile as new spots fail.
Can grout be repaired without replacing the tile?
Yes, in most cases. Cracked, crumbling, or discoloured grout can be removed and replaced without disturbing the surrounding tile, as long as the tile itself is still properly bonded. This is a common, lower-cost repair compared to any work that involves removing tile.
Is cracked grout in a shower a sign of a bigger problem?
Not always, since some grout cracking is normal wear over years of use, but persistent or widening cracks in a shower can allow water behind the tile if left unaddressed. We'll assess whether it's a straightforward re-grout or a sign that the waterproofing behind the tile needs attention.