Homeowners choose tile for its durability and versatility. It holds up beautifully in high traffic areas, which makes it one of the most cost effective investments you can make into your home. Whether you prefer wood look tile planks, small mosaic tiles, large stone slabs, or a mix of shapes, colors, textures, and patterns, tile is built to last for decades.
With that said, tile isn’t entirely maintenance free. Here’s our guide to the most common tile and grout problems, and how to handle each one.
A finished FM Pro Remodeling tile installation, and what your tile at home should look like all of the time.
Grout Cracks
Cracked grout in the shower, flooring, walls, or backsplash is virtually always because of improper installation. If the person laying the tile didn’t pack the grout tightly between the tiles, air pockets form underneath, and over time, that grout crumbles.
A loose subfloor is another common cause of grout cracks. If the subflooring wasn’t properly secured before the tile was laid, or if fasteners worked loose over time, the shifting beneath the tile puts stress on the grout until it cracks. Of all the problems in this guide, cracked grout is the most serious, since it usually points to a structural issue, not a cosmetic one.
Repair Grout In Shower
Cracked grout in a shower deserves special attention. Constant moisture works its way into any crack, which can lead to water damage in the wall or subfloor behind the tile. If you notice cracked grout in your shower, it is more cost effective to repair it immediately. Small cracks can often be repaired by regrouting the affected joints, but widespread cracking may mean it’s time to call a professional to repair all of the grout and any underlying issues.
Loose Tiles
A loose tile that shifts around or sounds hollow when you tap it is not good. It’s a sign the mortar beneath it has failed. This can happen because of poor installation, moisture getting underneath the tile, or settling of the subfloor over time.
Loose tile repair typically involves removing the tile, cleaning out the old adhesive, and resetting it with fresh mortar. Ignoring a loose tile is a terrible mistake. Foot traffic will eventually crack the tile itself, and the loose tile can damage the grout joints around it. If you catch it early, a loose tile repair is quick and inexpensive.
Broken Tile and Cracked Tile
A cracked tile or a fully broken tile is most often caused by heavy impact, an object being dropped, or stress from a shifting subfloor beneath the tile. Sometimes a hairline crack tile repair is all that’s needed. Thin, surface level cracks can often be filled and sealed to stop them from spreading. Deeper cracks or a totally broken tile call for a full replacement.
Broken tile repair and cracked tile repair both start the same way: identifying whether the damage is cosmetic or whether it goes all the way through the tile. If the crack goes all the way through, water can get underneath the tile and cause further damage, so replacement is the best option. For a single cracked or broken tile, replacement is a straightforward and affordable fix, as long as you have a matching tile or can source one.
Tile Chip Repair
A chipped tile is common in high traffic areas or anywhere heavy items get dropped, like kitchens. Tile chip repair is usually a surface level, cosmetic fix. Small chips can be filled with a color matched epoxy or tile filler, which restores the surface and prevents dirt and moisture from collecting. Larger chips, or chips on tile that get a lot of wear, may be better addressed with a full replacement so the repair doesn’t stand out.
Uneven Tiles (Lippage)
Lippage is what happens when the edge of one tile sits higher than the tile next to it, and creates a small ridge you can feel underfoot and possibly trip on. The root cause is typically an uneven subfloor, inconsistent mortar application during installation, or tiles of slightly different thicknesses being installed side by side. Lippage isn’t just a nuisance. It’s also a common reason that tile edges chip over time because the raised edge takes most of of the wear. A professional can often correct lippage by grinding down the high edge or removing and resetting the affected tiles.
Missing Tiles or Popped Out Tiles
A missing tile is usually the end result of a loose tile that was ignored for too long. This leaves a gap in the floor that exposes the subfloor beneath, which can lead to water damage or further loosening of the surrounding tiles if it isn’t fixed promptly. The fix is similar to loose tile repair, but since the tile has already come free, it typically just needs to be reset with fresh mortar and regrouted around the edges.
Clean Dirty Grout and Keep It Clean
Tile floors take a beating from daily foot traffic, and dirt builds up over time. Regular sweeping and mopping takes care of most of the dirt, but eventually, grout needs a deep scrub because grout is porous. Dirt and liquids seep into the pores and stay there until they’re worked out with a mild detergent. Regular tile and grout care makes a real difference here.
If you’re wondering how to clean dirty grout yourself, the best way to clean dirty grout at home is with a soft bristle brush, warm water, and a mild, non acidic detergent. Work in small sections so the grout doesn’t dry out before you can scrub it. For grout that hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, a paste made from baking soda and water, left to sit for several minutes before scrubbing, does a good job of lifting out the dirt without damaging the grout.
FM Pro Remodeling recommends sealing your grout to prevent this problem. But keep in mind that it needs to be resealed every 6 to 18 months.
Tile can stain too, if it’s not glazed or sealed. If your tile is porous, it is resealed on the same schedule as the grout. One important rule: never seal tile that is not porous.
Just bought a home and don’t know whether your tile or grout has ever been sealed? Call FM Pro Remodeling at (812) 944-6383 for a free consultation.
Grout Color Fading or Inconsistent Grout Color
Grout can fade or turn patchy for a few different reasons. Sun exposure breaks down the pigment over time, harsh cleaning chemicals strip color out of it, and grout that was mixed inconsistently during installation can dry to different shades from one section to the next. A grout colorant or dye restores an color without needing to repair or regrout the whole floor, and sealing afterward makes the fresh color last.
Efflorescence (White Powdery Residue)
If you notice a white, chalky residue on your tile or grout, you’re likely dealing with efflorescence. This happens when moisture beneath the tile draws mineral salts up through the grout or tile as it evaporates, and leaves mineral deposits on the surface. It’s common in new installations while everything dries, but moisture beneath the floor could be the culprit. Light efflorescence can be wiped away with a dry cloth or a mild acidic cleaner. If it keeps coming back, that’s a sign of a hidden moisture problem that needs to be addressed by a professional.
Mold or Mildew in Grout Lines
Grout lines in bathrooms and showers are especially prone to mold and mildew, since they hold onto moisture longer than the tile. Poor ventilation, unsealed grout, and soap scum buildup all lead to mold and mildew in grout. A solution of water and mild bleach and a scrub will take care of the problem. However, if it is a recurring problem, it may not be properly waterproofed beneath the tile, or you may need to upgrade your bathroom’s ventilation. Mold can result in health problems and must be addressed quickly with a permanent solution.
Grout Pulling Away From Tile Edges
Over time, you may notice a gap forming where the grout meets the edge of the tile, especially where the floor meets a wall or a tub. This is often caused by normal settling, moisture, or the wrong type of grout being used in a spot that needed flexible caulk instead of rigid grout. It’s an easy fix. The gap is cleaned out and refilled with either fresh grout or a flexible caulk, depending on the location. This will reseal the gap and prevent water from reaching beneath the tile and causing other problems.
Cloudy Tiles
A cloudy or hazy film on your tile is almost always the result of using the wrong cleaning product. We recommend a simple 1:1 water and white vinegar solution for everyday cleaning of ceramic or porcelain tile. It’s safe and free of harsh chemicals. If this does not remove the film on your tiles, you may need to consult a professional to remove the haze.
*Please note that vinegar cannot be used on natural stone tiles, and may damage them.
Filmy Grout
Every time you clean your floor, grout picks up a bit of residue. It’s easy to miss because grout looks clean while it’s still wet. The film only becomes obvious once everything dries. Most homeowners aren’t sure how to tackle it, but a baking soda and white vinegar paste scrubbed in with an old toothbrush handles it quickly.
Sealant Wearing Off Too Quickly
If your grout or tile sealant seems to wear out faster than it should, the culprit is usually one of three things: the sealant was applied too thin, the wrong product was used for your specific type of tile or grout, or the area sees so much moisture and foot traffic that it needs to be resealed more often than normal. For example: Bathrooms, entryways, and kitchens often need resealing more frequently than a hallway.
Choosing the Right Cleaner
Not all cleaners are safe for every type of tile, and using the wrong one is one of the most common reasons homeowners end up with cloudy tile, faded grout, or damaged sealant. A simple, diluted white vinegar solution is safe for most tile types. However, if you have natural stone, it’s worth checking with a professional before using anything but warm water and a soft cloth.
Need more help with a tile or grout problem or repair? Call or email FM Pro Remodeling today for a free consultation.
