Tile & grout repair in Los Angeles

Tile and grout in LA ages unevenly. Grout in showers goes porous and mildew-stained by year five, earlier if it was never sealed. Caulk at the tub-to-tile joint cracks within 2–3 years from thermal expansion and movement. Random tile cracks appear in earthquake country. Most of these are cosmetic, cheap to fix, and dramatically change how a bathroom looks.

Our LA pros handle: regrouting (grind out old, replace, seal), caulk replacement (silicone, mold-resistant), single tile replacement, small backsplash installs, sealing treatments. We don\'t do full tile-floor installs or custom mosaic showers — those need a specialty tile contractor.

LA coastal humidity: Venice, Santa Monica, Marina del Rey — bathrooms in coastal LA see 70%+ humidity year-round. Grout sealers break down faster here. We recommend re-sealing every 18–24 months instead of the "every 3 years" default.

Earthquake cracks: hairline cracks across multiple tiles in the same direction → earthquake settlement, usually cosmetic, filled with flexible epoxy grout. Cracks radiating from corners → structural; we flag for a contractor look.

Pre-war mosaic tile (hex, penny, basket-weave): Hollywood, Westside, East LA bungalows — irreplaceable patterns. We can match individual damaged tiles from salvage suppliers (Bourget Bros in Santa Monica, online vintage-tile dealers). Don\'t let a handyman replace an antique hex tile with a modern one.

Mold behind grout: if regrouting reveals dark staining in the substrate, it\'s water penetration — usually a failed shower pan or missing backer board. We stop, flag for a contractor, don\'t cover up.

Efflorescence (white powder): common on slab-installed tile in LA — moisture through the slab brings mineral salts to the surface. Wipe with vinegar + rinse. Recurring efflorescence = vapor barrier issue.