What goes wrong with tub & shower tile if you wait
Water behind the tile
Cracked grout and failed caulking let water seep behind tiles and into drywall or backer board, which crumbles and grows mould.
Black mould in caulking and grout
Mould grows into the caulk and grout lines and cannot be cleaned out once it is deep inside.
Loose and cracked tiles
Tiles start to sound hollow, crack or pop off when the wall behind them is wet or failing.
Leaks into the room below
Water that gets past the tub edge can stain ceilings and rot the subfloor and joists below the bathroom.
Common jobs we take on
- Re-caulk shower and tub caulking
- Mouldy caulking removed and replaced
- Regrouting tile in showers and tub surrounds
- Loose or cracked tile repair
- Tub surround replacement
How Lower Mainland weather affects tub & shower tile
Long, damp Lower Mainland winters mean bathroom moisture lingers, especially in older homes with weak or poorly vented fans. Grout and caulking stay wet longer and mould grows faster.
Many Tri-Cities homes were built in the 1970s to 1990s with tile set on regular drywall or without modern waterproofing. Those tub surrounds are now at the age where hidden water damage is common.
Warning signs to watch for
- Cracked, missing or crumbling grout
- Black or pink mould in caulk lines
- Tiles that are loose, cracked or sound hollow
- Gaps where the tub meets the wall
- Stains on the ceiling below the bathroom
Maintenance tips
- Re-caulk the tub and shower every 1 to 2 years
- Seal grout every year or so
- Squeegee or wipe down walls after showers
- Run the fan during and after every shower
- Fix loose or cracked tiles right away
How G2 Home Services handles tub & shower tile
We cut out all old caulking and damaged grout, clean and dry the joints, regrout and re-caulk with mould resistant products. If tiles are loose or the wall behind is wet, we open it up, replace the damaged board with proper cement board and waterproofing, and re-tile. Full tub surround replacements are available too.
Every job is backed by our written promise: a locked-in price before we start, we redo anything you are not happy with, and a one-year workmanship guarantee.
Tub, Shower, Tile & Grout Repair near you
We are based in Coquitlam and take on these jobs across the Tri-Cities, Burnaby, New Westminster, Vancouver, Richmond and the North Shore. Got other small jobs too? Add them to the list and we will do them in the same visit. See small jobs & odd jobs.
Tub, Shower, Tile & Grout Repair: frequently asked questions
Can you regrout without removing tiles?
Yes, if the tiles are solid. We remove the old grout, clean the joints and install new grout and sealer.
How do I know if water is behind my shower tile?
Loose or hollow sounding tiles, soft spots, crumbling grout and stains on the other side of the wall are common signs. We can check and tell you what we find.
Can you replace an old tub surround?
Yes. We remove the old surround, repair the wall, install proper waterproofing and finish with new tile or a one piece surround.
