Tile Repair in Exeter
Professional tile repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Tile repair for loose tiles, chips, cracks, and damaged grout. We'll fix what we can and advise on replacement if repair isn't viable.
Not every tile problem needs full replacement. Loose tiles can be re-stuck, small chips can be filled, and damaged grout can be cut out and replaced. Tile repair is quicker and cheaper than replacement, and if done properly, you'd never know there was an issue. The trick is knowing what can be fixed and what's better off replaced.
Types of Tile Repairs We Handle
Loose or Hollow Tiles - Tiles that sound hollow when you tap them or rock when you step on them need re-gluing. We'll lift them, clean off old adhesive, and re-fix them properly.
Chips and Small Cracks - Minor chips can be filled with epoxy resin or tile repair compound and colour-matched. Not invisible up close, but much better than a chunk missing.
Damaged Grout - Cracked, crumbling, or missing grout gets raked out and replaced with fresh grout. Colour-matched to blend with existing.
Surface Scratches - Light scratches on glazed tiles can sometimes be buffed out or filled. Deep scratches that penetrate the glaze are harder to fix invisibly.
Done Right vs Done Wrong
| Done Right | Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Loose tile re-stuck with full adhesive coverage | Tile stuck back with blobs of glue, comes loose again |
| Chip filled smooth and colour-matched | Lumpy fill, wrong colour, stands out |
| Old grout removed fully before replacing | New grout over old, different levels, looks messy |
| Subfloor checked and repaired if needed | Tile re-fixed over same problem, fails again |
What You Get
| What's Included |
|---|
| Assessment of damage and repair options |
| Loose tile removal and re-fixing |
| Chip filling with colour-matched compound (if applicable) |
| Grout removal and replacement (if needed) |
| Subfloor check and minor repairs |
| Clean-up and disposal of waste materials |
Pricing Guide
| Time Required | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 hour | £60 |
| 1.5 hours | £85 |
| 2 hours | £110 |
Most minor tile repairs (1-3 tiles, small chips, grout replacement) fall in the 1-2 hour range. Bigger jobs or multiple issues take longer.
Pro Tip: If several tiles are loose in the same area, there's usually an underlying issue - water damage, subfloor movement, or poor original installation. Fix the cause, not just the symptom.
Why Choose Us for Tile Repair in Exeter?
Loose tiles re-glued and secured permanently
Chips and cracks filled and colour-matched
Damaged grout removed and replaced
Minor repairs that avoid full tile replacement
What to Expect
1. Damage Assessment - We'll check what's wrong, tap tiles to see if others are loose, and assess whether repair or replacement is the best option. We'll be honest about what'll work and what won't.
2. Repair Work - We'll re-glue loose tiles, fill chips, or replace damaged grout. If subfloor issues are found, we'll discuss what needs fixing and the cost involved.
3. Curing and Aftercare - Re-glued tiles need 24 hours before heavy use. Filled chips might need another 24 hours to harden. We'll advise on cure times and how to look after the repair.
🔧 DIY Tips
Tools You'll Need (Loose Tiles):
- Grout rake or rotary tool
- Cold chisel and hammer (to lift tile)
- Scraper (to remove old adhesive)
- Tile adhesive and notched trowel
- Grout and grout float
- Sponge and clean water
How to DIY (Re-fixing Loose Tiles):
- Remove grout - Use a grout rake to carefully remove grout from around the loose tile. This lets you lift it without cracking neighbours.
- Lift the tile - Gently prise the tile up using a chisel. Work carefully - you want to reuse it, not break it.
- Clean surfaces - Scrape old adhesive off the back of the tile and the floor underneath. Vacuum thoroughly. Dust and debris stop new adhesive sticking.
- Apply adhesive - Spread tile adhesive on the floor (or back of tile) using a notched trowel. Make sure coverage is even - voids cause hollow spots.
- Re-fix and level - Press the tile back into place, using spacers to maintain even gaps with neighbours. Check it's level with surrounding tiles.
- Grout - Wait 24 hours for adhesive to cure, then grout around the tile. Match the colour to existing grout.
How to DIY (Chip Repair):
- Clean the chip - Remove any loose material and clean the area with methylated spirits. Let it dry completely.
- Fill with epoxy - Mix two-part epoxy tile repair compound. Some come pre-coloured; others need tinting. Apply carefully to fill the chip level with the tile surface.
- Smooth and shape - Use a wet finger or spatula to smooth the epoxy flush with the tile. Work quickly - epoxy sets fast.
- Let it cure - Allow 24 hours for the epoxy to harden completely before cleaning or touching.
Common DIY Mistakes:
- Not removing old adhesive properly (new tile won't stick)
- Using too much adhesive (squeezes up between tiles, makes a mess)
- Grouting too soon (adhesive not set, tile shifts)
- Wrong colour epoxy for chips (repair stands out like a sore thumb)
Pro Trick: Save old grout when replacing it. Mix a bit of the old with the new to match the colour perfectly if you can't find the exact shade.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Combine With: Tile repair pairs well with grout sealing or tile sealing to protect the repaired areas and refresh the surrounding floor. Also worth checking the whole floor for other issues while we're there.
Related Services: Tile replacement (if repair isn't viable), grout sealing, tile sealing, floor levelling (if subfloor issues).
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ You've got one or more loose tiles that need re-fixing ✅ Small chips or cracks need filling to prevent them getting worse ✅ Grout is cracked, missing, or crumbling in places ✅ You want a quick fix without the cost of full tile replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix a chipped tile without replacing it?
Depends on the chip size and location. Small chips can be filled with epoxy resin and colour-matched. Big chunks missing or chips in high-wear areas are better off replaced. We'll advise which is the best fix.
Why do tiles come loose?
Usually poor adhesive coverage when they were laid, movement in the subfloor, or water getting underneath. We'll check the cause when we re-fix them and make sure it doesn't happen again.
Will re-glued tiles be as strong as new?
If the subfloor underneath is sound and we can get good adhesive coverage, yes. If the subfloor's damaged or moving, we'll need to fix that first or the tile will just come loose again.
Can you match grout colour for repairs?
We'll get as close as possible. If you know the original grout brand and colour, perfect. Otherwise, we'll match by eye or suggest regrouting the whole area for a uniform look if it's way off.
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