FIG. 05 — Material page · Southern California
Tile cracking, popping loose or sounding hollow? Find out why.
Tile and stone failures are expensive to fix, so it matters who's responsible. I'll find out what went wrong underneath and document it.
FIG. 05 — Dining area with natural light over tiled floor
Common failures
What I see, and what it usually means.
01
Cracked tiles or cracks running across several tiles.
Often movement in the slab or subfloor carrying up through the tile.
02
Hollow-sounding tiles.
The tile isn't fully bonded to what's under it.
03
Tenting.
Tiles lifting into a peak, usually from missing movement joints.
04
Cracked or crumbling grout.
Uneven edges between tiles (lippage). One tile sitting higher than the next.
05
Stains, efflorescence or etching in stone.
White deposits or dull spots from moisture or cleaning products.
What I check on site
Bond and coverage, movement joints, slab and subfloor conditions, flatness, the setting materials, and installation method against manufacturer and industry standards. Tile and stone jobs are usually larger and more involved, so they're quoted individually.
What the report tells you
Nearly every flooring problem comes back to one of four things: the product, the installation, the site (moisture, the subfloor, the climate inside the house), or how the floor has been cared for. My report says which one, and shows the evidence.
Why an independent inspector
The store's inspector is hired by the store. I'm hired by you, I don't sell flooring, and I don't take jobs that want a particular answer. Fifty years in the trade, licensed contractor for 40 of them, and certified through FCITS, IFCII and NALFA.
"Thank you so much. Very detailed."
How much does an inspection cost?
Packages start at $650 for an on-site inspection, testing and a written report. Mileage from Temecula is added, plus a set add-on for hardwood, tile, stone or areas over 4,000 sq ft. You'll have the full price before anything is booked, and payment confirms the appointment.
See all packages and fees →Will you need to pull up any flooring?
Not without your permission. Most inspections need no damage at all. If a test would mean removing a piece, I'll explain why and ask first.
Can you tell what's wrong without pulling up tile?
Often, yes. Sound testing, visual checks and moisture readings tell me a lot. If removing a tile would settle the question, I'll explain why and ask your permission first.