Tile After a Flood or Hurricane: What to Check Before You Repair

Tile itself usually survives water well. What sits underneath and behind it often does not. A few checks can save you from covering a problem.

Dry things out first

Moisture trapped under or behind tile can cause mold and loosen the bond. Make sure the area is thoroughly dry before any repair or re-tiling. Your insurer or a remediation professional can tell you what is required.

Check the subfloor and backer board

Plywood subfloors, cement board and drywall behind tile can swell or rot if they stayed wet. Hollow-sounding or loose tile can be a sign of trouble underneath.

Look for cracks and lifted tile

Settling and shifting after a storm can crack tile or pop it loose. A single cracked tile can often be replaced. Widespread cracking may point to a problem with the slab or substrate.

Document everything

Take clear photos before any cleanup or repair, including measurements. This helps with insurance claims and with getting an accurate quote.

Matching existing tile

The hardest part of a repair is often matching tile that may no longer be sold. A good installer can source similar tile or pull spare pieces from an unseen area, like a closet, to blend a repair.

Need a second opinion?

Text Shaun photos of the damage. He can often tell you what is repairable and what needs replacing, and give you a free estimate.