Tile Repairs and Waterproofing

Tile Repairs & Waterproofing

Expert tile repair and professional waterproofing services in Cape Town. We diagnose and fix the root cause not just the symptom from leaking showers and cracked tiles to failed balconies and pool tile failures.

Tile Repairs & Waterproofing

Tile Repairs & Professional Waterproofing in Cape Town

Tiling problems that are caught early are simple and relatively inexpensive to fix. Left too long, they become structural nightmares involving water damage, mould, rotting substrates, and damage to rooms below. Truline Tiling offers professional diagnostic, repair, and waterproofing services for all tiling problems done properly the first time, so they don’t come back.

We see the results of failed tiling every week in Cape Town improper waterproofing, incorrect adhesive, missing expansion joints, and tiles laid directly on inadequate substrates. We fix these problems comprehensively, not cosmetically.

Tile Crack & Failure Diagnostics

Not all tile cracks and failures have the same cause, and the wrong repair will fail again quickly. Before we touch a tile, we diagnose the root cause:

Hollow tile (debonding) - adhesive failure or inadequate substrate
Cracked tiles - insufficient expansion joints or structural movement
Loose or popping tiles - moisture intrusion behind tiles
Grout cracking or falling out — movement joint failure
Water leaking through tiled areas — waterproofing failure
Efflorescence (white mineral deposits) — moisture migration through substrate
Mould and mildew growth — failed grout sealing or waterproofing

Shower & Bathroom Tile Repairs

Leaking showers are the most common tile repair we’re called for. The fix is always the same: strip the shower, inspect and remediate the substrate, apply a proper waterproofing membrane, and retile correctly. A cosmetic patch over a failed shower is money wasted we diagnose and fix the cause.

Professional Waterproofing Services

Waterproofing is the most critical element of any wet area and the most commonly skipped by under qualified installers. We offer professional waterproofing as a standalone service for new builds, renovations, and remedial work.

Grout Repair & Replacement

Deteriorating, stained, or crumbling grout is both an aesthetic problem and a functional one degraded grout allows water to penetrate behind tiles. We rout out old grout, clean the joints thoroughly, and apply fresh grout with appropriate sealing for a result that looks new and performs correctly.

Individual Tile Replacement

If you have broken or cracked individual tiles whether from impact damage or substrate movement, we can replace them individually where matching tiles are available. We carefully remove the affected tiles without damaging the surrounding ones, prepare the substrate, and install matched replacements with precision.

Expansion Joint Remediation

The most common cause of tiled floor and wall failure in South Africa is missing or incorrect expansion joints. We cut in correct expansion joints and fill with the appropriate flexible sealant, preventing future tile failures due to building movement and thermal expansion.

COMMON PROBLEMS WE FIX

Tiling Problems We Solve Every Day

Leaking Showers

We strip out, waterproof properly, and retile. We fix the cause, not just the symptom so the problem doesn't return.

Cracked & Hollow Tiles

We diagnose the root cause inadequate joints, substrate movement, or adhesive failure and fix before replacing tiles.

Balcony & Roof Leaks

Balcony leaks causing ceiling damage below we strip, waterproof correctly, and retile with proper drainage falls.

Mould & Mildew

Caused by failed waterproofing or grout. We identify the source, treat the mould, waterproof properly, and regrout with sealed or epoxy product.

Efflorescence

White mineral deposits indicate moisture migrating through the substrate. We diagnose and treat the moisture source before regrouting.

Pool Tile Failures

Pool tile debonding, waterline failures, and coping damage repaired with pool grade materials and proper waterproofing.

WATERPROOFING SYSTEMS

Waterproofing Systems We Use

Polyurethane Membrane

Flexible, seamless, and highly elastic ideal for bathrooms, balconies, and areas subject to structural movement. Applied in two coats with reinforcement at joints.

Cementitious Waterproofing

Rigid, crystalline waterproofing that becomes part of the substrate. Excellent for concrete surfaces, basements, and below-slab applications.

Sheet Membrane Systems

Preformed sheet membranes (Schlüter KERDI and equivalents) for shower enclosures fast to apply and immediately ready to tile over.

Pool Grade Systems

Certified pool waterproofing membranes designed to withstand constant water immersion and pool chemicals. Fully flood tested before tiling.

Hot Applied Bitumen

For flat roof and heavy duty applications requiring proven, long lasting performance in challenging weather conditions.

Epoxy Injection Systems

For sealing active water ingress through existing concrete cracks before applying surface waterproofing membranes.

REPAIR PROCESS

How We Approach Tile Repair & Waterproofing

From your first call to your final walkthrough, here's exactly what to expect when you choose Truline for your Tile Repair and Waterproofing.

Diagnosis First

We identify the root cause of the problem before any repair work begins. A correct diagnosis is the only way to ensure the repair lasts cosmetic fixes fail again quickly when the root cause isn't addressed.

Scope of Works & Quote

We define exactly what's needed, provide a clear written quote, and explain what the work involves and why so you make an informed decision about the repair.

Strip Out & Substrate Remediation

Failed tiles and old waterproofing are removed. Substrate damage (rot, delamination, mould) is treated and repaired. This step cannot be skipped.

Waterproofing Application

The correct waterproofing system is applied, cured, and tested before any tiles are laid. This is the most important step in the entire process.

Tiling & Grouting

Tiles installed with correct adhesive, grouted with the appropriate product, and sealed. Silicone joints at all perimeters and movement junctions.

Testing & Sign Off

Where possible, we flood test waterproofed areas after tiling. We walk through the completed repair with you and provide aftercare guidance to maximise longevity.

Repair & Waterproofing Questions

How do I know if my shower is leaking behind the tiles?

Common signs include: water staining on ceilings or walls adjacent to the shower, musty smell, tiles that sound hollow when tapped, grout that’s crumbling or discoloured, and mould appearing at tile joints. If you’re seeing any of these, contact us for a diagnostic assessment before the damage gets worse.

Can you match my existing tiles for a repair?

Sometimes. If the tiles are from a major SA supplier (Tile Africa, Italtile, CTM) and are still in range, we may be able to match them. If the tiles are discontinued or imported, matching can be very difficult. In that case, we discuss options targeted feature tiles, a full section regrout, or a full replacement based on what gives the best visual result.

Why do my floor tiles keep cracking?

Recurring tile cracking almost always indicates one of: structural movement in the building, an inadequate screed or substrate beneath the tiles, missing or incorrectly placed expansion joints, or tiles were laid with rigid adhesive in an area that moves. We’ll diagnose the root cause and recommend the correct long term solution.

Do you offer standalone waterproofing (without tiling)?

Yes. We offer waterproofing as a standalone service for balconies, flat roofs, bathrooms, and wet areas whether you’re tiling the area yourself afterward or using another contractor. We apply the membrane, test it, and provide a completion certificate confirming the waterproofing is compliant.

How much does a shower repair cost?

It depends on the size of the shower, the extent of the damage, and whether matching tiles are available. A basic shower strip and retile starts from approximately R5,000–R8,000 for a standard enclosure. We provide a detailed quote after assessing the shower always before any work begins.

Ready to Transform Your Bathroom

Contact Truline Tiling today for your free, no-obligation bathroom tiling quote. We serve all areas of Cape Town and the Western Cape.

Our Service Areas

Atlantic Seaboard

Cape Town

City Bowl

Eastern Suburbs

Northern Suburbs

West Coast