Cracked hearths repaired and rebuilt in Bay Hill

New tile glued over an old cracked hearth

One quick fix seen on hearths is new tile glued straight over old cracked tile. It hides the damage for a while, adds height at the edge and usually cracks along the old lines once the base moves again.

We remove overlays instead of adding another one. With the original surface exposed, we can see what failed and repair it properly, and the finished hearth ends at a sensible height instead of stacking layers.

Hearth items on a home inspection report

Home inspection reports often mention a cracked hearth, loose tiles or an extension that looks short. The note may be brief, and the buyer and seller both need to know what it means.

We visit, measure and write down the condition and the repair options in plain language. A written scope lets both sides discuss a defined job, and it separates hearth repairs from any chimney or firebox items on the same report.

• Condition of the finish and base
• Extension size against the opening
• Repair options in plain language
• Separate lines for chimney or firebox items

Checking hearth support from below

In houses with access under the floor, the support under a hearth can be seen from below, including the masonry or concrete that carries it and the framing around it. That view often explains a crack faster than any amount of looking from above.

Where access exists, we look before opening the hearth. Where it does not, we open the smallest area that will answer the question, and we tell you in advance how that opening will be closed.

How visible a hearth repair will be

Every repair on an older hearth shows a little. New tile is cleaner, new grout is brighter and replacement stone rarely carries the exact same veining.

We tell you before the work how visible the repair is likely to be, and offer options when you want it less noticeable, such as a wider replacement or a planned contrast. There are no surprises when the drop cloths come up.

• New tile looks cleaner
• Fresh grout looks brighter
• Stone veining seldom repeats
• A wider replacement or a planned contrast as options