Loose tiles, mold growth, and crumbling are all key signs that your grout needs attention.
You could get a bad mix because the grout product is bad. Grout that is too old may never do its job of locking tiles in place. The type of grout determines how long it can remain on a shelf before use. There are powdered grouts that expire after just a year.
When Should You Regrout Your Tile? Grout doesn't last forever. You can expect a lifespan between eight and sixteen years. Its lifespan will vary depending on how you treat your shower.
Regrouting is the best option when tiles and grout begin to show signs of discoloration or the stains are so deep that they cannot be removed. As grout ages, it naturally deviates from its original color. If the white grout turns yellow or is covered with stains, you must regrout very soon.
The grout should be dug out a minimum of 3mm deep (preferably deeper) so that new grout can have a firm base and a larger surface area of the sides of the tiles to adhere to. Do not attempt to apply new grout over the damaged existing grout.
You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout. To do this, all you need is a grout removal tool. Use the tool to strike out the old grout, making sure the depth is at least 2mm, which is about the thickness of two dimes stacked one on top of the other.
Regrouting can be a worthwhile home improvement project that keeps your floors looking good as new. It makes your tiles more resistant to mould, prevents water from seeping behind the shower floors and walls, and ensures they have a longer life span.
Moisture and direct water contact contribute to grout deterioration over time, and eventually, the tiles will crack. This is why you should consider regrouting shower tiles every six months.
If the water beads flow done from the ground, it is correctly sealed. However, if the grout absorbs the water, either the grout hasn't been sealed or the sealer has worn off. You can also search for signs of an old sealer. If your sealer is peeling off or is hazing, you should know that it has begun to weaken.
Start by decanting a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar into a spray bottle. Spritz all over the area, aiming for the grout and any problem spots. Let it sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing in a circular motion with a grout brush or an old toothbrush.
If it looks like the grout on the left that is just stained or has mold and mildew on it, a simple cleaning should get it back into shape. If it looks like the grout on the right, where it's not only stained but also cracked and missing, you should plan on replacing all the damaged grout in your tile.
If your grout is a few years old, it's normal that in time, it will crack. This results from a few key causes: Exposure To The Elements. A common problem for wet areas in the home, like the bathroom or shower, grout tends to crack here as a build-up of water slowly eats away at the material.
The consistency of grout should resemble smooth peanut butter. It should be malleable but not dripping from the trowel when lifted. If the mix is too stiff or dry powder is visible, add more water.
If your grout is coming loose, or showing signs of cracking or crumbling, it means that your tiles are MOVING, due to a buildup of pressure under your floor. The pressure, caused by a lack of expansion lines, or an issue with the adhesive under your tiles which is causing them to shift.
Re-grouting is more affordable than retiling as far as bathroom flooring options go. This DIY project can be done in about four hours, which makes it much faster than retiling.
Grout, the mixture of cement and additives such as silica and sand that fills the gaps between tiles and holds them in place, has a lifespan of about 25 years. But proper care and consideration can help extend that life and keep grout looking its best.
Grout needs to be sealed. It's naturally porous and will stain easily. Most installers of tile floors do not seal them because grout has to cure first. It's something you should do to keep your grout looking its best.
Shower regrouting done by a professional company will typically take a day to each shower and the cost can range from $900 to $1800 depending on the skills of the contractor, the materials used and the size of the shower.
Epoxy grout is water resistant and made from resins and fillers that help it work like a sealing adhesive. Epoxy grout is a better choice for showers, kitchen, bathrooms, and other damp areas because it is stain resistant and requires no sealing, unlike cement-based grout.
Epoxy grout is superior compared to its cement-based counterparts and can last longer. Some epoxy grout doesn't even require sealing, but it can still begin to have issues over time.
Place the abrasive side of your grout rake or multi-tool into the grout line and begin to remove the old grout using a firm sawing action. Take care not to damage the tile in the process.