First, one of the telltale signs of grout failure is when your grout has holes, or is cracked and breaking down. When the grout is deteriorating, this can cause your tiles to become loose or come off entirely. Another indication of grout failure is any sign of mold or mildew.
Loose tiles, mold growth, and crumbling are all key signs that your grout needs attention.
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.
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.
At this point you may wonder if a complete re-grout is necessary or if it would be possible to simply put new grout over old grout. The answer is, yes, it is possible to put new grout over old grout.
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.
You may not need to remove most of the grout. It may be possible to apply new grout over old grout without removing it at some places. However, where the grout has deteriorated heavily through crumbling or become too dirty, it is best to remove it before applying new grout.
It greatly improves the look and function of your tile. It protects your tile edges. It keeps water from seeping behind your shower walls and floors. Whether your intend to live in your home forever, or are performing improvement projects for resale value, regrouting is one that will offer a great return.
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. Odds are, you have no idea when your grout was installed.
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.
The primary reason why grout deteriorates is that it was not mixed and installed properly. If too much water is added to the grout at install, it will not seal with the required density to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture and (most of all) 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.
Factors that increase the uric acid level in your body include: Diet. Eating a diet rich in red meat and shellfish and drinking beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose) increase levels of uric acid, which increase your risk of gout. Alcohol consumption, especially of beer, also increases the risk of gout.
The main cause of grout becoming crumbly or powdery is poor mixing and/or application. When mixing cement based grout with water a chemical reaction known as 'hydration' is put into action. It is this reaction that causes the grout to transform from a thick paste into a hard tile joint.
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.
Cracked and dirty grout does not mean you have to pull all the tiles off the wall and start from scratch – replacing the grout alone is actually a relatively quick and simple job.
Carbide blades are the go-to for most grout removal tools as they are both moderately priced and hard enough to handle the toughest grout. Tungsten steel blades are harder and pricier than carbide options but they work fast and are especially good for dealing with a lot of epoxy grout.
What do professionals use to clean grout? Whether you believe it or not, most professionals use a solution of white vinegar and water with a 1:1 ratio. This solution is often more effective than dedicated Ph-neutral grout cleaners.
If you don't have any serious damage to cover, you might pay as little as $1.70 to $5 per square foot. This would cover a basic cleanup job with some “spot” grout removal. On the other hand, a full professional removal and regrouting goes for around $10 to $25 per square foot.
Most people would recommend getting a professional tile and grout cleaning at least once or twice a year. However, there are also details such as how much traffic your floors get, how often you clean the floors yourself, and how old your floors are to take into consideration.
Why are There Pinholes in My Grout? Pinholes happen when the grout is mixed with too much water. This causes a thin consistency, so the grout is unable to provide full coverage. The mixture pulls apart causing holes to appear.
To repair uneven tiles, you need to remove the tiles and repair their base. Once you reset the tiles, you need to regrout them. Use grout that matches the original to make the repair less obvious.