Loose tiles, mold growth, and crumbling are all key signs that your grout needs attention. Nashia Baker is a skilled writer and editor in the journalism industry, known for her work interviewing global thought leaders, creatives, and activists, from Aurora James to Stacey Abrams.
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.
Deterioration Of Grout Joints
When you look at your grout lines, it should be secure and look whole. However, if you see cracking, crumbling, and deteriorating grout lines, then something is amiss. This could be due to improper installation, or a sign of deeper problems.
The pigment of traditional grout can diminish easily during cleaning. 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.
ANSWER. ANSWER - It is possible to grout over existing grout if there is enough depth to do so. 1/8 inch depth may or may not be adequate depending on the type of grout used. A latex modified grout may work, but you have to properly clean the existing grout to ensure the new grout adequately bonds.
Do I have to remove all old grout before regrouting? Yes and No. If the old grout is mouldy, cracked and discoloured you can invest in the best grout cleaner to see what the grout looks like after cleaning. If a clean makes little difference it makes sense to remove as much grout as possible.
While you will not need to remove all of the existing grout before applying the new epoxy grout, you will need to create a channel that is large enough for the new material to cure in. Generally, this is a depth of at least 2 millimeters.
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.
Crumbling Grout – When your grout begins to crumble, collect water, and scratch, it's time to refurbish or replace it. Damaged grout can start a chain reaction leading to cracks and breakage. Dingy Grout – Grout with dirt and grime embedded in it needs cleaning and refurbishing.
On average, the cost to regrout a shower is between $600 and $2,500 (or $10 to $25 per square foot). Prices hinge on the size of the shower, the type of grout, and how much old grout needs to be removed.
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.
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.
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.
Regrouting a shower is more cost-friendly than replacing shower tiles entirely. It's worth regrouting a shower that needs a little TLC because grout helps protect your bathroom from mold and mildew.
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.
Grout is a Breeding Ground for Bacteria and Mold
If you don't clean the grout in your house, you're inviting dirt and grime to accumulate in the spaces between the tiles, which may make the area more prone to accumulate bacteria. Because grout is porous, it takes in things like dirt, stains, and smells.
Grout removal is messy business and tends to throw dust everywhere, so it's a good idea to put up some plastic sheeting around your work area. Next, you'll want to make sure you have a dust mask and some eye protection to keep yourself safe from any potential debris that might come your way.
In conclusion, professional grout cleaning is worth it for homeowners who want to maintain the appearance and health of their tile. This type of cleaning can restore the color of your grout, prevent mold and mildew, and ensure a thorough and safe cleaning.
Avoid Vinegar and Baking Soda
Vinegar and other acids are also a bad idea for stone tile because the acid can etch the stone. Another widely praised household cleaner, baking soda, is alkaline (not acid), but it is not very effective as a grout cleaner.
However, you must make sure you are re-grouting with the same type of grout you originally used. If not, the second layer will not adhere well to the first and you will have to do the same job over again in a few months' time.
Recoloring Grout
Recoloring tile joints involves painting a grout colorant onto the grout. Colorants are usually a blend of colorant and sealer. Application is a matter of simply painting the material onto the thoroughly cleaned grout lines with a stiff brush.