Deteriorating or missing grout in your shower or any tiled area allows water to seep underneath the and loosen the tiles over time. Plus, the accumulated moisture creates a breeding ground for mould and mildew to thrive, potentially aggravating respiratory illness and allergies for the entire family/household.
Worst-case scenario, water damage behind your tiles can lead to mold problems. Mold can be a serious health risk to your family. The sooner you identify a problem, the easier it will be to repair it.
Discolored Grout
Grout discoloration is often the first sign that there is a moisture problem on a tile floor. It is caused by moisture entering the grout, either from above or below.
The Signs Of Water Under The Tiles
Or, you might notice that the tiles are loose when you step on them. Mould or mildew is growing on the grouting or tiles. This often results in a distinct musty smell. The paint around the tiles is peeling due to the excess moisture.
Most showers leak when water enters the substrate of the property through cracks in the tiles, damaged grout or broken sealant barriers. It goes without saying, but these concealed parts of the home don't cope well with moisture.
Inspect the grout. If it is getting darker or changing colors, this is an indication that it is not sealed, or not properly sealed. If the grout looks the same, it means it has been sealed properly. You may also see that the sealant is peeling off or hazing which means it is weakening and needs to be resealed.
Myth #4: You can't seal old grout!
To do so, just put a few drops of water on the dry grout and see if it beads up and sits on the surface or soaks in. If the water is absorbed and completely disappears into the grout, it's time for a reseal!
Unsealed grout will make your tile floor vulnerable to water damage. Standing water underneath the floor will stain the grout, thus allowing bacteria and fungi to grow. They will soon develop mold spores and you will notice black stains on the corners of the tiles.
The main signs to look for are dampness on walls, on the floor, or the ceiling, and a musty odor in the bathroom, even when not in use. Eliminate other causes and easy fixes first, and then, once you're certain it's behind the walls, do the work to pinpoint the cause and source of the shower leak.
While all the water may dry up within 72 hours, it can take several weeks to repair all the damage caused. To help you deal with the water damage affecting your property the right way, we will give you a detailed guide on the entire process below.
Mold growth can occur within the grout used in the spaces between the tiles. Like mold growth in the caulking, this is very difficult to clean. In its natural state, grout is highly porous and will absorb enough moisture to propagate mold growth.
Often people think the grout is waterproof, however, it is usually quite coarse and porous. Water, oil and other liquids can penetrate it quite easily. This means your grout, if not sealed, can stain, grow mould and start to smell if not properly maintained and looked after.
It's very common to see mold growing in the grout between the tiles in a bathroom or kitchen or on the concrete in your driveway. Every time these porous surfaces get wet, it can take several hours to dry, allowing mold growth to happen quickly.
Cement based grout is very common because it is less expensive than other solutions. However, it is also very porous. If water gets into the grout, this can create cracks or crumbling. Using a higher quality material such as epoxy, although can be four times as expensive, can highly decrease your chances of cracking.
After Grouting
Without grout sealant, water will penetrate the grout and cause it to crack and flake. Cracks in shower grout aren't just unsightly – they can allow water to get behind the tiles and cause rot in the wall. Of course, unsealed grout will also become stained and ugly in a short time.
If you have a high water table the french drain won't keep the water away from the bottom of your concrete slab. So the water from the high water table must be in contact with the concrete slab so the water migrates into the concrete slab and up through the grout joint.
If you see warped areas, loose tiles, or a muddy cast, that is a warning sign that something might be going on, advises Nationwide Restorations. If the shower becomes slimy, that is also an indicator that mold might be growing behind the tiles.
Visual Signs
Look for physical growth in the above areas. If you notice black, blue, green, or pink growth appearing in water-prone areas (most commonly your grout), it's a sure sign you have mold issues. Mold will also grow under tiles, weakening their hold and lifting them.
If grout is not sealed, it can absorb water and become a breeding ground for bacteria. It can become unsightly and ruin the entire design of your space and be hazardous to your health. If you have young children or tiles in an area where you eat, you need to ensure that they are as clean as possible.
Grout is cement-based and the pores will literally take in all the stains, grime and bacteria that lands on them if they aren't sealed. In other words, if at this very moment you are standing on a tile floor with grout that isn't sealed and you spill red wine, your new grout will be stained and ruined!
If you see any missing or cracked grout, that might be your issue. The spot can be quite small and still let water through—so you'll need to look carefully. You can check by using a bucket of water to splash a small section of the wall at a time. Check for leaks as you go.