You might notice that parts of your bathroom grout are not looking as great if you’re a meticulous homeowner. You might notice cracks in the joints between the floor and the bathtub, shower or floor. Grout cracks can be caused by age but also due to problems with tile installation or grout mixing.
Cracked Grout: Common Causes
Grout cracking in joints or only in certain areas is often due to movement between surfaces. Foundation settling, humidity and temperature are all factors that cause houses to move in small increments. Cracks can form if grout in bathrooms is rigid, such as in most grout. This happens when a bathtub moves in one direction and a tile wall in another.
It is possible for grout to fail in certain situations. This highlights the importance of hiring a qualified and trained installer to install bathroom tiles. If grout is mixed incorrectly with water or other additives, it can leave air pockets once the grout has dried completely. Cracks can result from grout becoming weak and brittle.
If too much adhesive is used for the installation of tiles, grout can crack. The grout must hold the tile in place if it pulls away from the wall once the adhesive has dried. This can lead to cracks.
It’s time to patch it up
You may be able repair the grout in small areas. First, remove all old grout. This may not be necessary if the grout is really crumbling. If the grout isn’t coming out easily, you can use a grout saw to finish the job. To capture any dust, vacuum the crack well.
Next, you need to choose a silicone caulk replacement that is less likely crack. Flexible caulk is the main benefit. A line of caulk can be used to repair cracks caused by shifting surfaces. It is important to match your grout color. This will require you to visit a tile shop or large hardware retailer. It should be mildew-proof and suitable for wet environments such as bathrooms.
It is important to follow all instructions during the application process. This job is not difficult for DIY-ers, but it can be done with a lot of experience. Silicone caulk can set quickly and be difficult to work with. If you are unsure about the process, practice with scrap materials.
Cracked Grout offers a fresh start
Grout problems can take time to fix. Professionals should be consulted if cracking is severe or widespread. Regrouting is a process that takes several days and involves removing any grout, reinstalling grout, allowing it to cure, and sealing the grout. You must remove the tile from the floor if there are any problems.
If you’re looking for other opportunities to safeguard against flood damage, or if you’re facing repairs in the aftermath of a recent flood, contact a qualified plumber today. Contact us .