If you’ve ever taken a shower in a home with tile, you know that the grout between the tiles can often start to crack and crumble. While this might not be the biggest problem in the world, it can certainly be an eyesore—not to mention a pain when it comes time to clean.
But don’t worry: how to repair grout in the shower is a lot easier than you might think. In fact, most of the work can be done with just a few simple tools and supplies. If your grout is starting to look old and worn, read on for some helpful advice on how to restore its original appearance.
Types of Grout
Before we tell you how to repair cracked grout in the shower, we first need to get some definitions out of the way so you can choose which type of grout you’ll use.
Grout is the material used to seal and fill the gaps between tiles. Regardless of whether your new tile shower is primarily for aesthetics or functionality, the type of grout you choose must effectively waterproof your shower.
There are three main types of grout that you can find in a bathroom:
Sanded
Sanded grout has aggregate sand, which prevents shrinkage during the curing process. Sanded grout is extremely resistant to cracking due to its hard and strong makeup. This makes it the perfect material for the bathroom floor, although it’s not commonly suggested as a DIY project for shower walls.
As is typically the case with shower tiles, sanded grout is not advised for filling joints smaller than 1/8-inch. Sand particles are often too big for these tiny gaps, requiring greater precision when filling such narrow joints.
Unsanded
Unsanded grout has more cement than sanded grout. Unsanded grout shrinks after drying because it contains a lot of cement particles. Furthermore, it’s more susceptible to cracking.
Although it has these advantages, unsanded grout is the most popular option for shower tiles. Unsanded grout is superior for filling vertical, narrower gaps and preventing tiles from falling because of its stickier nature and lack of sand.
Epoxy
Since epoxy grout has strong water resistance, it is a common choice for showers. Epoxy grout, which is made of resin and fillers, adheres effectively to tiles and other building materials and is a highly effective sealer.
Although epoxy is one of the more expensive grout options, its longevity and resistance to wear and tear might make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
How to Repair Grout in the Shower
Now that you know what grout is and the different available types, it’s time to tell you how to patch grout in the shower. Let’s assume you already have all the necessary equipment and supplies. Repairing grout is not a particularly difficult operation, but it does demand patience and focus on the task at hand.
Clean Your Shower
Cleaning the grout is a crucial first step before removing the cracked or loose fragments. By doing so, you can ensure that the new grout will blend in seamlessly with the old.
For cleaning, combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket. After that, scrub the broken grout with the mixture using a clean toothbrush or scrub brush until all the dirt and grime are removed. With a cloth, remove any extra mixture.
Remove Old Grout
After your freshly cleaned shower has dried completely, use a grout removal tool to remove any loose, brittle grout from the lines. Get rid of everything that is old and brittle. You can use a vacuum to get rid of the dust in the shower’s grout.
Wearing a dust mask and eye protection is a good idea while cleaning old grout to keep yourself comfortable and prevent any potential health problems caused by inhaling grout particles.
Apply New Grout
You must once again thoroughly clean your surface before continuing with the grout restoration process and applying any fresh grout. After thoroughly cleaning and drying the area, take the grout from the bucket using a small putty knife.
Using a sponge, spread a uniform coating over the area where the grout was removed. With a clean, wet cloth, remove any extra grout. Continue doing this until you have added fresh grout to every unfinished line. Follow the manufacturer’s specified drying period for the grout.
Clean the Tiles to Remove Residue
Put some clean water in a bucket, drop in a sponge, and squeeze out all the excess liquid. Use the sponge to remove the grime and murky buildup from the shower. Smooth each brand-new grout line using the sponge. Rinse the sponge, wring out all of the water, and then wipe the shower off once more. Allow the shower to finish drying.
Apply Grout Sealing
Fill an application bottle with grout sealant. After placing it on the bottle, firmly fasten the roller-wheel top.
Bottle upside down, wheel down the middle of the grout lines. Fill the grout with sealant, then wipe off any extra sealant from the adjacent tiles using a dry, clean cloth. To ensure maximum sealant effectiveness, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and let it sit for the full amount of time specified.
In Palm Beach County? Call in the Professionals
Okay, so you basically know how to fix shower grout. But what if you want a professional to do it? Well, it makes sense! A professional will do it faster and with better results.
If you’re looking to get your grout repaired and want the best results possible in a timely manner, be sure to call Florida Tile & Grout Restoration. Our team of professionals has years of experience repairing all types of grout, so you can rest assured that the job will be done right.
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