How to Repair Tile Grout

Weather conditions and regular cleaning using harsh chemicals may have damaging effects on the grouting done between tiles. Cracks formed due to this damage can be small, large, or multiple in number. When you notice these damages, you need to get the grouting checked and repaired to avoid complications like seepage to the underlying subfloor causing mold to grow, damages to the tiles, etc.

You need to be equipped with tools and materials like an old paintbrush, a small hand held saw, grout float, spray bottle, grouting compound, sealant, sponge, and a few rags. You will also need to wear a pair of rubber gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect yourself from the dust and debris produced while clearing the damaged grout.

Inspect the cracked grout carefully to estimate the severity of the damage. Put slight pressure on it, and if it has a soft feel, it indicates that the crack is a deep one, if not then you know that you are dealing with a hairline crack.

Take the hand saw and use it to break the loose and damaged part of the grout. This task should be done very carefully so that the tile does not get chipped, cracked, or dislodged. Clean all the chunks and powdered debris from the area using a vacuum cleaner. To make the newly formed hole completely dust free, use an old paint brush. Thus, you can ensuring well bonding between the new grout and the tile.

The third step involves preparation of the tile grout. Select a color which matches the tile, or you can also choose a contrasting shade. If there is a slight variation of shades, then you can adjust that with water. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully while mixing the grouting compound.

Take some grout mixture on a float and apply it between the tile joints. Hold the float at a 45 degree angle for this purpose. This prevents the compound from falling on the adjoining tiles. Spread the compound properly all over the joint so that a uniform layer is formed. Once the gap is filled completely, smooth the line using your finger or a round dowel.

After the grout has been applied, keep it untouched for about half an hour and then remove all the extra compound from the tile surface. For this, take a sponge, wet it, and squeeze out the extra water. Stroke it lightly over the tile to wipe out the excess grout.

Make sure that the grout from the repaired joint does not come out while cleaning the tile. Keep it in an untouched condition for at least the next 48 hours, so that the applied compound gets cured thoroughly.

After two days when you inspect the repaired area, you will find a hazy residue left behind on the tile. To clean it, take a dry rag and rub over it. By doing this the tile will get a polished look to it. Finally, apply a grout sealer over the dry grout. This is done to prevent water absorption and seepage.

Usually, it takes about four days to complete the project, which includes a day each for application and sealing, and two days in between for the grout to be cured properly. If the manufacturer's instructions ask for more time to dry the grout, you should adhere to that, to prevent any further damage.