The grout between your tiles is porous, which is why they keep absorbing dirt, stains, and moisture. This wear and tear, along with several other factors, can damage your grout and cause them to crack.
A cracked grout can be the reason for mold issues as well as severe structural damage if they’re not assessed as early as possible. If you want, check out these DIY steps to help bring back the form of your tile grout.
Why Does Grout Crack?
If your grout is a few years old, it’s normal that in time, it will crack. This results from a few key causes:
- Exposure To the Elements: A common problem for wet areas in the home, like the bathroom or shower, grout tends to crack here as a build-up of water slowly eats away at the material.
- General Wear and Tear from Traffic: If your floor tile grout looks a bit rough, worry not, this is a common area where grout cracking occurs. Over time, the pressure from people walking on the tile causes the grout to weaken and therefore, break apart. Source: Tilebar
How to Fix Grout Cracks – Procedure
- Clean the cracked grout: Use water and vinegar (1:1) to clean the grout and tiles.
- Remove loose grout: Using a grout saw, remove the loose grout. If there’s debris between the tiles, remove it, using a small handheld vacuum cleaner or vacuum attachment.
- Dampen your tile(s): Using water, dampen the tile(s) and use a paper towel or sponge to absorb excess water around the tile joints.
- Apply grout: Holding the grout float at an angle, spread your grout. Use enough grout to fill the joints to prevent the occurrence of air pockets. Use a diagonal motion to clear away any excessive grout. If you’re using epoxy grout, don’t apply grout until the tile is completely dry.
- Use a sponge to remove excess grout: Dampen a sponge with water after about 15 to 30 minutes and use it to remove excess grout. Mist or drip some water on the joints, and use a scrub pad to scrub your tile lightly if you’re using epoxy grout. Wipe the tile using a damp sponge in only a single pass to obliterate the haze.
- Give the grout enough time to set completely: Allow enough time (based on the manufacturer’s instructions) for the grout to set completely. Wait until there’s a haze on the tile, then use a dry towel to polish it.
- Clean the residue: Use a tile cleaner to clean the haze and any other residue.
- Seal the grout to extend its life: Apply a sealant on the acrylic latex grout after thoroughly drying. Source: Zerorez
How to Prevent Tile from Cracking
- Use the right material: This is the very first and one of the important steps you need to take, that is ensuring that you choose the best quality tiles.
- Ensure Proper installation: Ensure that the grouting is done properly. This entails making sure that the subfloor is level and stable, and it entails correct mixing and application of grout. It is advisable to hire professionals or use strict DIY instructions.
- Seal the Grout Regularly: Applying a sealer ensures the grout does not come into contact with moisture which harms its integrity. This is especially relevant in places such as bathrooms and kitchens which are likely to have moisture accumulation. It is advisable to reseal your grout at least once every couple of years to avoid early grout deterioration as well as to prevent the formation of cracks. Source: Mapei
We hope that tile grout issues are no longer a problem for your household. If ever you need professional help with this or your flooring in general, then our experts here are always ready to serve you. Just give us a call on the number listed below!
