How to fix grout cracks

The chipping and cracking of grout happens for various reasons, such as a strong force impacting your floors and walls or natural wear and tear over time. Either way, you should address the damage of grout to avoid further issues with your tiles that will cause more expenses for you in the long run. There are ways you can fix minor cracks yourself, and you can also ask for assistance from a tiler for major cracks or if you want to replace the old grout and tiles on your walls and floors.

If your tiles are old and quite damaged, it’s wiser to update them completely rather than patching the damages. You can get tiler quotes to get an idea of the budget you need to prepare for the work. When you get quotes, you can begin to determine a price from trusted and skilled tilers to finish the job for you efficiently. How much does a tiler cost? A tiler is usually paid approximately $35 to $150 per square metre. The rate depends on the complexity of work, such as the cut of tiles and the layout.

Helpful Tools to Fix Grout Cracks

You can fix grout cracks on your own, or you can ask for help from a tiler. Either way, the job will need essential tools that are made specifically to fix grout cracks and damages. You can use a grout saw to remove hard grout. This tool ensures that the surface of your floors and walls are already cleared with damaged grout and debris.

Another tool you can use is a grout float. After removing the damaged grout on the surface, it is now time to replace it with another grout. A grout float can help you press the grout onto the cement of the walls and floors before you arrange the tiles in your desired layout. After placing the grout and tiles to your walls and floors, you can press the tiles again using the grout float to ensure that it is correctly and firmly attached. Grout floats help in firming and strengthening the ability of the grout to join and hold together the pieces of tiles.

The final essential tool you need is a grout sponge. A grout sponge is used to clean the surface after you finish placing grout and arranging the tiles together. It is used to remove stains on the tiles’ surface and remove excess grout, without digging into the grout edges and joints in your tiles. It ensures that the surface is clean and smooth.

Ways to Fix Grout Cracks

Repairing grout cracks doesn’t need to be a stressful task, especially if you don’t prolong the damage and control it as early as possible. You can fix it by yourself, or you can call a tiler to do the job for you. Here are the ways to efficiently repair or replace damaged grout.

Do It Yourself

Do-it-yourself or DIY is a trend in the home improvement space, and it makes you more dynamic and skilled to do repairs and upgrades in your own property. By fixing grout cracks on your own, you can save money on the cost of professional help. But remember that before you do a certain repair on your own, make sure you have enough knowledge and experience. You must also know how to choose suitable materials and perform the work using various tools to make sure the outcome is durable and cost-efficient tile. 

Here are the steps on how you can repair grout cracks on your own.

Step 1: Mix vinegar and water with a 1-to-1 ratio and clean the area where the grout is chipping or cracking. The mixture of water and vinegar helps remove heavily accumulated specks of dirt on the surface and even in the grout joints.

Step 2: Using a grout saw, remove the damaged grout and debris on the surface. Wear gloves before you perform this process to ensure that your hands are protected. Be careful not to scratch the tiles while scraping the grout to avoid further damage.

Step 3: It is now the time to work with the grout. Read the instructions on how to prepare the grout mixture. After mixing the grout powder and water with correct proportions, spread the grout to the surface or joints that need repair. Using a grout float, press the tiles and the grout onto the surface. 

Step 4: With a grout sponge, clean the surface area of the tiles and the grout joints. Cleaning with a grout sponge ensures that the surface is clean and smooth. It is a way to polish the grout while firmly sticking the tile and the surface together without damaging the joints.

Step 5: After getting rid of the excess grout through a grout sponge, it is now time to let it completely dry. After drying, wipe again with a clean sponge or cloth to ensure that your walls and floors are already polished.

Hire a Tiler

Hiring a tiler is the best way to guarantee an efficient and quality result for your grout and tiles. A tiler is equipped with experience and expertise in choosing tile materials, applying grout, and cutting and arranging the tiles. You just have to make sure that you hire a tiler committed to giving you quality service at a reasonable price. The best way is to seek multiple quotes so you can choose the best one among the trusted and skilled tilers.

Further Reading

• Best Laundry Tile Ideas for Your Next Renovation
• 4 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Tiler
• How to Save Money on Your Next Renovation Project