Ask RiotACT: tile regrouter recommendations

JC said :

rommeldog56 said :

How old are the tiles ? Is it in a wet area ?

If so, get someone with a “moisture detection” took to check out if the moisture readings in the walls and floor are above “normal” around wet area.

If it is, then it can be because of water getting through the grout but also commonly, the tiles are of poor quality or are old and so have become porous. If the latter, re grouting will not help much I’m afraid.

Poor condition grout can also be a symptom of movement in the house/unit too.

Good luck.

Tiles and grout are poured! A common misconception of the re-sealing industry is the tiles are the water barrier and need to be sealed. For the most part not true.

Tiles are on the wet side of a waterproofing membrane. Look at a new bathroom being done and you will see the drain is also designed to allow water to flow from under the tiles because irbid perfectly normal for water, albeit a small amount to be behind the tiles.

Leaking showers are not due to broken grout and the like it is due to a broken water proof membrane under the tiles. More than likely what ever caused the membrane to break is what causes grout to crack up and fall out. So my message is have a leaking shower fix the problem, all resealing does is temporarily mask the problem not fix it.

As for redoing grout yourself can be done but depending upon the age and type of existing grout can be a right royal pain to remove. One if those jobs if you don’t have patience then get someone in.

Consider new tiles over the existing ones as well. The pre-laying treatment will create a waterproof membrane. If its done according to the instructions it can be very effective.

rommeldog56 said :

How old are the tiles ? Is it in a wet area ?

If so, get someone with a “moisture detection” took to check out if the moisture readings in the walls and floor are above “normal” around wet area.

If it is, then it can be because of water getting through the grout but also commonly, the tiles are of poor quality or are old and so have become porous. If the latter, re grouting will not help much I’m afraid.

Poor condition grout can also be a symptom of movement in the house/unit too.

Good luck.

Tiles and grout are poured! A common misconception of the re-sealing industry is the tiles are the water barrier and need to be sealed. For the most part not true.

Tiles are on the wet side of a waterproofing membrane. Look at a new bathroom being done and you will see the drain is also designed to allow water to flow from under the tiles because irbid perfectly normal for water, albeit a small amount to be behind the tiles.

Leaking showers are not due to broken grout and the like it is due to a broken water proof membrane under the tiles. More than likely what ever caused the membrane to break is what causes grout to crack up and fall out. So my message is have a leaking shower fix the problem, all resealing does is temporarily mask the problem not fix it.

As for redoing grout yourself can be done but depending upon the age and type of existing grout can be a right royal pain to remove. One if those jobs if you don’t have patience then get someone in.

Allicat said :

It’s not that the grout is just looking horrible there are bits missing from it 🙁 I have no idea what is behind the tiles and i’m hoping that there isn’t heaps of water behind them due to the missing grout. I have considered doing it myself but if I run into a problem I have no idea what I would do.

Have a go, it isn’t that hard. Certainly trying won’t hurt, you can always go back to Plan A.

You buy grout in injectable tubes from any Hardware store, who can even advise you on what to do with it.

Keep a bucket of water, some rags and large wet sponge to clean off the excess grout. Wipe in one direction away from the clean area towards you.

With the quality of “Tradies” in Canberra it’ll be a competition to see who can do the best job. With you actually caring about the result.

How old are the tiles ? Is it in a wet area ?

If so, get someone with a “moisture detection” took to check out if the moisture readings in the walls and floor are above “normal” around wet area.

If it is, then it can be because of water getting through the grout but also commonly, the tiles are of poor quality or are old and so have become porous. If the latter, re grouting will not help much I’m afraid.

Poor condition grout can also be a symptom of movement in the house/unit too.

Good luck.

It’s not that the grout is just looking horrible there are bits missing from it 🙁 I have no idea what is behind the tiles and i’m hoping that there isn’t heaps of water behind them due to the missing grout. I have considered doing it myself but if I run into a problem I have no idea what I would do.

I can recommend Tile Rescue too. The fellow regrouted our shower last March making it look like new. He is polite and cleans up after very well. Ask for a quote first.

Is there a moisture problem or is it just aesthetics?

Call Jake from Groutpro 0401 193 974

Do you really need regrouting or is the grout just looking horrible? If it just looks bad you can buy grout paint. We did this with our two showers and the result was excellent, the grout looks brand new and cost all of $10.

Tile rescue didnt impress me at all………