FIX THE CRACK BEFORE IT GETS BACK!
Have you noticed water seeping through your bathroom floors as well as water dripping from your walls when your bathroom is being used? Well, the main reason for that is cracks in the tile grout.
Cracks in the tile grout don’t only cause what we mentioned before but also damages your tiles, causes dampness to your walls and can lead to electrical faults due to the water playing with the wires.
Why does it happen? Well, the cracked grout is commonly caused because of 3 root causes;
Too Much Water or Polymer Additive
Too much water or polymer additive in the grout mix is a common problem. Cracked grout is frequently the result of weak grout structure. The liquid in the grout mixture inevitably evaporates, as it was designed to do, but excessive evaporation can leave pinholes that will leave it vulnerable to cracking.
Insufficient Thinset
Insufficient thinset (the glue applied over the mortar) applied during the installation can also lead to cracked grout. As the layer of thinset dries, it contracts and pulls the tile tight to the mortar.
However, if it was not thick enough, it will pull away from the tile and leave gaps of air under the tile.
Cement Hydration Timing
The timing of cement hydration, part of the curing process is critical to creating strong grout. If water is added after cement hydration has already begun this is a recipe for disaster, as the grout is likely to be weak and crumble.
As you can see, most of these problems are the result of poor installation methods. If your floor or wall tile has been recently installed, your contractor may be held liable, even if the installation isn’t under warranty.
If you’re not the kind of type to fix it on your own by following QuickHelp’s 10 steps to fix-it on your own, professional plumbers in Sri Lanka available at QuickHelp are only a button away!
10 STEPS TO FIX-IT ON YOUR OWN
TOOLS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED
Dry Towel
Grout
Scraper
Grout Sealant (Waterproof sealant works as well)
Rags
Rounded Stick
Damp Sponge
Vinegar
MATCH YOUR GROUT COLOR
While regrouting tile isn’t complicated, matching grout color can be tricky. Get a sample chart and find the closest color match.
If the original grout color is lighter than the color you chose from the sample chart, lighten the new grout by adding more water when you mix it. If the original grout color is darker, use less water.
REPAIR THE GROUT
If the grout continues to chip or crack after you repair it, the tile underlayment may be uneven or exposed to moisture. Have a professional tile layer in Sri Lanka from QuickHelp to check the underlayment and repair it if necessary.
Step 1 Clean the broken grout area with a 1-to-1 vinegar and water mixture.
Step 2 Use a scraper to remove the loose or damaged grout. Don’t chip the tile.
Step 3 Dampen the joints with water. Use a paper towel to absorb any water that puddles in the grooves.
Step 4 Mix the grout according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Step 5 Use the scraper to spread the grout, filling the joints completely.
Step 6 Smooth the joint surface with a rounded stick.
Step 7 Remove the excess grout with a damp sponge. Rinse the sponge periodically. Wipe the area once.
Step 8 Allow the grout to set firmly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re repairing grout in a bathroom, seal the grout with a grout sealant after it dries completely.
Step 9 Clean the tile with a damp rag and Allow it to dry until a cloudy haze appears on the tile.
Step 10 Polish the tile with a dry towel to remove the haze.
aaaaaaaaaaaaand don’t use your bathroom for 5-6 hours and you’ll be done!
QuickHelp let’s you book professional, experienced and reliable plumbers in a click of a button! Our Plumbers in Sri Lanka are experienced and trained to figure out and fix all your plumbing and leakage related issues!
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