How to Regrout Shower Tiles? - A Step By Step Guide

Shower tiles are seen in the majority of modern bathrooms. It is an important aspect of aesthetics and also serves the purpose of preventing slippage when bathing. It's the ideal blend of aesthetics and practicality. When it comes to longevity, such bathroom tiles are quite tough and durable, but they require periodic maintenance in case of any wear and tear. One technique to preserve such tiles is to regrout shower tiles.

Why Do You Need To Regrout Your Shower Tiles?

Grout is a mortar or paste-based substance used to fill in the spaces between the lines of tiles. The grout keeps the tiles intact and prevents any water or dirt from penetrating through them. But why do you need to regrout shower tiles? The following are some of the reasons:

• If you see some cracks in the grout, it is time to fill those gaps with regrouting to stop water filling.

• Grouting tends to wear out over time due to constant contact with water. It gets uneven. Regrout of shower tiles helps in balancing out inconsistencies.

• Regrouting also prevents water from entering between the tiles and damaging the substrate under them.

• Regrout of bathroom tiles will avoid the formation of mold and mildew and the cracking of the cement.

What Do You Need To Consider Before Regrouting Shower Tiles?

Now it's evident that regrouting the shower tiles, if necessary, is required to maintain the quality of your walls. Before you decide to regrout your shower tiles, there are a few things to think about.

• If there is mildew on the grout, bleach it off to prevent the regrouting from becoming useless.

• To maintain it clean and dirt-free, scrape out any heavy water stains with a razor blade and nylon pads.

• Use a good grade tile sealant or chemical to keep the tiles and the spaces white.

Steps To Regrout Bathroom Tiles

Regrouting is done only on the problematic areas of such bathroom tiles. It is not required to regrout the entire shower tiles. Regrouting tiles is a simple process, but can you regrout bathroom tiles? Decide for yourself after understanding its simple steps:

STEP 1: Remove the Old Grout

Remove the grout from the affected area with a scraper, a grout remover, or another sharp tool. Ensure that the residue is vacuumed or cleared.

STEP 2: Mix and Apply the Grout

Grout is available as a powder that must be mixed with water or as a ready-to-use, pre-mixed solution. Apply a small amount of grout to the tile's surface. With lengthy, upward diagonal strokes, spread it into all the joints between the tiles. Continually grout the joints in this manner until they are all grouted. It's vital to work quickly because the grout will start to dry soon.

STEP 3: Remove the Excess Grout 

The extra grout should be removed faster as it dries quickly to preserve consistency and properly fill the gaps without leaving any hollow areas.

STEP 4: Caulk Tile Joints

Grout adheres poorly to porcelain and breaks when it moves. At the tub-tile joint, grout breakdown is common. A putty knife can be used to remove broken grout from the joint. Overfill the joint with caulk using a caulking gun to maintain a proper bond between the tiles.

STEP 5: Seal the Grout

Grout is not waterproof; you'll need to seal it once you're finished. It takes around 48 hours for the grout to adhere and settle in. Remember that the area in question should be completely dry during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often should you regrout shower tiles?

If everything goes well, the longevity of grout is around 8-16 years, based on your use of that shower. If any mold is building up in the grout, it has to be regrouted.

2. How much does it cost to regrout shower tiles?

It depends upon the area that is to be regrouted. Normally, the powder or the mixture of grout comes around Rs. 50 to Rs. 80 per 500 gram. It can be calculated likewise.

3. Who is the person that can regrout shower tiles?

You can quickly regrout the places that require some attention. It's a straightforward and quick procedure. If you wish to outsource the process, you can have your shower tiles regrouted by experienced painters and flooring installers.

4. Can I put new grout over old grout?

Yes, you can apply new grout on the old grout but make sure that the area is clean and there is proper space to fill the new grout.

5. Do I have to remove all the old grout before Regrouting?

No, regrouting should only be done in places where it is necessary. However, removing all of the old grout is recommended to maintain all of the gaps even and consistent.

Final Words

It takes time to regrout, but it's not difficult. Make sure it's the correct option for your money, situation, and goals before starting the process. Alternatives such as tile reglazing or even complete tile replacement are also available if that is something you are looking for.

Article Updated - April 29, 2022

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