Tile Regrouting Foxground

Grout is a construction material used to embed rebars in masonry walls, connect sections of pre-cast concrete, which fills in the cracks between tiles, keeping them together and preventing damage to the sides of the tiles. Grout is generally composed of a mixture of water, cement, sand, often color tint, and sometimes fine gravel (if it is being used to fill the cores of cement blocks). It is applied as a thick liquid and hardens over time, much like mortar.

Main varieties include urethane, cement-based or epoxy grout. There are a few tools associated with applying and removal of grout such as:

• Grout saw or grout scraper; a manual tool for removal of old and discolored grout.
• Grout float; A trowel-like tool for smoothing the surface of a grout line, typically made of rubber or soft plastic.
• Dremel grout attachment; an attachment guide used in a die grinder for faster removal of old grout than a standard grout saw.
• Grout sealer is a water based or solvent based sealant applied over dried grout that resists water, oil, and acid-based contaminants.

With time, grout can get dirty, especially the grout used around kitchen and bathroom tiles which are exposed to food, soaps, and lots of water. It is relatively easy to clean tile grout, especially when it is regularly maintained.

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Regrouting is needed to repair damages and joints or when the tile is about to come off or is off. Regrouting may also be required when the grout is so discolored that it's impossible to restore it back to it's original condition just by cleaning. A special chemical is used to do this process with a scrubber or high water pressure to remove all the dirt from the ground.

One of the most common problems we see is cracking and flaking grout around wet areas such as baths, showers, basins, kitchen sinks etc. The problem is, if left and not treated water can soon seep into the cracks and corner joints and work its way into the wooden framing as well as the floor, causing irreparable damage to your home and making it damp and unhealthy. Addressing these problems right from the outset will not only solves the appearance of the grout but may also avoid considerable disruption and escalating repair costs in the future.

Before you replace damaged grout, a little investigation is in order. Cracked or crumbling grout often indicates that the substrate has cracked, shrunk or moved. Discolored or spongy grout may be evidence of a water leak inside a wall or shower pan. Re-grouting the tile without fixing the underlying problem is only a temporary solution.

Once you determine that re-grouting is in order, how you handle it depends on how extensive the job is. If you're just repairing a small area and the existing grout is clean, you can press fresh grout into cracks and voids with your fingers.

If damage is extensive say an entire floor with eroded or badly discolored grout you must remove the old grout. Be forewarned: this can be a difficult job, as the old grout must be completely removed down to the substrate. And if your floor has narrow (1/16 inch) grout lines, you'll need to work carefully or you may chip tiles in the process.

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