Cracked grout is most assuredly a problem. First, if you have cracked floor tile grout, which loosens and crumbles away, your tile edge can be damaged. This could also lead to a totally broken tile that will need repair or replacement.
If your grout is a few years old, it's normal that in time, it will crack. This results from a few key causes: Exposure To The Elements. A common problem for wet areas in the home, like the bathroom or shower, grout tends to crack here as a build-up of water slowly eats away at the material.
Grout can crack when there's too much water mixed into the grout, which create tiny pinholes. When the grout dries, these pinholes make it easier for cracks to form in the grout. Too much water in grout can make the grout weaker. Grout can crack due to thinset (glue) that is applied over the mortar during installation.
This tile needs periodic maintenance; cracks can develop in the grout between the tiles, allowing moisture to seep through. To stop the leak and prevent further damage to the underlying plaster or drywall, you'll need to seal all the places where water can penetrate.
If a patch of grout in the middle of a dry floor crumbles and breaks loose, the floor might have flexed, and all you need to do is scrape out the loose parts, clean the area thoroughly and fill it in with matching grout or color-matched caulk, which will stay slightly flexible and might stay in place better.
Not only is cracked grout in your shower unsightly, it can also cause mold or mildew build up and bigger problems in the future. What may be worse? The cause of your cracked grout could be underlying structural or plumbing issues.
If your grout is visibly cracked or crumbling, it's likely going to be letting water behind your tiles. Even if your grout doesn't appear to be damaged, if it's not water-resistant it could potentially be the source of the leak.
How Long Should Grout Last Before Cracking? Non-sanded grout coupled with successful application will help your grout last at least 15 to 20 years. However, this largely depends on how much attention you pay to its maintenance.
An easy way to keep your grout looking its best—and prevent future cracks—is by sealing it. This step is an investment in keeping your grout looking its best for a long time, and it ensures that it will last as long as possible.
You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout. To do this, all you need is a grout removal tool. Use the tool to strike out the old grout, making sure the depth is at least 2mm, which is about the thickness of two dimes stacked one on top of the other.
Too Much Water or Additive
If the original solution is not mixed correctly, this can lead to cracked grout. As the grout dries, the water in the mixture will evaporate. Adding too much water or additive can lead to air pockets and make the grout weak. Thus, making it crack easily.
If your grout is coming loose, or showing signs of cracking or crumbling, it means that your tiles are MOVING, due to a buildup of pressure under your floor. The pressure, caused by a lack of expansion lines, or an issue with the adhesive under your tiles which is causing them to shift.
Those cracks are due to: 1) too much water in the grout, and/or 2) green lumber. 1) There is a natural tendency to add too much water to the grout mix, because the grout becomes easier to “work”. Each batch of grout is mixed in anticipation to immediate use.
How often should you regrout shower tiles? Moisture and direct water contact contribute to grout deterioration over time, and eventually, the tiles will crack. This is why you should consider regrouting shower tiles every six months.
When Should You Regrout Your Tile? Grout doesn't last forever. You can expect a lifespan between eight and sixteen years. Its lifespan will vary depending on how you treat your shower.
During the manufacturing process, the glaze and the body of the porcelain and ceramic tile are bonded together using extreme heat in a kiln. These two materials can expand and contact at different rates naturally and this is what causes the hairline cracks known as crazing.
Not exactly. While grout offers great stability in wet conditions, the unique formation of rocks and minerals means the material is quite porous. Grout is also susceptible to building movement, which compresses the material to reveal cracks, splits and pinholes – thus increasing the risk of potential leaks.
To fix cracked grout in your shower, start by inspecting the size and depth of the crack. Then use a grout saw to remove the cracked grout and, if necessary, some of the surrounding grout. Clean the dust and old grout of the area, apply new grout, clean the residue and allow the grout to dry.
Leakages in the shower are most often the result of grout failure. Leaky tiles can be found anywhere where there is water. The shower water leak should be repaired quickly otherwise, the buildup of stagnant water will lead to mold and damp under the tiles.
If you don't have any serious damage to cover, you might pay as little as $1.70 to $5 per square foot. This would cover a basic cleanup job with some “spot” grout removal. On the other hand, a full professional removal and regrouting goes for around $10 to $25 per square foot.
Grout needs to be sealed. It's naturally porous and will stain easily. Most installers of tile floors do not seal them because grout has to cure first. It's something you should do to keep your grout looking its best.
Regrouting can be a worthwhile home improvement project that keeps your floors looking good as new. It makes your tiles more resistant to mould, prevents water from seeping behind the shower floors and walls, and ensures they have a longer life span.