In this article, let me tell you about “Regrouting Shower Tile”. The tile in a shower enclosure is almost adjustments-free. And basically with an occasional wipe-down, it can look very good for many years. Grout, and, it is a kind of different story, basically it is going to break down properly. And large cracks and crumbly chunks are basically alarming, but some of the smaller fractures can be trouble too.
Fractures, and stains that would not wash out completely, may show spots where water is wicking in usually and working away behind the tiles. Sooner or later, that water will result in weakening the adhesive which is holding the tile or cause rot in the walls. When it happens, the only solution is to tear out the tile and start from scratching out.
The good news is that if you are going to catch it in time, you can be able to quickly and easily give tiled surfaces a new lease on life. And with a fresh look, by spreading a new layer of grout. In this article, we’ll go through the regrouting process from beginning to end. And which usually offer tools and tips to prevent mid-job mishappenings. You don’t need any previous tile experience and regrouting is mostly grunt work.
The materials which are actually required for an average-size shower are inexpensive. In most cases, you can be able to finish this job in some hours, but to be very safe, then you will have to give yourself a weekend. If you are going to start on Saturday morning, then you should be very easily able to take a shower on Monday.
Can you put new grout over old grout?
The short answer to this is, “no.” You cannot even put new grout over old grout. With regard to filling in holes and cracks on the surfaces in our homes, we may compare grout which is repaired to drywall repair. For holes in drywall, we would buy a spackle, and then fill the hole in. This method is actually not the answer for correcting all the issues without failing grout.
Why can’t you apply new grout over the top of old grout?
Unlike spackle, which is basically called putty, specifically designed for filling in drywall, plaster, or wood, where grout is a mixture of powder and water that usually creates a porous paste. It is specially designed to make a bond between tiles and make showers watertight. When your grout begins to fail by cracking and crumbling, it must be completely removed and replaced.
There are many reasons why you can’t just add new grout to old grout.
If you want to try adding new grout on your old grout, the new mixture will not completely adhere to the already existing grout or tile edges, and leave your shower open to water damage. If you are going to attempt to add grout just inside all the cracks or areas of separation, the grout will be curing and begin to break away which is leaving you back where you started.
You would notice that adding new grout will not be pleasing, as the new layer would be thin. This will really mean that your old grout will be seen beneath, and if you were to only treat an area, you would see the big difference in the “repaired” area versus the area which you did not add grout to.
The Grout Medic usually offers a comprehensive regrouting for some old grout issues.
Don’t need to try putting a Band-Aid on your old grout by adding a new grout layer on the top. You will have to call on The Grout Medic location near you for complete regrouting solutions. Our grout and tile technicians will be going to visit your home to discuss regrouting your shower, backsplash, countertop, or floor.
We can be able to regrout a tiled surface in your home, and most of the areas need only one visit to complete.
The Grout Medic will remove all your old grout, and then clean that area, and continuously re-apply all-new grout. If you really want to extend the life of your tiled surface, and regrouting is a very affordable solution, which will provide you amazing, like-new results.
Do I have to remove all the old grout before Regrouting?
Afterwards, your grout has all the potential to become more grungy, cracked, dirty and which is absent in some places. Regrouting is a very easy task which homeowners and most of the home improvement beginners can be able to achieve in only a few simple steps.
Also, it will need some patience and time basically to remove old grout and prep the surface for the new, clean grout to bond. When it is usually not needed to remove all, or even most, of the old grout before regrouting, it will help make your bathroom tile look fresh and new.
Grout is basically a cement material which usually needs something to bond to. And removing dirty grout from the surface helps the new grout achieve the proper bondage. This is the main key to perform a job which will make your bathroom appearance brand new.
We have already outlined how to install new grout over old grout, and the process of removing tile grout if it is desired and some common regrouting mistakes to avoid. This essential article will help you in getting rid of that grungy look in your bathroom and have your new grout sparkling!
New Grout Over Old Grout
And taking the time to install new grout in your home can provide an entirely new look to your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or anywhere else that you can have grout. The old and tired aesthetic can be basically replaced with a new and more functional look.
Regrouting will help you in making the surface more water resistant and protect some loose tiles from damage. When you are going to install a new grout on the old grout, you will always make sure that you are using the same type that’s already in place. If you don’t, you may run into many issues and have to recite the project all over again in just a few months.
Common Signs That It Is The Perfect Time To Replace Your Grout
If you are not sure whether or not your tiles will need regrouting, you will have to determine the following given signs that it may be time to replace your grout:
Crumbling grout. If you are going to notice the grout beginning to crumble, and this is an perfect sign of a new grout which needs to be installed. This issue can occur if the grout was improperly placed originally or it’s simply old. Your grout can start to crumble when you are using the wrong cleaning products for the surface.
Discolored grout. The relative age of your grout and tile may influence the grout becoming discolored. And cleaning supplies can have a clear impact on the grout changing colors. Also, installing a sealer on the top will protect the grout but it can result in discoloration.
Evidence of mold growth. If you are experiencing mold on your grout or tiles that keep returning after being cleaned properly, this basically indicates mold growth below the grout. This can lead to a number of problems and some of the health concerns if the mold growth is left untreated. In these types of cases, the caulk and grout will need to be removed completely before regrouting.
Loose tiles. Tiles that have become loose means that the grout is no longer effective. The bad grout is basically causing water to get behind the tiles, loosening them from the surface. And then you will need to install new grout to improve water-resistance and better secure your tiles.
Removing Old Grout
When you are going to achieve some necessary bondage, you will need to remove at least some of the old grout before regrouting. Unless you will have a significant mold problem, you do not need to chip away all of the old grout. Also, the crumbling or discolored grout will need to be chipped away so that the new grout can properly adhere to the surface.
When it is certainly possible to remove grout by hand, it is basically suggested to use a power tool. This will make the job much less labor-intensive and which will require less time to complete. If you completely decide to go the manual route, you will need to acquire a manual grout removal tool. Your options can include a carbide cutter for unsanded grout and a grout knife for the sanded variety.
How much does it cost to Regrout a shower
If you are already using an old tile shower which is in better condition except for the grout, and regrouting will allow you to keep your shower, and save an expensive replacement, and which can make it look cleaner and brighter than before.
Regrouting is the process which is basically known as digging out and removing old grout and then replacing it by using fresh new grout. Grout is usually responsible for protecting the edges of your tile from damage and which will help in keeping water out of your walls. If it is cracking, it should be replaced to prevent serious damage to the tiles or studs.
The main cost to regrout depends on the shower size, grout type, and the age of the grout. The national average range is $500 – $1,000, with most people paying around $800 to regrout 80 sq.ft. of 3”x6” wall tiles, which is basically replacing the old grout with new stain-resistant polymer additive grout.
Shower Regrouting Costs
Cost to Regrout a Tile Shower
| National average cost | $800 |
| Average Range | $500-$1,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $400 |
| Maximum Cost | $2,400 |
How do I Regrout my shower?
Step 1: Planning the project and assembling all the tools and materials
The tile in a shower basically enclosure is almost adjustments free. With an occasional wipe-down, it can look good for years. Grout, it is a different story and eventually it’s going to break down. Large cracks and some crumbly chunks are usually alarming, but some of the smaller fractures can be trouble too.
Fractures, and stains that would not wash out completely, may indicate spots where water is wicking in usually and working away behind the tiles. Sooner or later, that water will result in weakening the adhesive which is holding the tile or cause rot in the walls. When it happens, the only solution is to tear out the tile and start from scratching out.
Selecting the right tools and grout before you are going to begin digging into that old grout, you will have to make sure you have all the tools and materials which you will need to finish the job. To help make sense of what you will need, think of and divide this project in three parts: scraping and cleaning, regrouting and cleanup.
When you are selecting grout-removal tools, stick with steel to be safe. Many special grout scrapers will be equipped with carbide tips that work well and stay sharp for a long time, but if you slip, the carbide can damage your tile or tub.
Steel utility knife blades, on the other hand, may dull smoothly, but they are less likely to scratch the tile.
Purchase a knife with easy-to-change blades, and purchase plenty of spare blades (buy a 100-blade pack). They are ideal for cleaning out narrow joints. A grout saw basically with a notched steel blade is handy for snagging chunks of grout.
As for grout, purchase 10-lb. Bag—you may have some left over, but that’s better than running out. Grout usually comes in two forms: unsanded and sanded. Your choice basically depends on the width of the gaps between the tiles. For joints up to 1/8 in., select the unsanded variety. For most of the wider joints, select sand to avoid cracking. Whatever type you need, you should have to look for a “polymer-modified” mix.
There are some extra ingredients that help prevent future cracking and staining. It is almost impossible to match new grout to old, but you will don’t need to worry. By simply scratching up the topmost layer from all the grout lines and then if you are adding new, then you will get a fresh and a consistent color.
Step 2: Slicing out caulk and scratching out grout
Before you start your attack, you will have to take just a minute to protect your tub against scratches and debris which can be able to clog your drain. You should tape a layer of plastic sheeting to your tub’s top edge. Next, you will just need to lay a drop cloth on top of the plastic to protect the tub and cushion your knees. Then you will have to remove the faucet hardware or you can easily protect it by using a masking tape.
Getting rid of the old caulk and grout will require plenty of elbow grease, but it is not difficult work, basically if you take your time. You will have to begin by cutting out the old caulk and then simply move to the grout.When you are going to use a utility knife, switch blades as soon as the sides stop digging and start skating on the grout. At most of the times, you may have more success with the grout saw. Any tool which you select, the goal will remain the same: to remove about 1/8 in. from the top.
Step 3: Mixing the grout and packing the joints
When the grout is completely mixed, the clock will start ticking toward the moment when it will basically harden on the wall…or in the bucket. Pro tilers can mix and will use a 10-lb. bag of grout before it starts to harden, but to play it very safe,you will have to mix up some cups at a time and work in sections. A smaller batch will basically allow you plenty of time to apply it and then you can clean the excess from one wall at a time. When you are running out, you will always have to rinse the container before you are going to mix a new batch.
Before you are going to make a batch from a bag, you will just have to shake the bag to redistribute any pigment and Portland cement that might have already settled out in shipment. After it has been dry mixed, you will have to scoop out a few cups (one cup equals about a half pound) into a bucket. The instructions on the bag basically indicate how much water to add per pound of mix. If you want to ensure a strong mix, you will need to start with about three quarters of the specified amount of water and gradually pour in just enough to make the grout spreadable.
You will have to aim for a fairly stiff consistency, somewhere between cake icing and peanut butter. Don’t need to worry if the grout looks a little lumpy. When it’s mixed, you will have to allow it to sit, or slake, for 10 minutes. And give the grout one last stir (restoring keeps the mix from hardening in your bucket) and it is quite ready for application.
You will have to focus on one wall at a time. Then you will just need to scoop out a dollop and then press it out across the tiles at a 45-degree angle. It’s really very ok to be messy. The main goal is to pack as much grout into the joints as you can perform. You will just have to press hard and work the float in several directions.
Step 4: Scrape off grout and sponge clean the surface
Immediately after you are going to fill the joints, you will just take off the excess grout. And you will just need to hold the float on edge, like a snowplow, and then cut off most of the excess. You will just move the float across the joints diagonally to basically prevent the edge from dipping into the joints and pulling out too much grout.
You will just need to work quickly before the grout starts to harden. The time between scraping and sponging differs from job to job. And it basically depends on your mix,and the humidity or the temperature, even the grout may take anywhere from five to 20 minutes to firming up. You will have to begin sponging as soon as the grout feels firm and no longer sticks to your finger.
By using a well-wrung tile sponge, you will just have to wipe away the bulk of the unwanted grout with some short, gentle, circular strokes. Then you can turn the sponge so that you are using a clean edge with each pass. This two-bucket technique will help in keeping your sponge and then you should rinse water clean so that you can easily be able to remove grout more effectively. You will just have to wring out as much water as possible. Too much water can pull cement and pigment from your fresh grout lines.
Step 5: Scrape and buff
You will just need to scrape out any globs of grout that may have gotten into the joints which you intend to caulk. This basically includes all corners and the tub/tile joint. You could do this chore later, but it is a lot easier now, before the grout is rock hard.
Step 6: Finishing up with some neat caulk joints
Required Tools for this Project
You will need to have these necessary tools for this DIY project which are already lined up before you start and you will be saving your time and frustration.
- Caulk gun
- Drill/driver – cordless
- Dust mask
- Grout float
- Safety glasses
- Shop vacuum
- Utility knife
You will require a lot of replacement utility knife blades, a grout sponge, a plastic scouring pad, a stiff brush, grout saw, paint-mixing paddle and rubber gloves.
