What to Do if The Grout is Beginning to Crack

Sep 14
09:32

2012

Ma. Theresa Galan

Ma. Theresa Galan

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If your grout is in good condition meaning that it's not crumbling or falling out of the joint, then a quick touch up may just be what is needed. If your grout is beginning to crack or crumble, then it is generally a good idea to remove all loose grout with a utility knife before applying new grout.

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Has your grout shown it's age and in need of some attention? Do you have ugly grout? Maybe your grout has cracked or discolored over time. Then it is time to replace that old grout with new grout.

If your grout has been attacked by mildew or mold,What to Do if The Grout is Beginning to Crack Articles you may try cleaning your grout really well before deciding on whether to replace it. The new grout will stick much better and last longer too.

If you are going to fix-it right then this is where it all starts from. There are a couple of ways to remove the old grout. Sure if you have some old grout which is cracked and ready to fall out then these areas will be easy to clean up.

Most of the time it is only small areas which are cracked and falling out, so you will need to use a couple of tools to help you with the removal of the rest. There are actual grout removal tools they don't look like much and will not last that long, but for the normal home owner they are cheap enough and will get you through your fix-it job. The grout removal hand tool can usually be found in the section where they have ceramic tile tools also. Then there is the old stand by tool which almost everyone has, the putty knife. You will need a good solid putty knife to work away the grout. The putty knife can be used to cut out solid grout also. It will allow you to clean up the edges also.

Maybe you h

ave been considering changing grout colors while keeping your original tile that is in great condition. This would be a perfect opportunity to change colors using a grout colorant! Just a little cleaning and grout touch up will prepare you for a professional grout color change that will make your tile look new again!

The grout will need to be even and slightly pushed into the grout line or the openings around your ceramic tile. Make sure as to not leave a lot of excess grout on the ceramic tile and in the area. Work in square block areas, area where you can reach it all without have to move all you tools and grout bucket. You will need to have a bucket of clean water and a sponge to clean and level your grout. Make sure to not get to much water on your new grout. You want to sponge away excess grout and smooth your grout line to give a slight indent in your grout line. In most cases just by using the sponge and wiping the area will give a nice finished grout line. There are sponges that are also suggested sponges that are made for doing grout work. You will find that they look a lot like the old time sponge people use to use to clean floors. At any rate they are cheap.

If you come across a area which has a new crack or you removed to much new grout on installation, just add a little more grout on the area before you seal it.

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