Tile regrouting

Why grout fails

Grout is cement and sand, and it is porous. In showers it soaks up water every day, and over years it cracks, washes out and grows mildew. On floors it wears from foot traffic and cleaning chemicals.

Cracked grout lets water behind the tile, which can loosen tiles and damage what is underneath. Regrouting stops that early, at a fraction of the cost of new tile.

Signs it is time

• Gaps or missing grout between tiles.
• Grout that crumbles when scratched with a key.
• Dark stains that do not come out with cleaning.
• Hairline cracks running along a line of tiles.
• Loose or hollow-sounding tiles nearby.

How we regrout

1. Grind or saw out the old grout to a consistent depth, careful not to chip tile edges.
2. Vacuum and wipe the joints clean.
3. Mix and pack new grout into the joints with a float.
4. Clean the haze off the tile in stages as the grout firms up.
5. Let it cure, then seal cement grout.

Corners where walls meet, and where tile meets the tub, get caulk instead of grout, because those joints move. See tub and shower recaulking.

Grout choices

Sanded grout suits wider joints; unsanded suits thin joints and polished stone that sand can scratch. Epoxy and urethane grouts resist stains and do not need sealing, but they cost more and set fast. We match the color to your tile or help you pick a new one. A lighter grout shows dirt; a mid-tone gray or beige hides it.

When regrouting is not enough

If tiles move when pressed, or the wall behind the shower tile feels soft, water has already done damage. Regrouting will not fix that. Those tiles need to come off so the backing can be checked. For loose or cracked single tiles, see broken tile replacement.

Keeping grout clean

Squeegee shower walls after use, run the bath fan for twenty minutes, and use a mild cleaner instead of bleach or acid, which eat grout. Reseal cement grout every year or two.

Floors versus showers

Floor grout takes foot traffic and dirt; shower grout takes water and soap. Floor regrouting cares about durability and color hiding dirt. Shower regrouting cares about sealing out water. We plan the grout and sealer for each, rather than using the same product everywhere.

Tools and dust

Grout removal makes dust. We use an oscillating tool with a vacuum attached, cover nearby surfaces, and seal doorways with plastic when the area is big. On fragile or glazed tile, we remove grout by hand near edges to avoid chips.

Counter and backsplash grout

Kitchen backsplashes stain from cooking splatter. Regrouting with a stain-resistant grout makes cleanup easier. The joint where backsplash meets counter gets caulk, not grout.

How long it takes

How long a tub surround takes depends on the job; we’ll tell you after seeing photos. Floors depend on size and joint width. We give you the cure time before you can shower or mop.

What regrouting does not fix

Regrouting cleans up the look and closes gaps, but it does not fix cracked tile, a sloped floor that holds water, or a leaking shower pan underneath. If water appears in the ceiling below a shower, or on the floor outside the tub after showers, there may be a leak in the valve, drain or pan. We check the obvious causes first and tell you if the problem is outside our scope.

Color refresh without removal

If grout is sound but stained, a grout colorant can even out the color without grinding. It is a quicker, cheaper option, and we can tell you if your grout is a good candidate after a look.

Photos help

A close photo of the grout next to a coin gives us joint width and condition for the quote.

Choosing the day

Since a shower is out of use until grout cures, plan regrouting for a time when another bathroom is available, or when you are away for a night. We schedule around that. On floors, we can do half the room one day and the other half the next so a path stays open, which helps in hallways and kitchens that everyone walks through.

Steam and heat

Long hot showers in a closed bathroom push moisture into grout. Cracking the door, running the fan and squeegeeing walls helps new grout stay clean for years instead of months.

Showers in rental units

Tenants rarely report bad grout until there is a leak. Owners who regrout and reseal between tenants catch soft spots and loose tiles early, while the fix is still small. We note anything we find, such as a loose tile, a dripping valve or a cracked corner, so you can decide what to do before the next tenant moves in.

Sealer reminders

Sealed cement grout beads water. When water starts soaking in and darkening the grout, it is time to reseal. A quick test with a few drops tells you.

Photo checklist