If the grout in a bathroom is an inflexible material, as most grout is, cracks can develop when a bathtub moves one way while a tile wall moves another way. There are also ways in which installation can doom grout to failure, underscoring the importance of putting bathroom tile projects in the hands of a trained, qualified installer.
3 Common Causes of Cracked Grout
Too Much Water or Polymer Additive Too much water or polymer additive in the grout mix is a common problem. Insufficient Thinset Insufficient thinset (the glue applied over the mortar) applied during the installation can also lead to cracked grout.
Replace grout with caulk. Check with an employee at the hardware store to make sure you are getting the right kind of caulk for the job. Clean out the seam so that no pieces of grout or other debris are present. Using a tube and caulk gun, gently fill the seam with a bead of caulk . Smooth the caulk. Use a wet fingertip or wet cloth to smooth the caulk.
One source proposed clean high-traffic surfaces regularly by vacuuming up loose dirt and contaminants. Reduce the amount of detergent you use in water when cleaning the floor – excess detergent will actually leave behind a residue which attracts dirt, defeating the purpose of cleaning! Mop regularly with water! Don’t use dirty water !
Can cracked Grout be repaired?
If a tile pulls away from the wall after the adhesive dries, it’s up to the grout to hold it in place—and that stress is liable to cause cracks. If you just have a few isolated areas of cracked grout, you may be able to repair them yourself.
This begs the question “How do you fix loose grout in bathroom tile?”
Start to grind or work the old grout and the caulking away from between the tiles. Make sure you take your time, so you don’t accidentally chip or damage the tile when you working away the old grout. Once you have removed all the loose grout and the overlaying caulking, it’s time to replace it.
Why do my tiles keep cracking?
If there is no space between your tile and walls it will force all the pressure into your tile. This will cause cracking grout and, eventually, ‘tenting’ of your tile.