How to efficiently remove old, cracked grout? How to avoid damaging tiles? What tools are needed for grout repair, and how to apply new grout?
Renovating a bathroom or kitchen is a demanding and costly job, but it’s not always necessary. A common issue is that only the grout at the tile joints has deteriorated, while the tiles themselves are in excellent condition. With a bit of DIY knowledge and some willingness, you can refresh the appearance of floors and walls.
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Replacing and Repairing Damaged Grout
This issue is particularly common with outdoor tiles, which are more exposed to weather conditions and therefore more prone to damage. Proper repair of outdoor grout is crucial not only for aesthetics but also to prevent water from seeping under the tiles, which can cause them to detach, especially in regions where winter temperatures drop below freezing.
Cleaning Grout – Manually or with a Machine
The process of repairing damaged grout is physically demanding and messy, but with some care, anyone can do it. Grout cleaning can be done manually or with a machine. Machine cleaning involves using a vibrating tool with a blade, which makes the job much faster.
It’s important to note that using electric tools can be quicker but rougher. This means the vibrating blade may leave some grout residues, which need to be removed with a flat screwdriver. The final pass should be done with a grout removal knife, available at well-equipped hardware stores.
How to Do the Job Neatly
Start grout removal in an inconspicuous place, like behind a washing machine or refrigerator. Use this spot to practice handling the tools. For example, don’t apply pressure with the vibrating device to avoid damaging the tiles.
If the grout in hidden areas is still in good condition, you don’t need to remove it. However, visible grout must be completely removed since it’s practically impossible to match the color of old and new grout. Of course, one of the options is to paint the grout with special markers for grout.
After cleaning the grout, sweep and vacuum the tiles. Use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment to remove residual dust, sand, and pieces of old grout, ensuring better adhesion of the new grout.
Applying New Grout
Fill the new grout with a rubber spatula. After about 15 minutes, wipe the excess grout with a damp (not soaked) sponge. The grout should not harden completely during this time, which may vary depending on temperature, humidity, and room ventilation. Always read the instructions on the grout packaging you are using.
An even better solution might be using a grout gun, similar to applying silicone. These elastic grouting compounds, available at hardware stores, offer better control and filling of cracks with less mess, as the tiles are significantly less dirtied with grout.