If you haven’t gotten the grout in your shower upgraded recently, you may begin to see signs of damage. Cracks, mold and discoloration will be obvious, but if you look closely, you may see small holes starting to form. Although these holes may not seem threatening, they are a precursor to more severe damage.
Moisture is one of the key contributors to the holes that form in your shower’s grout. The moisture penetrates grout’s surface making it become porous. Holes are also caused by the house settling over time. As this occurs, the structure shifts and the grout begin to separate. Holes can also form if too much water was used when the grout was mixed.
But whatever the cause of the holes may be, it’s essential to get them repaired as soon as possible. Not doing so will means the holes will get bigger causing the grout to crack or crumble. The holes will also serve as a breeding ground for mold and mildew. They can also cause leaks that can damage your home’s foundation.
Fortunately, the holes in your shower tile can be fixed. Here’s what you need to do.
How to Fix Holes in Your Shower Grout
If the holes in your shower grout are small enough, it will be an easy fix. In some instances, you can just dampen the grout and push new grout into the holes. If the holes are larger, you will need to dig out the old grout and replace it with new grout. The large holes mean the grout is weak and has lost its integrity. Therefore, a full replacement is necessary.
Replacing the grout is considerably more complicated than patching over small holes. Here are the steps you will need to take:
- Use a sharp object to dig out the old grout making sure not to cut into the tiles,
- Remove all grout dust that may be remaining.
- Add grout to the area using a grout float. Press the float onto the tiles at a 45-degree angle to spread the grout evenly between the tiles. Go over the area in all directions to ensure you have good coverage.
- Apply new caulking to the corners of the shower. Even if the caulk looks good on the surface, it’s likely that there may be mold or mildew underneath due to the leaking. Recaulking the corners will minimize this issue.
- Wipe the area with a damp sponge and allow the grout to cure for 24 hours.
Keep in mind that if you have larger holes, there may be structural damage to your property. Replacing the grout will only put a bandage on the problem. Therefore, it may be best to call in a professional. An experienced grout repairperson will determine the extent of your damage and advise you on the steps you need to take.
Holes in your grout may appear over time and it’s best to catch them early on to prevent further damage. This article provides you with steps to take to keep your grout in the best shape possible. What do you do when you see damage in your shower grout? Call Grout Experts today for a free estimate.
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