Grout and tile are a beautiful design for a kitchen or bathroom, but it requires regular upkeep and maintenance to ensure it stays clean and stays safe. Grout can be a breeding ground for mold if unchecked and it can be hard to know what’s going on behind that tile. For this reason, you need to keep a close eye on the state of your tile and grout to ensure everything is healthy and safe.
There are a few signs that your grout and tile need to be looked at or potentially replaced.
Discoloration from mold, persistent mold issues, loose tiles, crumbling or cracked grout, and obvious signs of damage are all reasons to call in a professional tile restoration service to get your grout and tile replaced.
Below are some signs your tile and grout need to be repaired or replaced.
Stubborn Mold
We expect to see mold in grout lines at some point. It’s not an uncommon sight over time considering the high moisture in the bathroom, especially in the shower. But if you don’t do something about it as soon as you see it, it can become a lot harder to deal with. Prevention is the first line of defense and when that starts to fail, and mold starts to set in, and it stubbornly won’t go away or comes back as quickly as you exorcise it, it may be time to regrout your tile. This could mean moisture has leaked within the grout and behind the tile, providing mold with a limitless resource.
Deterioration
Plenty of things can cause damage to grout and tiles. Force could crack them or simply time. Whichever it is, cracked tile and deteriorating grout needs to be handled. Cracks in grout allow mold and moisture to get in and behind the tile and set up shop. As soon as you see damage to your tile and grout it’s time to call a professional to replace it.
Loose Tiles
Tiles should not be loose, and they shouldn’t visibly wiggle if you manipulate them. This is a sign of improper installation. This can be a problem for a lot of reasons. It could make them dangerous if they’re unstable and are in a walk way and it could make it dangerous to put weight on them. If you notice loose and moving tile, you need to call a professional to get your tile reinstalled correctly and safely.
Related Questions
Can you put new grout over old grout?
While you can repair grout with new material over older material, you can’t completely install new grout over old grout. It can cause moisture or mold to get trapped underneath and only exacerbate issues.
How long should a grout job last?
Grouted tile should last you anywhere from 15 to 20 years if the job was done right and you maintain proper care of your grout.
Talk to a stone and tile floor restoration professional at Restore-A-Floor about the state of your grout and how they can help. We will restore your grout and tile back to its original beauty, so it looks like it did when it was newly installed. We can bring even the most lifeless grout and tile back to life at a fraction of the cost of replacement, plus provide protection for years to come.
Contact us and find out why we are a top-rated choice for stone cleaning and restoration, tile and grout cleaning, countertop restoration and more! Free Estimates