Tile is durable, attractive, and easy to maintain, plus it can last for decades if properly maintained. It’s resistant to staining and moisture, making it perfect for bathroom and kitchen areas. However, just because it’s low maintenance, it doesn’t mean that it’s maintenance-free. Along with sweeping and mopping, it also needs professional tile and grout cleaning, and there are times it will require the grout repaired.
Having your tile floor professionally cleaned is often enough, but sometimes it’s time to have the grout repaired.
You may wonder what signs tell you your tile floor needs grout repair vs. cleaning. There are a few different signs to be on the lookout for. The first is if the grout doesn’t clean with professional or standard cleaning. Peeling grout is another sign, plus if your grout is unsealed.
Many people aren’t sure when to clean or have the grout repaired. This is especially true if it’s your first tile floor. You’ve probably at some point searched for “how to clean tile” or “how to clean grout” and came up with a ton of different ways to do it, from home remedies to expensive cleaners.
However, there will come a time when even professional tile cleaning won’t be enough to save the grout, and it will need replacing. But how do you know if you should have it cleaned or repaired? Follow these tips below to help you determine which you need.
Your Grout Is Unsealed
Maybe you installed your grout yourself, had a friend do it, or perhaps the contractor you paid never returned to seal it once it dried. Not sealing the grout once it dries leaves it vulnerable to mold and mildew. If not taken care of promptly, the cracks that form in the grout will allow water to seep in, leading to further damage later.
If it’s unsealed and has been for a while, you need to call and have a professional come out, clean the grout, and then seal it. When the grout is done correctly, it is easier to maintain and prevents damage.
Mold In Grout Lines
Finding mold and mildew in the bathroom is pretty standard because it has such a high moisture content. Mold typically appears as black areas along the ground line. Not only is it ugly it can also cause allergies, sinus irritation, and eye irritation in some people.
When it’s caught early and isn’t recurring or spreading, you can easily clean it with a mixture of white vinegar and water then scrub it with a scrub brush. This alone may not signify that the grout needs repairing, but you should upgrade your ceiling vent.
However, if the mold multiplies or starts recurring rapidly, you’ll need to call a professional grout repair service. It could be a sign that moisture has seeped behind your tile, causing the mold to grow under the tile and spread to the outside. If caught early enough, you can prevent further damage.
Gaps and Cracks
If you notice gaps in the tiles, it’s time to have them repaired. It makes the tiles vulnerable to cracking. However, if you call a professional to have it repaired quickly, it’s an inexpensive and quick fix.
There are many different causes of cracked or deteriorating joints, such as improper installation. If the person who installed your tile didn’t put pressure on the grout line, air pockets or bridges form under the surface and will collapse over time. If the grout is too wet or cures too long is another reason it may develop.
A grout expert will be able to tell you what’s wrong with your grout and adequately fix it. They do this by cutting out the old grout and then reapplying it. If this issue isn’t resolved, it will lead to moisture leaking through and cause foundation issues later on.
Small Holes
A small hole in your grout might not look like much, but even the slightest hole can let water in. Like cracks and gaps, it can also damage your subfloor and lead to foundation issues. Small holes are simple to repair and don’t take long to repair.
Related Questions
Can you Put New Grout Over Old Grout?
If you want to repair your grout correctly, you should not place new grout over old grout. This can cause moisture or mold to get trapped between them, worsening the problem.
Tile Restoration Services to the Rescue?
A professional grout job should last between 15 to 20 years if you maintain your grout correctly. If you notice that your grout isn’t coming clean with standard cleaning or any of the above issues, it’s time to call a professional floor restoration service to come in to see if you need repairs or if cleaning will solve the problem.
Talk to a stone and tile floor restoration professional at Restore-A-Floor in Brighton 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