Before you decide to rip the tiles off your bathroom wall, you may want to think about simply re-grouting your current tiles to get your bathroom back in pristine condition!
Everyone knows exactly what we mean, once the grout between the bathroom tiles starts to darken and smell. It can be ugly, it can be itchy, and it can even cause significant water ingress that causes considerable damage and even makes you a lot poorer. In the eight years I’ve been a mason, moldy grout and weak silicone can be the leading cause of major leaks and water damage in apartments directly below.
Once the grout inside the shower area or around the bathtub becomes moldy and dark in color, it will develop cracks and begin to leak water onto the drywall behind it, which can subsequently absorb it like a sponge and cause even more damage, and this could start costing you a lot more of your hard-earned money. This can go unnoticed for a long time if you don’t notice the telltale signs and smells, by which time you’re too far gone and the downstairs ceiling has collapsed. I’ve encountered it so often and I think most people A – won’t understand how much damage can be done and B – won’t appreciate how easy it is to repair. These are the two reasons why I am going to demonstrate the correct way to approach the problem. Not only does it help you save money, but it also completely transforms your dirty and stinky bathroom back to the way it was all those years ago.
I think a lot of people waste a lot of money re-tiling the areas involved. However, re-grouting is often an inexpensive DIY solution to overcome the problem and make your bathroom easier on the eyes and nose. There are a number of reasons why re-grouting can be a popular alternative to re-tiling, including price, timing, and also the length of time the shower will be out of use while work is taking place.
The grouting procedure is simple, takes a couple of hours, makes it 100% leak proof and helps your bathroom look brand new again, all for less than £100. Sound good? Well, in this post we will look at precisely how to go about this project as well as the advantages it offers along with why hiring a qualified professional could help you save money in the long run.
Tools needed
Everything can be purchased through your local DIY store
- grout float
- waterproof anti-mold grout for showers and wet rooms
- mixing tub
- mixing blade or mixing attachment for drilling
- Bosch 180e Multi Cutter with Grout Cutter Attachment
- sponge for tiling
- anti-mold silicone (if caulking looks black and moldy)
- spray grout sealer from the good tile store
- gloves
- dust mask
- safety glasses
- silicone (anti-mold)
- glue gun
- Scotch tape
Tile work grouting
Get rid of the old and add something new!
Before starting work, you should wear your dust mask, gloves, and goggles. Safe practice on the job is important!
1. To begin, you should start by attaching the grout removal blade to a ‘bosch’ or ‘dremel’ multi-cutter and gradually cut through each of the damaged grout lines until you can easily see the initial one. color once more, or if you choose, you can remove all of the affected grout back to the gypsum board depending on the severity of the problem.
2. Wash off any dust from the cut making sure to place the sponge directly on the grout lines removing all dust and debris as the grout will not hold together if left on.
3. Mix grout following manufacturer’s recommendations. Using your mixing knife, place a bit of grout on the end or edge of the grout trowel and begin working in diagonal sweeps pressing the grout directly into the lines covering each line several times to ensure you have loaded the full depth. of the line. Not filling the entire depth can result in cracks not to mention water ingress.
4. Allow to set for 10-15 minutes according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, then wipe with the rough side of the grout sponge or you can run your finger along the lines to make it very smooth.
5. Allow to dry for 24 hours, just before finishing using a clear spray sealer which will make it 100% waterproof for many years.
Renewing your silicone caulking around your tub or shower
1. Get rid of all the old silicone by using a Stanley blade to remove the main lines and then a single blade to clean up the rest. In my opinion, I have found this to be the most effective way to clean up old silicone.
2. Work with masking tape to cover the top and bottom of where the fresh lines are likely to go.
3. First cut off the top of the silicone tube, fix the nozzle, determine how thick the bead should be, and cut a 45 degree angle on the nozzle.
4. Lock the gun at a 45 degree angle while gradually pulling the trigger and lowering the lines stopping the gun at any time when needed. This alone is very challenging, however, the tape prevents the bead from scattering.
5. Peel off the adhesive tape and lick your finger. Making sure it’s completely wet, move your finger slowly and gradually down the line of silicone, stopping and licking again if the silicone starts to adhere to your finger. This will leave a nice, elegant airtight seal.
Why hire a professional plumber or mason?
There are many reasons why you should find a professional to handle the task. To begin with, the expense because they will surely already have all the necessary tools to get the job done, which can help you save over £100 easily. Second, simply the fact that they have probably done the same job hundreds of times and will usually guarantee the work they do, giving you the assurance that no downstairs neighbor will be knocking on your door yelling that your roof is leaking. Water. The expertise of the professional plus will leave the job with a top quality finish. Convenience is another main reason. Hiring a plumber or bricklayer allows you to take things slow as you don’t need to add another demanding task to an already hectic schedule as the plumber or bricklayer will provide you with an accurate deadline for when the job is likely to be finished. . Although working with grout seems moderately easy, it’s often difficult to know the best time to clean grout once it’s set, perhaps leaving undesirable grout on the tile surface indefinitely.
Now that you know the basics of re-grouting, you may want to take a look at your own bathroom and find out if you think you have the confidence to tackle the task. Or rest assured, it could be finished for a reasonable price by calling in a professional plumber or mason.
