4 of the Most Common Regrouting Mistakes
Regrouting is an essential part of maintaining an attractive tile surface, especially in places such as showers, where there is a higher potential for grout to become discolored. Some people simply paint over discolored grout to correct the color. However, if the grout is deteriorated and no longer waterproof, the best idea is to go ahead and regrout the tiles. If this process is not done by a professional like The Grout Medic, there are a number of things that can go wrong. Here are 4 of the most common mistakes people make when regrouting:
1. Uneven Grouting
One very common regrouting mistake is spreading the grout unevenly between the tiles, forming “peaks and valleys.” This makes for a noticeably messy, uneven grouting job, and it can ruin the look of a tile wall or floor. The fact that grout shrinks as it dries makes this problem even harder to avoid. To create an even grout surface, make sure to pack plenty of grout into the joints, and wipe it all down with a wet sponge afterward.
2. Incorrect Timing
Timing is everything. It is important to wait until the grout has set in before wiping the tiles clean, as premature wiping can result in gouges. However, don’t wait too long, or the grout will dry onto the tiles, potentially causing irreversible damage. Grout haze is a very common DIY regrouting mistake, by which a thin layer of grout dries on top of the tile. Do not attempt to scrape or chisel grout haze, as it can result in irreparable tile damage. Once the grouting is completed, make sure to allow 24 to 72 hours of drying time. If a newly regrouted surface is walked on before it has had time to dry completely, the grout can become uneven and dislodge itself from the joints.
3. Not Mixing Properly
Adding the incorrect amount of water to the grout is a common problem that can lead to a botched regrouting job. Too much water can result in runny grout that does not set properly, while too little water can make grout powdery and ineffective. Each brand of grout has its own instructions regarding how much water to add, so be sure to pay close attention to the measurements. Another common mistake is not mixing the grout thoroughly enough, which can cause inconsistent coloring when it dries.
4. Using Too Much Grout
It is surprisingly easy to get caught up in the moment and apply too much grout, without realizing it until the grout has set. If this happens, it can be fixed up to a week later by repeatedly wetting, scraping, and chiseling the grout in order to file it down and shape it. Though this is a fixable mistake, it takes considerable time and effort to correct.
Tile regrouting and sealing is a time-sensitive and complicated process, and many people don’t get it right their first time. If you would rather avoid the hassle and mess of regrouting by yourself, contact The Grout Medic today and take advantage of our professional regrouting services.