Does your grout look like it has seen better days? If so, it’s something you want to get sorted ASAP!
Not only does it look unsightly, but it also puts your bathroom at risk. Grout plays an important role in protecting your bathroom, so keeping it in top condition should be your top priority!
How can you do that?
Keep reading to find out all about how you can protect your grout and turn any current grout woes into bathroom wonders.
What Does Grout Do?
Grout holds your tiles in place, right? Well, yes it does, but that is only part of its function. It does a lot more than that. Grout plays a crucial role in your bathroom tiling.
Here’s what it does:
● Stability: By filling the gaps between your tiles, grout provides stability and structural integrity to the tiled surface. If the grout wasn’t there, your tiles may shift, crack or become loose over time. Grout is formulated to withstand the stresses of daily use, remaining resilient and flexible against minor building movement, foot traffic, temperature changes and cleaning products, maintaining stability without deteriorating prematurely.
● Waterproofing: Epoxy grout helps to seal the joins between your tiles, preventing water from seeping underneath. This is an important job with the amount of water and moisture that occurs in a bathroom! Having effective waterproofing in your wet areas reduces the chance of mould forming and structural damage occurring.
● Dirt prevention: Because grout fills the space between your tiles, it minimises the chance that dirt and grime will collect there. This makes your bathroom cleaner and more hygienic, protecting your family.
● Looks good: Your bathroom would look odd if it just had tiles stuck to the wall with gaps in between! Grout provides a clean finish to a tiled surface, giving your bathroom greater aesthetic appeal. You can even make a feature of your grout by choosing from a range of colours to complement or contrast with your tiles.
What Is The Best Grout?
There are two common grouting options found in New Zealand bathrooms - they are sand-based and epoxy grouts. They are both great for bathrooms, but have some differences:
Sand-based Grout
Sand-based grout is made from a mixture of sand, cement and water. Mixed into a paste, it is applied between the tiles during installation, drying with a porous texture. Cost-effective and easy to work with, it is a popular choice for most tilers.
Unfortunately, the porous texture makes it susceptible to liquid absorption, which can result in staining, discolouration or mould formation. It is also prone to cracking or shrinking over time, causing deterioration.
Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain visual appeal and to reduce the potential of mould forming. Repair or replacement is required when the grout starts to deteriorate. Experienced DIYers may be able to handle this task themselves.
Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grout is made from epoxy resins and filler powder. Due to its complex nature and quick curing time, epoxy grout should only be handled by professionals.
But it’s worth the trade-off! Non-porous and resistant to water, it significantly reduces the chance of bacteria buildup and staining. Extremely durable, it doesn’t crack, shrink, or react to chemical cleaning products, maintaining an excellent appearance long term.
While more expensive than sand-based grout, we would recommend epoxy to anyone renovating or retiling. That’s because it has superior waterproofing properties and offers excellent longevity. As it is more durable and longer-lasting than its sand-based counterparts, it reduces the need for frequent repairs or regrouting.
How To Tackle Grout Woes
Many bathrooms will experience grout woes like discolouration, formation of grime or mould, cracking or holes, and general wear. While some of these issues are easier to fix than others, your bathroom can look wonderful again with the right solution.
Here are some:
Prevention
The best way to tackle grout woes is to try and prevent them from happening in the first place. Reduce the humidity levels in your bathroom by keeping it ventilated, an exhaust fan or an open window after showering will do the trick.
It is also helpful to wipe down your tiled surfaces after each use, especially if you have a tiled shower. This removes excess moisture from the surfaces, preventing water from seeping into your grout, and it also prevents the buildup of soap scum and grime.
Cleaning
Regularly cleaning your grout will help to prevent mould from forming. Choose a cleaner designed for use on grout like GroutPro Citrus Eco-Kleen. Generously apply it to your grout and tiles, and use a soft bristle brush to distribute the cleaner into all nooks and crannies of the grout lines. Don’t scrub too hard during this phase as the cleaner will do the work for you! Then leave it to work its magic for 5-10 minutes (but don’t let the cleaning solution dry on the surface).
Once the time is up, simply rinse well with cool, clean water and dry the surfaces with a microfibre cloth or old towel.
Restoration
Bathrooms work hard! They are used daily by multiple different family members. So, it is no wonder that layers of dirt, grime and cleaning residue begin to build up over time. While regular DIY cleaning will help to slow the process, sometimes calling professionals for a restoration service is the only option.
If your grout has discoloured, then DIY cleaning is not going to fix the problem as mould may be present deep inside. Calling tile restoration specialists, like the team here at Bathroom Genie, will have your grout and tiles transformed to look new in just a couple of days. Our specialist services can offer a level of deep cleaning that will restore your grout effectively.
If necessary, we can also apply a sealant to add an extra layer of waterproofing and extend the longevity of your grout.
Repair
Like anything, your grout and tiles will wear over time. If you have cracks, holes or damage starting to appear, then it is time to have the area repaired to prevent structural damage from occurring.
Tile and grout repair can be complicated, so it is best to contact a tile specialist to get the job done right. With expert care and precision, we specialise in breathing new life into your damaged tiles and grouting. Our skilled team ensure that your tiles not only look amazing again but also regain their durability to remain waterproof long term.
Every bathroom is different, so before any work is carried out, we will chat with you about your options to provide the best solution. For example, some spaces can simply be re-grouted to restore them to their former glory. But, with mosaic or small tiles, regrouting is not an economical option, so a penetrating sealant would be our recommendation.
We can also provide a range of regrouting options such as standard sand-based grout or the superior epoxy grout that provides the ultimate waterproof, durable grout solution.
Got Grout Woes?
Then, let us help you transform them into bathroom wonders again!
Here at Bathroom Genie, we specialise in all things grout and tiling. We have everything you need to rejuvenate your bathroom, from professional-grade grout and tile cleaners to expert restoration and repair services.
Contact us today to put an end to your grout woes!
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