Why Is the Grout Cracking in My Bathroom?

Grout is the filler material used between tiles, and it fills in the gaps around each tile. In the bathroom, many homeowners have some sort of tile for the walls around their bathtub and/or shower. Some may also have tiled floors.

If you are the type of person who inspects the finer details, you may start to notice there are sections of the grout cracking or which have fallen out and are missing. Cracking can be normal as a result of aging. As the grout gets older, it eventually wears out and needs to be replaced.

However, there are also other causes of cracking, which could include:

• Improper Installation: If the grout was not applied correctly, it may not be strong enough to remain in place. Another common issue is overmixing the grout mixture and adding excessive water. When the water evaporates, it can leave small holes in the grout that create a weaker structure.
• Tiles Not Glued Correctly: They can come loose if the tiles are not glued down correctly. They can pull away from the floor or wall when they become loose. When this happens, the grout is what holds the tiles in place. Too much strain on the grout from too many tiles can cause cracking.
• Movement: The tiles in the bathroom can expand and contract to changes in temperatures and humidity. Your home may also be settling, and this could cause tiles to move. These movements will cause the grout to crack.

Why Have Cracked and Missing Grout Fixed Quickly?

Cracks signify small openings where moisture can get into the cracks and underneath the tile. If there are missing grout sections, the moisture problem can be more noticeable. Eventually, you will start noticing mold and mildew problems on the tiles and grout.

In addition, the moisture will cause other sections of tiles to come loose and the grout to crack. Furthermore, the longer moisture remains under the tiles, the more it can damage subflooring and sub-walls and lead to bigger and costlier repairs later.

Why Hire a Professional to Repair Cracked and Missing Grout?

It might seem like it would be easy to fill in cracks and replace missing grout with new grout. However, this is not the proper way to make this type of repair. Instead, it is a temporary “patch job” that will help a little bit but eventually fail.

The proper way to repair cracked and missing grout is to remove all of the grout from between the tiles. This is a rather time-consuming and tedious process. All the grout needs to be removed because it is better to have it all replaced at the same time.

When replacing the grout, special tools are required, which you may not have. For these reasons, hiring a professional to do the work is often easier like your local plumber.

If you are experiencing problems with grout cracking or missing in your bathroom, kitchen, or other areas, or you have other plumbing problems, MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning and our experienced plumbers can help. Please feel to contact us at 281-599-3336 today!