Used to seal joints and fill the space between tiles, it’s easy to mistake grout as a minor player when it comes to how beautiful your floor will generally look. But no matter how gorgeous your tiles are, an ugly grout can easily ruin it. What should you do to keep your grout in shape?
Common Tile Grout Problems
Grout is typically ignored until it becomes a problem. Issues can show immediately after the tiles and grout have been installed. But usually, it will only become apparent after several months.
#1 Dirty grout
Newly-applied grout looks immaculately clean. But dirt can easily accumulate and settle on and in the grout over time. One of the most common causes of dirty grout is dirty mop water. Water used to clean the floor becomes muddy and if you continue to use it, the dirt will go into the grout and settle there.
Grout is naturally porous and this is why dirt can easily adhere to it as well as absorb into it. This can make grout cleaning a difficult task at the best of times. After a few years, the accumulated dirt build-up can make grout cleaning near impossible. It will most likely require heavy duty cleaning in order for the grout to be restored and looking near new again. Worse case, replacing old grout might be the only option but this is only necessary if there is significant permanent staining or if the grout has any structural defects such as major cracking.
#2 Stained or discoloured grout
Aside from dirt, liquid contaminants, grease and grime can also penetrate the grout and make it look discoloured. Before you know it, your grout has turned from white to a darker shade.
Even newly-applied grout can take on a discoloured hue. Usually, this happens when the installer has added too much water to the grout and allowed it to sit to thicken up. An uneven colour may occur because the colorant has separated and clumped together.
Cracked grout
Cracked grout has many causes—poor grout mix, improper tile installation, uneven or weak subfloor, lack of expansion joints and ordinary wear and tear over time. It’s important that a professional assesses the underlying cause of the cracks so the appropriate grout repairs can be done.
Whatever the reason, one thing is for sure. Once your grout starts to crack, it’s best to have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further grout damage and potential damage to the surrounding tiles.
Do you want to have clean looking grout again? Do you want to protect your grout from permanent staining? Do you want your grout to have that regular, even color? We can help. Call us on 0437 537 746 or visit our website, www.protectorclean.com.au for more information.
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