Professional workmanship guaranteed.
Booragoon, WA
When it comes to maintaining a clean and functional shower, regrouting is an essential job that is not only mandatory but completely transformative. Regrouting helps revitalise the appearance of your shower, preventing water damage, ensuring the longevity of your tiles and promoting health and safety for all users. When you first install your shower tiles you will be in awe of their clean and white lines and perfect alignment. However, as you use your shower more and more, it’s inevitable that the tiles will face wear and tear and accumulate dirt and grime that will impact their colour
Although regrouting is a job that requires a specialist, this doesn’t stop individuals trying to embark on this project themselves. When individuals attempt regrouting, they usually make mistakes along the way that result in short and long-term consequences. To help you avoid these costly mistakes, we have compiled this list of expert tips on the common pitfalls to steer clear of when regrouting your shower. By following these guidelines, you can achieve a professional-looking result and prolong the life of your shower. And, when all else fails, contact our team at the Shower Doctor to help you improve the condition of your shower.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when regrouting their showers is skipping the preparation phase. Similarly for most home DIY projects, preparation is key to a successful regrouting job
Firstly, you’ll want to make sure you have the necessary equipment to complete the job. For cleaning the grout, you will need a durable grout cleaner brush and cleaning tools. And, for removing grout, you will need a specific grout removal kit (including grout scraper and saw). Once you have the correct tools, you’ll be able to clean the grout to prepare for regrouting
To clean, start by thoroughly cleaning the existing grout and removing any residue, mould, or mildew. Use a grout removal tool or a grout saw to carefully scrape out the old grout. Failing to prepare the surface properly can lead to improper adhesion and premature failure of the new grout.
The next big mistake is choosing the wrong grout. Selecting the right grout is crucial for achieving a long-lasting and visually appealing result. There are various types of grout available, such as sanded, unsanded, epoxy, and urethane grout. Each type has specific characteristics and is suitable for different applications. Ensure you choose the appropriate grout based on the width of your grout lines, the location of your shower (wall or floor), and the level of moisture exposure
It’s important to consider that the colour you choose will greatly impact the aesthetics of your shower. If you wish to highlight the pattern the tiles form, choosing a light shade grout for dark shade tiles or dark shade grout for light shade tiles will create an eye-grabbing border. Be aware that the lighter grout lines require more maintenance as grime is more visible
If you’re unsure which grout is best for your requirements, consult with a professional. This is a mistake that is timely and costly to reverse, if you’re unsure we recommend organising the Shower Doctor to help with your regrouting project.
Improperly mixed grout can cause problems such as weak adhesion, inconsistent colour, or reduced durability. Once you have purchased your grout, the manufacturer should provide instructions, follow these instructions religiously. Use clean water and add the grout powder gradually to achieve the desired consistency. Avoid adding too much water, as it can weaken the grout. Additionally, it’s crucial to mix only the amount you can use within the recommended working time to prevent wastage and ensure proper application.
Sealant is a tile sealer, which gives long lasting protection to your tiles and other hard surfaces. It will make it easier to remove dirt and stains after the instalment of tiles as well as more durable and long lasting. In some cases, sealant isn’t required, we recommend confirming with the tile supplier to ensure this applies to you
When applying sealant, wait until after the grout has cured, then apply a high-quality grout sealer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the sealant evenly and ensure complete coverage over the grout lines. Many homeowners make the mistake of applying the sealant only to the surface of the tiles, leaving the grout vulnerable to moisture infiltration.
Patience is key when regrouting your shower. It’s this step that will ensure durability of your tiles. Rushing the drying process can lead to a weak bond and premature failure of the grout. Allow sufficient time for the grout to cure before exposing it to water or heavy use. Follow the recommended drying time provided by the grout manufacturer. Avoid using the shower until the grout has fully cured, typically within 24-48 hours. Proper curing ensures the grout’s strength and longevity.
Once you have successfully regrouted your shower, it’s essential to establish a regular maintenance routine. Consistency is key here. If you maintain a regular cleaning schedule then you will maintain the quality and aesthetic of your shower floor
Regularly clean and inspect the grout lines to prevent the buildup of dirt, mould, or mildew. To clean the shower tiles, use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft brush to avoid damaging the grout. Once you begin seeing damage to your tiles or your grout is discolouring–call the Shower Doctor! You’ll want to get onto the regrouting early otherwise your shower floor will be harder to fix and also could pose a safety hazard to your household.
Regrouting your shower can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to enhance its appearance and maintain its functionality. It’s a great way to increase the appeal of your home’s shower or increase value for buyers. With the bathroom as one of the most important rooms in the house and the shower itself used frequently each day, investing in your home’s shower is a worthwhile investment.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following expert advice, you can achieve professional-grade results and extend the lifespan of your shower. If you’re not confident with shower tile regrouting or, you simply want the job done professionally–not to worry, the Shower Doctor is here to help you
We specialise in shower tile regrouting. We are well versed in the best equipment, grout and processes to ensure the job is completed to the highest standard. So, don’t grout about it! Trust our shower tile regrouting expertise to give you a result that will transform your shower and your entire bathroom. Contact us today.
© Copyright 2023 The Shower Doctor. All rights reserved. Managed by Cloud Cartel
