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Regrouting Makes Your Tile Look Like NewBy Jim Sulski Summary: Often, your tile is only looking sad and old because it needs to be regrouted. This is a great do-it-yourself project that Jim helps you with every step of the way. When wall or floor tile starts to look shoddy, it's usually not because of
the tile itself. Often, the grout, a sort of cement between the tiles, starts to dirty or deteriorate and steals from the beauty of the tile. The solution: Remove the old grout and replace it with new in a project known as regrouting. You can usually bring life back into the tiles by regrouting. Tiles are often a lifetime product, while grout usually only lasts a few years. Of course, if some of the tiles are cracked, worn or just out-of-date, regrouting won't help. But for those tiles with years left to them, regrouting is much less expensive alternative to tile replacement. The first step in regrouting is to remove the existing grout between the tiles. If you're working in a tub or shower area, start by shutting off the water to the faucets. This will prevent any accidental discharge of water during the job, something that could ruin your work. You may also want to remove the fixtures in a tub or shower to have better access to the tiles. If there is any caulk on the tiles between walls or between fixtures and the tile, remove that caulk. If you're regrouting floor tile, it makes sense to remove any wood molding that borders the floor. Now, you're ready to begin extracting the old grout. The best bet is to use a tool called a grout saw, which sells for $6 for the saw and $3 for blades. These saws have carbide-tipped blades and are especially designed for removing grout and they are the most efficient tool for the job. When using the grout saw, keep a constant, steady pressure on the saw and work the saw back and forth into the grout. If you're working on a wall, move vertically as opposed to horizontally to avoid tiring your arms by spending too much time at the top of the wall. After a couple hours or so of work, the grout saw blade may become dull and the removal gets tougher. It's then time to replace the blade. In order to make the job long lasting, you need to remove at least two-thirds of the old grout, so that the new grout can attach to itself to the sides of the tiles. If you don't give yourself enough space to pack the new grout into, it will then flake off as it dries. After the old grout is removed, use a vacuum cleaner crevice-cleaning tool to extract any remaining pieces and dust. These small particles can impair the adhesion of the new grout. Then, wipe down the tiles with a wet sponge, making sure to remove any residue. While the tiles dry, mix up your first batch of grout according to the manufacturer's directions. Use a latex-modified grout, which increases bond strength, allows for some movement, and resists water penetration. Use a rubber-faced trowel or grout float - available at tiles stores - to spread the grout. As you apply the grout across the surface of the tile, work it into the joints. Work on an area no larger than a few square feet to keep the grout from hardening before you have a change to wipe away the excess. Use the rubber trowel to scoop up the excess grout from the face of tiles, and then use a damp sponge to get rid of the residue. Do not wipe excessively or you may wind up remove the grout from the joints. Keep the sponge clean by rinsing it often in cold water. Once the grout starts to dry, smooth it out with a wet finger or a wood dowel. The surface of the grout should be slightly below the surface of the tile. Let the grout dry for about 20 minutes while you move on to a new section of tile. Return to the first section of tile and you will notice that there is noticeable grout residue on the tile. Wipe that away dry rag. Allow the grout to dry for at overnight. Replace any bathroom fixtures or wood molding you removed. In bathrooms and kitchens, it is recommended that you caulk to prevent moisture
problems.In bathrooms, try to avoid using the tub for at least a couple of days
while the new grout cures or dries. After the grout has completely cured, about
two weeks or so, seal it with a clear grout sealer. This will help preserve
the fresh look of the grout for a while. © by Jim Sulski. All rights reserved. February 26, 2005. NOTE: This column is distributed by Real Estate Matters Syndicate, PO Box 366, Glencoe, Illinois, 60022. This column may not be resold, reprinted, resyndicated or redistributed without written permission from the publisher. © 2005 by Ilyce R. Glink. Distributed by Real Estate Matters Syndicate. |
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