Whether it comes to renovating or installing new tiles, grouting is the most commonly used process to fill the gaps in between the tiles. Although grouting is an easy and simple process, sometimes things can go wrong. As a result, your bathroom grout can fall out.
The grout falling out of your bathroom walls can’t be left unseen. This can lead to a water leak. If you are thinking about what is causing your bathroom to fall out and what are the solutions, then you have reached the right place.
Today we are going to discuss the reasons behind grout falling out of bathroom walls and how to stop it. So, bear with us.
What causes bathroom grout to fall out?
An excessive amount of moisture, low-quality grout, etc are the most common reasons behind bathroom grout falling out. The area from which grout is falling off will need to be re-grouted with the proper application method. And ensure that the grout is being mixed suitably.
There are multiple reasons behind grout falling out of the bathroom walls. It’s important to take the necessary steps as soon as you notice the grout is coming off. You may notice all bits and pieces of grout on your bathroom floor or around the tub.
If this issue is left unattended, there’s a chance of mold growing in between the tiles, which can later lead to allergies.
Here are a few reasons why your bathroom grout is falling out:
Too much moisture:
Moisture is one of the basic issues that cause bathroom grout to fall out. Moisture and grout do not get along at all. Moisture will find the smallest pores in the grout and become trapped in between.
With time this moisture will cause the growth of mold and make the grout disintegrate. As bathrooms are usually humid, this can happen easily.
If grout is applied improperly:
To apply grout an ideal amount of precision and technique is required. Also, if the grout is applied thinly it can result in crumbling. On the other hand, applying too much can result in having you spend extra time removing the extra grout after curing.
Once the grout is crumbled, your grout will need to be removed and reapplied. If you do not replace them fast enough, then it will continue to crumble, and eventually, the grout will keep absorbing more moisture.
When sealing goes wrong:
There are various types of grouts. Except for epoxy grout, all other groups need to be sealed. Sealing the grout prevents it from absorbing moisture and liquids.
However, if it’s not epoxy-based grout or sealed properly the grout can begin to crack or fall out. Additionally, poorly sealed grout cannot be identified easily. But, there will be some visible signs like discoloration or mold issues.
To repair this issue, you can thoroughly clean the grout. And then apply a good quality sealant.
If curing is not done for a decent amount of time:
When the grout is not cured for a proper time, there’s a high chance the grout will crumble and fall out. The curing of grout is a chemical process, which is why it needs time and cannot be rushed.
The grout requires time to form a solid bond and get hardened before it comes in contact with moisture.
If the grout is not cured, the old grout will need to be removed and reapplied. Grout requires at least 12-24 hours to cure completely.
Can you put new grout over old grout?
You can put new grout over old grout. Although, it depends on the height of the old grout. If the old grout is too high, you will need to remove the old grout, otherwise, the new grout will not fit in the gaps of the tiles.
As a result, the grout will spill over and the surrounding of the tiles will get blocked.
Eventually, the grout will crack and fall off. However, it’s better to remove the old grout before regrouting. To remove the old grout a Dremel can be used. Once the grout is removed, you can vacuum the grout dust. And then re-apply the grout.
Although, it’s important to keep in mind that high-powered tools cannot be used to clean the crumbled grout.
Applying new grout over old grout will strengthen and make the tiles water-resistant and turn them less susceptible to impurities. However, be sure to choose the same type of grout and seal it in the end.
How to fix the grout in the shower?
If your bathroom grout is falling off, it cannot be left unseen.
So, here are a few steps you can follow to fix the grout in the shower:
Removing the old grout:
Before you put on another layer of grout, you need to make sure there is enough space between the tiles. Even if you plan on grouting over old grout, there must be enough space. Overfilling can result in blocking the surroundings of the tiles.
This means you will have to work on getting off the excess grout later on. To avoid all these unwanted hassles, you need to remove the old grout before applying a new layer.
You can use a rotary saw or a Dremel to remove the leftover grout. Once you are done cleaning the excess grout, vacuum the gaps. Vacuuming the gaps helps you remove grout dust and leaves behind a clean surface to work with.
Mixing new grout:
Mixing the grout has an impact on the outcome. Having the proper water ratio with the grout. If the grout has a higher moisture level, it will take more time to cure. Be sure to read the instructions on the packing manual before mixing the grout.
This way you have lesser chances to mess things up.
Applying the new grout:
With the help of a grout float, spread the new grout. Do it at 45° angles as you go in with the grout float. Try not to overfill the gaps.
Fill the gaps with grout slowly so that there is no space and air bubbles left. Once you are done filling the gaps, use a damp sponge or cloth to clean the area and smooth out the joints.
And if you are planning on re-grouting over the old grout, it’s better to call a professional.
Cure the grout and apply sealant:
Once the grout is all clean, here comes the most important part. Curing the grout. On average grout can take up to 24-72 hours to completely dry. If the grout is not cured enough, moisture can get into the grout and get trapped.
This can result in causing molds and mildew, which can later lead to allergies.
Once your grout has completely dried out, you can use a sealant to prevent the grout from coming in contact with moisture directly. This helps your grout last for a longer time.
How to stop grout from falling out?
Apart from re-grouting, there are things you need to do to keep your grout from falling out.
Here are a few things to do to stop grout from falling out of your bathroom wall:
Sealing the grout periodically:
Grout is a porous material, which makes it open to moisture. Therefore, it will absorb some amount of moisture when it comes in touch with water. With time moisture can crumble the grout and cause cracks.
To prevent this the grout needs to be sealed periodically. You can either re-grout it or seal the grout from time to time. This will protect your walls.
However, grout that has moisture captured in it can cause mold in your bathroom walls. Additionally, it can spread over time and ruin other parts of your walls.
Therefore, if the grout is properly maintained, it stays water-resistant and prevents the growth of mold. Moreover, you can avoid costly damages to your bathroom and other parts of the walls.
Acting fast on the bathroom tile problems:
If you notice any sort of problem regarding the floor or walls of your bathroom, try to act on it immediately. Problems like water staining and mold growth are normal. However, it can get severe if necessary measures are not taken.
You can remove the old grout and replace it with new grout. Be sure to seal it, so that the grout is not affected over time.
Final Thoughts
The most common reasons behind bathroom grout falling out are improper sealing, too much moisture, quality of grout, curing time, and many more. However, it’s never too late to fix any of these issues. You can re-grout or use a sealant. Take the help of a professional if required.