A question we're often asked is, “how long should grout last in my bathroom last?” Grout doesn't last forever and has a lifespan of between eight and sixteen years, depending on your upkeep and treatment in your shower area specifically.
There's no specific schedule on when to replace grout so you'll have to do a thorough inspection and look for signs of damage.
Grout can start to discolor after 12 years, often because of dirt, age, or wrong cleaning methods. This discoloration means it's time to regrout. Mold and mildew in shower grout are not just ugly but can be harmful to health.
There are a number of factors that can cause cracks and issues in the grout. But if cared for properly, grout can last for up to twenty years. Many grout issues are related to how the grout was installed, to begin with, but there are many other factors.
You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout. To do this, all you need is a grout removal tool. Use the tool to strike out the old grout, making sure the depth is at least 2mm, which is about the thickness of two dimes stacked one on top of the other.
First, one of the telltale signs of grout failure is when your grout has holes, or is cracked and breaking down. When the grout is deteriorating, this can cause your tiles to become loose or come off entirely. Another indication of grout failure is any sign of mold or mildew.
A question we're often asked is, “how long should grout last in my bathroom last?” Grout doesn't last forever and has a lifespan of between eight and sixteen years, depending on your upkeep and treatment in your shower area specifically.
New shower grout can crack if not properly installed.
This goes back to our original statement about poor preparation. Well-trained grout installers, like those you will find at The Grout Medic, will see that your grout is mixed to perfection. This means not using too much water or other additives.
Check the color and condition in some of the higher-traffic areas of the room. If you notice any chipping or cracking in the grout, it won't respond well to cleaning and will most likely just break apart if you try to clean it with any kind of physical force.
Although this may sometimes be caused by the grout having been incorrectly mixed during installation, it is most often a result of other causes, the most common of which is movement in the home's structure or pressure on the tiles themselves.
The primary reason why grout deteriorates is that it was not mixed and installed properly. If too much water is added to the grout at install, it will not seal with the required density to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture and (most of all) water.
If the tiles themselves are damaged, retiling is the better option. You might also spring for new tiles as part of a full bathroom remodel. If the tiles are still in good condition, but the grout is chipping or discolored, regrouting is a cost-effective alternative.
For high-traffic areas, like the main bathroom, you should consider sealing it every six months, while low-traffic areas like the guest bathroom can be resealed every two years. If you are using epoxy grout, it might not be necessary to reseal it as it is highly water-resistant.
Steam cleaning is one of the most powerful ways to clean grout without the use of harsh chemicals. Professionals often use steam to loosen the dirt and other particles trapped in the grout without needing to scrub manually.
If your grout is visibly cracked or crumbling, it's likely going to be letting water behind your tiles. Even if your grout doesn't appear to be damaged, if it's not water-resistant it could potentially be the source of the leak.
Moisture and direct water contact contribute to grout deterioration over time, and eventually, the tiles will crack. This is why you should consider regrouting shower tiles every six months. This is a quick and budget-friendly fix that can restore your bathroom's previous glow immediately.
Grout can accumulate organic materials like soap scum, dirt, and skin cells, all of which are extremely common in showers and bathrooms. Mold feeds on these organic materials, and as they decompose, they provide nutrients for mold to thrive. Mold thrives in temperatures between 77°F (25°C) and 88°F (30°C).
Jim Whitfield, manager of Technical Services at Mapei told industry professionals, “Because epoxy grout is so tough, it wears extremely well. It doesn't wear down over time and become a tile gutter—like cement grout can—where all the dirt and liquid and junk collects.”
On average, the cost to regrout a shower is between $600 and $2,500 (or $10 to $25 per square foot). Prices hinge on the size of the shower, the type of grout, and how much old grout needs to be removed. We break down what you can expect to pay below.
Deterioration of grout: If your grout lines are deteriorating and no longer look whole, it's a sign that your grout is failing. Stains that won't come out: If your shower is looking old and dingy with embedded stains that just won't come out, it may be time to regrout.
Epoxy grout: Waterproof, durable, stain- and shrink-resistant. The best grout in shower walls, backsplashes and other surfaces susceptible to moisture or stains. Ideal for use with unglazed and other tiles.
One of the reasons why grout cracks and/or falls out is due to improper installation. This can include the incorrect grout being used, poor mixing, excessive water being used during the mixing process or shower/wet areas being used before the grout fully cures.