Three signs your grout needs a makeover

Why does grout matter?

While it may not be the first thing guests notice when they step onto your kitchen or bathroom floor, grout is quite literally part of the foundation of lasting tilework. In addition to acting as a bonding agent, grout increases the beauty of tile flooring by smoothing out irregularities in the tiling and prevents water from permeating a floor’s substrate. But even though grout is durable and can last about a decade, factors such as time, the normal settling of a home, and improper initial application can cause grout to deteriorate more quickly than expected.

As a homeowner, you want to be aware of the danger signs and recognize when your grout may be due for a facelift as well as what your options are for fixing the problem.

Here are three signs that it’s time to renew the grout.  

The Reoccurring Mold Story

Mold is pretty common in bathrooms due to the constant moisture and humidity. In most cases, mold can be cleaned up fairly easily and at minimal cost or risk. However, if mold reoccurs in the same area, or permeates the surface of the tile, it’s quite probable that there’s a bigger problem—one that requires a fresh application of grout.

Grout itself is porous. As mold spreads over the surface of the grout, it is possibly also growing within it. To avoid potential health risks and maintain a healthy floor, if you notice reoccurring mold, contact a grouting professional as soon as possible.

Cracked Grout

If you notice that the grout lines between your tiles are cracked, chipped, or worn away altogether you want to replace the grout as soon as possible. Keep in mind that grout acts as a barrier between moisture and the underlying layers of your floor. Without a firm layer of grout between the tiles, you run the risk of extensive water damage below the tiling surface—a problem that can be very costly to fix.

Loose Tiling

Have you noticed that the tiling in your kitchen or bathroom floor seems a little loose? It may be a sign that it’s time to renew your grout. As the porous particles of grout begin to deteriorate, the spacing between the tiles increases which allows the tiles to shift. As a result, the tiles in your home may become unstable, presenting a hazard to yourself and your loved ones or pets. If the tile slippage is minor you may be able to fix the problem yourself. But if the grout has been in place for several years, it may be in your best interests to regrout.

We’re here to help

As a family-owned and operated business, Castles Home Service knows the value of making your home feel like a castle. With a passion for floor restoration and the experience to match, we are California’s natural stone cleaning and restoration experts. If the job seems a little more than you’re ready to take on, give us a call at (831) 444-0991, email us at info@castleshomeservice.com, or message us on our website: www.castleshomeservice.com.