How to Remove and Replace Grout?
Ceramic tiles are
unquestionably one of the most durable tiling solutions when it comes to leaky
bathrooms. Not only are they the most durable, but they are perhaps the most
water-resistant. However, it’s the grout that you use that ultimately
determines the life expectancy of any tile.
Most grouts are
porous and soft and therefore prone to stains and damage, but with a little
maintenance you can prevent your grout from future damage. However, if you
neglect your grout, repairing it can be a difficult, time consuming and costly
task.
Megasealed has
you covered with our ‘how-to’ guide when it comes to replacing grout. And with
over 23 years under our belt, these are the tried and tested tricks of the
trade.
Budding DIY-ers pay close attention.
1. How to clean grout
With the bathroom
being one of the most frequented rooms in the house, it is no wonder grout
often gets dirty. It is not unusual to see a buildup of soap scum, mould and
even dirt in your grout, so the first order of business is to buy a stiff-bristle
brush.
Using a strong
gumption, a brush and a fair amount of elbow grease you should be able to
easily remove any soap scum or dirt from in between your tiles. However,
stubborn stains may need some extra attention - Try soaking the tiles in bleach
for 10 minutes before you get down to scrubbing - Rinse and repeat until the
stain is gone.
This should get
rid of mould and stains quick-smart and will leave your tiles looking good as
new.
2. How to Remove Grout
If after your
initial clean you can still see stains this might mean you have a leak. For
more on fixing leaks read our How To Fix A Leaking Shower article and get one step closer to that hassle
free bathroom.
The most
foolproof way of preventing any further damage is to remove and replace the
grout. The easiest way to remove grout is with specialised de-grouting tools.
Everything you need should be supplied at your local bunnings, including:
- Protective gloves and goggles
- A multi-tool
to remove grout, and
- A grout saw to remove the hard to reach
grout without damaging the tiles
Pro Tip: For
DIY-ers, an oscillating multitool is your ‘top of the line’ de-grouting tool,
but this might be hard to get if you’re on a strict budget.
3. Applying Epoxy Grout
After all the
grout is removed it’s time to prepare a grout mixture. Megasealed’s two-part
epoxy grout Megagrout is the top of the line grout mixture and comes in a range
of colours to suit all bathrooms.
Then hire a grout
float to deeply fill the tile joints, waiting up to 30 minutes before you
remove any excess grout mix. In most cases grout takes up to 36 hours to dry,
but to be totally safe we suggest letting it set for a full 48 hours before you
use your bathroom again.
While this sounds simple enough, this can be a tough task for even the
handiest of men, so why not get in touch with us here. Megasealed is the largest
company in the industry. We have the most ISO accredited technicians handling
the largest volume of clients across the country.
Plus we have
one of the fastest turn-around services in the business. We complete most jobs
within 48 hours of quoting – helped by having consultants and technicians in
your local area.
To arrange for your local Megasealed consultant to do
an in-home no obligation free quote call us on 1300 658 007.
