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Does my shower grout need replacing?

PL59
Growing in Experience

Does my shower grout need replacing?

Hi All,

 

Pictures of my shower here https://imgur.com/a/PDtKPXu

 

The previous owner of the house I am living in now most likely did some DIY grouting. It grey and looks quite shoddy. I am thinking of getting a shower/tile regrout tradie to come and regrout. 

 

Any thoughts and advice? Still a newbie to home ownership!

 

Thank you

JacobZ
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Does my shower grout need replacing?

Hi @PL59,

 

Just to clarify a little bit, grout is used between the tiles on flat surfaces, and silicone is used between tiles in the corners. This is because silicone is flexible and will allow for slight movement, whereas grout is rigid and will crack if there is movement. 

 

Having a look at the photos, the grout doesn't look too bad. If anything, the grout could do with a clean, which you can do yourself using some Long Life Grout Cleaner and a Grout Brush.

 

The silicone, on the other hand, should be replaced. You can see in a few areas that the silicone has gaps that will allow water to get in behind, which can give mould a warm, moist place to grow.

 

 

If you wanted to get a tradie in to replace it, then this should be their focus.

 

Learning to apply silicone and gap fillers is fairly easy and it is a brilliant skill to have as a new homeowner. If you wanted to give it a try yourself, you can cut the silicone out using a utility knife, remembering to wear protective clothing and gloves. You can then follow How To Silicone a Gap for a step-by-step guide on how to replace it.  

 

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

 

Jacob

 

PL59
Growing in Experience

Re: Does my shower grout need replacing?

Thanks Jacob. Would this result in water damage to my bathroom if not addressed asap? Cheers

JacobZ
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Does my shower grout need replacing?

Hi @PL59,

 

As long as the waterproofing membrane beneath the tiles is intact, then it won't cause adverse water damage, but if increased amounts of moisture are allowed to get beneath the tiles, then mould will likely form.

 

If it can be fixed as soon as possible, that is ideal, but if it needs to wait a few weeks, it isn't the end of the world.

 

Let me know if you have any further questions.

 

Jacob

 

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