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How to fill small gaps between tiles and wall?

Jill1919

Hello Everyone,

I live in a 2 storey property, in the bathroom/toilet on 2nd level, I start to see more and more of those small gaps between tiles and the wall. I wonder what is the best way to get those fixed? Is this something I should be too worried about?

Thanks a lot.

Jill

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Jill1919. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about tile grout.

It's fairly normal to see grouted joints between walls and floors crack, so there's nothing to be particularly worried about. There's a fair bit of movement in those joints, and as a result the non-flexible grout cracks over time. You could either remove the compromised and loose grout and replace it with new grout, or you might choose to go with a flexible silicone. My advice would be to go with silicone, but it will differ in appearance from the grout.

Here are a few helpful guides: How to remove grout, How to grout tiles and How to apply silicone sealant.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Jill1919

Thanks a lot @MitchellMc ! These tiles are on the floor, I wonder whether people use silicone for those tiles on floor as well?

MitchellMc

Hi @Jill1919,

Grout is used between tiles on the floor, but when they meet the wall, silicone is often used instead to mitigate this issue. However, quite often, grout is used at this wall joint, and it then needs to be repaired later down the track, as you're experiencing.

Mitchell

cserban

Hi Jill,

i did a bit of search in relation to very small gap or no gap between. No one talks on how to fix this. I made a mistake giving someone I knew the job to tail bathroom. The tiles are installed ok on walls, cannot complain, but Now I have isdues with some portion in the shower. The bottom tiles almost sit on the floor types with gap of 1 mm or no gap. Same with one of the corners, 1-2. mm gap only. Any grouse there because of small spare, most came out. My question is. Can I use a Dimond disk to enlarge the gap slightly without touching the waterproof membrane. A 3 mm gap 3-4 mm dip I think would be good enough to apply new grout. What do you think.
Regards, Con

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @cserban. It's amazing to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about filling gaps.

I wouldn’t recommend using a diamond disc to cut a channel for new grout, as this could cause more harm than good, particularly if you risk damaging the waterproof membrane. Instead, I’d suggest filling the gap with a wet area silicone. Silicone is flexible, water-resistant, and will effectively seal the space to prevent water penetration.

If you’re finding that grout isn’t staying in place due to the narrow gaps, silicone is a much better alternative, especially in areas prone to movement and moisture, like shower bases and corners.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

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