How to fix cracked and missing grout and silicon in shower?

[ppp]

Hello Everyone,

We have got 2 showers, are 7 years old, roughly used by kids. Looks like some maintenance need to be done. Request someone guide me how to proceed on these. 

Attaching photos here.

Issues are like
1) Cracked/broken tile grout
2) Also, grout has come off completely at one place (about 10cm length).

3) And Silicon at corners (where tile meets wall) is coming off too.

About 10cm tile grout has come offGrout has come offSilicon has come off at cornerBroken tile grout

Thank you very much for your time.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @ppp,

For cracked or broken grout, carefully remove the damaged grout with a grout removal tool or utility knife, clean the area thoroughly, and then apply fresh grout using a grout float, pressing it firmly into the joints. Wipe off any excess with a damp sponge and allow it to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For sections where grout is completely missing, follow the same process, taking extra care to smooth it so it blends with the surrounding grout. 

For silicone that is coming off at the corners, cut away the old silicone with a utility knife or silicone remover tool, clean and dry the area thoroughly, and then apply a new bathroom-grade silicone sealant along the joint, smoothing it with a wet finger or finishing tool. Be sure to wear gloves, ventilate the bathroom, and avoid heavy water use on the repaired areas until the grout and silicone have fully set to ensure a long-lasting repair.

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

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[ppp]

Thank you Mitch

[ppp]

Hi @MitchellMc 

Can you please confirm whether these product choices are good for this project?
Currently I have is cement-based grout.

1) Davco Light Grey Sanitized® Colorgrout
2)Davco 1L 4 In 1 Grout Additive
3)Davco® Sanitized Tile & Grout Sealer

And Selleys 300g White Wet Area Waterproof Silicone Sealant for wall and floor corners. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @ppp,

Yes, those products will all work fine for your project.

Good luck with everything, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[ppp]

Hello @JacobZ @MitchellMc 

One more question please.

i have completed the grouting as per the instructions mixed with davco 4 in 1 additive too. Also done the silicone.

Now I’m into final step of applying sealer.

I did a small test of dropping small amount of water on the grout and can see water is not absorbed even after 15 minutes. It just sits on grout. ChatGPT says it is because of davco additive.

So now question - Is it necessary to apply davco tile & grout sealer as it does not absorb anyway? 

I have waited about 5 days to dry and test this.

[JacobZ]

Hi @ppp,

I'm glad to hear things have gone well so far. 

In most cases, you don’t need to apply an additional grout sealer when you’ve mixed the grout with Davco 4-in-1. Applying a separate sealer over the top won’t hurt the grout, but it’s generally unnecessary because the additive has already sealed the pores internally. If you were to add a surface sealer, it might not even bond properly since the grout isn’t absorbing liquids anymore.

Your best next step is simply to keep the grout clean and avoid harsh cleaners for the first week or two while it continues to cure fully. 

After that, normal maintenance should be enough. If you find in the future that the grout starts to absorb water, you can always add the sealer later on.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[ppp]

Thank you very much mate