How to fix cracks and missing grout in the shower?

[Josh86]

Hi, I’ve noticed a few cracks in my shower grout. Some are just hairline cracks in the grout at the base, while one section in the wall corner appears to be missing grout altogether. What’s the best way to fix this?

 

 

[EricL]

Hello @Josh86 

Thanks for sharing your question about your tile grout. I suggest using a QEP Professional Grout Saw to remove all of the defective grout. Once you have cleaned the tile gaps, I suggest using Dunlop 800g Ready-To-Go Coloured Grout to fill in the tile gaps. To flatten the grout, I recommend the QEP 6" Handyman Squeegee. Please remember to clean the surface of the tile with a large sponge as you go.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to grout wall tiles.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Josh86]

Thanks for the detailed advice! I appreciate the product recommendations and the step-by-step guidance. I’ll definitely give this a try and let you know how it goes! Just wondering—do I need to remove all of the grout on the floor, or can I just scrape away the cracked areas and refill?

[EricL]

Hello @Josh86 

You can remove just the damaged areas especially if it appears that most of the grout is still in good condition. But if it is dusty and it looks like it is starting to deteriorate, then it would be best to remove those sections as well. 

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

[Josh86]

I’ve removed the old grout, but in some spots it came out deeper than I expected, probably because it was affected by moisture. Is it still okay to apply new grout, or does this suggest there’s another underlying issue?

 

  

 

[Josh86]

Hi all,

I’ve been removing the old grout from my shower floor to re-grout it. Some of the old grout was pretty soft and crumbly, so it came out really easily, but now I’m worried I’ve gone too deep in places, up to 20mm (you can see in the photos).

Do you think this depth is an issue? Any suggestions on how I should proceed before regrouting?

Thanks!

   

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Josh86,

It is hard to say with 100% certainty, but it doesn't look like something I'd be too concerned about. You would notice the difference when going through softened grout and then hitting a solid fibre cement sheet or concrete.

When you say deeper than you thought, how deep are you talking?

If you grab a ruler and stick it in the deepest spot, how deep is it?

Is there anywhere you can see the edge of a tile to gauge how thick they are?

If the ruler goes deeper than the thickness of the tile, plus about 10mm for tile adhesive, then there might be cause for concern; however, looking through that tile gap, I see what looks like tile adhesive rather than a waterproofing membrane, which makes me think you haven't gone too deep.

Allow me to tag our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their thoughts.

Jacob

[Josh86]

About 25mm in this deepest spot. I can still scrape out a wet sandy substance when I stick the steel ruler in that spot. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Josh86,

Is it a first floor bathroom and do you have a concrete slab?

It could be the screed bed beneath your tiles.

If this is the case, the waterproofing is more often than not below the screed bed, so it still wouldn't be much to worry about.

I'll wait for your answer.

Jacob

[Josh86]

Hi Jacob,

Thanks for your message.

Yes, it’s on the first floor and the bathroom is on a concrete slab.

If it’s the screed bed beneath the tiles, does that change anything? Keen to hear your thoughts.

Cheers,

Josh