How to fix cracked grout in shower corner

Hi All,

My wife and I bought a house in November that was recently renovated including the bathroom. Lately we're noticing that the corners and lining along the tub have cracks in the grout that look like they are getting worse over time.

I'm not particularly handy but I'm willing to learn. Can anyone tell me what the best way to deal with this issue is, the right way, to make sure we don't have any moisture/mold problems down the road?

https://imgur.com/a/KMDefnC

Edit: Thanks everyone for the insights! I really appreciate it. Guess I have a weekend project on my hands ^_^

TILEEpoxy vs. Cement Grout — What's the Difference?

Grout is grout, right? Nope. Cement and epoxy versions have different appearances, durability and rules of installation

1. Each cracked grout repair job is different, so you'll want to carefully select the tools you use to grind down and remove damaged sections.

   For example, grout blades are angled and curved differently. Look for a multi-tool that you can adjust or find a one-off tool that works for the job at hand.

2. Using your dremel or grout blade, grind down the cracks or crumbling grout so that you can easily replace it. Start with the sections where the grout grooves are deepest and work your way back.

   Aim for uniformity throughout; no uneven edges or rough patches. This step will set you up for success later when you place new grout in the area.

3. Next, you’ll need to remove what’s left of your cracked grout. For grout that’s already loose and easy to remove, you can do it by hand. The more difficult-to-access pieces should be jarred loose during the grinding-down process.

   You should always remove as much of the old grout as you can before adding a new layer. Otherwise, newly applied ground won't bond correctly to the surrounding surfaces, creating an even bigger headache later on.

4. Unless you’re replacing all the grout in your space, you’ll need to find a replacement that’s as close to the original color as possible. Otherwise, it’ll be very obvious where you regrout.

   You can get help by taking a piece of your old grout to a home improvement store. An employee might be able to color-match the sample to one of their products.

5. 

   Photo: Alexander Pytskiy/iStock / Getty Images Plus / GettyImages

   If you purchased a mixable grout, start by mixing grout powder with water per the instructions. Read the instructions and product labels carefully to get the ratio correct.

   Pour a quarter to a half-gallon of grout over the tiles that you’re regrouting. You can also use a putty knife if it's a smaller section. Using a rubber grout float, spread the material evenly over the edges. Move the grout float in sweeping circles to help move it evenly across the tiles and into the crevices.

   Avoid putting too much grout on the tiles at one time. It's better to start with small layers and add more later. You'll need to wipe any excess grout off the surrounding tile before it dries to prevent it from adhering to surface tiles.

6. Whether you’re fixing the grout on your floor or your walls, you’ll need to let it dry completely before walking on the surface or allowing water to come into contact with it. Drying times vary by product, but normally grout requires 48 hours to fully cure.

7. An easy way to keep your grout looking its best—and prevent future cracks—is by sealing it. This step is an investment in keeping your grout looking its best for a long time, and it ensures that it will last as long as possible. You'll reduce the likelihood of future cracks and holes—as well as mold—by using a grout sealant.

   Once the grout is dry, use a ¼ cup of vinegar mixed with eight ounces of water in a spray bottle to wipe down the area. This step removes impurities and also helps disinfect the area. Be sure to wait the appropriate amount of dry time per instructions.

   Apply a thin coat of the appropriate sealant with a sponge, quickly wiping any excess off before it has the chance to dry. Apply between two to three coats, being sure to allow an hour of drying time between each layer.

   The type of sealant you use varies depending on the type of surface. For instance, your bathroom will probably see more moisture than your living room floor, so you’d want to make sure any sealant you use in that area has a waterproof component.

Specific Inspection Topics Interior Inspections

Not an inspection question, this is just a problem in my house. The grout has cracked in several places in both the tiled showers in my house. Mainly in the corners of the shower walls.

There is a little movement in the foundation due to drainage issues that are being resolved, but the grout has been cracking in the past 6 months or so.

I’m planning on renovating the master shower/tile in the next year or so, so I just wanted a quick fix. I cleaned out the grout that was cracking in the corners of the shower and replaced it with silicone caulking. When I removed the grout it comes out pretty easy in places. Even flakes off if you scrape it with a fingernail in areas that aren’t cracked.

This crack is continuing down from the drywall (if you can see it) down through the grout on the second floor.

I haven’t done a lot of tile and grout work. Best way to repair?

Silicone is flexible so that should work. They also make a tape like silicone that is wide enough to cover gaps.

Otherwise there are not to many alternatives that do not involve removing or covering the shower wall with a surround.

HEY John, I am a tile guy, in my other life. Corners are notorious for cracking unless they are caulked. That is unsanded grout and it has a tendency to flake out, usually can be removed easily with utility knife. You can silicone the corners(which sounds like what you have done) and regrout the rest. If you want to do more you could regrout with Laticrete Permacolor grout. Regrouting with caulk or silicone will take a long time and probably not worth it.
Jim

It could be a systemic problem with the grout itself. Grout that is not allowed to cure properly before being sealed (3 days min, even up to 7 days) or applied with too much water on the grout sponge will be weak and crack.

If you think it is a grout problem, remove the old grout, properly reapply the grout and seal it.

Yep
Throw water on the grout and see if it changes color to know if it is sealed.

Jim is right, tiled corners are notorious for cracking. Unless you have a waterproof membrane system behind the tile, it could turn into a problem.
Silicone it after you have removed the loose grout and regrouted fresh. Clear silicone or get a silicone match for the color.

Great! Thanks for the replies - I guess I was on the right track after all with the silicone.

And yes the grout turns dark instantly when it gets wet. Is it too late to seal the grout that is already there? Built 2004.

http://www.efaucets.com/detail.asp?Product_ID=3636Y1.SR.020&cm_mmc=portals--Google--product-_-3636Y1.SR.020&CAWELAID=341952072

looks like what I’ve got

Sell the house!! :p:roll::shock::twisted:

John you can reseal the grout any time. Most sealer manufacturers recommend sealing every few years. Make sure to follow directions on bottle, and have fun.

I’ve confidently used the sanded/unsanded tile caulk products at all corner and floor to wall joints… silicone, IMO, looks like Harry Homeowner crap.

The tile caulk products are desinged for these areas and shouldn’t give you as much trouble…

In a vanilla white unsanded install, maybe silicone looks OK, other than that, do it right

You can find some at big box stores like http://www.homedepot.com/buy/paint/caulking-sealants/polyblend/ceramic-tile-caulk-sanded-122-linen-96285.html or DAL tile or your local Tile supply house.

Good luck

I agree Tim;

Any time that two areas of tile join each other in a 90-degree angle, particularly at horizontal planes, caulk needs to be inserted in place of grout as a joint filler. Simply purchase caulk which matches the color and texture of the grout to ensure a cohesive look.

For example, if white, sanded grout is used on the wall tile of a shower, white, sanded caulk should be used in the join between the shower walls and floor.

Tile caulk is an important part of nearly every wall tile, glass tile and shower tile application. Utilizing this material will help keep the tile job looking great for years to come, while protecting walls and floors from water damage. Use tile caulk the next time a tile installation is undertaken and know that the tile job is built to last.

Jim is right, tiled corners are notorious for cracking. Unless you have a waterproof membrane system behind the tile, it could turn into a problem.
Silicone it after you have removed the loose grout and regrouted fresh. Clear silicone or get a silicone match for the color.

I have the same exact problem as Jim on a shower in a new construction home that I have lived in for 7 months.

Are you saying that after regrouting that corner, that a 100% silicone caulk should be applied afterwards?

I have the same exact problem as Jim on a shower in a new construction home that I have lived in for 7 months.

Are you saying that after regrouting that corner, that a 100% silicone caulk should be applied afterwards?

Yes, (after it is dry, of course) you can use silicone or order a colored one to match the grout at a tile supplier.

Corners should not be grouted at all. Use caulk at all corners and transitions like between the tub or shower and the tile wall. You can use regular caulking and match by color or if the gap between tiles is greater than 1/8 inch, use the sanded caulking.

The big box stores keep the specialized caulk in the tile department, not in the painting section. They carry a variety of colors of both regular and sanded caulk.

The best site for tile information is www.johnbridge.com

I have the same exact problem as Jim on a shower in a new construction home that I have lived in for 7 months.

Are you saying that after regrouting that corner, that a 100% silicone caulk should be applied afterwards?

Don’t re-grout. Clean out the corner joint and Use what Tim recommended.

I’ve used similar (different brand) many times, works and looks good. It’s flexible caulk (stays soft) that looks like grout, like Marcel said, you can color match with existing grout.

And what Steve explained while I was typing. :mrgreen:

OK Marcel…

Caulk or grout? :mrgreen:

I’d say better left alone, looks just great the way it is.
But might want to monitor daily for any activity.

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