With so many materials, colors, and textures to choose from, it’s no wonder tile has become one of the most popular materials for bathrooms, kitchens, and virtually anywhere else in the home. Unfortunately, even the most beautiful tile flooring can look unsightly if the grout is cracking or discolored. The good news is that a professional grout cleaning company can restore your tile floors, walls, and counters to their original beauty. By understanding the common causes of grout damage, you may be able to keep your grout looking better longer after it is professionally cleaned and sealed.
Improper Installation
One of the most common reasons why grout cracks and/or separates is due to improper installation. Grout that is insufficiently packed into the joints between tiles will typically experience damage. If the grout was not installed properly, you should consider hiring a grout repair company to regrout your tile floor or countertop.
Incorrect Grout Mix
Although most homeowners use a pre-mixed grout formula, it’s not uncommon for contractors to mix their own grout when installing tile floors or countertops. Unfortunately, this is also one of the leading reasons why grout becomes damaged over time. Grout that is made with excessive water or polymer additives can cause result in pinhole damage that weakens the grout structure and eventually leads to cracking. Again, you may want to seek professional regrouting services if the grout was not mixed properly at the time of installation.
Unsealed Grout
Common tile grout is cement-based, which means it is a porous material that is susceptible to liquid seeping in. In addition to deep-set stains, water and other liquids can cause grout to deteriorate over time and may also lead to mold and mildew in between the tiles. That’s why sealing grout is so important, and why you should hire a grout cleaning and restoration service to seal your tile and grout to prevent stains and moisture damage.
