Shower Tile Grouting Tips

Shower regrouting is a term used for the process of changing the tile shower liner or grout. Sometimes called replacement or remodelling, this process is also referred to as “regrowing” the tile. There are several reasons why a bathroom may need to regrout its shower stall. These reasons can include: cracked or chipped tile, hard water deposits, bad installation, and deteriorating grout.

Price and Process

The price of shower regrouting varies depending on the tile, the materials, and the quality of the tile. Tile grouting involves removing old tile and replacing it with new tile. It can be a very expensive and time-consuming project. The first step in the process is to measure where the tile will be moved. This will help the builder to choose the right size and shape of the new tile. Other important measurements include those required to fit the new grout and to fit the shower fixtures such as showerheads and soap dishes.

Once measurements have been taken, they need to be interpreted carefully. Each piece of grout needs to be cut into pieces that will fit correctly with the walls and other fixtures in the shower. Shower regrouting typically takes two people about an hour to complete. In some cases the pieces of grout need to be fitted and levelled before the rest of the project is started. This can make it difficult to work in small areas and will require a good amount of time to complete.

New Tile

After the shower grouting is complete, a new tile should be installed. Many tile installers prefer to use a bonded adhesive rather than a water-based adhesive. In older shower houses the grout was sealed using a mortar and allowed to dry before the tile was installed. Water-based adhesives weaken mortar and cause problems during the regrouting process. In recent years companies have introduced resin-based adhesives that are much stronger and are less likely to weaken the mortar.

In addition to putting a new grout on the tile surface, a waterproof sealer should also be applied to the walls and shower floor. This will help prevent slips and will also extend the life of the grout. Before applying the sealant any cracks or small holes must be plugged. Any small gaps around the shower drain should be sealed. The sealant will be applied after the grout has been installed and dried.

Other Repairs

In older homes, the shower and bathtub often had a separate membrane. This membrane was filled with lime and sand and tacked to the interior of the shower and tub. Removing this membrane is one of the main reasons regrouping is necessary. If the shower and tub are brand new, then there will not be any need for grouting. However, if the existing grout is cracked, chipped or damaged in any way it is necessary to repair or replace it.

When homeowners decide to regrout their shower and tub, they usually hire a professional company to do the job. Many homeowners, however, attempt to do the job themselves. Unfortunately, many do not take the time to carefully measure the area where the tiles will be installed and make sure that the tile size will fit. Other homeowners do not take the time to purchase quality tile supplies and tools and even fail to read through the proper instructions for tile installation.

Fortunately, there are many guides available to help with shower tile and grout installation. One such book is “Shower Regrouting – Installing Your Tile Over Grout” by Richard A. Mack. This book has helped to save thousands of dollars in bathroom remodelling projects because it explains how to correctly install the shower tile and grout. It also explains how to properly clean and care for non-sanded grout. Also, many of the tips provided in this book can be duplicated for traditional ceramic and porcelain shower tiles as well.