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NFT: Re-Grout or Re-Caulk Shower Tile

UConn4523 : 10/13/2015 10:56 am
anyone have preference. I need to re-do the tile in my shower and its all grout from what I can tell. It was either a bad grout job or just normal wear and tear, but the grout is shrinking and chipping, and a small amount of water is getting into the cracks along the base of the shower (the tiles on the wall are in great shape, this would just be the flooring).

Any recommendations as to which route would be better?
The flat surface you stand on  
Randy in CT : 10/13/2015 10:57 am : link
should be grouted and then sealed well.

Where it meets the wall, use a good silicone. Grout will eventually crack there.
caulking seems like the quick fix  
UConn4523 : 10/13/2015 10:58 am : link
whereas grout is more labor intensive, but is better with mold from what i've been reading...
Randy  
UConn4523 : 10/13/2015 11:01 am : link
the tiles i'm standing on are in great shape and are grouted. Its basically the tiles outlining the base of the shower that provide a 3 or 4 inch lip around the shower that are starting to crack. On top of the lip is where the glass lays and that looks like its caulked and hasn't been an issue. Its' really just the wall of tile between the floor and the bottom of the glass.
Both - regrout and make sure all the cracks are filled  
jcn56 : 10/13/2015 11:03 am : link
and then in areas where water collects, be sure to put some silicone caulk over it. You can get sanded caulk that will match the grout from one of the big box stores.
that seems like a good option  
UConn4523 : 10/13/2015 11:06 am : link
so essentially fully re-grout then use caulk in the areas that get the most water saturation like in corners?

I'm not that handy but what I've read and watched online that is more tedious than it is difficult, correct?

I can't do it until next weekend so i'm going ot have to deal with some water getting in cracks. I'm assuming that as long as its minimal it won't cause any major issues?
the corners where the wall meets the base  
gidiefor : Mod : 10/13/2015 11:13 am : link
needs to be caulked in any event -- evaluating the condition of the grout is another issue -- if there is enough of it - caulk may be enough - and you may need to recaulk regularly (every few years)
there seems to be enough grout there  
UConn4523 : 10/13/2015 11:17 am : link
it just recessed a bid and water is getting in. Very minor but i'm starting to notice it. Just going over the existing grout with a good caulk would work?
Strongly recommend  
RinR : 10/13/2015 11:19 am : link
getting all the old grout out. It is a labor intensive job in small quarters but it will last much longer. Unless of course you just need a temp fix because your're going to rip it all out in a year or two.
no, the bathroom is in awesome shape  
UConn4523 : 10/13/2015 11:22 am : link
we've been in the house 2 months and it was fully renovated a couple years back. Just needs to be re-done along the base which I don't really have a problem taking the time to do, just want to make sure I do it the right way.
They sell grout knives and cutters  
jcn56 : 10/13/2015 11:23 am : link
Use them and just knock out what you can that's ready to fall out, then regrout. Grouting is easy - just buy good quality grout, follow the directions wrt mixing and grout. Make sure you clean up once it's dried and that you don't go too thick, otherwise you'll end up with grout haze all over the tiles that's a pain in the ass to remove.

At the edges where water collects, run a thin bead of calk with a caulk gun then take a wet finger and run across the length to smooth it out.

Not a hard repair, and with a little patience it'll look nice.
thanks guys  
UConn4523 : 10/13/2015 11:27 am : link
I appreciate it. My many searches recommend various things but BBI generally trumps those forums.
RE: there seems to be enough grout there  
gidiefor : Mod : 10/13/2015 12:28 pm : link
In comment 12546707 UConn4523 said:
Quote:
it just recessed a bid and water is getting in. Very minor but i'm starting to notice it. Just going over the existing grout with a good caulk would work?


This is a judgement call - imo - but the grout at the edges is usually the first to go -- and if the cracking is minor and there is enough material (grout) still there you can get away with caulking -- if the cracking is extensive then you would be better off regrouting
haha  
I Love Clams Casino : 10/13/2015 12:43 pm : link
I had a very similar post a few months back...listen to these guys, they know the deal....grout on the vertical wall surface, and caulk where the tile meets the top of the tub.

I had grout in there too and it was always a mess. Since I chipped out the grout and laid a nice neat bead of caulk, the shower/tub is always sparkly clean.
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