Whether you have loose tiles, need a change of scenery, or want to upgrade your home’s equity, you might want to consider regrouting.
We spend more time in the shower than we actually think. A research conducted by Energy Australia shows that 29% of Australians take a shower twice a day, while 9% are taking three showers every day. So, our bathrooms must not only be comfortable but clean and safe too.
Nobody wants to spend time in a dingy, dirty looking room. Through proper maintenance and minor repairs, you can enjoy your showers more and even save yourself time and money in the long run. You should never neglect your tiles, especially if you are spending the average 7 minutes in the shower.
The big question, however, is when do you know when it’s time for regrouting. In this article, we discuss the signs that indicate it’s time for you to contact your trusted shower seal tradie.
When should you regrout your shower tiles?
These signs likely indicate your shower tiles need some extra attention.
1. When tiles are loose
The first and most important sign that you need to put in fresh grout is when you notice loose tiles. As a rule, tiles should be firm and steadfast, so wobbly tiles are quite alarming indeed. The consequence is either a costly repair or full retiling, or an accident waiting to happen.
Why wait for any of these to occur when you can fix the problem with a simple regrouting? A timely regrouting can prevent tiles from chipping and breaking, as well as minimise your chance of slipping or tripping.
2. Mould that won’t go away
Noticed mould growth on the grout? Chances are it is underneath it too. It is not just unsightly; it poses health hazards as well. While some moulds are harmless, but there are kinds that cause allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue, and even cancer.
Don’t wait until it spreads all over your house and causes problems for everyone. Get on the phone and let professionals take care of the problem. First, they will remove the old grout, clean the spaces between tiles to get rid of mould spores and apply fresh grout. Depending on the areas affected, this may take some time, so make sure to plan ahead.
3. 15 years is a long time
Nothing lasts forever, and even grout has a lifespan and an expiration date. At most, it can survive up to 15 years without showing any signs of damage. Its longevity depends on whether the first-time installation was done correctly and effectively. As such, even if you don’t see any visible damages – such as crumbling – but know that it has been a while since the initial grouting, you should schedule an inspection.
If you bought the house but have no idea when the last grout was applied, this is all the more reason to contact your trusted tradie. Ask a professional to conduct an inspection and assess the risks as it is better to be safe than sorry.
4. Unsightly, discoloured tile grout
Discolouration can be due to a few things: the age of the grout, whether it was applied satisfactorily, dirt and oil stains, the use of steam mops, and the wrong cleaning chemicals. Whatever your case may be, it is recommended that you seek expert advice on tile regrouting. As they say, prevention is better than cure. In this case, it’s best to have it fixed before it causes damage and breaks the tiles. That will spare you from spending much more on removing and outfitting new tiles.
5. A desperate need for a change
Sometimes, you just desperately need a change but don’t want to break the bank. If you’re thinking of remodelling your shower, know that you don’t need to buy new and expensive tiles if the ones in your bathroom are still in perfect condition. You simply have to put in new grout to give your shower a fresh new look.
Choosing a new colour can make the room pop in a way you didn’t expect and give the room the mood that you are trying to achieve. You’ll also do the environment a big favour if you choose to revive your tiles instead of throwing them away.
6. Thinking of selling the house
You want to sell your house, and you want to get a good price. Giving the bathroom a fresh new look is a sure-fire way to boost the resale value of your home. After all, who wants to spend time in a drab and mouldy shower? You don’t have to shell out a huge amount of money in a complete renovation. Cleaning the bathroom tiles and putting in new grout would do the trick. This will help perk up the entire room and give you the resale value boost that you are looking for.
Should you do it yourself or hire a professional?
Grouting requires a lot of time and patience. While it is quite easy to do, doing it well is another story. The material itself does not cost much, so what you are really paying for is the skill that goes into the job. Regrouting shower tiles also requires some special tools that you might not have, thus adding to the overall cost of the project. So instead of breaking your back to remove, clean, and replace the grout, it’s wiser to let the professionals do the job. You can even ask them for care tips and advice and even discounts for multiple showers.
Count on our 20 years of experience
At Rila Tiling & Waterproofing, tiling, waterproofing, and bathroom renovations are our specialties. We can help you with bathroom and shower resealing without the expenses of a full bathroom renovation. Our experience spans 20 years, and we pride ourselves on our high level of workmanship and the quality materials that we use.
For your added peace of mind, know that we are fully insured and licensed tradesmen. Clients appreciate our friendly, reliable, and trustworthy service. Whether you are dealing with mould and mildew problems, have loose tiles and old grout to fix, or are simply looking to increase the resale value of your home, we are your one-stop-shop. Get in touch with us today to book an inspection.
