Hi all,
I’m a DIY’er who did a complete bathroom remodel about 9 months ago. I did all the tile work myself, and the finished product came out looking good, all things considered. However, I’m now noticing some hairline cracks in the grout joints. I’m wondering if this is normal or did I screw something up in the process? Also, what would be the best way to fix these?
FYI, this is a 3″x5″ “subway tile” applied over a cement backerboard, if that makes any difference.
Thanks for the advice!
Replies
Floors or walls?
What is the structure under the Hardie?
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
This is on the walls. The backerboard was applied over the existing 2x4 wall studs. House was built in the 50's if that matters.
It may be that the grout was a little too wet, or you didn't work it in well enough. Or could be due to simple temperature/humidity action on the framing, especially if you did the work during the dry winter (don't we all).
What's the thickness of the grout line? There's sanded and unsanded grout, and the one's recommended for larger joints and the other for smaller.
The grout line is less than 1/8" and I used unsanded grout, which was recommended to me by the tile shop that I bought from.
Any suggestions on how to fix these? Do I need to remove the cracked grout and regrout, or can I mix a "watery" grout and work it into the cracks?
Unsanded does have a tendency to crack if too much water is added when mixing.
Best bet it to remove and replace.
They do make little grout saws, but they take forever.
Best bet for a one-time deal is usually a diamond bit in a dremel tool. Bit looks like an unfluted drill bit covered with diamond dust. Cost a few dollars a piece. Hold the dremel at an angle and draw it throug the grout.
Cuts like buddah.
Make sure you don't plunge into the backer board, also don't walk the bit over the surface of the tile.
Very dusty.
I have had some luck with "cutting" out unsanded grout in tile set tight. The grout is not too thick, nor wide when you get down a bit. Utility knife, 2 passes, each at a different angle. If the grout was too wet, you may find those cracks every where. If the sponge was too wet, you may get lucky and only have a few feet to do. I've found it just keeps growing once you start. Color, even w/white is the hard part of patching in. Best of luck. Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Before doing anything, I would closely analyze the cracks in the grout. What you see may give you a clue to what is causing the problem. This could save you some work.
I don't know if you have access to this equipment, but if you do, it might help. If you can get, borrow, rent one of the new 8 megapixel digital cameras, take some pictures of all of the tiled areas. The cameras are so sensitive that on a good monitor, you will see flaws that you cannot see with the naked eye. You may see a new pattern of cracks or discoloration emerging that will help your analysis.Les Barrett Quality Construction