The grout is cracking and falling out at the base of the kitchen tile backsplash above the counter top. Here are my questions:
1. Should I regrout or caulk it? The man who installed the tile advised me to regrout because caulking turns yellow over time and is more difficult to remove/repair when doing regular maintenance.
2. If you think it should be regrouted, then how the heck do iIget the grout in at that 90 degree angle without getting it all over the solid surface countertop?
3. This Q has to do with a bath tub surround…Should a grout sealer be applied? If so, how would it affect spot regrouting in future years?
Thanks!
Replies
You seem to be referring to where the horizontal surface of the countertop meets the vertical surface of the backsplash.
If this is correct, caulk it. Changes in direction need caulk, because the movements of the house will crack the grout in such situations.
I don't know about the sealer, but I would apply it. If it needed repairs later, you repair and reseal.
Another day, another tool.
Thanks. That make sense given that it cracked a second time after the tile contractor regrouted it. I'll have to do the same with the tub. Should I wait for the grout to fall out or is there some type of small tile tool (a pick?) that will allow me to pick out the grout without damaging the counters and tub?
Knee, seasonal movement at the place the counter meets the wall happens. Two different things moving at two diff. rates. Ideally you should remove all the grout on the line just above the countertop. How big are the joints? And was the tile set on the counter or is there a full thickness grout line running on top of the counter? With a SS counter you are going to have to be extremely careful how you do it. You could MAYBE lay a pc. of laminate on the counter top and use a hand grout saw running it back and forth to remove the grout (if a big enough joint) or perhaps a stiff bladed putty knife if narrower joint. The important thing is to get all the loose stuff out. If the tile setter set the tile on the counter, you should be able to scrape (pulling the knife) away the chintzy coved grout.
A very small caulk joint in a color to match either the grout or the counter is the most appealing to the eye. You run the caulk along the seam and use a damp cloth (not colored) to wipe away what you cant take away tooling with your finger. Cove the damp cloth so you don't wipe away too much. Try to remove most of the thin residue, the rest should wipe away with a dry finger after it's set. I'll wipe away any that go up the verical joints while wiping with the damp cloth. Looks like a dotted line otherwise. Grout color matched caulk can be had from a good tile supplier. Same goes for the counter top color, tho that is usually silicone and tooling/cleanup are done with mineral spirits. Again, how big a grout joint where the tile meets the top? Best of luck if I haven't confused you.__________________________________________
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/