Shower Re-grouting: Three Fundamental Steps for Effective Sealing
If the grout in your shower is failing, you should plan on conducting immediate repairs. Grout is essential because it forms a protective seal between tiles. The material prevents penetration of water and subsequent leakage into the underlying floor. Unfortunately, this product does not last forever after application due to natural wear and constant exposure to moisture, which creates a need for re-grouting and sealing.
Over time, it will crumble and break, leaving the house vulnerable to leakage. If you have noticed this problem in your home, you should plan for the removal of the old grout and the application of fresh material. In addition, consider protecting the new grout by applying a sealer to prevent premature failure of the grout. Here are core steps to help you handle the sealing work.
Clean the Grout
You should clean the grouting in your shower before applying the sealer. Direct application without cleaning will minimise the bonding process, reducing the effectiveness of the seal. This process is quite simple for fresh grout because of the absence of discolouration. In general, you will only need to use a scrub pad to clean off dust and other particles before wiping the surface. Allow enough time for the grout to dry before proceeding. You can check the optimal period from the sealer packaging.
Compare Sealers
It is advisable to compare the different sealers on the market and choose the most appropriate for your usage. Do not select a product based only on popularity and price. Instead, look at the performance and the durability of the options. The common grout sealers are categorised as membrane-forming and penetrating. Both have their merits. However, the penetrating is more favourable for use in shower areas because of the high water volume flow. The sealer fills in the pores in the grout, reducing the risk of water damage.
Coat the Grout
Applying your sealer to the grout is quite simple. However, the ease of the process will depend on the chosen applicator tool for the task. The most convenient option is the use of a spray bottle. This approach is fast, but it is not always the best because it covers more than the grout. Where possible, you should purchase a specialty applicator bottle designed for use on grout lines. However, if you cannot acquire this, you can use a brush or a sponge for the same purpose. For the best results, wipe off the excess material from the tiling.
Finally, you should allow the fresh sealer coat to cure completely before using the shower.
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