Ceramic tile floors are a popular flooring option among homeowners for many reasons. Thanks to the wide array of styles, textures and colors they come in ceramic tiles offer great design flexibility. They are also affordable and easy to maintain. They can also remain in good shape for several years, especially when you regrout them periodically. It is vital that you regrout your ceramic tiles because grout tends to crack, crumble and discolor with time. When you regrout, it helps to restore the beauty of your floor. Some guidelines are given below to help you achieve good results.
1. Floor Preparation
A clean floor is vital to how well you’re able to regrout. Use a grout cleaner to rid the floor of all dust, dirt, grime, soap residues and mildew. Allow the floor to dry well. Purchase a grout saw from a home improvement store. It helps to break away the loose grout. Any loose material between the tiles will begin to fall off later and negate your hard work. Use a vacuum to suck in the dust and debris. You then need to dampen the areas where you intend to apply grout with a wet rag. The moisture facilitates proper adhesion.
2. Use a Release Agent
It is vital that you apply a release agent to the tiles since they are porous. It will ensure that the grout doesn’t stick to the tile surface as you work which ensures an effective job.
3. Right Choice of Grout
Select a grout that matches in color to the one on your floor. You may want to take a small piece along with you when you go to purchase. This way, you’re bound to get a perfect match for your floor. You also need to determine if you need the sanded or un-sanded grout. The sanded grout is more suitable on tiled floors with wider gaps between the tiles. The gaps exceed 1/8 inch. The sand enhances the cohesive ability of the grout. Un-sanded grout works better on floors with gaps that are less than 1/8 inch. This grout doesn’t require the tensile strength needed for larger gaps. Lack of sand in the grout enables it to flow more efficiently into the small gaps.
4. Catch the Flaws
It is a good idea to take some time to carefully inspect your floor after the grout has dried. Ideally, this should be done about 15 minutes after you complete application. Grout may shrink as it dries which may create some imperfections on your floor. You may spot some grooves that have gaps or other areas that need attention. Repeat grout application where necessary and clear excess grout.
5. Sealer
Do not forget to apply sealer as a final step. It helps to prevent absorption of moisture which contributes to the durability of the new grout. Sealer also helps to prevent stains and mildew. This helps to maintain the attractive appearance of your floor for longer.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
