How to Repair Missing Grout From Floor Tiles

Cracking grout, especially in wet areas, only gets worse over time.

Tile floors are fairly resilient to lots of hard traffic, but the grout that holds them together may not be so well made. Grout is easily chipped when heavy objects are dropped onto it. In wet areas such as the kitchen grout may be weakened by moisture. Grout bonds the tiles together and prevents leaks from entering the subfloor. If the grout is weakened you run the chance of ruining your subfloor and the other tile along with it.

Things You'll Need

• Putty knife
• Vacuum
• Grout
• Grout float
• Glove
• Sponge
• Grout sealer
• Paint brush

Instructions

1. Remove a sample of your grout from the floor and take it to your local hardware store. Ask them if they can match the color. Most hardware stores will provide this service free of charge.

2. Pry out the old grout using a utility knife so that the new grout will adhere properly.

3. Vacuum the dust from the grout out from the area to prevent contamination of the new grout.

4. Mix the grout according to the packaging instructions and apply the grout using a gloved finger or with a grout float to the line between the tiles. Wipe any grout that comes out onto the tile using a sponge then let the grout dry.

5. Apply a grout sealer to the top of the new grout using a paint brush to seal the grout and prevent future cracks.

References

• Natural Handyman: Ceramic Tile Repair, Installation and Maintenance
• Home Construction and Improvement: How To Repair Hairline Cracks in Tile Grout Lines
• Ask the Builder: Floor Grout Repairs