Replace grout in porcelain bathroom floor tiles

by **emerald** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 9:17 am

Hello. The grout in between the procelain floor tiles in the bathroom is breaking up and coming out in chunks. My 2 year old handed me a large piece this morning!! How do I remove and replace the grout without damaing the tiles...and what is the best grout to use. Note: the floor seems to move under the tiles too...no DIY experience so all the advice you can give me would be much appreciated. It would seem like the best thing might be to lay a vinyl instead but the tiles were very expensive. Thank you.

by **ALDA** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 1:02 pm

E,

If as you say the floor appears to move, then replacing the grout will be a waste of time and money in the long run as the same situation will arise again and sooner rather than later.

You need to have the floor reinforced/strengthened before you re-tile.

As you say the tiles were expensive, i was wondering if you wittnessed the installation?

Did installer lay boarding on top of existing flooring before tiling?

In any case the flooring needs to be re-done using appropriate materials and methods of installation.

You may well be able to save the tiles; if they are laid incorrectly they will come up fairly easily. Its worth a try to salvage them!!

ALDA.

by **rosebery** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:12 am

EVERY wooden floor moves whether it's tiled or not and you'll not stop it you just have to mitiate the effect under tiles.

A couple of questions which ned answering before taking drastic action.

1. As ALDA says did you see exactly what the tiler did?

2. How long ago were the tiles laid?

3. What is the width of the grout lines between tiles?

4. How big is the tiled area?

5. What size are the tiles?

6. Do you know what adhesive and grout he used?

Cheers