Grout Repair Versus Reconstruction

By Ian Kleine

Grout repairing consists of chipping the old grout away with a device, place in new grout, and then reapplying the same steps employed earlier during the time when the grout was first made. Repairs usually just run along the same side of reconstruction; but unlike the latter, repairs can only cover a small portion of the entire area of the affected grout. Repairs require that you have the exact grout material used in the original grout, or else, you will end up with differently toned grout. This would destroy the aesthetic value of the surface and ruin it.

Reconstruction of grout, on the other hand, requires that you destroy and remove the whole grout area in the surface of the tiled floor. Whether that grout was in good shape or bad shape, it is subjected to complete removal and clearing out. You can change your grout after wards, whether you want to stick to your old grout or find a new color. Reconstruction is also recommended if you want to change your grout to a more stain-resistant variety.

So the question is, which one is better for you: reconstruction or repair? Of course, just considering one out of the two options without giving thought to this issue would have you a bill a hundred dollars too expensive. There are conditions to be fulfilled.

Repairing is recommended if you're the DIY type. It costs only a little bit of elbow grease and some grouting material in your part. The local area in concern needs little effort and cost. All you do is remove the old grout, apply the new one and wait for it to dry (employing grout installation techniques of course). The surface has little impact on everyday processes and recovers faster than reconstruction.

Reconstruction is needed if the damage on the grout is not local anymore. This would usually include mold infestation and a running hair line between grout. Chances are, your surface might be 2-5 years old or even older. If that's the case, you are better of changing your grout to improve it's resistance as well as repair any damage. Repairing old grout is not recommended at all. - 29977

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