What to do with tiles sealed to walls with grout?

Question

When my shower tile was installed, grout was used to seal between the ceramic tiles and the walls. Today those grouted seams are beginning to crack and crumble and need to be repaired, replaced, and/or corrected. What should I do? I have been told by a friend that grout should never have been used to seal tiles and walls. Does the grout need to be scraped out and the seal made new with a caulking compound? Is this correct and if so, what caulking compound is best suited for this? Can I simply caulk over the cracked grout for a satisfactory fix?

the problem areas are where two or three walls come together at 90 degree angles.

Answer 1

My old friend Doc is correct, as usual. Dap or any other flexible caulking is NEVER used for tile in a shower except for where the tile meets the tub/shower pan. Also, I don't mean to be rude, but a tile setter would never suggest using green board, which is drywall that is water RESISTANT, not water PROOF. If you do need to replace the substrate, use Wonderboard or Hardibacker. If not, use a grout saw to remove all loose grout, regrout with non-sanded grout, and apply a grout sealer.

Answer 2

DIY doc..is good...you can remove all the grout..with a grout tool & re grout the shower again.and you can seal the grout..with a grout sealer...this will take a weekend most likely,,or if you just want a quick fix for now, you can use a caulking..But..get a tub & shower caulking that is mold and mildew resistant..when you apply the caulk keep a cloth wet so you can keep your fingers clean and to help smooth the caulk..you might want to get on this ASAP..you dont want mold or mildew growing behind the tiles..if it has'nt started already..If it were me I would get a spray bottle and put bleach in it and spray those cracks the night before you caulk,and with a damp cloth wipe the surface of the tile before you caulk the next day

Answer 3

You might be able to get away with caulking over the existing cracks with a flexible silicone rubber material if you are willing to accept a larger fillet.

The biggest problem will be if the house settles or movement occurs that jams the tile intersection together and busts tiles loose, or worse, causes them to crack. Since it sounds like the joint is opening up rather than closing, you might be lucky.

But yes, for the most professional job, you should get a grout removal tool and try to yank out as much grout as possible before going back in with caulking material.

Answer 4

Remove the grout from the outside of the area and use a proper caulking to seal it with. The one i use is called Dap. They come in all kinds of color. Best of luck

Answer 5

Remove all the tile, chances are the wall is wet behind the tile from the cracks. Replace the bad wall with green board sold at lumberyard. And replace the tile with GROUT not caulk. TILE GROUT!!! with caulk you will replace it , and your wall every couple of years

Answer 6

With all due respect to you and this "friend" and after installing multiple thousands of sq. frt. of tile, GROUT is the standard between Tiles on any surface.

The issue isn't wasn't strictly the grout; but perhaps how it was mixed; applied; the substrate it was applied over.

caliking might help, but might also be mesy and not at all aesthetically pleasing, beyond that it will also need constant maintenance

Answer 7

DIY doc has the answer!!!!!!! another possibality it to re grout the area and seal it with an epoxy after the grout has cured

Answer 8

Give Doc the 10! As usual he hit the nail on the head. Follow his advice!

PS: Also listen to meyerhomeimp about the greenboard. He is exactly right!! I, personally, am a big fan of Hardiebacker. Mainly because they are a great company, James Hardie is good to employees, and they make great products!

Answer 9

Doc gets the points. And Grean board should NOT be used in the shower. If you have to put up new walls behind the tile, use a backerboard or cement board.