When you marvel at a beautiful ceramic tile design, it’s easy to overlook the grout lines that hold the entire structure together. But that’s a good thing! It means the tile installation process was completed properly. However, as time goes on, it’s not unusual to experience discolored and crumbling grout lines. It’s a sign that the protective sealant is wearing off, and it’s allowing moisture to seep through. When hiring Mr. Handyman for professional grout repair in Flower Mound, TX, homeowners can look forward to everything looking good as new!
Your skilled, local Flower Mound handyman from the team at Mr. Handyman of Flower Mound, Lewisville, and Denton is an expert at tile and grout services, so you can rest assured that your tile floors, backsplashes, countertops, and shower walls are well taken care of! If you want to learn more about Flower Mound grout repair services, give us a call or keep on reading about warning signs that call for repair and how our handyman services can help you prevent these problems in the future.
About Flower Mound Grout Repair Services
When hiring Mr. Handyman for expert grout repair, Flower Mound, TX homeowners will get a detailed inspection, during which our experienced service technicians will check for underlying problems that could include water damage. Often, existing caulk beads at the seams will also show signs of moisture issues and begin to crack. This is most noticeable when there is also mildew on the surface that looks brownish-green. This is when our Flower Mound grout repair and caulking services will join forces.
When you experience exceptionally high moisture levels in your bathroom or kitchen, we’ll be more than happy to check your vents, exhaust fans, and range hoods. Perhaps something has compromised your home’s ventilation system, and you’re experiencing higher humidity levels than usual.
Grout cleaning is typically the first step, and we may use distilled white vinegar to remove any mildew. Next, we’ll use an oscillating tool to carefully remove the old grout and also clean around the surrounding tile sheets.
During grout repair, Flower Mound, TX professionals are happy to explain to you the different types of grout that can be used during the repair process. No matter what type was used during your initial installation, our service technicians will choose from the options listed below for your grout repair in Flower Mound, TX.
- Sanded or Unsanded Grout: We typically choose the non-sanded option for applications that have narrower joints, whereas the sanded option is best for wider joints. Both types require sealing because they are porous by nature. Both are made of a cement-based material.
- Acrylic Latex Grout: As a professional grade, acrylic latex is durable and stronger than its unsanded counterparts. It’s stain- and mildew-resistant. However, to achieve optimum performance, it needs to be properly sealed. However, in high moisture environments where the temperature tends to fluctuate, they will eventually crack and need repair.
- Epoxy Grout: Epoxy is a high-quality product that we frequently use for grout repair. Flower Mound, TX homeowners won’t need to worry about having to ever seal it because it’s naturally water- and stain-resistant. However, this product is more difficult to apply because it dries fast.
- Modified Cement-Based Grout: Similar to cement-based grout, modified cement-based grout includes a variety of additives that improve its performance. You get better flexibility, crack, and water resistance than with traditional cement-based grout. It's often recommended for areas that see a lot of foot traffic and moisture (i.e., shower floors, exterior tiles).
Once we’ve applied new grout lines, we’ll remove any excess grout with a damp sponge or a scrub pad and let it set. Afterward, the surface will need some additional cleaning, followed by polishing before moving on to sealing the surface.
If you need tile repair at the same time, we’ll be more than happy to do that for you too, whether it’s fixing hairline cracks or replacing damaged tile.
Why Mr. Handyman is Your Local Expert for Grout Repair in Flower Mound, TX
At Mr. Handyman of Flower Mound, Lewisville, and Denton, we are happy to be your “one-stop shop” for all your home maintenance, repair, and improvement needs. For this reason, we have become North America’s leading home service franchise. Every Mr. Handyman business is a locally owned and operated company that proudly serves its local community and surrounding areas.
Whether you have porcelain tile or ceramic tile, we're dedicated to providing you with complete customer satisfaction for your grout repair in Flower Mound, TX. Grout repair is a cost-effective option, especially when compared to the costs of replacing the entirety of your tile floor. When you need a Flower Mound tile repair professional, turn to the team at Mr. Handyman to care for your tile flooring, including grout repair in Flower Mound, TX.
Looking to learn more about the difference that Mr. Handyman can make with a grout repair in Flower Mound, TX? Check out our ratings from homeowners to see the difference that we can make in your home with our comprehensive grouting services in Flower Mound, TX.
FAQs About Grout Repair in Flower Mound, TX
What Are The Signs I Need a Grout Repair in Flower Mound, TX?
You should pay attention to the following warning signs:
- Brownish-green or black marks along the lines
- Musty smells
- Crumbling, cracking, or chipping grout
You might expect the worst when you see dirty grout, but it always helps to keep the surface area clean, including your tiles. One professional cleaning technique involves creating a vinegar and baking soda paste and brushing the lines clean. Chances are it looks good underneath, but to prevent it from getting dirty again, it’s best to reseal the surface. When hiring Mr. Handyman for grout repair, Flower Mound, TX homeowners can expect it all to be done properly.
Why Do I Need a Grout Repair in Flower Mound, TX?
Although tile floors are super durable and can last for decades, grout is a different story. With time, your grout can crack, loosen, or develop holes. The damage needs to be dealt with promptly with a grout repair in Flower Mound, TX. That's because these cracks and holes can allow water to soak through into the drywall behind or beneath the tile, causing water damage. But it can also lead to mold and mildew growth.
Several things can cause damage to your grout, including settling floors, harsh cleaning chemicals, and just the age of the grout. If you're taking the proper care to clean your tiles regularly, keep an eye on your grout for any signs of damage that need to be remedied with a grout repair in Flower Mound, TX. It's just another part of routine home maintenance.
Do I Need to Have My Grout Sealed?
Absolutely, particularly if it's in an area like your bathroom, which sees a lot of moisture. This is especially true if you're using a cement-based grout, regardless of whether it's sanded or unsanded. Grout is a porous material and won't be waterproof unless it's properly sealed. You're going to want to look for a sealant that soaks through the entirety of your grout, creating an effective barrier.
However, if you're using an epoxy grout for the same area, then you don't necessarily need to seal it. That's because epoxy is a sturdy material and is pretty much pre-sealed already. You can add a sealant if you desire to make certain that it will last, but generally epoxy grouts hold up well to prevent water damage on their own.
How Long Do Grout Lines Last, and How Do You Maintain Them?
They can last for many years, sometimes even eight to ten years, if you remember to regularly clean the surface with mild soap and water or distilled vinegar. Plus, resealing it every three to five years will also increase their lifespan. The best cleaning product for tile is vinegar or mild soap. Refrain from using chemicals because they tend to deteriorate the protective sealant.
Also, ensure that your caulk beads at the seams where your backsplash meets your countertop are intact to help stop moisture infiltration that can lead to damaged grout and other problems.
What are Grout Joint Sizes? Why Do They Matter?
One thing that a lot of DIY professionals struggle with is what are known as joint sizes. That's the size of the grout lines between your tiles. The thinnest joint that's recommended is 1/8 of an inch, but that only really suits tiles that have rectified edges—meaning they're ground, polished, and sharp.
When it comes to join lines, they shouldn't be larger than 3/16 inches. Larger sized tiles often require larger joint lines to be less visible, while facilitating the installation process. If you're looking at installing tile yourself or doing a grout repair in Flower Mound, TX on your own, we recommend paying close attention to the size of your tiles and whether you're installing those tiles on the floor or the wall.
What's an Effective Way to Clean My Tiles and Perform a Grout Cleaning?
Although you can easily purchase a commercially available product for cleaning tile, you also likely have the materials you need to make one yourself lying around your home. The best way to do so is to make a paste using one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts oxygenated powder (washing soda is perfect). The thick paste that results can effectively kill mold and mildew while also brightening your grout.
Now, you might be tempted to use a stiff brush or even soap for grout cleaning. But you should avoid anything abrasive, because that can cause damage to your grout, like pits and holes. These can lead to cracks in your grout, which requires a grout repair in Flower Mound, TX.
Need Grout Repair in Flower Mound, TX? Call Mr. Handyman Today!
If you wonder why your kitchen or bathroom tile is no longer shining, it’s probably because you have outdated grout lines that are making the entire system look worn. Chalk stains, grease stains, and discoloration are not only an eyesore, but could lead to a series of problems if you don’t deal with them immediately.
When in need of expert grout repair, Flower Mound, TX property owners can count on the local pros at Mr. Handyman, who also serve our nearby neighbors in Lantana, Denton, Ponder and many other areas. Contact our friendly customer service reps to book your appointment today—or book online.
Looking to get your bathroom redone? While you’re here, why not learn more about our bathroom remodeling services?