How Often Should You Replace Bathroom Tiles
The bathroom is an integral part of any house. It might even be one of the most used rooms in your home. Due to the regular use, the wear and tear on your bathroom is high. Often, trivial services and repairs have to be done to maintain it at its optimal condition. This includes replacing your bathroom tiles and regrouting them.
The tiles in a bathroom are often overlooked – you might not pay them much attention during your showers. However, keeping your grout in good shape and replacing your bathroom tiles at the right time can increase the lifetime of your bathroom. Are you planning on giving your washroom a good makeover? Then check out Topmozaiek24 and choose the best interiors for your bathroom!
Why should you regrout your tiles?
You might wonder why grout is crucial to your bathroom floor and the tiles that decorate it. There are numerous reasons that explain the significance of grout in tiling and how it helps you maintain the condition of your bathroom floor.
- Grout plays a crucial role in preventing water seepage between the bathroom tiles. This way, the substrate beneath it will not rot and waste away.
- Because of grout, adjacent tiles are deterred from colliding with each other.
- Grout smoothes out any inconsistencies in the difference in size and texture of the tiles.
While these are the major functions of grout, it slowly loses its properties as years go. This may cause severe problems like water seepage, discoloration, and mold growth. It is better to inspect these issues at the earliest and find a solution for them instead of letting them turn into something bigger.
Here are some sure signs that indicate you should definitely begin the process of replacing the tiles in your bathroom.
Signs that indicate you should consider replacing your bathroom tiles:
Stained Tiles
Are the tiles in your bathroom stained and blemished? If yes, then you should consider regrouting and changing the tiles in your bathroom. The stains in the tiles are tough to get rid of, and they paint an unpleasant picture of your bathroom. This could be even more of a disadvantage for you if you are planning to rent out your space. Spattered and marred features of a bathroom make its appearance unwelcome.
Replacing your tiling and hiring a professional service to seal it can help you in avoiding future stains. The new tiling work will enhance the look of your bathroom and also helps in sustaining the excellent condition of the room.
Mold
Logically, one can understand the growth of mold and algae in the bathroom – after all, it is the wettest room in the house. But, if you spot the spread of mold in your bathroom, don’t hesitate to take the necessary steps toward changing your tiles. Mold and mildew growth makes the tiles slippery, thus giving a wide opening for numerous accidents. It also loosens the grip between the tile and the grout.
Mold produces a distinctive uncomfortable odor that might be harmful, especially to asthma patients. So, if you suspect the growth of algae in your bathroom, then it’s time to refurbish your washroom.
Problematic Grout
Discolored grout is also a major sign of an aging bathroom. Just like tiles, the grout also gets stained and shabby, thus making it look questionable. As grout is porous, it absorbs several liquids used in the bathroom – from the shower water to the floor cleaner, your grout could soak up these liquids and become weak. While discolored grout doesn’t specifically imply a weakened structure, it still looks dirty.
Weakened grout indicates that the basement of your tiles could be wobbly. There are a variety of grouts available in the market today, so choose the one you want and transform your bathroom like it’s brand new!
The right time for Replacing your Bathroom Tiles
An important thing to keep in mind about grout is that they do not last forever. A good quality grout will serve steadily for several years when maintained in good condition, but they still tend to grow weak and loose after many years of use. There is no specific time defined for changing grout and tiles in your bathroom. It all depends on the frequency of your usage and the condition in which the tiles are preserved.
One solution to this problem is inspecting your grout periodically. This way, you will know about the damages that it endures and the state of its texture. The same goes for your tiles. If you feel that your tiles are not in their best shape, start your plans to replace them.
Two major indicators of weakened grout are texture and growth of mold. You can check the texture of your grout by scratching it. If it weathers down and crumbles at moderate pressure, it is an indication that your bathroom needs regrouting. As mentioned earlier, mold also implies the same, for it grows in the gaps formed between the tile and the wall.
Extending the lifespan of your grout
As we all know, taking precautions is always better than facing an issue. It is no different when it comes to your bathroom tiles and grout. You can follow these steps and preserve your grout from weathering away faster.
- Always use the exhaust fan in your bathroom. This will ensure that the moisture on the floor won’t stay for long. The drier the floor is, the longer your grout will stand.
- If you feel that your exhaust fan isn’t enough to get rid of the moisture, use a cloth to wipe it dry. You can also use a mop to do this.
- Clean your bathroom floor periodically. Discoloration of the tiles can be prevented by giving them a thorough cleaning now and then. This method also helps in eliminating the growth of mold and mildew.
- For cleaning the tiles and grout, do not use acidic or basic solutions. They cause more damage than actual benefits. Use a shower cleaner instead.
Final words:
The aging of grout is inevitable; you can prevent it, but one day, it will surely become problematic. Changing the tiles and regrouting your bathroom gives it a fresh look and also helps in preserving the shape of your bathroom. So, if you spot even one sign that your tiles need replacing, start your work today!
