Leakages in the shower are most often the result of grout failure. Leaky tiles can be found anywhere where there is water. The shower water leak should be repaired quickly otherwise, the buildup of stagnant water will lead to mold and damp under the tiles. This is a major health hazard. Dampness can also damage the structural integrity of walls. If water gets behind tiles then it can harm the adhesive holding the tile to the structure. The tile can become loose and even fall off. So you should move in quickly to repair the leakage.
While you can trace the point of grout failure, it is much better to let the professionals do a thorough job so that the new grout lasts for a long time to come.
The type of repair job needed depends on the extent of the damage. If the shower water leak is not too much then it may be possible to repair the grout without having to remove the tiles. But if the leakage is heavy then it may be necessary to take out the tiles in order to repair the waterproofing system.
How to Stop Grout Leakages
To maintain the integrity of grout, you will have to apply a grout sealer. It is necessary to apply the sealer after 1 to 2 years so that the grout remains intact and waterproof. Sealing grout is necessary because it without a waterproof covering it absorb not just water but bacteria and stains as well. The reason for this is that grout is a mixture of cement and sand.
The sealing will protect the grout against germs and moisture. In addition, the sealing will also add visual appeal to the grout. The grout will therefore be more durable and even look better. It won’t accumulate mold and mildew in the presence of a sealer. This does not apply however to epoxy grout since it is a different material altogether. Epoxy grout is more costly and is used for securing glass tiles.
Although epoxy grout is resilient and waterproof, it is not suitable for all kinds of tiles. Epoxy grout works well for nonporous tiles and glass. In comparison to cement-based grout, epoxy grout is more flexible. Hence it is less vulnerable to cracks and chips. These qualities make epoxy grout more resistant to stains and water.
After installing your new tiles, you need to wait 48 – 72 hours to allow the grout to cure. Before the sealer is applied, the grout should be inspected. The grout should be dry and clean without any chipping or cracking.