If your home is getting on with age or if you just acquired a fixer upper, there’s quite the adventure in store for you. Little by little, you can improve your home to make it look its best. While exterior maintenance and upkeep such as yearly roofing inspections are always on the table, it’s important to not neglect your interior.
When all aspects of your home look good, you can get the most out of your valuable real estate investment. So when you notice that your tiles have unattractive gaps where there is dirty or missing grout, it’s time to give this part of your flooring a refresh. Thankfully, this is an easy and affordable DIY project that many homeowners can take on with little risk and much reward.
What You Need:
- Grout
- Grout saw
- Washcloth
- Grout float
- Grout sponge
- Tile Cleaner
- Soft brush
- Grout cleaner or vinegar
Step 1: Find the Right Grout
There are several types of grout to choose from: sanded, unsanded, or acrylic. The type you need depends on a few factors.
- If the space between the tiles is wider than 1/8th of an inch, you need sanded grout.
- If the space between the tiles is narrower than 1/8th of an inch, you need to use sanded grout.
- If you have metal, glass, or marble tile, use unsanded grout.
- Acrylic latex grout is often used with porcelain, ceramic, and glass tiles. It must be sealed.
Step 2: Clean the Existing Grout
Use a store-bought grout cleaner or a 1-to-1 vinegar and water mixture to clean the tiles and old grout.
Step 3: Remove Damaged Grout
Use a grout saw to remove any loose or damaged grout. With a soft brush, remove any debris from between the tile.
Step 4: Dampen the Tile
To protect the tiles from the grout, dampen them with water. Then, use a paper towel or cloth to absorb any pooling water.
Step 5: Apply Grout
Holding the grout float at an angle, spread the grout evenly so it fills the joints. Clear away excess by swiping in diagonal motions. Then, wait 15-30 minutes.
Step 6: Remove Extra Grout
After waiting, clear away the excess grout with a damp grout sponge. Keep the sponge clean and damp by periodically rinsing it and squeezing it in clean water. If needed, use a tile cleaner to get rid of any remaining residue.
Step 7: Apply Sealant (if applicable)
If you are using acrylic latex grout, you should apply a sealant after the grout is completely dry.
Trust Your Roof Replacement to Noble Roofing
Whether you’re looking for better form or function, or simply feel that a new roof is in order, trust Noble Roofing, the preferred choice for roof replacement in Centreville VA and surrounding cities. Give us a call at (703) 404-0505 to speak with our roofing experts. You can also request a free estimate through our online request form today.
Recently experience a bad Storm Damage? Sometimes a Roof Repair is all you need!