Repair Cracked Grout in Tile Floor
Why It Matters
Cracked grout in bathrooms and kitchens lets water seep to the subfloor, causing rot and mold that requires tearing up the entire floor.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Grout saw or oscillating tool, Grout float, Sponge. Materials required: Grout, Grout sealer.
- 2
Perform the repair cracked grout in tile floor
Remove cracked and loose grout from tile floors and regrout to prevent water damage to the subfloor. Safety note: Wear safety glasses and dust mask when removing old grout.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace. If if tiles are loose or cracked, indicating subfloor issues, consider calling a professional.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Grout saw or oscillating tool
- Grout float
- Sponge
Materials
- Grout
- Grout sealer
Community Tips
An oscillating tool with a grout blade attachment (such as a Bosch Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit, $60-90) removes old grout 40% faster than hand-held grout saws and produces significantly less dust when paired with a vacuum attachment.
Grout dust contains crystalline silica, which causes permanent lung damage -- always wear an N95 respirator rated P100 or higher when grinding out old grout, and use wet methods when possible to suppress airborne particles.
Applying grout sealer within 72 hours of installation prevents water penetration and staining that would otherwise require complete re-grouting; TileLab Grout Sealer ($12-18) creates a moisture barrier that extends grout life by 5-7 years compared to unsealed applications. ---