Why Does Tile Grout Crack? Common Causes and How to Fix Them

Are you finding cracks in your tile grout? While cleaning your house you may find dust and cracks from your tile in the washroom, kitchen, and even in places with little moisture content like the living room or bedroom. This can be frustrating, especially after spending a lot of your time and money on your tile work. These cracks not only mute the overall look of your home but can also lead to bigger problems if left unchecked. From water seepage to damage underneath your tiles, grout cracks can reduce the solidity of your floor or wall. The good news is that knowing why the grout cracks in the first place, wins you a chance to prevent more problems that may arise thus avoiding constant repairs. 

If you’re dealing with cracked grout, you're probably wondering what went wrong and how you can fix these problems. Here, let's check the common causes of cracks in Tile Grout and how you can prevent them. 

Common Cause of Cracked Tile Grout 

Improper Installation: It has also been ascertained that the installation process has a considerable influence on the durability of tile grout. During the mixing process, if the grout isn’t in the required consistency or while laying the tile, if the gaps between the tiles are not at the proper distance, the grout won't have the strength to bear the daily usage. 

Subfloor Movement: Tiles look smooth and steady but the surface below can get uneven with small fluctuations in temperature, humidity, or the setting of the building. These shifts in the subfloor can make the tile move. If the grout is too rigid or the subfloor is not properly stabilized, these movements can result in cracks. 

Excessive Moisture: Not every grout has waterproofing properties, and when water gets into regular tile grout’s porous, it weakens and cracks. These are found more in areas with high moisture content like kitchens and washrooms. 

Chemical Damage: Strong cleaning agents can weaken the grout over time. Over time your common cleaning agents can deteriorate the structure of the grout, making it brittle. These chemicals strip the grout of its protective properties, leaving it vulnerable to other factors like moisture.  

How to Prevent Tile from Cracking 

Use the right material: this is the very first and one of the important steps you need to take, that is ensuring that you choose the best quality tiles. Mapei products are of premium quality, they come premixed, stain-resistant, and crack-resistant. Mapei’s products are low maintenance, lasting for a long time and it's easy to clean. 

Ensure Proper installation: Ensure that the grouting is done properly. This entails making sure that the subfloor is level and stable, and it entails correct mixing and application of grout. It is advisable to hire professionals or use strict DIY instructions. Mapei’s products come with instructions that are easy to follow. 

Seal the Grout Regularly: Applying a sealer ensures the grout does not come into contact with moisture which harms its integrity. This is especially relevant in places such as bathrooms and kitchens which are likely to have moisture accumulation. It is advisable to reseal your grout at least once every couple of years to avoid early grout deterioration as well as to prevent the formation of cracks. 

Address Subflooring Issues: It’s also important that before laying tiles, your subfloor is strong enough to bear the load and deformation of the tiles placed on it. Often, it is better to consult with a professional if you are not sure about what the subfloor looks like. They can then consider if it is appropriate for further tiling or not, or if some reinforcement is required to stop it from moving causing cracks in the grout.

Use Gentle Cleanser: Aggressive cleaning agents are harmful to your tile grout. Nonacidic cleaning agents are recommended. 

Cracks in the grout can be quite an annoyance but they need to be a regular occurrence. If you know what causes this and how to prevent it then you will be able to keep your tiles and grout looking great. It is therefore important to ensure that these tiles are installed correctly, the right material is used, and that the area is free from moisture as these measures will help in ensuring that your tiles remain as clean as when they were installed. 

Mapei specializes in providing high-quality grout services because we understand that tiles installed today should look as perfect as they do today for many years. Allow us to assist you and maintain your home looking fresh without any damage for many years ahead.