As a homeowner house maintenance is one of the more annoying parts of property ownership, often looking for cheaper and quicker ways to fix things. No doubt the state of your grout has piqued your interest this month and you’ve thought:

“Can I simply cover old grout with new grout?”

It’s a tempting thought, especially when you’re pressed for time and looking for quick fixes to spruce up your home. However, as the leading experts in grout and tiles, we’re here to guide you away from this alluring ‘quick-fix’ and help you make the best decision for your property.

The Short Answer: It’s Not Recommended

While it might seem like a convenient shortcut, applying new grout over old grout is generally not a good idea:

Adhesion Issues

New grout may not properly adhere to the old grout, leading to cracking and peeling.

Underlying Problems

Covering old grout can mask deeper issues like mould, leaks or structural damage that need addressing.

Uneven Appearance

The new layer may not blend seamlessly with the existing grout, resulting in an inconsistent look.

The Best & Safest Approach: Remove and Replace

For the best results, old grout should be removed before applying new grout. This process involves:

1. Carefully removing the old grout using specialized tools

Avoiding damage to the tiles and waterproofing if in a wet area such as bathroom, shower or laundry.

2. Cleaning the exposed areas thoroughly

Remove any potential mould and mildew spores, and general bacteria or grout residue to ensure the best adhesion for the new grout.

3. Applying new grout with precision

Ensuring the grout colour matches the tiles or the homeowner’s choice and the correct type of grout is installed. We recommend epoxy grout for showers, bathrooms, laundries, kitchens and other wet areas and high traffic areas inside the house. Epoxy grout is stain resistant and easy to clean as it is not a porous grout.

4. Sealing the new grout for long-lasting protection

If sand-based grout is used, then we recommend sealing the new grout in with a grout sealer – this will provide protection from stains and general wear and tear for longer in comparison to unsealed grout.

When to Consider Professional Help

There are several scenarios where professional assistance is invaluable and even more cost-effective than DIY:

Large areas that need regrouting

Hours of practise using grout removal tools are essential to avoid damaging your tiles by accidentally chipping or cutting into them. Doing this yourself is likely to end in costly mistakes.

Presence of mould or deep stains

Some stains and mould can be removed if using quality products such as GroutPro Mould Control or GroutPro Mould Pro PLUS. However, when mould keeps growing back and the stains in your tiles or grout just won’t budge then a tile and grout restoration professional is your most economical and effective option.

Cracked or damaged tiles

Replacing singular damaged tiles is precise and accurate work. It is far too easy for an inexperienced person to create further damage to surrounding tiles, grout, silicone or even waterproofing in this case. Sometimes even professionals can create minor damage and subsequently have to fix that new damage as well. This case is fraught with danger when trying to DIY.

Preparing for a property sale or rental

Often when preparing your property for sale or rental, time is not on your side. Professional restoration specialists already have the tools, equipment, product and deep knowledge on how to make your tiled areas look like new again within a matter of hours. Would you be able to produce the same results in such a short period of time?

Lack of time or proper tools for the job

GroutPro specialists have fully kited vans complete with all the tools, equipment, products, knowledge and connections to get your home looking new again. Our average job completion time is one day, and we make your tiled areas sparkle with newness.

GroutPro, the Safe Choice

While the idea of simply covering old grout with new might seem tempting, this approach often leads to more problems than solutions. For homeowners looking to maximize their property’s value and appeal, especially when preparing to sell or rent, professional grout services for the bathroom and kitchen in particular is where buyers see value (LJHooker) and can provide a great return on investment.

Don’t let subpar grout diminish your home’s potential. Contact GroutPro today for a consultation, and let our experts transform your tiled surfaces into a standout feature of your property. With our efficient, high-quality service, your grout will look its best, contributing to a successful sale or rental experience.