However it s possible for it to crack crumble or otherwise break up after being installed.
Floor tile grout cracking problems.
You don t want to blindly guess or assume you know what the problem is but here are some things to consider.
Grout the mortar that fills in the gaps between tiles can last for decades when mixed and applied properly.
Eventually you will start to notice problems with mold and mildew on the tiles and grout.
Grout cracks are the most common problem.
Sprinkle dry grout onto the caulked area.
While the tile moves the grout does not and this is where the cracking of the grout can occur.
If there s not enough thinset coverage this can mean that the tile can move.
Does a crack in a tile mean there is a foundation problem.
With your finger push the caulking into the crack.
Tiles replacement in a case where cracking is minimal or has occurred in only a small number of tiles and or the floor is in a location where aesthetics don t matter to you the easiest most inexpensive solution is diy patching.
Or your pogo stick.
If that pressure causes the underlayment to flex then tile and grout flooring which is not designed to be flexible weakens.
House settlement or improper installation can cause small grout cracks.
For those that are noticing the grout in their floor tile is breaking up it can be very frustrating especially if the tiling was done recently.
Minor cracks can be fixed by running a 1 4 inch wide bead of latex caulk across the entire crack.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are.
Furthermore the longer moisture remains present under the tiles it can also damage subflooring and sub walls and lead to bigger and costlier repairs later.
In addition the moisture will cause other sections of tiles to come loose and the grout to crack.
Remove all the loose and cracked grout with a grout saw or dremel tool and completely vacuum out.
The grout is doing its job but there s too much movement from the tile itself.
For a larger more visible area of cracked tile contact a tile contractor for expert help.
The method of repairing it depends entirely on why it is cracking.
3 common causes of cracked grout 1.
Most of it as with most tile installation problems is due to improper installation.
Cracked grout is frequently the result of weak grout structure.
Too much water or polymer additive.
Wipe any extra off the tile with a wet sponge.
Cracks along grout lines.
In time the grout loosens or cracks and tiles become hollow or worse they crack.
Cracks isolated to one tile often result from impact damage.
If weak underlayment is the diagnosis there may be two easy and inexpensive ways to resolve some cracking problems.
However if your grout is cracking it is probably for one of the reasons above.
At most tile specialty shops you can get or order sanded caulk most floor grouts are sanded that.
Grout hugs the edges of floor tiles and sometimes seamlessly blends with the tiles exposed.
