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Dear Moss Building & Design,
The grout along my shower walls is starting to crack. What’s the best way to fix this? Do I need to worry if mold is growing behind the tiles?
Dear Dulles Mom,
This happens a lot, and it can be easy to fix. Go to a home improvement store (Home Depot, Lowe’s) and buy caulk that matches your grout. Sometimes matching the grout color can be complicated. The stores should have a chart to assist you. If you aren’t sure, purchase the closest color and match it once you are home. Also, check and see if you need sanded grout caulk instead of regular caulk.
Once you are home, make sure your bathtub/shower is dry. Do not use the shower for 48 hours before working on the grout cracks. Once you are sure the area is completely dry, cut out the cracked grout with a razor knife. Then, re-caulk with the new, matching caulk. You can find instructions for caulking online or by attending one of Moss’s HandyMOM 101 workshops that focuses on caulking.
Regarding mold, that shouldn’t be an issue unless the grout is really old. These days, tiles are set on a mold-resistant backer board to ensure mold cannot grow. If your home is older and the tiles were not set with the mold-resistant materials, you can attempt to bleach the mold to get rid of it. Unfortunately, mold will find a way to grow back. If that’s the case, you might have to consider having your bathroom remodeled to eradicate the problem.
Moss Building & Design is the top home remodeling company in Northern Virginia that has established a reputation for excellence in remodeling additions, kitchens, bathrooms, and basements and providing home services for homeowners. With a strong focus on community, Moss Building and Design encourages a hands-on approach to home improvement with an emphasis on education. Their ‘Girls Night Out’ HandyMOM101 events offer DIY workshops covering projects like tiling, power drills, caulking, and patching drywall.
Connect with them by visiting them online, or get social with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Moss Building & Design can also be reached at (703) 961-7707.
