REGROUTING FAQs
Tile Cleaning Experts specialises in tile regrouting, particularly for natural stones. You can read our Frequently Asked Questions if you have questions about our tile regrouting services. Some of the questions we get asked the most include why you should regrout your tiles, what is included in our regrouting service, how regularly should you clean the regroutted tiles and how to organise a quote.
If you have other questions about the regrouting of tiles don’t hesitate to contact us either by email or phone.
What is included in your regrouting service?
We grind and scrape out the out grout that is in between your tiles. We do this either by hand or with a machines. The utmost care is taken to ensure the existing tiles are not damaged when removing the grout. It’s for this reason that it’s recommended you have a professional regrout your tiles. We then clean the area – vacuuming up debris and using a specialised solution. We discuss the aesthetic and functional properties of the grout we use, as well as the option to seal. We then carefully apply the grout mix and clean again once dry. In most instances we will include the appropriate sealer into the grout mix to assist in the protection of erosion and discolouration in the future, as well as providing a protective layer maying it easier to clean.
Why should I regrout my tile area?
There are many reasons you may want to regrout – from aesthetics to structural integrity of the tiled area. Grout serves several purposes. Regrouting for damage: It helps prevent damage to the tiles during the property’s natural settling or flexing. In bathrooms and wet areas, it helps prevent water from seeping between your tiles and rotting away the substrate. If grout has flaked, cracked, or completely missing, it’s important that you regrout immediately to prevent damage to the tiled area. If you tap the tiled area and hear a hollow sound, it may indicate that water has eaten away at the substrate behind it. This could indicate a structural issue beyond the cracked grout. Regrouting for mould: Mould or mildew may be a sign of bigger problems. Besides causing serious health problems to some, it may be a sign that there’s a water leak inside the grout and tiles. This can compromise the grout integrity and cause it to fail sooner. If there’s mould or mildew on the surface, chances are it will definitely have to be replaced. Regrouting for design: Due to the porous properties of grout, it will absorb liquids if spilt on it and can stain. If stains or discolouration cannot be lifted from a deep pressure clean, then you may choose to replace the grout entirely. When replacing grout you can choose to recolour the grout lines. If you are looking to change the aesthetic feel of a room or area we can discuss the specifics around this and make recommendations.
Some of my tiles are cracked or chipped as well. What should I do?
If you have the original spare tile(s) or can match the tiles to a replacement tile, we do minor tile replacement and repair.
How is your service charged?
All flooring specialists charge per square meter. We will ask you for an estimate of the area size when booking over the phone and our experts will measure each room individually and confirm the dimensions and work prior to starting the job. When it comes to tile replacement and minor repair, we have a standard price and will be able to quote you based on the size and requirement of the job.
What tiles and stone types are do you specialise in?
We’re experts in all hard surfaced, natural and manmade stone areas. Some common types we service (but are not limited to) are: ceramic, slate, limestone, travertine, sandstone, bluestone, terracotta, marble, granite, terrazzo, vinyl, concrete and porcelain. You can read more about the properties of these under ‘types of floors’
How do I organise a quote and how long will it take?
Simply, fill in our ‘free online quote’ section and a team member will contact you with the details you provide. In most cases, we can easily provide a quote to you over the phone within 5 – 10 minutes, answering any questions or concerns that you may have. On the day, Tile Cleaning Experts will inspect the area and confirm the quote before starting.
How do I measure the area that needs to be regrouted?
When quoting over the phone, the simplest way to measure the area is to multiply the width and length of the area to be cleaned. E.g. A room that is 2 meters long and 4 meters wide would be 4 x 2 = 8m2 in total. Our experts will determine the exact dimensions when on site and confirm before they start any work. In rare cases, we may need to attend the location to provide a quote. This can be discussed with you over the phone.
Do I need a professional to regrout?
While you can remove the grout yourself by hand, we do this daily (sometimes multiple times a day). There’s a high chance that you may damage the existing tiles if inexperienced and too much pressure applied. There are several grout options on the market – cement grout (including sanded or unsanded grout and high-performance and polymer cement grout), epoxy grout (or 100% solids epoxy), and single component grout. It’s important to know which one is right for your environment, material and design. It’s equally as important to get it right, the first time. We will also inspect the area, ensuring that water hasn’t eaten away at the substrate behind it. This could indicate a structural issue beyond the cracked grout and we will advise you on the best way forward if we discover this has happened.
What type of grout will you use?
Our experts will determine the best grout for the job area. This will be based on the aesthetics and functionality of the area e.g. if it’s a high-traffic area. Plus, our experts will take into account the floor stone type, as well as your budget. There are several grout options on the market – cement grout (including sanded or unsanded grout and high-performance and polymer cement grout), epoxy grout (or 100% solids epoxy), and single component grout. It’s important to know which one is right for your environment, material and design. It’s equally as important to get it right, the first time.
How often should I regrout?
Re-grout as needed, not on a schedule basis. Regularly re-application of sealer can increase the longevity of your grout lines. If the grout has worn thin, chipped, flaked, is discoloured, mould or mildew is continuously growing back, despite cleaning, or if your tiles sound hollow when you tap then – it’s time to consider regrouting.
Can I seal just my grout lines?
Of course you can. While tilers and manufacturers state that their tiles are sealed, they usually use either a budget sealer or have sealed the floors incorrectly. Because sealing any surface is a specialised industry in itself, manufacturers aren’t experts in floor sealing and restoration. Grout sealing prevents moisture from working its way into the grout and under the tiles. It also prevents bacteria, dirt build-up, stain and mould or mildew, assisting in keeping the grout looking near-new.
What is grout recolouring?
Sometimes customers wish to change the entire look of their grout lines – making them darker or lighter. By applying grout colourant we can match your grout lines to your exact specifications. Your existing grout can also fade due to sun exposure and excessive foot-traffic. By recolouring your grout you can ensure consistency throughout the grout work (whether you want to keep the same colour or change it completely).
What sealer do you use?
We will recommend whether you need to seal the area we re-grout. Depending on the job we will either mix sealer into the grout mix or we will apply it after. We use dry treat, Aqua Mix and other high-quality Australian made sealers, such as Deepshield.
How long does it take for the sealer to dry?
Most sealers (both penetrating and topical) are touch-dry after 4 hours. However, it can take 24 – 48 hours for the sealer to fully cure. Our experts will advise on dry times when completing the job.
How long can I expect you to be at my home/office?
Depending on the size of the area and how much work is necessary in order to restore your floor to its best possible condition; times may vary from initial estimates. In most cases the average job takes 3-4 hours. Once our technician has inspected the area and done a sample, they will give you a more accurate indication of how long the work will take.
How long until I can use the area as normal again?
After a clean of your tiles and grout, the floor is ready to use as soon as we are done.
How should I regularly clean my grout?
To keep your grout looking like new, we first recommend professionally sealing your tiles and grout lines with a water-based grout sealer. This will assist in preventing dirt absorption, mould, germs and stains from penetrating into the porous material. Tile Cleaning Experts also recommends cleaning weekly with a damp microfiber cloth mixed with pH neutral solutions. We do not recommend a stronger solution for your regular weekly cleaning, as both acidic and alkaline based cleaners may affect the integrity of the sealer and can damage the natural or manmade stone. For outdoor areas, you can clean as normal – using a broom or hose to remove debris and keep tidy. We do not recommend using any harsh chemicals as it can strip the sealant coating. We also recommend weeding the pathways to ensure weeds are kept at bay and pavers and grout lines aren’t cracked by larger weeds or made uneven. Weeds also hold moisture, which creates an environment for mould to flourish in.
Are the chemicals used to re-grout toxic?
Your family, workers and customers’ safety is important, which is why we use the highest quality water-based sealers, as well of state-of-the-art machines and equipment. If your floor has previously been sealed with solvent (a hazardous chemical previously used in the industry), it’s important that this is removed by a professional with the correct precautionary equipment and experience. We will advise you if your floor has a solvent coating on it. In circumstances where you would like solvent-based sealer applied, we require specific precautionary measures, which you will be made aware of prior to attending the job. This consists of the premises being cleared for a certain amount of time after application and adequate ventilation. Our experts will ensure a high-level of safety and protection is used during this certain type of sealing process.
Will there be a lot of mess when re-grouting?
We always ensure the areas we work in are well protected and the utmost care is taken to ensure any mess is contained to the job area. We have drop sheets and other protective measures for work areas.
Does sealing my tiles and grout guarantee that they won't become stained?
Sealing your tiles and grout is a preventative measure against dirt penetration and build-up, bacteria, staining and eroding. It means that should you spill something you have time to clean it but it does not guarantee that they are stain proof.
Does sealer change the look of my floor?
Generally, it does not, however, multiple coats and the desire for a gloss or matte finish may change it ever-so-slightly. Sealer is a clear coating that protects and still encourages the natural elements of your floor or tiles to show through.
How can I prepare for a professional to come?
We ask that you move all furniture and items in the area to be cleaned, as well as any obstructing furniture between the main entrance point and the area to be cleaned to allow for our professional equipment and machines. A quick vacuum is appreciated to remove any loose dirt, dust and hair. We also recommend painter’s tape on cornices that may come into contact with the industrial hose (as a precautionary). You can read more about this in our blog section.
Will you help me move my furniture?
We ask that you clear the area that Tile Cleaning Experts is cleaning. Tile Cleaning Experts insurance coverage means we are only covered by our restoration services and cannot be held responsible for the damage to any furniture or items.
What are your hours and availability?
We understand that everyone’s schedule is a little different, so we are flexible in the hours that we work. Generally speaking, we work Monday – Saturday between 7am to 5pm. However, if there is a need for after-hours services we are happy to accomodate. Our technicians can usually attend the property within 2 – 10 days from making the booking at a time that suits you.
Is there a call out fee?
As our expert technicians are travelling to your premises, our call out fee is inline with industry standards, which is charged at $75 + GST if the job does not go ahead.
Is there a minimum charge?
We have a minimum charge of $250 + GST for all metro jobs. This is inline with standard industry rates.
LET US HELP
Our tile cleaning experts go that extra step and advise you on the best method and products to maintain your shiny and clean newly sealed floors.
Contact us today for a free online quote.