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Repairing TilesCracks in the grout joints of new shower and kitchen installations will eventually show up within the first five years after a new home is constructed, regardless of its price. Professional grout cleaning that involves carefully hand scrubbing each grout joint with special commercial tile and grout cleaners can remove years of stains and dirt accumulated by the grout. Future stain problems can be minimized by preserving the grout with penetrating grout sealers. While cracked and missing grout on backsplash joints are mostly a cosmetic irritation in kitchens, it is a different story for shower and tub grout cracks, as they can lead to serious water damage if not properly repaired in time. If left alone, bacteria will eventually grow in the damp wallboard and wood behind the tiles, which will make the problem go beyond simple tile repair, as the rotted materials will need to be replaced by a general contractor. Porcelain Tiles All tiles are prone to damage, particularly through impact. However, porcelain tiles are becoming increasingly popular because of their toughness. Harder than granite, even a razor blade can't scratch these artificial tiles. Scratches seem to be a rarity for porcelain tiles, and they have little cosmetic or structural impact even if they occur. In addition, porcelain tiles also have very reliable color finishes from top to bottom.
When the cost of replacing an entire countertop with matching replacement tiles becomes prohibitive, it is advisable to consult a bath fixture refinisher. They can often repair chipped and cracked tiles as long as the tile is still structurally sound by using a special porcelain filler, then refinish the tile and grout into a solid surface afterwards in whatever color you prefer.
, Using Ceramic Tiles.com |
