Top Causes of Grout Damage and How to Prevent Them

Top Causes of Grout Damage and How to Prevent Them

Expert Advice from Diamond Grout – Southeast Michigan’s Tile & Grout Restoration Specialists

Grout is the unsung hero of tile installations, keeping tiles in place, preventing moisture intrusion, and contributing to the overall aesthetic of your floors, showers, and countertops. But over time, grout can become damaged, cracking, crumbling, or discoloring, leading to unsightly results and even water damage. At Diamond Grout, we’ve seen thousands of grout issues in homes and businesses across Oakland County, and we know exactly what causes them. Here’s a look at the most common culprits, and how you can prevent long-term grout problems.

1. Improper Installation

One of the top causes of grout failure is poor installation. If the grout mixture isn’t properly blended or applied, it can weaken prematurely. This includes using the wrong type of grout for the tile or surface. For example, unsanded grout used in wider grout joints is more likely to crack or pull away.

Prevention:
Hire a skilled professional with tile and grout experience — not just a general handyman. At Diamond Grout, our technicians are trained in proper application methods, including selecting the right type of grout for each job and ensuring strong adhesion.

2. Water Exposure and Poor Sealing

Grout is porous by nature, meaning it absorbs moisture. In showers, bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways, consistent exposure to water can cause grout to weaken, stain, and eventually erode. If the grout was never sealed or the sealant has worn off, damage can happen even faster.

Prevention:
We recommend sealing grout after installation and reapplying a professional-grade sealer every 1–2 years in wet areas. Diamond Grout offers grout sealing and resealing services to protect your surfaces and prolong their lifespan.

3. Heavy Foot Traffic

In commercial spaces or high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens, grout takes a constant beating from foot traffic. This pressure causes grout to compact, crack, or wear away.

Prevention:
Use a high-quality, durable grout during installation, and maintain it regularly. We also offer grout recoloring and hardening sealers that add strength and renew appearance.

4. Improper Cleaning Techniques

Using acidic or abrasive cleaners (like bleach or vinegar) may seem like a good idea for deep cleaning grout, but they can actually break down the grout structure over time. Scrubbing too hard with stiff brushes can also cause erosion.

Prevention:
Use pH-neutral cleaning products designed for tile and grout. Better yet, leave deep cleaning to the professionals. Our high-pressure steam cleaning methods lift dirt and stains without damaging the surface.

5. Structural Movement

Houses and buildings naturally shift with time, temperature changes, or settling foundations. These subtle movements can cause tiles to flex and grout to crack, especially in areas like showers or second-story bathrooms.

Prevention:
Properly installed expansion joints and flexible caulking can absorb movement and minimize grout cracking. We offer expert grout and caulk services that are built to move with your structure.

Need Help Restoring Damaged Grout?

Whether you're seeing cracks in your kitchen grout, stains in your bathroom, or deteriorating tile in a commercial space, Diamond Grout has the tools and expertise to bring your surfaces back to life.

📍 Serving Bloomfield, Troy, Waterford, Rochester, West Bloomfield, Rochester Hills, Troy, Clarkston, Lake Orion, and surrounding areas across Oakland County and Southeast Michigan.

📞 Contact us today for a free in-home or on-site estimate.