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Tile & Grout
Maintenance & Repair
"We Get Rid of
the UGLIES"
410-610-7437
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FAQ's
Cleaning Tile &
Grout
Re-Grouting
Sealing Grout
Tile Repair
Re-Caulking
Mildew
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RE-GROUTING
Why Re-Grout?
A sure sign that you are in need of re-grouting will be the cracked, missing or mildewed grout you presently have. Hopelessly stained, missing or crumbling grout between tiles not only looks bad, but can allow water to accumulate and damage the tile substrate. Mold and mildew attaches to grout because it is a porous surface, staying continually wet. Mildew is usually black but can appear red, pink or green.
Re-grouting and sealing the new grout will help prevent water penetration and staining. This also extends the life of the grout.
Q. What is grout?
A. grout
(grout) n. 1.a. A thin mortar used to fill cracks and crevices in
masonry.
The grout is the substance between the tiles. Often times this substance
between the tile (grout) becomes dirty or discolored and in turn
makes your entire tile job look old and dingy. With a fraction the cost
of replacing the tile we can Re-grout it and make it look like
new again.
Q. What is
Re-Grouting?
A. Re-grouting is a process where we remove the old grout, either by
using a grout removal tool or with a power grinder, then replace the
area with new grout.
Q: What do I do if I find some grout
or caulk has opened up?
A: Make sure you call us to fix this
problem or fill it yourself. A small hole that allows water to get
behind your tile or tub can over a period of time, even a short time,
make this seemingly insignificant problem into a huge mess and a costly
repair. It is a good idea to stop once every month and eye-up the entire
shower looking for holes or openings. These minor problems can be fixed
with a minimum of effort but left alone can become a real problem. If
you think your grout is failing you should have it re-grouted. Give us a
call, we'll take care of it for you.
Q: Why is my grout cracking?
A: If you have an older tile installation and the grout keeps
disappearing you may have a problem. If you tap on the tiles and hear a
hollow sound this means that the surface below the tile has deteriorated
and the tiles have lost their bond. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, try
resetting the tiles yourself or call us and we will do the job for you.
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Sealing
Grout
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Q: What is a sealer and should I seal
my bathroom tile?
A: The
sealer is a liquid that is applied to the grout about 2 days after the
grout work is done. Once it is applied it soaks into the grout and dries
creating a protective barrier against water and dirt. We strongly
recommend you seal your grout and tile after it has been newly re-grouted
or any new tile installation. It can greatly extend the life of your
grout and even make it easier to clean as the dirt will tend to float on
the surface rather then penetrate deep into the grout. We can also steam
clean your grout for like new appearance and then seal it for results that
last.
Q: How often should I seal my grout?
A: To
protect your tile and grout you may want to perform regular maintenance
including steam cleaning or regular cleaning a few times a year. It is
also very important to visually inspect your entire area for any missing or
cracking grout or caulking. You should fix any such failing caulk or
grout right away. If you like, we can come in and power clean your walls,
tend to any missing grout or caulk, making sure your walls are safe from any leaks. We will then re-seal your
grout.
Feel free to call about this service.
Q: How do I keep my shower looking
clean and new?
A: If you are going to clean it on your own
the most effective way of all is to simply dry the walls and tub with a
towel after every use. By doing this soap scum and hard water
will have no chance to build up. Mold can only grow in a high moisture
environment so if you dry it you should have no problems with mold.
Another good method is to use a shower squeegee to dry the walls after
your shower.
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Tile
Repair
Q: I have some damaged wall
tile. Do I have to replace my whole shower?
A: In most cases absolutely not! 95% of the time we can
simply do an isolated wall repair. Often we can reuse the original tile or
incorporate a unique design using decorative tile to blend the newly tiled
section. Many of our customers have actually found the new look more attractive
then the original work. We will be happy to give you a free on site estimate and
help you decide what is right for you.
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Caulking
Q: What do I do if I find some grout
or caulk has opened up?
A: Make sure you call us to fix this
problem or fill it yourself. A small hole that allows water to get
behind your tile or tub can over a period of time, even a short time,
make this seemingly insignificant problem into a huge mess and a costly
repair. It is a good idea to stop once every month and eye-up the entire
shower looking for holes or openings. These minor problems can be fixed
with a minimum of effort but left alone can become a real problem. If
you think your grout or caulking is failing you should have it
re-grouted or re-caulked. Give us a
call, we'll take care of it for you.
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Cleaning
Q: Why does my grout get so
dirty?
The main reason for grout to get discolored is dirty mop water over a
period of time will turn/stain even the lightest colored grout dark.
These stains are very hard to remove as well as being an excellent
breeding ground for bacteria, mold & mildew.
Q: How do I keep my shower looking
clean and new?
A: There are a few tried and true
methods you can use but first, remember that we offer a full cleaning
& maintenance service for your shower. We will be happy to come in
and periodically steam clean or power clean your shower for like new
results.
If you are going to clean it on your own
the most effective of all is to simply dry the walls and tub with a
towel after every use. By doing this soap scum and hard water
will have no chance to build up. Mold can only grow in a high moisture
environment so if you dry it you should have no problems with mold.
Another good method is to use a shower squeegee to dry the walls after
your shower.
Why Clean and Seal Your Tile Floor?
Tile floors develop traffic patterns in the grout joints, similar to pathways on a carpet. Once the floor has been cleaned and rinsed, a clear, penetrating sealer is applied to protect grout joints from future
discoloration without changing the appearance. This also extends the life of the grout.
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Mildew
Q: There is a
lot of dark mildew on the grout in our shower. How can I clean the
grout?
A: Once
you have mildew you will always have to battle it. Mildew sends out
millions of tiny spores (seeds) that can lie dormant for a long time.
Mildew are pesky little creatures that thrive on moisture and microscopic
particles of organic materials - soap, shampoo, body oil, skin particles,
etc.
In order to minimize the future growth of mildew on the grout, take away
its nutrients and moisture. Rinse the walls when you are done showering
and then run a shower squeegee over them. It only takes about 30 seconds.
Leave the shower curtain or door open to hasten the drying time.
Cleaning: You will need a good
scrub brush, chlorine bleach, white vinegar, rubber gloves, and tub and
tile cleaners that are effective for cleaning grout.
Call us, we specialize in Tile
& Grout Cleaning
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