Our bathrooms go through a lot. So, over time, they wear out. One of the signs that your bathroom is outdated or aging is cracked grout. So, how frequently do you need to regrout your shower? Ideally, there is no exact time, but some signs can help determine when to regrout the room.

What is Shower Regrouting?

Regrouting doesn’t just involve removing the existing grout. It also encompasses laying new one in the area between the tiles. 

This, in turn, helps restore the aesthetic and durability of your shower. Plus, it can effectively protect your bathroom from water leakage.

The Importance of Shower Regrouting

Looking to regrout shower tiles in your bathroom? This is a good decision you are making. Doing so doesn’t just help protect your bathroom. It also provides the following benefits:

• Prevent water from penetrating behind.
• Avoid the growth of mould and mildew.
• Hold the tiles tightly.
• Enhance the beauty of your bathroom.

5 Signs to Look At

If you are unsure whether your shower requires a regrout, here are signs to look for:

1. Damaged Grout

If the grout is cracked, it is not just weakened. It can also crumble easily. Therefore, in this case, it is time to call shower repair experts. 

Cracks make the grout less effective in sealing your wall. Plus, they allow water to seep through to the exterior.

2. Presence of Mould and Mildew

If, for instance, you clean and see black stains continuing to creep in, then it could be that the grout used is just too old. This means that it cannot perform as it should.

3. Cracked and Chipped Surfaces

Floor tiles often crack or chip because they no longer get adequate support from the grout. This can lead to serious structural problems.

4. Bathroom Leaks or Water Damage

Stains, dampness, or a general mouldy smell could rise from the walls. That is a sign that your grout is no longer properly sealing water out.

5. Stains That Do Not Wash Off 

Staining that is difficult to remove even after using bleach and other strong detergents is usually caused by water penetrating the grout and bacteria settling there. This is a great time to change it.

How Often Should You Regrout?

As a rule of thumb, you should re-grout a shower every 8-15 years. This depends on the current state of the grout and the regimes that the shower is put through. 

One of the many ways by which you can prolong grout life is through regular cleaning and proper ventilation. Controlling or poor ventilation may also reduce this timeline.

However, checking shower grout at least once a year is recommended, even if everything seems perfectly right. Neglected small issues may lead to the development of larger ones. Maintenance is the key to preventing small leaks that may lead to big problems later on.

The bottom line is that a bathroom regrout is not an easy task. However, it is not just important to maintain the shower area's cleanliness. It is also crucial for safety and functionality.