Why does my floor tile grout keep breaking in the bathroom?

Why is bathroom grouting so important?

While adhesive secures tiles in position, grout bridges the gaps between the tiles, helping to keep them watertight, protected, and in place.

Broken floor tile grout is unsightly and frustrating. But more than this, broken grout can allow moisture to seep into the gaps between the tiles, causing mold, mildew, and damp.

So why does floor tile grout break in the bathroom? Let’s get into it.

Why does floor tile grout keep breaking in the bathroom?

Floor tile grout does have a lifespan. About 8-16 years is fairly typical. However, if your floor tile grout keeps breaking in the bathroom and it’s newly installed, you’ll want to understand why.

When tiling a floor, preparation is key if you want the end result to be long-lasting. This means the area needs to be solid, level, clean, and dry.

Tiling over an existing tiled floor is generally a no-no. A solid sub-floor (e.g. plywood) that’s completely level, will help to prevent movement and ensure your grout does not crack.

It’s also important to choose the right type of adhesive for the surface the tiles are laid onto. Unless using a ready-mix adhesive, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to get the right consistency.

The adhesive should be smoothed onto the substrate and then raked over using the serrated edge of a notched gauging trowel. If the ‘dot and dab’ method has been used, this can cause the floor tile grout to break.

In essence, if the area has not been prepared properly and the tiles have been poorly fitted, you may find the grout begins to break.

Read our guide to understand more about the process of laying floor tiles to ensure a quality, long-lasting result.

Call in the professionals

Broken floor tile grout is often indicative of an issue with the way the tiled area was prepped and how the tiles were installed.

Not always, but unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary to start over.

While floor tiling jobs can be accomplished by a keen DIYer, you’re guaranteed a professional finish when you use an experienced tradesperson.

Search our directory of approved tradespeople to find a top quality, local tiler who will assess and help remedy your broken bathroom grout.