Re-grouting Tiles

Quick Fixes

Tiling around wash hand basins may have discoloured grouting in places, from various hand soaps. Floor tiles bedded on non-concrete or screeded floors may have moved very slightly during fluctuations in humidity or heavy treading over the years, and some of the grout may have chipped, dried or otherwise broken loose.

Whether it's for guests who are coming to stay at Christmas or a 'spring' clean at any time, the grout between tiles may be looking a little tired. What are the ways to give it a makeover?

Wall Tile Grouting

The simplest options are to clean the grouting with some whitening toothpaste, cream cleanser or sugar soap, depending on the type of stain (e.g. colour dye, oil, etc.) but always with an old toothbrush. When done, wipe with a clean, damp cloth.

If there are gaps where small pieces of grout are missing and you want a quick fix, these can easily be filled in with 'fix & grout' or general purpose 'polyfilla' from a local DIY or hardware store for £3ish to £7ish. A longer lasting job would involve removing existing grout and replacing all with new - much harder than you'd think.

Before the new grout hardens, smooth it very gently with your finger (in a damp cloth, if preferred). Wipe the whole surface a little later, once the grout has set. 

If the grouting is especially prone water damage, such as around a wash hand basin, an alternative is to use a waterproof mastic to protect the area. This is not an easy task if you haven't tried it before so it would be a good idea to practice first. Trim off unwanted bits of dried mastic with a sharp blade, otherwise it may cause a ripple effect, when pulled, and remove a significant amount.

Floor Tile Grouting

Often, for practical reasons, the grout between floor tiles is cement and, often, it is a grey colour rather than white.

Sometimes, bathroom floor tiles have white grouting and can take a temporary fix with filler, as above. However, in many cases, repairing floor tile problems requires a professional. A variety of tools may be used, from electric-powered to metal scrapers or just white vinegar. Never use metal abrasives on the tile surfaces, as many tiles are sensitive and will permanently mark (especially porcelain).

If you are constantly having problems with losing grout between floor tiles, it may be that insufficient adhesive was used to bed them down. This can be checked by gently tapping areas of the floor to see if a significant number of patches sound hollow.

Please feel free to leave a genuine comment!

Rain, Snow & Ice takes its toll on Tarmac Drives

Looking after your tarmac driveway - especially after winter.

Tarmac is a cost-effective solution for driveways but after a few years it can look 'tyred' :o) and can suffer from harsh winter weather. When your drive is past its best, driveway and patio cleaning services will pressure clean it, fill any gaps, then treat it with Resiblock Resimat to leave your driveway looking as good as new again for a few more years. Be sure to find an established local company, preferably one that has been recommended to you. NEVER use a company that knocks on your door or 'happens to be in the area...'

Autumn 'to do' list for your Home

Carpets.
A whole summer of dusty feet coming in from the garden makes carpets look flat, grubby and tired. Clean your carpets before the winter wet makes them worse.


Driveways.
A wet summer causes havoc in Britain. Stones or Paving may have been dislodged by driving rain or tough weed growth and will certainly have ground-in dirt. A professional clean and seal will return your driveway or patio to its former glory ready for the winter weather onslaught. (Not usually necessary ever year!)

 

Gardens.
A final cut of the lawn and then clean the lawn-mower before storing it away until next March, ready for the first cut of next year. Trim dead growth from shrubs and borders. Don't undertake any serious tree surgery until late - your local experienced tree service will not only advise the best time for various tree types but their service usually includes a logging, chipping or carting service (be sure to check what's included and what isn't).

Gutters & Drains.
Also, remember to clean out your guttering. A build-up of soggy leaves will prevent rainwater from draining away. It may spill over - or worse, damage the guttering. Any clogged drains should be remedied too.

• All house-hold jobs done? Time for fun. Carve some pumpkins for the front step! 
• Naughty or nice? Start writing that Christmas list and plan for a long, cosy winter.