How can I fix the cracks in my shower?
Asked by Teodora Santrač 
3 months ago
Last Updated: August 27, 2024
I’ve noticed some cracks in the shower. Any ideas on how to fix them?
Regrouting is essential in maintaining the integrity of the surface.
If there is grout in the corner, it’s best to remove it. It seems like someone made a mistake while grouting. Remove the grout at any change of plane and seal it with color-matched silicone.
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Definitely follow the advice of both individuals. Regrouting the walls and caulking the corners are necessary steps.
Make sure to regrout and caulk the corner using caulk that matches the existing color.
Bring it back to a joint and create a T-shape, or else you will end up redoing it repeatedly. If this is happening, the grout is likely damaged and the entire area may need to be redone.
Avoid using grout in corners. Use caulk instead.
Ensure grout lines are clear and refill as needed with premixed white maple from lowes using a grout pad. Then, sponge clean the area. For corners, use a maple grout caulk tube. Your tiles will look good as new.
Regrout the wall and use caulking for the corners. Consider avalanche or bright white instead of just white, as white might look off-white with bright white tile.
Make sure to use grout caulk that matches the grout color. For example, follow Mapei’s recommendation
Yeah, it’s white subway tile so it’s definitely a shade of white. Mapie has avalanche, there’s an arctic white with custom building, and tec has bright white so you can choose whichever you prefer
The color of the tile doesn’t matter much. I went with dark/black grout on white tile. Just make sure the grout matches.
Avoid grouting corners and opt for waterproof caulk instead, as it will prevent internal cracking.
Grout should never be placed in corners. If there is a crack on the flat grout line, it might be below the surface of the tile. In any case, make sure to clean both areas. Pick up some unsanded tile caulk in the same color as the grout. Fill the entire inside corner with a small bead of caulk, and only the crack area with the other.
You know, I’ve heard some people say no grout in corners, but I disagree! Especially if it’s a well-built shower. Nowadays, showers should be waterproof before the tile goes in, and they can last a lifetime or even longer.
If I were you, I’d go with Mapei grout caulk in the right color. You can find it at your local hardware store, usually in the tiling section. Tile stores might have better options, but Mapei is a good choice.
It’s not just about being waterproof (although that is important before starting with the tiles). The main concern is the movement in the walls, especially with stud walls. Perpendicular walls tend to shift, expand, and contract at different rates, which can lead to cracked grout. Water penetration is not the only issue.
Stevenson if done correctly with today’s materials, there should be no movement. I always use epoxy grout for all the showers I work on. It’s definitely more work and harder to work with, but the results are permanent and resistant to mold.
So, you can choose to do it incorrectly or not up to current standards. It may work fine, but doing it correctly ensures it’s perfectly secure. I typically used Schluter complete systems in my showers, even if they were a bit pricier. Bathroom remodels are expensive, and proper installation prevents costly repairs.
When you were building, I mentioned that it wasn’t the right way to do it. Mapei grout caulk is a simple fix.
Scrape out the old grout and apply caulking to the corners, as grouting corners is not recommended. You can find colored caulking at Floor and Decor, which offers a variety of colors to match.
Simply remove the grout from the area with the crack and regrout. Take note of previous advice regarding treating the corners with caulking.