How To Repair Grout In Slate Floor

Scoop some of the grout mixture out of the bucket using the padded part of the grout float.

How to repair grout in slate floor.

When the grout does not yield to light finger pressure carefully wipe over the grout lines with a wet sponge to smooth the grout and clean the tile surface. Measure the space between the tiles. Let the grout dry overnight. Don t scrub the surface.

A grout float is a thick rubber pad with a handle on it that s available at most home improvement stores. Press the mixture down into the gap you re repairing until it s completely filled. If your northern nj slate walkway is grouted you will first need to remove the grout around the damaged tiles to remove them. Choose the correct type of grout based on the width of your tile joints and where the repair is being done.

Drag the narrow flat edge of a small pry bar or a small chisel or along the grout lines surrounding the damaged or lifted slate. Match the caulk at most tile specialty shops you can get or order sanded caulk most floor grouts are sanded that will closely match your existing grout color. Rinse the sponge frequently in a bucket of clean water. It s ok if the grout leaves a haze on the tile surface.

If the space is larger than 1 8 of an inch use a sanded grout. Use a grout float to fill the gap with the grout mixture. This fix is only practical for interior tile floors and when the gaps between the tiles are 1 4 in. Select an area 2 to 3 feet square to begin and apply the grout with a rubber faced trowel to spread the grout across the slates working it into the channels between the tiles.

If the width is 1 8 of an inch or smaller use an unsanded grout. If there are numerous damaged. This will remove the grout from the joints. Step 1 remove the grout.

Work sections at a time and as you finish one section and wipe down the stone in each area to remove the majority of the grout. Scrape out as much grout as you can. Run the sponge lightly over the surface several times. Since the grout will be hardened you ll likely need to hit your chisel or knife with a hammer or rubber mallet to break up the grout.

Never use sanded grout with metal glass or marble tiles.