Grout cracked where walls meet

[JulesA]

Hi

I've noticed that the grout has cracked most of the way down where two walls meet in the area around the shower. It's not a power shower and water isn't running down the wall, but obviously it is getting splashed. See pictures of crack. Second one a close-up, if it helps.

What should I do so water doesn't get behind the tiles? I think I read on other posts people saying there should be Silicon in the corner and not grout? So could I just Silicon over the grout? And in that case could use Ottoseal S70 as between the bath and the tiles, or would I need a different type of Silicon?

Or is there a better and more long-lasting solution?

I posted elsewhere about how to replace the sealant on the tiles. Maybe redoing that would do enough to keep it waterproof? But I'm not hopeful.

Thanks for any help!

 

[peterwhayward]

Should always silicon where walls or floors (ceilings not so important) meet as natural movement in a house will crack the grouting, even so called flexible grouting. Better quality silicon with a anti mould spec is best.(loads to choose from). Hope this helps.

 

[White Room]

Ottoseal S70 would be fine for natural stone....

 

[JulesA]

Thanks!

Could you give me any tips for doing it. I don't want to make a mess of it.

I assume to begin with I need to get Silicon the same colour as the grout? White will look horrible.

Do I need to take out the grout that's there? Or is it ok to put it on top as there's space in between the tiles to put it in? And use masking tape to get a straight line?

Thanks.

 

[White Room]

I would remove the old grout to allow the Silicon to fill the joint...

 

[JulesA]

Thanks! - and don't suppose you could point me to a post where this is covered? I'm sure it has been. I have no idea how to do this!

 

[White Room]

You could try one of these, it's for cutting hardie backer board and easily available from most tiling suppliers and can be used to scrape the grout out but be careful and don't scrape the face of your tiles.

​

 

[JulesA]

Thanks for your help.

I'll have a look for one of those.

 

[Sean Kelly]

Jules,
Try not to use the shower until you have completed the following.
Remove old grout with a Hardiebacker knife (as above). about £7
If you just Silicon over the old cracking grout then there is chance that the grout will break out through the Silicon and water will get in.
Clean the grout line with methylated spirit.
Then Silicon down the line (look on youtube for how to do this).

Is the bottom of the tray (where the wall tiles meet the tray) siliconed? It is normal practice to Silicon any joints that may get wet.

Alternatively, call a tiler!

Good luck.

 

[JulesA]

Thanks Sean.

Just thought - if I need to reseal the tiles, should I do the resealing before or after doing the Silicon? Or doesn't it matter? It won't stop the Silicon sticking?