Over time, the grout between commercial tiles may begin to crack and fall apart. The likelihood of this happening will increase whenever you have hard or heavy wheels rolling across it, such as a delivery dolly or other machine.
When the grout breaks apart, you need to repair it. Below are the steps to take in order to properly repair grout on commercial tile floors.
1. Select the right grout. You want the new grout to match the old grout as best it can. Depending on the age of the commercial floors and the usage it has received, you might not get an exact match. Dirt, stains, and sun bleaching can all alter the color tone. Try to get as close as possible.
2. Remove any loose grout. It’s a good idea to remove any loose grout or other debris from between the tiles before adding new grout. If you don’t remove loose materials, it will increase the likelihood of the new grout cracking and falling apart more quickly.
3. Clean the seams. Using a spray bottle and cold water, wet the seams where you’ll be adding new grout. Use a soft brush or another item to clean out between these seams and then dry them with an old towel or rag.
4. Mix the grout. Do this according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on the amount of grout you require, you may be able to use a small bucket or you may require a larger tub. If you have to do a lot of re-grouting, it’s best to work in relatively small sections to reduce the chances of the grout drying too quickly.
5. Spread the grout. Using a grout float, fill the seams. Make sure the grout is level. Using the edge of the grout float, match the beveled level of the rest of the grout.
6. Clean the edges. Don’t wait too long to wipe off the edges of the seams with a wet sponge. This removes the grout along the tiles. If you wait too long, you will likely find that the grout dries and then becomes much more difficult to remove.
7. Polish the floor. Once the re-grout work is completed, polish the floor. Use the right equipment and techniques to help ensure that your commercial tile floor looks great all around.