Bathroom tile regrout

[Bert]

I hired a contractor to acid wash, regrout and seal my bathroom tile.

He did not remove the old grout - merely sponged over a new grout coating.

He says this is standard operating procedure, as we did not contract for old grout removal.

Is this true, or did I just get ripped off?

[home improvement guy]

Unfortunately, there are a number of contractors who regrout tile this way, even though it is not a recommended or reliable solution. People in the industry refer to this practice as "skim coating." It's a way of making the area look better without actually fixing it, and the new grout will wear off once the area is used.

While you can leave a small portion of the old grout, you need to remove a majority of it. That way, there's enough room for the new tile grout to bond to the sides - not the top - of the tile. Even if the grout is worn down in areas, you need someone to remove it before applying new grout.

Luckily, regrouting tile is a practice you shouldn't have to do often. If you take care of and clean your tile grout regularly, you should only have to replace it every 12 to 15 years. Lesser quality jobs or failure to care for the grout may lead to the need for replacement every eight to 10 years.

To get the maximum amount of time between grout replacement, be sure to care for it properly.

Never use bleach, ammonia or acid-based cleaners on grout. Shower cleaners that indicate you should spray the cleaner on and leave it there also damage grout long-term. Use a neutral pH cleaner if you want to get more life out of your grout.

You should also make sure to remove any excess moisture from the room, as that can damage grout. Squeegee your shower after use, and make sure to use exhaust fans to remove moisture.

When it comes to regrouting tile, know what it should cost. Low-priced estimates may indicate the contractor doesn't offer old grout removal as part of the job.

Non-sanded grout typically costs between $5 and $6 per square foot for removal and replacement. Sanded grout, which would be used for any joints with a one-eighth inch gap or larger, costs $6 to $8 per square foot. Cost can vary depending on the size of the area, the type of tile used or the difficulty of the job.

Keep in mind that whoever is replacing your grout should also be placing 100 percent silicone caulk in corner joints and around tubs and shower basins. This step is important, because grout has no flexibility. If there's any movement between a tile and a corner joint, grout will crack.