{"id":419,"date":"2021-03-09T17:35:06","date_gmt":"2021-03-09T17:35:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/?p=419"},"modified":"2022-08-02T07:10:40","modified_gmt":"2022-08-02T07:10:40","slug":"are-hairline-cracks-in-grout-normal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/are-hairline-cracks-in-grout-normal","title":{"rendered":"Are Hairline Cracks in Grout Normal?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a previous article we discussed when to use grout<\/u><\/a>, when you should go for caulk and when a silicone base is necessary for filling gaps. We also mentioned that over time, grout tends to develop cracks in many cases \u2013 especially if applied in the wrong place. Sometimes these cracks are rather prevalent, while most of the times, these are just hairline cracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But are these hairline cracks in grout normal, or is there something you need to worry about? Should you rush to repair the same or can you afford to leave these hairline cracks in your grout lines?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hairline cracks in grout lines can occur because of a wide variety of reasons. From improperly cured grout all the way to the tiles not setting properly, or simply because you applied it between the wrong surfaces. While in most cases these cracks are benign, sometimes repairing them becomes essential in ensuring the structural integrity of your walls or floor.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at all these factors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Are There Hairline Cracks in Grout? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Cracked grout in between some tiles<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

As mentioned above, hairline cracks in grout may be because of several reasons; some of them being very apparent while some may be remote and obscure. One of the most common reasons for these cracks is improperly cured concrete underneath, insufficient tile adhesive in the tiles around, or the expansion or contraction of the surfaces between which grout is applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why it isn\u2019t recommended that you apply grout between tiles and cabinets<\/a>, <\/strong>but only between tiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there aren\u2019t any specific tests to check what the exact reason for these cracks in grout is. Grout cracks are most common between bathroom tile grout, kitchen backsplash, or if your roof has tiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you pick up your monocle and go all Sherlock Holmes on your tiles, though, it is important to note that age plays an important role in developing cracks between tiles as well. Grout usually lasts from 15 to 20 years <\/strong>depending on how much maintenance it is getting and where it is applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For ceramic tiles, this duration reduces to 13-16 years. When determining when it\u2019s time for you to replace the grout you have applied, consider the aesthetics as well as the intensity of cracks in grout lines, along with where these cracks are developing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a general rule, grout cracks in bathrooms should be fixed as quickly as possible, including hairline grout cracks. <\/strong>The first place you should look at when inspecting for hairline cracks is where perpendicular faces join, i.e., corners (horizontal and vertical).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Reading:<\/strong> Can You Lay Tile Directly on Hardie Backer?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location, Location, Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can get a very good idea of why the grout is cracking based on their location. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n