#wrong shower regrouting

People often opt for shower regrouting services only when the situation has become worse. This means the grout has already split again, revealing signs such as hairline cracks and larger cracks. Grout is blamed for this, but the problem is not the grout but what's underneath.

MOVEMENT OF THE SUBSTRATE

The main reason grout gets damaged is substrate movement, particularly in cities like Sydney and Brisbane. Minor structural moments are enough to flex the substrate and cause issues such as hairline cracks. Here are some reasons that cause cracks to develop.

Timber subfloors expand and contract

Poor tile underlay flexes under weight

Older homes shift slightly over time

Selecting the wrong grout for wet areas

Homeowners must understand that the grouts used by experts in shower regrouting services are not the same. People mainly focus on cement grout for showers that is of course a cheaper option, but not the most effective one. The cost flexibility of cement grout is very low, and its lifespan is about 5 years, whereas the cost flexibility of epoxy grout is very high, and its lifespan is about 10 years. According to The Australian Building Codes Board, wet areas in residential and commercial properties need proper moisture-resistant systems. Grout alone will not serve as a waterproofing agent.

POOR QUALITY INSTALLATION

This is what most people don't want to hear. Poor-quality installation looks fine and perfect during handover, but 6 months later, it's a completely different story as you start noticing the following.

Uneven grout lines

Hollow tiles

Inconsistent spacing

A fact about grout failure and the necessity of shower regrouting services is that most grout failures are not due to age, but due to shortcuts that showed their impacts later.

If your grout keeps cracking and you are forced to avail shower regrouting services frequently, you must be aware of the following.

Is the cracking in the same spots? → Movement issue

Is there mould or a damp smell? → Possible waterproofing failure

Was it a cheap job? → Likely material or prep issue

Only corners cracking? → Missing expansion joints

FAQs

WHY DOES GROUT CRACK SO QUICKLY AFTER REGROUTING?

Usually, movement or poor prep. Not the grout itself.

CAN I JUST SEAL OVER CRACKED GROUT?

You can, but it won't last.

IS EPOXY GROUT WORTH IT?

In wet areas, yes — but only if the base is sound.

HOW LONG SHOULD SHOWER GROUT LAST IN AUSTRALIA?

Typically 5–10 years, depending on materials and conditions.

DOES REGROUTING FIX LEAKS?

Sometimes. But not if waterproofing has failed.

IS CRACKING ALWAYS A STRUCTURAL ISSUE?

Not always — but it's rarely just cosmetic.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Cracked grout isn't accidental. Typically, it is a signal that something is wrong below, such as shifting, dampness, or negligence.