Can I regrout my bathroom tiles myself or hire a pro?« Back to Previous Page

Okay, so you're seeing cracking and brown discoloration in your Jumeirah bathroom grout. That's a classic sign of water intrusion, and here in Dubai's humid climate, that's a fast track to mold growth behind the tiles, which can seriously compromise your indoor air quality.

For a small area, DIY is possible if you're meticulous. The steps are: 1) Completely remove the old, damaged grout using a grout removal tool or oscillating multitool (be careful not to scratch the tiles!). 2) Thoroughly clean and dry the joints; this is critical. Any moisture left will cause the new grout to fail. 3) Mix the new, high-quality polymer-fortified grout (choose a sanded type for wider joints) and apply it with a rubber float, forcing it deep into the joints. 4) Wipe away the excess with a damp (not wet) sponge before it fully dries. 5) Allow it to cure completely before sealing it with a penetrating sealant to protect it from our harsh water.

However, and this is a big however: if you see any tiles that sound hollow when tapped, notice any wall softening, or if the discoloration doesn't scrub off the surface, that indicates water has breached the waterproofing membrane behind the tiles. This is a structural issue, not just cosmetic. DIY attempts will not fix it and could cause thousands in water damage to your apartment and even adjacent units.

Under Dubai's Strata laws, significant water leakage into common areas or other units can lead to major liabilities. In such cases, a professional inspection is mandatory to assess the full extent of the damage behind the wall. If you have any doubts at all, it is far more cost-effective to call a pro. For a proper assessment to see if it's just a grout issue or a deeper waterproofing failure, you should definitely call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com for a consultation.