What to Know about Grout & Tile Repair During Winter

For millions of Americans, frigid temperatures and consistent snowfall during wintertime can put a halt on those home improvement tasks you’ve been aching to get done, especially when it comes to grout and tile repair. The colder months certainly pose an important question – is it too late to get that work done around the house?

According to expert David Muirhead of The Grout Medic, you don’t necessarily have to push back your grout and tile work, but there are definitely some factors you need to keep in mind.

When it comes to grouting and tiling, Muirhead says, frigid temperatures should be the first thing to consider before you start a project. He says below-freezing temperatures will almost certainly impact most types of caulks and cause grout and tiles to crack. Though there are exceptions, he suggests you should almost never work on a grouting project when temperatures dip below 32°F, as the cold can have a negative impact on the curing process.

Specifically, if you’re setting caulk during winter, it can freeze and separate from the mortar, and then separate from the tiles themselves, resulting in loose and hollow-like tiles. Once this happens, you’ll either have to redo the entire process or call someone to make the repairs for you.

Snow, mud and salt are also significantly more present during winter and can cause all sorts of damage to your tiles, including discoloration and cracking. Many contractors will advise against grouting when the ground is frozen, because when the ground thaws, it releases water, and can compromise the quality of your tiling job.

However, if you are planning on making some tile and grout repairs during a cold front, where you store your materials can also play a huge part in the process.

If you keep materials sitting in a garage during winter, the grout will need to sit inside for several hours before you’re able to use it. Silicone caulks are known to freeze and aren’t ideal for use after freezing. However, if you do choose to keep your materials inside in preparation for a project, it’s important to remember that the indoor temperature needs to be set above the setting temperature, because cooler weather means most materials will take slightly longer to cure after application.

If you’re not sure whether or not your grout has properly cured, there’s a simple way of checking. If you’re using a cement-based grout, lightly touch the compound with your thumb and check if you left an imprint. If you didn’t, then the grout has been properly set.

While every home improvement project you undertake will ultimately raise the value of your home, many people focus on the bigger picture tasks, like roofing or remodeling, but even the smallest details, like grouting and tiling, can make a huge difference and should not be forgotten about, or left untreated.