How to stop water leaking through bathroom and shower tiles with Saint-Gobain Weber

If your shower is leaking through your tiles, then this article from Saint-Gobain Weber will prove very useful.

Leaky tiles can occur anywhere where water is used, whether it’s a shower, a wet room or a kitchen splashback.

They can often cause damp and mould within surfaces behind tiles, and can even threaten the structural integrity of walls, so it’s important to tackle the issue at the first sign of a leak.

Water getting behind tiles can also damage the tile adhesive, which could cause tiles to come loose, and possibly fall off the wall altogether. 

So how can you stop water getting behind tiles? This guide will see Saint-Gobain Weber go through how to replace grout and silicone, which will seal the tiles without having to remove them.

If there is a serious leak though, the tiles will need to be removed and a waterproofing system installed before putting them back.

Replace grout

If grout is visibly cracked or crumbling, it’s likely going to be letting water behind the tiles.

Even if the grout doesn’t appear to be damaged, if it’s not water-resistant it could potentially be the source of the leak. Either way, it’s probably a good idea to remove and replace – particularly any grout that is visibly damaged.

Grout can be removed by hand either using a manual grout removal tool or power tool with an oscillating action, both of which are widely available from hardware stores. To ensure no damage is done to the tiles, it is a good idea to tape off the grout lines before you begin the removal process.

Before applying new grout, ensure tiles are firmly adhered and that the gaps in between are clean. A squeegee or rubber float can then be used to apply water-resistant grout in small sections.

Guarantee a smooth, even finish is created with no gaps which could cause further problems down the line. 

Remove excess grout from tile surfaces as soon as possible, and then leave to dry for around half an hour. Finally, a damp emulsifying pad or sponge can be used to clean any remaining grout residue from the tile surface.

Saint-Gobain Weber recommend weberjoint premium grout, which is not only water-resistant and mould-resistant, but has been formulated with PURE CLEAN anti-stain technology, so is ideal for any re-grouting that is needed.

It is available in 18 colours, which have been colour matched to the company’s silicone sealant, so there is plenty of choice when it comes to the finish.

Replace silicone

Water can also seep around the edges of tiled areas. To prevent this from happening, a silicone sealant should be used to seal the joints between tiles and other surfaces such as windows, sinks and walls at the edges of splashbacks.

If the silicone seal has been broken, this should be removed before applying new sealant. This can be done using a sharp knife or chisel, ensuring all appropriate safety measures are taken. Extra care should be taken not to damage tiles when removing the silicone.  

As with grout, it is important to ensure the chosen silicone is mould and fungus resistant if it is intended for use in wet areas.

Surfaces must be clean and dry before sealant is applied into joints, using a spatula to smooth it in. Finish by cleaning off any excess before it cures.

weberjoint silicone is the recommended sealant, which will cure to form a tough, watertight seal. It is available as a clear sealant, as well as in the 18 colours of its premium grout, so ideal for finishing the job.

Remove & replace tiles

As a last resort, the tiles may need to be removed in order to fix any leaks. To give walls (and tiles) the correct protection, it is a good idea to use an under tile tanking kit, which is a waterproofing system specifically designed for use in bathrooms and wet rooms.

Apply the tanking paint with a roller, covering the area to protect surfaces in wet areas. This will help to prevent water damage to surfaces in case of a leak or future damage to grout and sealant.

webersys protect is the company’s ready-mixed tanking kit, which is ideal for waterproofing showers or bathrooms.

It comes as a kit with everything needed to protect walls from water – primer, tanking paint and tanking tape.

Saint-Gobain Weber
Dickens House, Enterprise Way
Maulden Road
Flitwick
Bedford
MK45 5BY
UK

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