Good points, but honestly, checking grout every few months seems a bit excessive to me. I've found that using a decent waterproof sealer once a year does the trick just fine... cheaper and less hassle overall.
"Good points, but honestly, checking grout every few months seems a bit excessive to me. I've found that using a decent waterproof sealer once a year does the trick just fine... cheaper and less hassle overall."
Yeah, I get what you're saying about grout checks feeling excessive. Honestly, I used to think the same way until I had a rental property shower leak through the ceiling below—talk about an expensive lesson! Turns out the grout had tiny cracks that weren't obvious at all, and water slowly seeped through over months. By the time we noticed, it was drywall replacement and mold remediation city.
Since then, I've become a bit more cautious. Not saying everyone needs to obsessively check grout every month or two (I definitely don't), but maybe once or twice a year isn't such a bad idea? Your waterproof sealer method sounds solid though—do you find certain brands or types of sealers work better than others? I've mostly stuck with whatever my handyman recommends, but I'm always open to suggestions if something works better.
Also curious if anyone here has experience with epoxy grout instead of traditional cement-based grout? I've heard it's pricier upfront but supposedly way more durable and resistant to cracking. Might be worth considering for high-use showers or rentals where tenants aren't exactly gentle on fixtures...
I've actually tried epoxy grout in our master bath after dealing with a similar leak nightmare. It was definitely pricier upfront, but honestly, it's been worth every penny. We had traditional grout before, and even with sealing, it eventually cracked and let moisture through—cue the moldy drywall saga.
The epoxy stuff has held up way better so far (going on 3 years now). It's tougher, doesn't stain as easily, and seems pretty resistant to cracking. The only downside was installation—it was a bit trickier to work with, and our tile guy charged extra because it's harder to apply neatly. But considering the peace of mind and reduced maintenance hassle since then, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
As for sealers, I've had decent luck with Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold. It's pricier than some others but seems to last longer between applications. Still, even with good sealer, I think occasional grout checks aren't a bad idea—especially if you've had leaks before. Better safe than sorry...
"The epoxy stuff has held up way better so far (going on 3 years now). It's tougher, doesn't stain as easily, and seems pretty resistant to cracking."
Glad to hear epoxy grout worked out for you—I had a similar experience. After dealing with leaks and moldy drywall (ugh, nightmare memories), I switched to epoxy grout in our guest bath about two years ago. You're right about the installation though; it was definitely trickier than regular grout. I DIY'd it myself, and let's just say there were some colorful words involved...
But honestly, isn't the peace of mind worth the extra hassle and cost? Knowing I don't have to constantly worry about moisture sneaking behind tiles is priceless. I've also used Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold before—solid recommendation there. Still, like you said, occasional checks are smart. Ever notice how leaks always seem to happen at the worst possible time? Murphy's law strikes again...
Epoxy grout's definitely solid, but curious—did you also upgrade your waterproofing method behind the tiles when you switched? I've seen epoxy grout hold up great, but if the waterproofing underneath isn't done right (like using a proper membrane or backer board), leaks can still sneak through eventually. Learned that the hard way myself...now I'm extra cautious about what's behind the tile, not just between it.
