After installing new tiles in the house, the shine and beauty of the floor increases. But after a few months or years, if the grout between the tiles starts breaking, falling off or fine cracks start appearing in it, then it is not right to consider it as normal wear and tear. Sometimes there could be reasons behind this like the base of the floor, moisture or a technical mistake made during the installation of tiles.

If the cause of grout damage is detected in time, moisture reaching under the tiles and future costly repairs can be avoided.
Why is grout applied between tiles?
A small space is deliberately left between two tiles and this gap is filled with grout. Its function is not just to give a uniform and better finish to the floor. Grout also helps prevent dirt from accumulating between tiles and keeps water from getting inside.
However, grout has its limitations. If there is constant movement or pressure in the surface beneath the floor, the grout cannot withstand that stress for long. This is the reason why fine cracks may first appear in the joint.

Tiles can also indicate if the base is weak
The strength of the floor largely depends on the base beneath it. If the base is uneven, weak, or improperly prepared, pressure may also be exerted on the tiles above.
In new buildings, movement can also occur due to gradual settling of floors, changes in temperature and expansion and contraction of construction materials. Similarly, installing tiles before the concrete has dried enough time can also cause problems later.
In such a situation, simply refilling the broken grout may hide the problem for some time, but its root cause may remain.
Deteriorating the ratio of water in grout is also a big mistake.
While preparing grout, it is very important to have the right amount of water. Adding more water than necessary can cause the grout to become weak and brittle after drying. On the other hand, even if there is very little water, it may not set properly.
Apart from this, it is important to fill the grout thoroughly inside the joint. If there is an empty space left between it or if you start walking on the floor without giving enough time, its grip may become weak and after some time it starts falling.
Therefore, while installing tiles, just buying expensive tiles is not enough. The correct grout and the method of applying it is equally important.
Why does grout get spoiled quickly in bathroom and kitchen?
Where floors are in constant contact with water, the risk of grout damage is greater. Bathroom, kitchen, balcony and washing area are common examples.
Due to repeated wetting and drying, there is pressure on the joints of the tiles. If the waterproofing under the floor is not in place, water and moisture can slowly seep down. In such a situation, changing the grout repeatedly is not a permanent solution.

If the grout of any one part is repeatedly deteriorating, then water leakage and waterproofing should also be checked there.
Heavy furniture can also increase pressure
Keeping heavy cupboards, fridge, washing machine or other items on the floor of the house puts extra load on some places. Similarly, in areas where there is movement of people throughout the day, there may be more pressure on the grout with time.
Sometimes falling of a heavy object on the floor can also cause a sudden crack in the tile joint. If only the grout is damaged and the tile is firmly in place, it can be removed and new grout can be installed.
If the tile is shaking then the matter can be serious
If the tile also starts shaking along with the grout breaking, a hollow sound comes from beneath it or the tile starts moving up and down, then it should not be considered a problem only with the grout.
Such signs may indicate poor bonding beneath the tile or a problem with the base. In this situation, it is better to get the affected area properly examined instead of just filling the grout from above.

When should the test be done?
If the grout is breaking repeatedly in the same part of the floor, the tile is cracking, moisture is visible or the tile is shaking when pressed, then it is not right to avoid the problem. By getting repairs done at the initial stage, a situation like having to redo the entire tiling can be avoided.
Therefore, do not consider grout as just a part of floor decoration. It is important to find out the hidden reason behind its malfunction, especially when the problem appears again and again.