An unsightly gap between two tiles is more than just an eyesore. It’s also a major source of moisture, which can lead to mold and other types of destructive growth.
Fortunately, repairing holes in your grout or wall isn’t as difficult as you might think. In most cases, you can use tile adhesive to fill the gaps in your walls.
Keep reading to learn how to repair holes in your grout or wall with tile adhesive and some helpful hints on how to find hidden breaks in your tiles before they become a problem.
What is tile adhesive?
Tile adhesive is a liquid that polymerizes when it comes into contact with the surface of your tiles. It permanently bonds to the wall, grout, and adjoining tiles, and it prevents moisture from reaching the wall. Consequently, the adhesive fills in the gaps and seals any cracks that may have occurred between the tiles. It is generally needed to mix this with water to get it in a liquid form before you can apply it.
Once the glue has dried, it will create a solid that can fill in a gap and ensure that moisture doesn’t enter it.
Tile adhesive comes in several different forms and strengths. For example, there are thin, liquid adhesives that can fill holes in your grout with just a few drops. There are heavier and thicker adhesives that can fill larger gaps, especially on porous tiles and slabs. In addition, there are special grout sealers that can be used to fill gaps in your grout.
Tile adhesive is generally sold in larger quantities but for repairs, it is also possible to find smaller quantities. This ensures that there is no color difference between the different parts.
There are also special products to fill gaps if you prefer these. These products can make the gap look nicer but might be more expensive. These solutions are better for bigger gaps. You can also consider grout or another adhesive.
Another common solution is to use silicone. This is easy to apply, cheap and lasts a long time. This is also waterproof. This is a great solution for showers and other areas that get wet. Tile glue might be less resilient over time and water might start to drip inside this area. Silicone can also be removed quite easily if needed.
How to use tile adhesive to repair holes in your grout or wall
You should check the cause of the gaps before you start. It is possible that a rodent is inside your walls or that insects are eating parts of your wall. Examine the area and make sure that there are no problems that can result in more holes in your grout or wall.
Once you have found that there are no further problems, you can move forward and close the holes. This will generally take less than 20 minutes.
If you find a hole in your grout, you can fill it with tile adhesive. Simply apply a bead of adhesive in the middle of the gap and smooth it out with your finger or a dry rag. Fill in the rest of the gap with more adhesive, and then let the adhesive cure for at least 24 hours. If you don’t have tile adhesive, you can use mesh tape instead.
It is possible to use a small knife to remove some glue to make it look nicer.
You can try this in a small corner to make sure that the colors aren’t too different. Tiles should look nice and big differences in colors can make them look strange.
Tile adhesive also comes in different qualities. If you only have to fill in a small gap, you can go for a cheaper brand. If the gap is rather large, it is better to stick to a reliable brand. You can get advice in your local hardware store as well.
Wear gloves and other protective equipment when you apply these products. You can also use plastic to cover the tub, sink or floor. This ensures you that there won’t be drips of these materials on other parts of your bathroom. It is quite easy to spill and get some of these products on your floors or vanity if you are not careful.
Final Words
Tile adhesive can seal your grout, fill holes in your tiles, and even be used to repair cracks in your tiles.
Tile adhesive can be found at most home improvement stores, and it only takes a small amount to fill a hole in your grout. It can be bought in different quantities so make sure to pick the size that is needed for your project.
If you find a hole in your grout, you can fill it with tile adhesive. Simply apply a bead of adhesive in the middle of the gap and smooth it out with your finger or a dry rag. Fill in the rest of the gap with more adhesive, and then let the adhesive cure for at least 24 hours. If you don’t have tile adhesive, you can use silicone instead.
While you can use tile adhesive to fill in a hole, it is often better to use silicone as this will last longer and will keep water out. Tile adhesive can break down over time and this can result in further problems. A plumber can help you with adding silicone in your shower, around your bath or sink. They can make sure that everything is waterproof.
