Blades Building LtdBLADESBUILDING
Problems & repairs

Bathroom leaks, failed grout and tiling that has let go

Most bathroom leaks are a substrate problem dressed up as a grout problem.

Cracked grout, loose tiles and a stain appearing on the ceiling below are usually symptoms of what is behind the tiles rather than the tiles themselves. Re-grouting a failing wall buys weeks, not years.

Substrate matters more than grout

Tiles fixed to plasterboard in a shower zone, without tanking or a suitable board, will eventually move. Once the substrate is soft, no amount of sealant holds it together.

Tanking and wet zones

Shower areas need a waterproofing system behind the tile, lapped correctly at the tray and corners. This is invisible when done and obvious when it is not.

Movement joints and sealant

Junctions between tray and wall move, and need flexible sealant rather than rigid grout. Grout in a moving joint cracks every time.

When to strip and redo

Where boards are soft, tiles are drumming or a leak has reached a ceiling below, stripping back to sound substrate and rebuilding the wall is the durable answer.

Common questions

Questions we get asked about this

Can you just re-grout?

If the substrate is sound and tiles are firm, yes. If tiles sound hollow or move, re-grouting is a short-term measure.

Do you carry out full bathroom refits?

Yes, including waste re-routes, tanked shower enclosures, tiling and new suites, as part of our refurbishment work.

How long does a bathroom take?

A full refit is normally a couple of weeks depending on the extent of tiling and any layout changes.

Can the layout be changed?

Usually, subject to routing waste with sufficient fall — we check that at survey.

Bathroom past repair?

We will tell you honestly whether it needs a repair or a proper refit.