What Happens If You Grout Tile Too Soon?
Your tile job will last longer if you don’t rush this step
Highlights
In general, you need to wait 24 to 48 hours after installing tile before you can grout.
Grouting too soon can cause many issues from tile damage to mold.
If you’re crunched for time, use quick-set mortar.
You’re admiring your freshly-laid tiles, and you’re eager to grout and be done with the project. But if you’re wondering how soon can you grout tile, be aware that rushing things can cause major problems. Here’s what happens if you grout tile too soon, plus tips for a long-lasting tile job.
Common Issues from Grouting Tile Too Soon
Good things take time, and this includes your tile installation. After you finish laying your tile, check the instructions for the tile adhesive you used to find out how long you need to wait for it to cure completely. This will usually be between 24 to 48 hours. Not waiting and choosing to grout too early can cost you both time and money.
Tiles Move or Fall Off
If you don’t allow the mortar to cure thoroughly before you start grouting, your tiles may dislodge or move around down the road, leading to uneven surfaces. You might even have tiles that fall off the wall. This can be hazardous, especially if you have young children or pets.
Damaged Tiles
When you grout too soon, you may end up with damaged tiles, especially cracked tiles. Not only do cracks look unsightly, they can also allow water to seep underneath the tiles, potentially resulting in mold and water damage.
Mold Growth
Waiting the right amount of time for your mortar to cure will help you avoid mold issues. This is because wet mortar has moisture. So if you grout your tiles too soon, you end up trapping the moisture from the mortar, which can lead to mold and other problems.
Discolored Grout
You might end up with discolored grout as a result of grouting too soon. This can also happen if you don’t seal the grout or if you don’t install the grout properly.
Whatever the reason, discolored grout is very unpleasant to look at, especially if you have lighter-colored grout. The discolored parts can be a darker shade, which makes the grout look dirty even if it’s clean.
Grout Problems
You may notice grout problems down the road if you install it too soon. This includes cracking or shrinking grout, both of which require the removal of the old grout and a fresh reinstallation. If you don’t fix grout problems, you may have bigger issues down the road, including cracked tiles.
How to Avoid Grouting Too Soon
To avoid all of the possible issues from grouting too soon, you should always make sure to allow the mortar to cure thoroughly first.
The amount of time you should wait for your tile adhesive to cure depends on the mortar type, temperature, and humidity. While traditional mortar takes a day or two to cure, quick-set mortar can take as little as 6 hours.
Also, if it’s humid or under 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s a good idea to add extra time to your waiting period.
Don’t assume that the mortar has cured when you notice that the edges look dry. The edges are exposed to the air, so they’ll dry faster. But what you can’t see is the uncured mortar underneath the tiles.
A better way to check is to knock on the four corners of the tile. You should hear a solid sound. If not, you need to wait some more.
Since tile installation costs $2,000 on average, it makes a lot of sense to wait for the mortar to set to avoid the headache of a reinstallation.
Ways to Speed up the Mortar Curing Time
There are some things you can do to try to speed up your mortar curing time.
The easiest way to do this is to use quick-set mortar. Some products boast short curing times of only 2 to 6 hours.
Otherwise, you may be able to speed up the curing time with the following techniques:
Run a dehumidifier in the room
Increase airflow by opening windows and doors (if the weather is dry)
Use a notched trowel for even mortar installation
When mixing the mortar, use cool water
Tips for Properly Grouting Tile
In addition to allowing your mortar to properly cure, here are some tips for a successful grouting job:
Use the right tiling tools for your job
Don’t walk on the tile before installing the grout
Slake the grout (let it sit) for 15 minutes after mixing and before using
Focus on small areas and don’t install too much grout at a time
Allow the grout to thoroughly dry, 24 to 72 hours depending on the type of grout