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Question:
My house is 10 years old, and in the last year a few spots of the floor have began to squeak. The floor tiles and grout in one spot in the laundry have become loose. I have some grout (powder) left by the builder, is it still useable? Do I just add water, and to what extent? Do I need to fix the squeak before the tiles ? Which trade should I contact to fix the squeak?

Answer:
Neil-It is common after this period of time that timber flooring and sub-floor materials can dry out and slightly shrink sometimes causing squeaking floors. Timber floors with floor coverings such as tiles are more difficult to fix and this should be assessed and carried out by a qualified carpenter.

I suggest it would be appropriate to rectify the squeaking floor first because that may be contributing to the loose grout and tiles. In relation to the existing grout that the builder gave you, I would suggest, because bags of grout are not expensive, it would be more appropriate to buy a new bag.

Matching the colour will be difficult, because even if you match the same colour the existing grout over 10 years has had time to fade or discolour so a perfect match will probably be impossible. You only add water to the grout powder. This should be mixed to a thick creamy smooth consistency and worked into the tile joints with your hand or if it is a large area there are special rubber trowels that could be used to work the grout into position. It is then simply a case of cleaning the excess off with a sponge and water.

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