This Damaged Bathroom in Kips Bay, NY Received a Complete Revival Thanks to Our Hard Surface Restoration Services
June 21, 2019
Grout is a mixture used to support the integrity of tiled surfaces. It is an essential component for installing tiles because it holds them in place and fills the gaps. If there is any damage on the grout, it can have a negative impact on the structure. For instance, water can leak through cracked grout lines and cause serious structural damages. For this reason, it is very important to keep the grout in good condition and well-maintained. Unfortunately, grout is vulnerable to damaging agents because of its porous composition.In a bathroom, for example, soap residue and dirt particles can seep deep into the grout lines. This deteriorates the grout and spoils its appearance. Using harsh cleaning products only causes more damage and cracks begin to appear in the grout lines over time. When this happens, the best option is to contact professionals to avoid severe structural problems. Our next client, a housewife from Kips Bay, NY, had water leakage in her bathroom. Some of the grout on the walls was missing or cracked badly. The damage caused the tiles to break and fall off the wall. The leak became even more troublesome when it started to affect the neighbor downstairs. She needed to find a solution, but the rebuilding options she found were expensive and did not fit her current budget. Fortunately, her neighbor had heard about our hard surface restoration services in Kips Bay and he recommended us. He suggested checking out our website to get more information.
She followed his advice and went online to browse our site. She was impressed by the quality of our service. As she was going through the website, the picture gallery gallery caught her attention. The pictures showcased the astonishing results we provide our customers. She was relieved to see all the surfaces we had restored and transformed. After looking at the pictures, she read testimonials from previous satisfied clients. The feedback certified the dedication we put in our work. Everything she saw and read convinced her we could restore her bathroom. She decided to fill out the "Request a Quote" form and schedule a free in-home consultation.
We arrived a few days later for the evaluation of the bathroom. The owner greeted us, and after a brief introduction, we proceeded with the inspection. We immediately saw the damages the leakage had caused. Several tiles were missing and the backer board was in terrible shape. Water had soaked into the wall and degraded the board. Because of this, the tiles could not be supported and were falling off. If left unchecked, the remaining tiles would be at risk. After the inspection, we found missing grout in the walls. We explained to the owner that as the grout absorbed water, it leaked into the backer board, and over time, it could no longer support the tiles. For a full restoration, it was necessary to replace the fallen tiles, the backer board, and to re-grout the entire surface.
We suggested our hard surface restoration service to fix all the problems in the bathroom. We would use our top of the line products, professional equipment, and tested methods. We would also apply our special sealant on the grout lines to protect them from future damages. We assured the owner her bathroom would look brand-new when we were finished. She was happy with our assessment and the solution we proposed, so she accepted our offer and agreed to set up a date for the job.
We returned to our client's house on the appointed date to begin the restoration. For this job, we needed to address several affected areas. We began by replacing the damaged backer board with a new one. After that, we were ready to install the missing tiles. Once the tiles were in place, we re-grouted the entire bathroom. When the new grout was fully cured, we cleaned the surface using our exclusive pH-neutral cleaners and a high-speed scrubber. This top of the line cleaner is soap-free and safe for tiles and grout. It won't leave any residue that could be absorbed by the grout lines and won't stain or discolor the tiles. Also, its revamped formula can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi for an extended period of time after application. When everything was spotless and pristine, we were ready to seal the grout lines.
For the sealing process, we applied our state-of-the-art ColorSeal. This product prevents the absorption of liquids and wards off damaging agents such as dirt, grime, soap, and cleaner residue. Our sealant provides full protection against future damages. Furthermore, it comes in a wide range of colors so the owner can match the grout with the tiles, enhancing the appearance of the surface. This top tier product greatly helps decrease the degradation from daily wear and tear. After our process, and with the right maintenance, the bathroom would remain in great condition for a long time.
When we finished all the steps, the bathroom looked completely different. All the damages were fixed and it looked beautiful again. We invited our client to see the results of our work. She was thrilled with the results because it was as if she had a new bathroom. She was especially happy this had been achieved at a fraction of the cost of a restoration. She said our performance had gone beyond her expectations. After thanking us, she stated that from that point on, she would recommend our services to all her friends, family, and neighbors. Sir Grout Manhattan had become her company of choice for hard surface restoration.
Before leaving, we always take time to teach our clients how to perform proper maintenance on their restored surfaces. We gave the owner some recommendations and suggestions to make cleaning routines easier, faster, and safer:
- Establish a cleaning routine for every one or two weeks. Use only pH-neutral, soap free cleaners like Sir Grout's Natural Hard Surface Cleaner. Our product doesn't leave residue and won't cause damage. It also has ingredients that can help provide protection against bacteria and fungi. Soap-based cleaners leave residue that seeps into the grout lines, promoting mold and mildew growth. Cleaners with acidic properties, on the other hand, are harsh and can discolor the grout and cause more severe damages. These types of products should be avoided.
- To decrease soap scum accumulation, use liquid soap instead of bar soap. This alternative won't leave any residue on the tiles and grout. Soap scum forms when bar soap foam and the minerals in the water react with each other. If this residue is left lingering on the surface, it forms ugly, hard to remove stains. Not using these soaps will help prevent the appearance of soap scum in the bathroom.
- Keep the bathroom dry and well ventilated. This is important to prevent fungi growth due to the humidity of the environment. Leave the door ajar or a window open, especially after hot showers. Also, use a squeegee, a towel, or a terry cloth rag to dry the surface. Squeegeeing is a great option for preventing soap scum buildup.
These easy to follow recommendations and the quality of our restoration process will help keep a shower looking beautiful and clean with minimal effort.
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Categories: Tile, Grout, Cleaning, Sealing, Caulking, Regrouting, Grout Repair, Residential, Showers, Bathrooms