Q–The white grout in my bathroom wall tile is badly discolored, especially around the tub and shower area. I’ve scrubbed and treated the tiles with bleach, etc., but it helps very little, so I want to replace all the grout with new material that will last longer.
Is it possible for me to do this myself, and if so, can you give me some idea of what is involved and what materials or tools I will need?
A–You can do it yourself, but it is a time-consuming chore that requires care and attention to detail. The most tedious part of the job is cutting out the old grout, and for this you will need a hand tool called a grout saw. It has a narrow edge (the width of a grout joint) that is lined with a tough grit or abrasive at the end of a short handle. This exposed edge is designed to scrape or scratch out the old grout in order to make room for the new grout.
Brush out all dust and dirt, then mix up a batch of new grout using a polymer type (a powder type that you mix with water).
Scoop up a batch of this and smear it on over the tile with a tool called a rubber float.
Spread it on by wiping diagonally across the surface of the tiles, making sure to pack the grout firmly into each joint. As you finish a section, clean off the face of the float, and holding it at an angle to the surface, wipe the excess off the surface of the tile. Allow the grout to set for about 15 minutes, then wipe off any remaining hazy film on the tiles with a damp sponge.
Q–The metal cellar doors in our back yard have been there for many years. The outside of these doors is very rusty and badly in need of paint. What should I do to prepare this metal for painting?
A–Scrape off as much of the loose rust as you can, then sand lightly and apply a coat of liquid rust converter (sold in all paint and hardware stores).
This liquid converts rust that remains into a coating that is an excellent foundation for painting over, and it will also help prevent further rusting.
When dry, apply one coat of a rust-resistant metal primer, then finish with two coats of exterior enamel.
Q–The fireplace in our basement is just below the one in our living room and both share the same chimney, although each has its own flue.
When we build a fire in the basement fireplace we get a strong smell of smoke in the living room. What do you think could be causing this problem?
A–It could be that either one or both of the flue liners inside that chimney structure are cracked, or that there may be no flue liners at all.
This would allow smoke to leak from one flue into the other, although it should not happen if that flue (the one being used) is drawing properly.
However, it could happen if there are down drafts in a high wind, especially if the chimney is not properly capped, with a divider between the two flue openings at the top.
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Have a question about home repair problems? Write to Bernard Gladstone in care of Your Place, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. Questions of general interest will be answered in future columns.
Sorry, letters cannot be answered personally. The rehabber
