How to fix hairline crack on shower tiled floor?

[gracejac]

 

There is a thin/hairline crack in one of the tiles making up the base/floor of our shower. Not sure if this occurred or was there when the tiler put in the tiles or if it has occurred when the house has settled/moved. The house was built 18 months ago. You can feel the crack with your finger however I don’t feel like it’s a deep crack? Just wondering if this can be fixed and the easiest way if so. We’re not wanting to replace the tile as I imagine that would be a process! I am assuming it won’t get any bigger or worse given it’s surrounded by tiles and is enclosed as such. Just worried water may seep through if left not fixed? 
thanks!

 

[EricL]

Hello @gracejac 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about repairing the hairline crack in your tiled shower.

I suggest using the CPC 220ml Shower Plug Sealant on the entire shower floor to seal off not only the hairline crack but the grout as well. Before you apply this sealer, I suggest giving the shower area a very deep clean. Use a Sabco Soft Grip Grout Brush to really clean the surface of the grout. The reason for this is that any dirt or blemish will get trapped under the sealer once you put it on. This is a penetrating sealer and will go in between that hairline crack. 

However, if there is movement again in your tile floors, the sealer will be compromised. Please make sure that the shower is totally dry before applying the seal.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[gracejac]

Thanks for your reply. So this sealer will go into the crack and create a barrier so water doesn’t get in? Will it somewhat fill the crack too so we’d no longer feel it? I assume it’ll still be visible to the eye?

just a super market shower cleaner with the brush on the grout? 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @gracejac,

The sealer will indeed penetrate the crack to create a barrier against water, and it may help smooth the surface slightly, but the crack will remain visible. Before applying the sealer, you can clean the area using a general-purpose shower cleaner, such as 30 Seconds 1L Shower Cleaner, along with a grout brush to ensure the surface is thoroughly prepared. 

Given that your home is only 18 months old, it’s worth contacting your builder to assess the issue. A crack like this shouldn’t occur without a reason, and it may indicate underlying movement or installation issues that need attention. Resolving those underlying causes is important to avoid further problems. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[gracejac]

Would rubbing this silicone over the crack do anything?

additionally, how is the sealant applied? 

thanks. 

[EricL]

Hi @gracejac 

I'm afraid it won't do much as the damage to the tile is too fine. In regards to the application of the sealer, I suggest using a fine paint brush to apply it.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric