Flooring Tile - Grout coming away from tiles!

I realize that this is (DoItYourself!), but, I decided that laying down ceramic tiles in my kitchen was better left to someone who knew what they were doing. Here is my problem - some grout (sanded, 3/8" space), in various spots, is coming away (separating) from tiles and in a couple of places there are short hairline cracks. The tile was put down in the last few weeks. Now, does the someone who knew what they were doing, replace all grout separating from tiles or can you just mix up some more grout to fix it. It has not been sealed yet. Thanks for you help - I don't want to be taken!

Hi Sue,
Sounds like a case of too wet of a sponge while washing the grout up lets see what the others say. You should be able to mix up a little grout and fix them up but, if it does it again you may have another underlying problem with movement.

Regards,

Rich Gately (Tileman1)

http://www.gatelytile.com

Call back your installer. What subfloor did you have? Did he grout the same day he installed? If the grout is cracked and in places its coming out...the tile could be loose.

Hi Sue,

Yes, it sounds to me like movement, and if that is the case, something is seriously wrong with the installation. I don't mean to be the boy who cried wolf, but get the person who knew what he was doing to do it better.

In the mean time, give us a few more particulars. What type of substrate -- plywood? cement backer? concrete slab? And as Adanac inquired, did he grout too soon, meaning did he loosen up tiles by getting on them too soon?

Questions, questions, I know.

John

http://www.johnbridge.com

Thanks for your replies. The floor underneath the tiles is plywood (not heated). He used Mapei Floor and Wall Adhesive to set the tiles and he did not tile and grout the same day. He has already lifted 3 tiles and replaced them and so far they are fine. However, I am worried about the ones that he has left. Thanks so much!

Hi Sue,
OOOOOPS! Mastic on the floor. Sounds like the guy who knew did not know. (personally to me thats a NO NO!) And you have to let it dry for a few days before grouting. What do you guys think?
Regards,

Rich Gately (Tileman1)

http://www.gatelytile.com

I've heard tell that Mastic needs up to 2 weeks to set in some conditions. I had to slap the wrist of the guy (Knowitall) at the local store when I returned mine for more mortar.
Looking back...I want to slap myself.....I need the mastic for my bathroom wall tiles now!!! Dummy!
D.

Hi All,

Since they have come out with all the new high-powered thin sets, I don't use mastic, period. So yes, I think the guy who knew what he was doing didn't know enough. Best thing at this point, Sue, is to let him finish whatever he's doing and see what happens. You have to allow him to try to fix his mistakes or you have no recourse later on.

Why do you need mastic for your wall tiles, Derwood? What's wrong with thin set?

John

John...
Mee wee awms are tiiired John!
Since I spent my $$$ on a wetsaw I passed on the mixer.
Oh, that saw is a "King"...Canadian Made Baby!!
: ) D.