Flooring Tile - Bad Grout?
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06-06-01, 11:14 PM
I recently (last Tuesday) had a tile guy come out and replace the grout in our shower walls. We were told that they would remove the old grout, regrout and put a sealer on. Everything appeared to be fine until the 3rd day, when I checked the shower and found that I was still able to push my finger nail into the grout. I am not sure what type of grout they used, however, it appeared to be a pre - mixed grout. I decided to wait 2 more days before using the shower, and called the company to let them know that not only was the grout able to be scratched away, but that the Caulking in the back of the shower, near the door was bubbling away.
They informed me that the reason the caulk was doing this was that there apparently was some water some where underneath it, and they would be out to re-caulk the wall. I mentioned the grout, and was told not to do this that we had done exactly as instructed, and that it would have this "chalking" appearance and texture for a few more weeks, and that the water would help in "curing" the grout.
It seems to me that the job needs to be redone, that there is something wrong with the grout, and that it is never going to dry. Can you help me out with some information on this? They are supposed to be out again tomorrow to correct the caulking issue, but I feel that is a mute point if the grout is bad. As of today which is 1 week since the job has been completed, I can take a very damp sponge and with a little effort wipe away the grout.
Any suggestions?
They informed me that the reason the caulk was doing this was that there apparently was some water some where underneath it, and they would be out to re-caulk the wall. I mentioned the grout, and was told not to do this that we had done exactly as instructed, and that it would have this "chalking" appearance and texture for a few more weeks, and that the water would help in "curing" the grout.
It seems to me that the job needs to be redone, that there is something wrong with the grout, and that it is never going to dry. Can you help me out with some information on this? They are supposed to be out again tomorrow to correct the caulking issue, but I feel that is a mute point if the grout is bad. As of today which is 1 week since the job has been completed, I can take a very damp sponge and with a little effort wipe away the grout.
Any suggestions?
adanac
06-07-01, 03:39 PM
The caulking bubbling does sound like there was water underneath..silicone won't stick to water. But the grout sounds like it was just on the surface of the old grout, so there really isn't enough there to have any strength. If it is the pre-mixed grout, then it does take forever to dry(I hate the stuff)..and it also gets soft again when it get wet( at least it did a few years ago..I haven't used it since) Since they've agreed to come back an fix it...wait and see how they do.
John Bridge
06-08-01, 05:42 PM
I agree with Adanac, except I would request that they re-do the job using dry tile grout (cement grout). I don't know any profesionals who use the pre-mixed stuff -- it's not good at all.
And in order to do a proper job of caulking the shower, the old caulking is removed, the spaces are allowed to dry out, and then the new caulking is installed. It sometimes takes several days drying time after the old stuff has been removed.
John
http://www.johnbridge.com
And in order to do a proper job of caulking the shower, the old caulking is removed, the spaces are allowed to dry out, and then the new caulking is installed. It sometimes takes several days drying time after the old stuff has been removed.
John
http://www.johnbridge.com