New grout cracking (Flaking off)
#1
08-02-03, 03:53 AM
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New grout cracking (Flaking off)
I just completed a 450 sq ft tile installation project. After the grout has dried for a week, I noticed a few small areas where the grout is flaking off and in some cases what appears to be "shrinking" away from the tile edges. NOT IN ALL SEAMS, just in a few places (Maybe 3 or 4 places in the entire area).
I followed the grout instructions carefully.
Two questions.......
1. Can I chip out and remove those "bad" areas and replace it with new grout?
2. What might have caused the problem in the first place?
(The floor is solid and the tile is set on 1/4" backer board)
Dave
I followed the grout instructions carefully.
Two questions.......
1. Can I chip out and remove those "bad" areas and replace it with new grout?
2. What might have caused the problem in the first place?
(The floor is solid and the tile is set on 1/4" backer board)
Dave
#2
08-02-03, 05:53 AM
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You can use a grout saw to remove the bad areas to put the new grout in.
You may have bought or used old grout. the additives in some types of grout have a shelf life of 1 year.
You may have bought or used old grout. the additives in some types of grout have a shelf life of 1 year.
#3
08-02-03, 06:00 AM
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Dan....Interesting comment. I got the stuff from Home Depot and it is supposed to be their "high end" seller.
When I repair the grout lines, should I spray (mist) the area to get a better adhesion?
When I repair the grout lines, should I spray (mist) the area to get a better adhesion?
#4
08-02-03, 09:34 AM
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Here are my top three guesses as to what went wrong:
(1) You mixed the grout with too much water.
(2) You added more water after the initial mix.
(3) Your sponge was too wet when you wiped the excess grout off the tile.
Excess water is the enemy of a good grout job.
(1) You mixed the grout with too much water.
(2) You added more water after the initial mix.
(3) Your sponge was too wet when you wiped the excess grout off the tile.
Excess water is the enemy of a good grout job.
#5
08-02-03, 02:14 PM
a good indicator of too much water is bleaching of the grout.If there is a white haze of sorts on the grout then the possiblilty of too much water is quite good.If that is the case then eventually all the grout will do the same thing.are the other grout lines cracking/separating?let us know 
#6
08-02-03, 04:20 PM
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There are only a very few spaces (about three or four) where the grout has separated. I carefully mixed the grout per the instructions on the bag. I did NOT add addtional water.
I may not have waited long enough before removing the excess however, I followed the same procedure across the entire job so would expect it should have appeared in other areas.
Right now my plan is to repair the poor grout seams and wait and see what the other seams do. It has been about a week since I finished the job so perhaps it may be a bit longer before things (bad things) begin to surface........
Keep your fingers crossed.
Dave
I may not have waited long enough before removing the excess however, I followed the same procedure across the entire job so would expect it should have appeared in other areas.
Right now my plan is to repair the poor grout seams and wait and see what the other seams do. It has been about a week since I finished the job so perhaps it may be a bit longer before things (bad things) begin to surface........
Keep your fingers crossed.
Dave
