first time grouting
- Thread starter chatlow
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You only need to rake out enough to get a decent amount of new grout in between the tiles. For a shower, obviously, make sure you use waterproof grout.
Thanks. The existing grout has cracks where it meets the tiles other than that is looks OK. Will see how easy it is to remove
If you mean that the corner joins have cracked, just use silicone sealant. If it is the corner joints, they should have been siliconed in the first place. The silicone is flexible and allows for slight movement.
Pictures would help though.
Pictures would help though.
Waste of time if any of the tiles are loose as the background may have failed.
If the grout has cracked between tiles on the same wall, you probably have bigger problems.
Grout should not crack between tiles on the same wall. That suggests that the substrate has blown or expanded (as per @foxhole 's post)- often (but not always) as the result of water ingress.
If the substrate has blown, the new grout may, or may not, crack again. You may be lucky though, if the silicone at the bottom was the source of the water ingress, regrouting and redoing the silicone may prevent things from getting any worse.
Do not, under any circumstances use the adhesive/grout that is sold in tubs. Use a waterproof powder based grout. Mapei is good but a DIY shed may have an own brand in smaller bags.
Grout should not crack between tiles on the same wall. That suggests that the substrate has blown or expanded (as per @foxhole 's post)- often (but not always) as the result of water ingress.
If the substrate has blown, the new grout may, or may not, crack again. You may be lucky though, if the silicone at the bottom was the source of the water ingress, regrouting and redoing the silicone may prevent things from getting any worse.
Do not, under any circumstances use the adhesive/grout that is sold in tubs. Use a waterproof powder based grout. Mapei is good but a DIY shed may have an own brand in smaller bags.
would you be concerned or is this 'normal' grout wear as it's fairly old
just out of curiosity what's wrong with tub based grout like this.... https://www.screwfix.com/p/mapei-wall-waterproof-fix-grout-white-1-5kg/64982 ?
thanks
just out of curiosity what's wrong with tub based grout like this.... https://www.screwfix.com/p/mapei-wall-waterproof-fix-grout-white-1-5kg/64982 ?
thanks
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Can you please let me know why tub based ready mixed waterproof grout is a bad idea? The mapei fix and grout has v good reviews and seems to fit the bill?
My plan is to scrape away a few mm off the existing grout then go over it with this
I haven't used that particular product, and hence cannot comment on it. My experience of similar products is that they become very soft when soaked in water. You can soak tiles fixed with those kind of products and then, with ease, scrape away the product.
Powder based grout is cement based and is not reactivated by water. Equally, powder based adhesive does not become soft when wet.
I suspect that the Mapei product is aimed at DIYers. I often use their products, but would never use that one.
The above link shows the limitations.
It is also worth noting/considering that powder based grouts are easier to "polish" when dried. The tub stuff can be a mare.
It is up to you, but I would strongly recommend a powder based grout.
Thanks I was a bit concerned when reading that power based grouts are not waterproof but it would make no sense being the case for shower grouts..
As you can see I only need a smallish amount for grouting in-between the tiles. What would you go for as I will get some tomorrow.
Thanks again
Thanks yeah Mapei 2kg seems good. It states water repellant (more for drips). Is this OK compared the mapei premixed tub which says fully water resistant?
Mapei Flexible White Grout, 2.5kg | DIY at B&Q
This 2.5kg wall & floor grout in White is suitable for use with underfloor heating, timber floors, ceramic tiles, concrete, natural stone, plaster, plasterboard, porcelain & timber. Simply apply and leave for 24 hours to dry. Each pack covers up to 8 m² on average.
www.diy.com
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Thanks yeah Mapei 2kg seems good. It states water repellant (more for drips). Is this OK compared the mapei premixed tub which says fully water resistant?
Mapei Flexible White Grout, 2.5kg | DIY at B&Q
This 2.5kg wall & floor grout in White is suitable for use with underfloor heating, timber floors, ceramic tiles, concrete, natural stone, plaster, plasterboard, porcelain & timber. Simply apply and leave for 24 hours to dry. Each pack covers up to 8 m² on average.www.diy.com
The premixed tubs do not say that, as a grout, it is waterproof.
From the link I gave you earlier, the PDF says
"As a grout it is water resistant for application on walls in kitchens, bathrooms and showers."
The product that you linked to should be fine, it too is water resistant. I cannot find that exact product on the Mapei website. It does however say that it is fine for showers.