Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: cracked grout in new tile installation

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Tile/Marble/Granite
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 03 Jun 2001
Time: 08:46 PM

Comments

If your tub tile was installed by a contractor, have them come back to repair it. If you did it yourself, then you get to repair it!

A few things are possible. First, if this is new construction, it's possible that there has been some settlement or drying of the lumber used to frame the tub surrounds. This could be causing part of your problem.

However, if the base was properly prepared using a cured mortar bed or cement board, you may need to carefully scrape out the grout in the affected areas and re-grout it using the same material you used originally. In any new installation, we generally always recommend using an acrylic latex modified grout which provides superior adhesion and water resistance compared to grout mixed with water. Some grouts come with this additive in the grout mix (in which case mixing with water is fine). Others require the addition of white liquid latex (called milk) in lieu of water, mixed to a creamy consistency. If your grout was too wet when you originally installed it, it may not be strong enough, causing shrinkage cracks. We recommend redoing the areas that need it. Between the tub and the bottom row of tile, we recommend using a matching latex caulk (or white caulk if the tub is white) to provide a flexible joint between the tub and the tile.

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