Clearing out dried tile adhesive between Tiles

MrT · Dec 20, 2017

Hi

My builder didn't bother doing this, meaning I will have to.

What is the most effective way of clearing this out, as I have 28sqm to rectify.

Without doing this, don't know where the grout supposed to fit, so not too sure why this wasn't done.

Any advice appreciated would be great.

Cheers

Andy Allen · Dec 20, 2017

Best advice I can give you, is to tell the builder to do it or he won't be getting paid..!!

Bond · Dec 20, 2017

As Andy said above, don’t tackle this yourself ,due to potential damage to your tiles. Is it a floor or wall.?

Either way don’t get involved in it unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Wolfie9878 · Dec 20, 2017

So your covering up his mistake with the setting out and making sure he is grouting correctly??
He certainly wouldn’t be my builder!!

If you are capable take out the adhesive with a multi tool, grout with an appropriate grout and charge the builder what you think your time is worth.

Or demand your floor be stripped and relayed square and with joints able to accept grout by a professional at his cost. !

Seriously - why settle for anything less??

MrT · Dec 20, 2017

It is a floor.

I have taken over and finished off the tiling. Has been a bit of a debacle.

Luckily I don't mind DIY.

Tommcd · Dec 20, 2017

Is it just the odd bit here and there or are the voids actually filled up with adhesive?

MrT · Dec 21, 2017

Tommcd said:
Is it just the odd bit here and there or are the voids actually filled up with adhesive?

Predominantly the odd bit here and there.

Tommcd · Dec 21, 2017

I think there's no fast safe way to do it. Personally if it was my own home I'd dampen the adhesive and slowly scrape it out with an old flat head screwdriver - it will be very tedious but this method will ensure you don't damage the tiles. If you choose a faster approach - like a multi tool/Dremel, practise first in an inconspicuous area. But if you chip the edge of a tile it'll bug you forever! Good luck

macten · Dec 21, 2017

One of these grout removers are good as they don't chip the tile

Dalef · Dec 21, 2017

Stanley knife, multi tool too risky you don't slip and chip the tile bloody ell

MrT · Dec 22, 2017

LM · Dec 22, 2017

Make sure those spacers are removed also.

MrT · Dec 22, 2017

LEE MAC said:
Make sure those spacers are removed also.

Will do

MrT · Dec 22, 2017

From the video, is it that bad?

macten · Dec 22, 2017

Not ideal but get that tool I posted - grind the cement down with it, vacuum the joints and go over with a sponge with warm water. Then use a stiff bristled brush to get any stubborn bits.

MrT

TF

TF

TF

MrT

Tommcd

MrT

Tommcd

TF

Dalef

MrT

LM

MrT

MrT

TF

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