Corners

[newpark7]

Hi all

Just finished a bathroom job walls, floor, shower etc. Customer not home when I left but recieved a text in the evening to say that bathroom looking good and could I finish the project by fitting the door plus threshold and bath panel etc.

I agreed and duly returned a couple of days later and finished as requested, customer not back as before. Today I received an email saying that they have now had time to inspect the bathroom properly and whilst they are happy that the finish is to a high standard they are not happy with the colour match of the Silicon in the corners, and that the light reflects off of the shine of the Silicon and want the Silicon removed and replaced with grout instead.

For your info I used Bal superflex Ivory wall grout & Bal champagne Silicon which I was told by Topps is the closest match.

My problem is do I remove all Silicon and replace with grout? try and find a closer match Silicon?

I have advised that the corners are classed as an expansion joint and should be siliconed to allow for natural movement in the house (bearing in mind I am the second tiler as the first tiled the chipboard floor with standard adhesive and the tiles cracked and lifted with the movement in the floor) I have re-tiled using Fast-flex.

Despite all of the above they are insisting I grout the corners instead.

Any suggestions on the way forward (bearing in mind I haven't been paid yet) would be greatly appreciated.


Mark

 

[DHTiling]

You can remove the Silicon with a Silicon eater and then clean up and grout...get paid then get the customer to sign your invoice saying that you are not held responsible if the grout cracks in the corners.....they always think they know best.....
Or you could hunt around for a closer match but do you think they would be happy with that coz i don't......

 

[bigdaz]

if it were me I'd explain all that could happen and if they still wanted it grouting then tell them you wont be able to gaurantee the work but do it to get your lolly

 

[newpark7]

Hi Dave

You are right - No I don't think they would be happy, is there anything I could mix with the grout to make it more flexible? and in reality is it likely to work in the corners and around door frames?

Mark

 

[smokie899]

i think either way you have to remove Silicon. and i would do as they say. while not perfect you will be paid by the time it starts to break up (grout). just remind them that you cannot garuntee that part of job

dont you know the customer always knows best :mad2: lol

 

[DHTiling]

Just use the same make flexi additive as the make of grout..and no it won't work.. in time they will crack from moisture and thermal movement and opening and closing the door....i would just do as the customer requests and get paid...make sure they sign summit relieving you of all responsibility...

 

[basshunter]

mapei do a wider choice of silicones if it helps

 

[Tilestiles]

I have seen and used ivory Silicon so that shouldnt be a problem getting hold of that which may be a better match. Agree with what the other guys say as corners should have Silicon so would explain why that is first and try the ivory Silicon would be my first choice. Just do a bit to show them and if they are still not happy, grout the bugger and take the money!!

 

[IvegotsTILE]

I'd want money for removing the Silicon and grouting again,you did the job how it should be its not your fault.
The job I just finished they asked me if I could just grout it as they thought it looked better but I insisted I Silicon it.

You can't tell some customers though mate,do as Dave says then:90: the customrs:lol:

 

[tiler tom]

There is no option only to do as the customer asks. Like in a previous post just get the customer to state that you have done as asked on your invoice.

 

[Hartley]

Hi,
Im new to the site but have been getting loads of very useful info for my ensuite project so thanks to everyone for that.
Im now about to grout the shower enclosure and was wondering about the corners.
Do i take it from what is being said here that a good Silicon sealant is the way to go rather than grout. I know the gap between the tray and the tiles should be siliconed but what im concerned about is the verticle corners of the enclosure. I plan to use Dow Corning 785 in other areas. Be greatful for any advice on this.

Cheers
Hartley

 

[Daveyboy]

Hi Mark,

I'd do as the customer asks, remove the silicon and then grout the lines. Depending on how you get on with the client, you could tell her how much extra it will cost her to remove the silicon and regrout but if relations are fraught just absorb the loss, get paid and get out...

 

[doug boardley]

judging by how old this thread is, I'm sure Mark's got paid, the grout has cracked and customers have had it re-done with silicon!

 

[Daveyboy]

judging by how old this thread is, I'm sure Mark's got paid, the grout has cracked and customers have had it re-done with silicon!

Doh!!! Don't you just hate that...mind you, would be nice to know what Mark did...are you out there Mark? :lol:

 

[Colour Republic]

judging by how old this thread is, I'm sure Mark's got paid, the grout has cracked and customers have had it re-done with silicon!

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: