Cracking grout

[grubbygrout]

I have had some tiling done after new bath installation. Prev had no problems with tiles before. But now the grout cracks and discolours and then allows leakage into the wall when shower is on. Looking under the bath there are small pools of water.

The tiles are on a partition wall. Should the tiler have used flexible adhesive and flexible grout OR are there extra tricks for tiling partition walls.

Homeowner
Coventry

PS If you are in Coventry and you think you can offer me your expertise to retile the are then let me know and we can talk money.

 

[enduro]

The guy should of tanked he shower area by the sounds of it, and used waterproof adhesive and grout, do you know if he did.

 

[grubbygrout]

yes waterproof was used

i got him back to regrout and bought grout myself - bathroom flexible grout with microban

but same thing happened

is there a special way to grout a partition wall - i guess it moves ever so slightly when i take a shower as i move in the bath (the bath is solid by the way - cant remember name off hand but think it begins with D and has a special lining so that it feels like a cast iron bath)

would next opion to remove all tiles and retile on top of FLEXIBLE adhesive, and again use flex grout.

or do i also need to tank the wall also

Thanks

 

[DHTiling]

sounds as if you are getting water in when pools can be seen under bath.. check the siliconing isnt split, and did he weight bath down before sealing... if the wall is flexing excessively then grout will crack other wise should be ok if tiles were bedded properly... with correct adhesive i.e. bal white star or similar...( which are flexible )...

 

[guy1976]

theres no such thing as a cement based waterproof grout or adhesive only water resistent ,which means they will absorb the water then later dispel it but they wont disolve when they come in contact with water , only epoxy grout is waterproof ,it sounds like there is to much movement in partition wall so probably need strengthening (even flexi grouts have limits on movement ) tank wall also before replacing tiles

 

[ChaseTiling]

The partition wall is not secure enough by the sounds of it

A tank kit is always a good idea to put on in shower areas, regardless of cost. It is soon to be part of building regs for newbuilds and refurbs that tanking is carried out.

Consider using flexible powder adhsesive and putting an admix in with your grout to make it flexible.

But none of this will be any good if your wall isn't secured correctly.

All the best

🙂