Failing Shower Floor Grout

[One Day]

I would never attempt to reuse a Wedi shower tray.
For the simple reason removal of old tiles will rip up the cement facing.
I would always insist on a full rip-out.

 

[Dumbo]

I would never attempt to reuse a Wedi shower tray.
For the simple reason removal of old tiles will rip up the cement facing.
I would always insist on a full rip-out.

I agree . I have removed tiles from wedi type boards and they are not reusable

 

[pisht]

Interestingly Wedi did finally respond to me. They didn't directly answer my question but they did say they would recommend replacing the shower pan rather than trying to repair it and that their warranty covers manufacturing defects. I take that to mean that they won't stand behind a reused/repaired version of their product and there is a risk of problems in the future.

I would be less concerned if this was on a wall but being on a floor with foot traffic, I would not be particularly confident if pieces of the Wedi come off during the demo.

I will have to talk with my contractor again. He seems keen on removing and re-installing the tile/thinset/grout (which he hasn't done before with Wedi) but replacing the shower pan or just trying to replace the grout seem like better options for longevity.

 

[pisht]

I have a couple of questions about epoxy grout.

If an epoxy grout had been used for my shower floor (i.e. pebble tile with large grout gaps), would it lead to pooling of water after a shower? I would assume there would be depressions in the grout where water would pool if it can't be absorbed into the grout.

If an epoxy grout is used on a shower floor but the floor thinset and shower wall thinset and grout are cement based, would moisture get trapped under the epoxy grout? That is, could water get through the wall grout, travel down the wall through the thinset and then into the floor thinset and be trapped under the epoxy grout?

Thanks.

 

[One Day]

I have a couple of questions about epoxy grout.

If an epoxy grout had been used for my shower floor (i.e. pebble tile with large grout gaps), would it lead to pooling of water after a shower? I would assume there would be depressions in the grout where water would pool if it can't be absorbed into the grout.

Yes, there could be water left in the grout joint depressions, but this is normal. Don't expect a 100% dry surface after a shower - especially with textured finishes. Just a little maintainance issue is all.

If an epoxy grout is used on a shower floor but the floor thinset and shower wall thinset and grout are cement based, would moisture get trapped under the epoxy grout? That is, could water get through the wall grout, travel down the wall through the thinset and then into the floor thinset and be trapped under the epoxy grout?

Theoretically yes, although a proper installation will mean that moisture in the adhesive bed will eventually find it's way into the drain. Unless you are using your shower like a commercial shower - i.e. all day and night, it's not likely to cause any issues at all.

Thanks.

 

[Huddersfield Tiling]

The only answer to properly mixed and applied grout that cracks after installation, is only ever one simple thing. Movement of the tiles.
This is logically and surely 100% the reason. Sub-floor movement, incorrect boarding prior to tiling, incorrect adhesive or not complying to UFHeating curing times.
All of these factors can cause movement in the tile installation after it has been completed, thus resulting in grout failure (even if it flexible).

 

[Huddersfield Tiling]

I have a couple of questions about epoxy grout.

If an epoxy grout had been used for my shower floor (i.e. pebble tile with large grout gaps), would it lead to pooling of water after a shower? I would assume there would be depressions in the grout where water would pool if it can't be absorbed into the grout.

If an epoxy grout is used on a shower floor but the floor thinset and shower wall thinset and grout are cement based, would moisture get trapped under the epoxy grout? That is, could water get through the wall grout, travel down the wall through the thinset and then into the floor thinset and be trapped under the epoxy grout?

Thanks.

If your shower area isn't tanked (water-proof sealed) though out the entire room, and presented as a wet-room before any wall and floor tiling, then it doesn't really matter what grout is used, as it won't prevent water-damage to the room if you are using as it an unprepared wet-room I'm afraid.
(Epoxy grout is mainly used as an anti-microbial grout used in areas of food preparation and other areas of high microbes such as public swimming baths)
If water gets between the tiles and floor that is not tanked properly, the floor will expand and lift the tiles, causing the bond between the tiles and the floor to fail. The grout will crack, and the installation has failed.

 

[Huddersfield Tiling]

If the grout has has cracked, then it's tile failure I'm afraid, and that means ripping it all up and starting again. It's a failed installation. Sorry.