Grout Advice Required

[kinhell]

I have a shower tray with 4 inches of tile all the way around almost flat to make the shower enclosure larger than the tray. I noticed downstairs in the garage it was leaking and removed the plaster board to find it must have been leaking for a while. I haven't time to take the tray out and tank etc. So I've got the grout out of the tiles using a dremel grout removing bit. Non of the grout was soft (Actually it was very hard). The only reason it may have leaked was hairline cracks in the grout on one side. Obviously some movement when I get my 18st body in the shower !:yes:

What I would like to know is whats the best sort of grout to use so that I can avoid hairline cracks. Flexible grout? If so which particular make is best?

 

[DHTiling]

A flexible grout is best..but try using Silicon the it will keep the water out....make sure the joints are dry......

p.s. tanking will stop it but try Silicon first....And it would be advisable to replace the Silicon joint all the way around the shower etc etc.....cover all avenues first....

 

[grumpygrouter]

Hi kinhell, welcome to thr forums. I will need to think about what you are descibibg there for a while so that I may understand better what you are saying. Only 4inches of tile in your shower?

Grumpy

PS could you say hello in the New Members forum and tell us a bit about yourself. Sort of a formal introduction, if you know what I mean.
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OK just dawned on me what you meant. Sorry, it has been a long day!

Are you sure that is where it is leaking from?

Grumpy

 

[kinhell]

Yes it is. Did a nice little test with red shampoo and worked my way around the tray over a few days. 2 places where there were cracks it leaked. Silicon is an option but wondered if flexible grout would be the better solution. IF so what make etc.

 

[DHTiling]

All grout except epoxy will allow water to penetrate it...that's why i mentioned the Silicon...but if you want a good brand of flexi grout the use BAL super flex grout for that amount of grouting....Your local branch of CTD will supply that no probs....

 

[kinhell]

Thanks for the info. Under what circumstance would you use epoxy grout?

 

[DHTiling]

Hospitals.....commercial kitchens...and exactly on a job like yours....BAL do one called easypoxy...

BAL Easypoxy

Hygienic, impervious epoxide resin based ceramic tile grout specifically formulated to resist chemical attack and to provide a durable, abrasion-resistant, waterproof finish. The cured grout does not transfer taints to foodstuffs or permit the entry of bacteria or dirt and is easily maintained in a sterile condition. Also suitable as a high performance epoxy adhesive for fixing ceramic tiles, on walls, floors, and worktops in interior and exterior situations. Especially suited for use in bakeries, breweries, restaurants, dairies, kitchens, medical practices and industrial plant rooms.

BAL Easypoxy meets the requirements of BS 5980:1980 for resistance to mould growth. It also conforms to BS 5385😛art 4:1992:section 9, for use in sterile conditions. The product additionally meets the requirements of “The Materials and Articles in Contact with Food Regulations 1987”, “The Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995” and the EC Directive 93/43 on the Hygiene of Foodstuffs 1993. Conforms to BS EN 13888, Type R, Class G1.
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Good luck mate.............

 

[kinhell]

Cheers for the info. From what your saying the epoxy would be better because it doesn't let water penetrate but what about hairline cracks?

 

[White Room]

Used epoxy for my own shower it's been there for year's and still look's good

 

[kinhell]

Sounds good to me. I'll get some epoxy. I 've read its a right pain to use. Any tips so that I can avoid and problems?