grout gap above worktops

[marko56]

Have just finished tiling my kitchen -I left a 3 mm gap between worktops and first row of tiles - i grouted into this gap and am about to silicon over it (grout is dry) - I'm now wondering whether I needed to grout this gap and if not what problems could it cause?

 

[Highlander]

I never grout the gap between worktop or tile always silicon by using silicon it gets a seal between worktop and edge of tile less chance of water ingress. This is the same procedure I use for baths, showers etc especially in shower enclosures.

Gary

 

[MJT]

Me too sound advice highlander, problem with grouting to worktop is that you can get a airline crack appearing.
Because of slight movement especially if your grout isn't flexy, same in shower areas in corners. Silcone gives a good seal.

 

[doug boardley]

as above too!!

 

[DS Tiling]

I usually go for a 2-3mm gap and don't fill with grout but silicon as it is meant to be an expansion join of sorts. Grouting first IMO makes it harder to silicon. The grout would probably crack out before a tile would pop due to expansion but it would apply stress to the tiles so best to leave clear and silicon just like internal corners.

 

[dts]

Ditto, never grout always silicone the joint mainly for water ingress and grout starts to crack after time so its cosmetic to. :8:

 

[davy_G]

I dont leave a gap and again i siliconebetween the tile surface and the worktop, bath or whatever.
Usually the worktop or bath falls away or drops leaving a gap between it and the tiles hense i leave no gap to start with.

 

[alib103]

I never leave a gap to start with either, makes the whole thing much easier to do and then just silicone where tile and worktop meet. Simple, and never had any come backs.

 

[burncross]

yep, i tile directly on top of worktop, no gap,but i usually run some grout in with my finger, and silicone over top(when grout dry) using clear silicone.

 

[d noulton]

as most of the above no gap no grout just silicone

 

[J.R Tiling]

Me too..... just tile straight onto the worktop then silicone :santa_cheesy:

 

[DS Tiling]

You may get away with that but tiles shouldn't butt up against anything as all materials contract and expand with temperature changes. This can put stress on tiles and may crack or loosen them. That's why I leave a spacer gap and fill with silicon but each to their own.

 

[mart08]

I'm with you on this one DS, never had any complaints.

 

[medlar]

2mm gap,fill with silicon

 

[Alberta Stone]

Ditto above,
I will leave zero gap on counters and such, but if it looks like the thing might shift, as in a large tub, I like to leave a gap.
Best is to judge each application on its own as they are all different.
Some jobs will never expand, so an expansion joint is redundant.
Then again, some will, so you have to figure it out on its own merits.

 

[DERBER]

Always leave a gap, 2mm spacer pegs, so easy. for an average sized splashback probably adds a few minutes to ya time. why take chances.
also round windows, architraves. leave a gap, then silicone.............

 

[worktops]

we advise using silicone as it allows some flex in the worktop and/or walls as the building expands and contracts as the seasons change. the sealant will give this movement and provide a watertight barrier.