Problems with bal micromax grout

[afright]

I did call bal and tbeir area rep said he could not get involved until topps contacted bal. Tops wont admit there is a problem tbough and continue to blame it in the following ,how tbegrout was mixed,the dirt tools we used! And would you believe the size of the space between the tiles which is @4mm

Yes it always come,s down to "its the tiler,s fault".

 

[Dougs Third Go]

were the tiles cleaned down before grouting?

 

[Lynne]

The whole bathroom was cleaned before grouting

 

[AliGage]

I have asked them to replace the grout at their cost inc labour and topps are now making all sorts of excuses. I have said they are the experts so should have provided me with the best tools for the job as this grout has scratched the chrome mosaic tiles also

I was going to say actually, your size of tile would suggest it's ceramic, and could be a gloss finish. Topps shouldn't be supplying you with micromax if they are also supplying you with gloss, glass, metalic or any tile that has a shinny finish. It will scratch. Standard Bal grout would of be suitable for what your describing and considerably cheaper than micromax.

Could you possibly upload a picture. There's been a few suggestions of what might be the problem. I think a picture would enable us to be pretty accurate so you've got something you can go back and tackle topps with.

The guys in my local topps are quite knowledgeable, but that being said, they are still sales advisors and not professional tilers. Did you fix yourself, or did you emply a tiler. If the later, did your tiler not question the grout choice on the scratching issue alone?

 

[Lynne]

I found the bal forum and posted my concern and was contacted by their contracts manager and bal is coming out tomorrow.

Yes my tiler did ask if I was sure. I wanted him to use the micro max and I said yes as I was supplied all the right stuff from topps

 

[Rookery]

I'm pleased that things seem to be progressing for you. I still feel this is down to it being a poor product and BAL have known this for a long time. Whilst I'm no fan of Topps, I dont see why they can be blamed for selling what is supposed to be a premium product supposedly suitable for grout joints up to 20mm and for glazed ceramic tiles.

 

[AliGage]

It's the metallic mosaics i'm on about. I wouldn't of used it on those, nor would i use it on glass. I wouldn't expect that BAL would recommend it either after using it a couple of times i'm certain it would scratch both the above.

 

[Rookery]

So are you saying its the tilers fault?

 

[AliGage]

If it's scratched the metallic mosaic as the op is saying then yes.

As for the discolouration of the grout, can't honestly say without pictures and more info.

 

[DHTiling]

Over in spenny hey, 5 mins from me (Aycliffe ).

 

[Lynne]

Bals rep has been out and seems to think there is a lack of product knowledge from topps but some blame must lie with the tiler for using it , I think e whole blame should lie with topps for supplying iti am waiting for their report as they seem to think the grout is fine

 

[AliGage]

So what was the explanation for the discolourisation? You could blame topps for the scratches, but only if the metallic mosaics were purchased from topps and if the grout was suggested/recommeded at point of sale.

I can't see how the grout drying off white and of a gray colour being there fault. Unless of course the grout has scratched particles of the "metallic" covering on the mosaics and these have coloured the grout in effect. If that is the case topps could take partial blame with what i mentioned above.

But to be completely honest, your tiler should of read the back of the bag first and i think he would of drawn the same conclusion, Not saying he's a bad tiler at all, but there is a warning of damage to tiles on the reverse of the micromax bags.

 

[cam_low]

Tiler should have known not to use this sand rich product on mosaics end of.

Topps do have their issues I know but the people in CTD and such like are also just salespersons. What makes their knowledge any better? Topps have 300+ stores in the UK, I believe they should have at least one in store tiler as I'm sure there are hundreds of guys out there needing a constant throughout this recession that perhaps don't have enough work themselves but have a massive knowledge of tiling, tiling products and substrates. Etc.

 

[Lynne]

Topps customer service dept is useless I have mailed them sent photos over and explained this has gone on for 7weeks and never even had a reply!!!!!!!

I contacted bal via another forum and they were out within 24 hrs and have said I have been mis sold and it should have been microflex but there is no probs with the grouT
ON MONDAY I AMGOING TO CONTACT TOPPS HEAD OFFICE

 

[DHTiling]

What did the Bal rep say about the discolouration ?

 

[Lynne]

Nothing about thecolour just as the grout is gritty it is mot as white as microflex and the tiles are brilliant white so the darker grout stands out more basically

 

[DHTiling]

OK, good luck with topps then.. don't forget some blame lays with the tiler.

 

[Concrete guy]

I found the bal forum and posted my concern and was contacted by their contracts manager and bal is coming out tomorrow.

Yes my tiler did ask if I was sure. I wanted him to use the micro max and I said yes as I was supplied all the right stuff from topps

Op states tiler queried the product use - it's tough to hold him responsible in this instance.

 

[AliGage]

Nothing about thecolour just as the grout is gritty it is mot as white as microflex and the tiles are brilliant white so the darker grout stands out more basically

I'd be taking the matter up with topps. Looks like their recommendations were based on profit margins rather than correct product selection. If you wanted a brilliant white then it's microflex all the way, but as i've said BAL's standard white grout is still miles cheaper and would of been fit for purpose. If you needed it to be a little flexible then add a little GT1.

 

[Lynne]

See wht happens when I speak to topps head office everyone here is soooooooo helpful, would love to be able to return the helpfulness.
by the way I am the branch manager of robinsons estate agents in spennymoor so if anyone needs help selling their house come to me for the best advice

 

[Lynne]

Spoke to another customer service girl and she thought this was sorted . She worked in one of their stores and informed me I should have had micro flex and she will call me tomorrow

 

[Lynne]

Cave from dave Howe tiling came to see the problems and was very very good told me exactly what wwas wrong.
Just waiting for his quote now to give topps .
i have told them to expect a quote to correct the problems .......
whatch this space .....

 

[Gazzer]

Cave from dave Howe tiling came to see the problems and was very very good told me exactly what wwas wrong.
Just waiting for his quote now to give topps .
i have told them to expect a quote to correct the problems .......
whatch this space .....

Cave ??? Caveman Dave ?

 

[Lynne]

Sorry

Dave

Sorry dave your not a caveman lol...

 

[Andy Allen]

:lol::lol::lol: