Problems with bal micromax grout

[Rookery]

I said this in post 20. I still feel some responsibility rests with BAL as they continued to ship the product whilst knowing it was the subject of problems.

And it seems that BAL are continuing to distribute this product. One of their PST's said yesterday:
"The Micromax you were supplied with is possibly about to be, in the next few months, superceded with a new improved formulation."
So the new improved formula is possibly/about to be/in the next few months going to replace the current product?
Thats not a great deal of help to all those professionals and DIYers being sold it. There must be 1000's of bags out there.

 

[Andy Tiler]

I must say I use Bal micromax all the time,it's fine for me! Bit course yes,but that's it.I like the Silicon aswell!Anyone used the new grout formula. I've got some in the van might try it on the next job?

 

[On one]

I also have used Micromax a number of times before without having any problems,when the customer has chosen a colour form the Micromax range.BUT only on wide joints on floors.As has been said before,Topps shouldn't have supplied it and the tiler shouldn't have used it!

 

[Lynne]

Topps have sent out an independanttiler out for their own benefit and he also has said the mi romax is grey, and should never have been supplied and questioned topps about their due dillegence in all this . They shouldbe advising all customer either diy or the pros with good advice .
I was asked by the original tiler if
I wanted him to use the grout and did say yes as topps gave me the best stuff for the job. The original tiler could have quoted but independant quotes were required by topps customer services plus when all this started my tilers wife
Had found a lump and was waiting to see if it was cancer so i though he. Had enough on his plate.
I am now waiting to see what topps come back with

 

[White Room]

The original tiler had found a lump on his body ????

 

[Lynne]

No his wife had and she was awaiting hospital results

 

[judge]

I was complaining to the manager in topps today about this grout.I find the finish is way to rough(must hold the dirt and be harder to clean)Also find it harder to work with(the grain seems to seperate from the liquid). Didnt realise there was a new formula coming out though....wonder if there will be much improvement ??

 

[cam_low]

I'm with dan, the tiler should have known not to use it. It also goes off very fast so he wouldn't have been able to grout all the walls then Washboy it down at once. After the first wall pass then second it would have been clear that there are scratch marks. Even in the application he will have known it being too sandy that it would scratch.
yes topps shouldn't have sold the product in the first place however if you bought the wrong oil for your car and you insisted on it going in where would you lie blame?
Product knowledge is the issue here. It's the same as sealing tiles. Test a bit on a spare tile first if you have no knowledge of how the product will react.
Topps tiles have a tile training college on their intranet and they only use bal grouts. It's pretty simple to understand and in my opinion does need updating in some areas.
Working in topps for minimum wage is area of grave concern as they have to give out accurate information that could end up costing the customer money as they are generally skilled in nothing but retail and trained up theough the 'college'l, but the tiler has to be on the ball at the end of the day. Down to his lack of product knowledge has caused this.
Good luck in blaming someone.

 

[AliGage]

Cam, i think the tiler did express his concerns but the customer was convinced it was ok because she relied on the product selection from the staff at Topps.

 

[Lynne]

Ali yes tbat was the case i told the tiler to use it when e rang me at work and i told him just use what topps have supplied.
However i now have 2 quotes both from pro tilers which were sent to topps today . Watch this space.....

 

[Lynne]

Cam i did not ask for micromax grout i only chose the tiles and when i was rang by topps with a price to do the bathroom i also asked them for a price for everything so i trusted them to give me the right stuff. I paid for it over the phone and the goods were collected

 

[cam_low]

1) topps do not take payment over the phone, head office payment can be arranged over the phone
2) topps do not consult over bathroom prices, their approved fitter will deal with you and only you.
3) this is a messed up situation that has occurred if all you are confirming the above happened.
4) still the tilers fault in my opinion. Product knowledge is key....

 

[robbieraven]

Often a good idea to wet the tiles with a sponge first if the grout is sandy as you apply it, this stops scratching to a degree. Did you say the bal adhesive was falling off the wall, have never heard of that before, were the walls prepared correctly?

 

[AliGage]

4) still the tilers fault in my opinion. Product knowledge is key....

Agree, i personally wouldn't of used because of the metallic tiles.
I don't think Lynn is upset with the tiler as far as standard of fixing. It's the grout which has done the damage. But i would say that out of the customer, topps, and the tiler. I'd expect the tiler to notice and refuse to use based on his knowledge and/or experience.

 

[Andy Allen]

so if the customer had done the job then would it be her fault too?