Removal of grout on big job

[alexc1989]

Hi every1 wondering if anyone can help me, ive tiled a 125 meter floor in porcelain 600x600 with 2ml joints and the grout needs to be redone as it is cracking everywhere. Does any1 know of an easy way of raking the grout out? The problem i have is that it is a clothes shop and is still trading so i am going in on nights so dust needs to be kept to a minimum. Is there any decent tool out there that makes this job easier?

 

[Knackered Knees]

Very difficult, especially against porcelain, and small joints. You need to work out what is causing the cracking of the grout in the first place, Deflection perhaps? or other movement? Did you place any expansion joins over the 125m2 floor?

For tight joints and the 'odd' tile removal or repair I've used a dremel tool with a very fine tungsten burr, but for such a large area it would take you a very very long time.

 

[Gazzer]

As above, you need to find out why its cracking. It could be the wrong grout has been used or incorrectly mixed etc but there is no point regrouting for it to happen again.

The quickest way IMO would be a tile saw and grout removal wheel, both available from ************** Home
TradeTiler.Ltd SAW

TradeTiler.Ltd WHEEL

You will of course need water to keep down the dust and a wet/dry vac to clean up with.

 

[nybor62]

sounds a night mare, did you use flexy grout ,

 

[alexc1989]

Whats happened is the client has supplied adhesive and grout which is "economical" and not flexible. We put a concern in about using this and were told to just do it. Now we are back to sort it out hopefully this flexible grout will work but if not it looks like taking the whole floor up and doing it again.
The floor is plywood with vinyl tiles and we have gone over with ditra-mat.

 

[Aston]

not a nice job, i hate regrouting..
dust is a night mare. what ever system you use, invest in a good respirator!
best of luck
ed

 

[akinsontiles]

Have you consider using mapei's silicone in some of the joints to match the colouor you need? I hope you are getting paid for this work.

 

[alexc1989]

Havent thought of silocone yet but it seems like a good idea, better than taking the whole floor up. Hardest thing is raking the grout out we had last night doing it and only manged 20meters. Going back in tonight to see if it has worked. If not we will look at using silocone. And we have to go 50/50 on the repair work as the client says we are at fault.

 

[Knackered Knees]

A 50/50 split would not be acceptable if it were my own reputation as a tiler, by accepting this deal you have accepted part of the responsibility, and why should that be, you didn't supply the materials. The clients were advised by you that the materials being supplied may be sub standard and may well not be the best choice. In cases like this, and if it happens in the future you need to protect yourself from recourse. When I'm asked to fix under these circumstances I have paperwork saying 'SIGN HERE!' and frees me from liability. Watch the SLY BUGGERS! run for cover when this bit of paperwork gets pulled out.

 

[Spud]

A 50/50 split would not be acceptable if it were my own reputation as a tiler, by accepting this deal you have accepted part of the responsibility, and why should that be, you didn't supply the materials. The clients were advised by you that the materials being supplied may be sub standard and may well not be the best choice. In cases like this, and if it happens in the future you need to protect yourself from recourse. When I'm asked to fix under these circumstances I have paperwork saying 'SIGN HERE!' and frees me from liability. Watch the SLY BUGGERS! run for cover when this bit of paperwork gets pulled out.

signing a disclaimer such as this wouldnt hold up in a uk court if you used materials you knew were going to fail you are at fault as because as an expert you have the right to walk away and refuse to do something you know wont last BUT as a tool to get the buggers to use the right stuff its very effective! thanks for the tip

 

[Knackered Knees]

signing a disclaimer such as this wouldnt hold up in a uk court if you used materials you knew were going to fail you are at fault as because as an expert you have the right to walk away and refuse to do something you know wont last BUT as a tool to get the buggers to use the right stuff its very effective! thanks for the tip

Very true Gaz, and I'm not familar with UK laws, being from Oz. In cases like these though the 'Wise' choice for me if the clients insisted against my 'Expert' advice, would be to 'Walk away and go Hungry' rather than 'Work and starve to Death'.

 

[alexc1989]

Oh well il learn from this 1 and get them to sign a disclaimer in future.

 

[Gazzer]

Oh well il learn from this 1 and get them to sign a disclaimer in future.

I think you misread the posts.....Disclaimers are next to useless in court.

 

[nybor62]

there is no way i would have settled , for any thing less than a flexy grout, and the fact that you did is really your fault ,

sorry i know its not what you want to here, good luck pal hope it all works out , chin up

 

[alexc1989]

Yes but it will make them listen to the tilers advice instead of saying just get on with it. If not just walk away.