Grouting problem

[redarmy]

The splashback that I tiled that I mentioned in the thread last week all went to plan except for one potential problem.

I had to apply the BAL adhesive thicker around the window to allow for the unevenness of the wall, upto 12/13mm in parts.. I know I know it's not ideal.. But, I allowed about 27hrs for the adhesive to set..


Now the problem is, now I've grouted the joints. Some of the grout is starting to look wet as if there is moisture in the joint.. I'm not sure if this is down to the thickness of the adhesive behind the tiles wasn't entirely dry and is working its way out through the grout or not..

Hopefully someone can help and assure me that it will dry over time. It's behind the sink and in the window reveal if that makes any difference. I've got it in my head that it's going worse but I think I'm just scaremongering myself..

The grout is BAL grey also.

[wine~o]

which thread ?

[moderator2]

At a guess mr. Vine~o this one

where-to-end-splashback-tiles-t72288.html

[redarmy]

Yes, sorry that one. I was querying where to end my tiles I thought I'd explained the job in more detail in that thread.

[wine~o]

was this a ready mixed addy or a powder??

[redarmy]

Ready mixed adhesive powder grout

[wine~o]

tubbed/ready mixed at that depth is only going to cause problems.....


IMHO, Take it off and start again... and only grout when the addy has fully dried..

[redarmy]

Will it not dry over time then.?

[wine~o]

Will it not dry over time then.?

NO. Tubbed addy dries by air.. cement based dries by a chemical reaction.

[redarmy]

Ok thanks.. Think I'll leave it a few days and then sort it at the weekend.

Cheers wineo

[Chris Skilbeck]

I'd rake out the affected grout, pull the tiles off, cut away the thick adhesive (yes, I bet it'll still be soft underneath). If you don't want to use a different product, put the adhesive on in thinner coats, (the tub info should tell you what the max recommended thickness is), letting each dry for two days before adding more - if there's room, and it sounds like there might be in places, stick some bits of tile as fillers - it's fine to tile over tiles - and then allow at least two days more when you've finished re-tiling - 27 hours is barely enough for any adhesive to set fully before grouting - I always allow at least a day more than it says on the tin.