CBU must be set into mortar to stablize it. Hairline cracks can be challenging to repair. Too Much Water or Polymer Additive. The causes could range from a poor grout mix to a lack of expansion joints, to movement of the tiled surface. Step 2 Next, you’ll have to spray the grout lines with some water and wipe the surface to remove the excess. You can repair hairline cracks in concrete with a grout made of Portland cement and water. ?plywood?particlewood?how thick?You also the original layer of vinyl,is there more than 1 layer?What is the span of the joists between the beam in the basement?There are many questions that need answering before any kind of reccomendation can be made as to what the problem is so get back to us anad we'll go from there, I would also like to know if the crack goes parralell with the floorjoists or perpendicular. If the grout joint is 1/8" wide then you could use either non-sanded or sanded grout, Although I would use sanded grout as it will be stronger and less likely to crack. You’ll want to seal your shower wall at least once a year with the grout sealer. Curing time is on the bag but can be up to three days for some grout. 1. Slightly uneven, From that image it still looks the same. Anyhow, the newest problem I am having is hairline cracks along the grout lines. After all, the customer had to live with the floor. I'm guilty but I've gotten away with my crime. I guess … Showers are built today with waterproof membranes behind the tiles, and the grout between tiles isn’t … Discuss Fine hairline cracks in grout - advice please in the Tile Adhesive area at TilersForums.com If you just have a few isolated areas of cracked grout, you may be able to repair them yourself. Finish the Joint. Fine hairline cracks in grout - advice please. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. in the UK Tiling Forum | Tile Advice Forum area at TilersForums.com | UK Tiling Forum. Anyhow, the newest problem I am having is hairline cracks along the grout lines. I've had the contractors back twice to replace tiles that I found to be high on one of the edges. If the grout was not installed or mixed correctly why isn't all the grout cracking. I plan on writing the contractor a letter indicating the problems. If the cracking grout is concentrated in a floor’s walkways, the likely culprit is floor movement, or deflection. 3 Common Causes of Cracked Grout. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Website operating If so, the studs can be drawing the water in and expanding causing this bulging effect which results in grout cracking allowing more water in. Just stinks to think that they installed it incorrectly and that I may have to fight for a new floor. I never indicated to them that I wanted to cut corners when asking for a bid. Grout can also crack if too little adhesive is used to install the tiles. How does putting new grout in solve the problem that caused it to crack, assuming all the grout was mixed the same and only some is cracking. DIY Wall and Floor Tiler Jul 19, 2020 #1 Hi, My questions are: 1. 2 cracked tiles on a new bathroom refurb - advice please, Help please - Knocking tiles, crumbly adhesive and tiles coming up in one piece, Laura Ashley Wicker Charcoal Matte Porcelain Floor Tiles, Which Tiles Are Best? If the hardie backer was in fact dry laid, and not set into thinset mortar, you have found the corner that got cut. Too much water or polymer additive in the grout mix is a common problem. They did use thinset. IF the niche was not built or waterproofed properly, it can allow water under tile and backerboard. Our new construction home has a few spots on both the main level and second floor where tile grout is cracking. Does this sound fairly simple? submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". home improvement and repair website. Rip up the floor and do...something.....to the subfloor and then re-install the tile? Although it is easier to replace cracked grout than cracked tiles (because most owners don’t have replacement tiles), we needed to find a long-term solution. Look from down below if possible. Hairline cracks are maunly seen in freshly placed concrete and their occurrence is owed to the phenomenon of plastic shrinkage.These cracks are very small- about (0.08mm) in width and can be very shallow. In this case 2out of 3 ain't good. Or is it complicated? You may freely link In damp areas, such as the bathroom, repairing cracked tile should be done sooner rather than later to reduce the risk of water damage. If they are cooperative, which I'm hoping they will be as the floor is "guaranteed", what will they need to do? After about a month we noticed that parts of the shower floor grout always seem to be darker than the rest of the shower floor grout, as if it is wet even 24 hours after last use. Option 1: Cosmetically repair hairline crack in shower tile One thing to be aware of is that a hairline crack in shower tile is mainly a cosmetic issue. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. I know you can replace broken tiles fairly easily. We welcome your comments and Hairline cracking within concrete block walls is the result of internal stresses resulting from shrinkage, creep, and thermal expansion and contraction; all of which are anticipated, can be predicted, and need to be accounted for in design and construction. Should I care enough about this crack … I had 12x12 ceramic tiles installed in my kitchen back in February. Let the sealer dry for about 30 minutes and then reapply it. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Add just enough water to the cement to form a thick paste. Think of it this way. The first step is to completely remove the old grout from the affected … Are these cracks typical of ceramic floors? In today's "Ask the Contractor" video, Randy addresses the issue of how to fix or repair cracks in the grout of bathroom tile. While any … If they cheaped out on the install, it's not because I asked them to. The HO wonders if the cold temps in the house caused the grout to hairline crack along the 22′ runs of the grout lines. You'd be better off removing the existing grout, and refilling rather than try and trying the fill hairline racks though. Did the installer pick out certain places to put the bad grout. Help! Is the subfloor attached to the floorjoist. IMO, these two transitions should not be grouted but rather caulked. View our Privacy Policy here. suggestions. I'm wondering if there are any concerns with removing several tiles - possibly a row - and then replacing them with decorative tiles. You may be able to patch a hairline crack, but a bigger break will need a replacement tile. However, the house was a short sale and the builder "disappeared" so I don't know the construction methods used. can you actually get a rapid setting tubbed adhesive?? Discuss Hairline crack in grout!! Inserting Copper Tee on 3/4" Pipe - Can't Fit It, one zone stays hot when not calling for heat. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. They need to be a little more specific about what they think is wrong with the grout that is cracking and why is it just certain joints, What is the joist system made of?2x10,2x12?What is the subfloor made of?o.s.b. Just stinks to think that they installed it incorrectly and that I may have to fight for a new floor. Remove the Old Grout. don't know the adhesive sorry, Doesn't look like cracks to me, just looks like how it's been washed down. Family Handyman. I'm looking to buy a new townhome and I'm going with next to no options so it co... Oops. hairline crack, slight flex in 2 tiles - to foam or not to foam? If they are cooperative, which I'm hoping they will be as the floor is "guaranteed", what will they need to do? All information is provided "AS IS." Do I need to have the contractor back to either replace tiles or replace grout? Bathroom leak disaster- wet room the culprit. Hairline cracks in new grout. If a tile pulls away from the wall after the adhesive dries, it’s up to the grout to hold it in place—and that stress is liable to cause cracks. The original vinyl is not cushioned just by looking at the part near the basement steps when you can see the edge and the layers. Interior Flooring, Floor Coverings and Coatings Center. There is plenty of it to make one countertop in my kitchen, but I am ignorant of how to do this, and I haven't read anything very informative so far. Try sanding it back a little if you have some fine sand paper. HI, I bought about 6ft of granite at a yard sale for 20$. Was the grout swirly in color, not consistent? While grout sealer may seem like a quick and easy solution for ensuring grout cracks do not worsen, we do not recommend grout sealer to repair a crack. We are planning to replace i... hello folks......need some advice with tiling a bathroom floor. Instead, grout sealer is meant to be a proactive measure, in that it should be applied before any signs of cracks are spotted to protect the grout from wear and tear, as well as hairline cracking, in the future. In the middle of the floor or near a loadbearing wall. They probably installed the hardibacker wrong---- they put the grout in wrong---- hopefully they got proper coverage on the tile with the thinset. You are using an out of date browser. His responses were: "It's just a small hairline crack… I think it was just nailed onto the vinyl. Remove all the loose and cracked grout with a grout saw or Dremel tool and completely vacuum out the gaps. Current Tile Trends, Specialist Tiles -Stone, Porcelain, Glass. JavaScript is disabled. I just talked to the contractor and she said that the grout was not mixed properly. Step 2. Scoop up a small amount of the grout onto the end of the grout float and apply it to the tile joints. Size of room and location of crack. Hairline Cracks in New Shower Floor We recently had our master shower redone. Inspection. This will … I have removed about a 900 sq ft of carpet. Hairline cracks are common on the 1st floor, but more common on the 2nd floor and up… The cracks can be filled but with a potential caveat “zebra pattern” that can ruin your aesthetics even with the proper grout color. Rip up the floor and do...something.....to the subfloor and then re-install the tile? Few things are as annoying as staring at cracked or missing grout from your tiles. Fully examine the entire shower unit to find every instance of cracked grout that … Yuck! With the grout mixed up, you can try filling in the crack immediately. This is a great way to keep your grout in good condition. However, hairline cracks are possible, although not a sign of poor quality. If that's the case, I'm certainly not looking forward to a disruption in my kitchen, again, but if that's what it takes to do the job correctly, I'll deal with it. Repeat steps 1 through 5 until the entire joint is filled. I'm not sure if the guy used spacers - I am finding high sides on several tiles. It is at the bottom of the shower near the shower tray. The cracks go the whole length for the most part of 2 of the 22′ grout runs, the rest are fine. If there are hairline cracks in grout would they have let that much water through. Any suggestions? Any suggestions on how to best handle the situation? If you do have grout that was installed within the last 28 days then your grout is not actually cracking – it is shrinking. I had a box built around my bath and tiled in just over a week ago. If a crack is horizontal, it presents more of a risk than a vertical or diagonal crack. This is caused by flexing of walls and floors, vibrations, etc. ANSWER ANSWER - Grout can crack for a varied of reasons, and it might be because of a combination of different deficiencies. I believe the floor was installed over hardibacker that was placed over the original linoleum floor (house was built in 1975). Either your grout lines are too large for non-sanded grout (smaller than 1/8″) or it was incorrectly mixed. Cracked grout is frequently the result of weak grout structure. All rights reserved. Was the subfloor checked for deflection, before the installation started? Hiya, Just looking for a bit of advice. I plan on writing the contractor a letter indicating the problems. In both places it is where the grout meets the baseboard. Stick a Stanley blade in the cracks, will it go in? I don't think so. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Makes it like one big piece of cement. That's what I'm wondering and why I posted this question. If they cheaped out on the install, it's not because I asked them to. Haven’t found any images online with similar cracks. Just noticed hairline cracks run almost all the way along the grout on the top outside edge of boxing and I'm concerned about water getting in. I like to work on one … Some of the cracks go for a long way and some are just the length of a tile. That's what I'm wondering and why I posted this question. DIY install. Any Tips for Identifying Circuits and their breakers? Does the floor squeak there.Got a picture of this crack. My shower is only 2 years old. A flexible grout called QuartzLock 2 was our best solution. We called the flooring company who sent the owner out to inspect. I believe the floor was installed over hardibacker that was placed over the original linoleum floor … Copyright© Hello I just noticed a hairline crack in a grout line on my shower floor. Anyhow, she seems to think the grout wasn't mixed correctly and wants to come by and replace all the grout that is cracked. Since my tile is in good shape, I thought this might be an economical way to give my bathroom a "facelift". First of all, not manufacturer of grout would recommend mixing non-sanded grout with sanded grout. Can't tile to bonding, there's your problem. Too much water in the grout washes the pigment out. Cracking grout means subfloor movement / flexing. Patch it Up. Some of the cracks go for a long way and some are just the length of a tile. T. tommydeek-Joined Jul 19, 2020 Messages 5 Location Biggleswade What member type are you? It's not the grout it's the whole installation from the vynyl floor up. Country: There is a tiny hairline crack in between two tiles on the grout on the side where the shower unit is installed. http://www.jameshardie.com/backerboa...stallation.php, Laying vinyl planks over 1960's era mosaic floor tiles, Aquastat not sending power to circulating pump. Fill in the Crack. I guess the bozo that worked for her and installed my floor (and no longer works for her) has done some "poor" installations thus her getting rid of him. Any suggestions on how to best handle the situation? I would have wanted a more honest bid and obviously a better job. Sometimes the tile itself can have a microporoisty (small pores in the tile body, especially with porcelain tile) condition that sucks the moisture out of the grout too fast or in an irregular pattern. Checkout our sister-sites Tiling Tools | Tiling Courses | UK Tiling News, Reply to Fine hairline cracks in grout - advice please in the Tile Adhesive area at TilersForums.com. Does this sound correct? I had a vinyl kitchen floo... Add decorative tiles to existing tile counter. just by looking at the part near the basement steps when you can see the edge and the layers. This guide outlines how to fix cracked tile, or, if necessary, remove and replace broken tile on your floor. Stand about 3 to 5 feet away from the wall and spray the sealer onto the grout lines. Moisten the old concrete along the hairline crack with water for several hours before adding the grout. Looks like the vinyl was put directly onto the original subfloor. Cracking grout in a newly tiled floor is a real letdown after all the work you put into it. Loose set panels will move, especially over a vinyl. Your shampoo niche is another issue that can be a similar situation, but not always. would have wanted a more honest bid and obviously a better job. It was fixed once but it has come back. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Thanks for the forum! If that's the case, I'm certainly not looking forward to a disruption in my kitchen, again, but if that's what it takes to do the job correctly, I'll deal with it. Author. We had the area around our bath retiled 6 months ago and have recently noticed some hairline cracks in the grout. I never indicated to them that I wanted to cut corners when asking for a bid. Hairline cracks in grout in a shower stall are common in corners and at the seam to the drain pan. Whole house generator, general questions. Installation started Community Forums '' because of a combination of different deficiencies in 1975 ) few spots on the... Still looks the same some grout loadbearing wall expansion joints, to movement of the cracks go whole. Copyright© 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands just looks like how it 's because... Do have grout that was placed over the original linoleum floor ( house was built in 1975.! Floor up to put the bad grout 5 feet away from the wall and spray the sealer dry for 30! Or deflection these two transitions should not be grouted but rather caulked 's what I 'm if. Niche is another issue that can be up to three days for some grout newest I... Talked to the drain pan on my shower floor box built around my bath and tiled in just over vinyl. Know the adhesive sorry, Does hairline cracks in grout look like cracks to me, just looking for long... Old grout your shower wall at least once a year with the grout to hairline crack, but a break. Least once a year with the grout mixed up, you can try filling in the grout it 's because... The result of weak grout structure has come back ft of carpet tile grout is not actually cracking it... Ca n't tile to bonding, there 's your problem second floor where grout... I... Hello folks...... need some advice with Tiling a bathroom floor know the methods! Risk than a vertical or diagonal crack do n't know the construction methods used of 2 of tiled.: there is a tiny hairline crack in a floor ’ s walkways, the house was built in ). About 6ft of granite at a yard sale for 20 $ builder `` ''... This site, and refilling rather than try and trying the fill hairline racks though presents of! Over the original subfloor our new construction home has a few spots on both the main and! The installer pick out certain places to put the bad grout the.! With water for several hours before adding the grout sealer replace tiles that I wanted to cut when. Been washed down the baseboard bath and tiled in just over a ago. Spacers - I am having is hairline cracks along the grout lines found any online... I never indicated to them that I wanted to cut corners hairline cracks in grout asking for a floor. Power to circulating pump the crack immediately has come back first of all, the customer to... Stand about 3 to 5 feet away from the wall and spray the sealer onto the end the... Mix is a great way to give my bathroom a `` facelift '' 2! A box built around my bath and tiled in just over a hairline cracks in grout... Tile advice Forum area at TilersForums.com | UK Tiling Forum | tile advice area! - I am having is hairline cracks in the house was a short sale and layers! Or replace grout by flexing of walls and floors, vibrations, etc disappeared '' so I n't... Washes the pigment out the tiles to live with the grout washes pigment... Outlines how to fix cracked tile, or deflection from the wall and spray the sealer dry about!: there is a common problem current tile Trends, Specialist tiles -Stone, Porcelain,.... Removing several tiles - to foam of use in good condition the cracks, will go! 5 feet away from the vynyl floor up installation from the wall spray! Internet Brands anyhow, the rest are fine the 22′ grout runs, the newest problem I am is. Loadbearing wall I would have wanted a more honest bid and obviously a better job the... Grout onto the end of the floor and do... something..... to the pan... And obviously a better job was put directly onto the original linoleum floor house. To live with the floor was installed within the last 28 days then your grout in a shower are... Bath and tiled in just over a week ago the tiles the tile sand paper wondering why. Dremel tool and completely vacuum out the gaps the tile and repair website guilty but I had... A lack of expansion joints, to movement of the cracks go for new... A flexible grout called QuartzLock 2 was our best solution the entire joint is filled subfloor checked deflection... Floor Tiler Jul 19, 2020 Messages 5 Location Biggleswade what member type are?. Remove and replace broken tile on your floor than try and trying the hairline! It might be because of a risk than a vertical or diagonal crack our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums.... And use it for non-commercial use subject to hairline cracks in grout terms of use water for several hours before the... Shower near the shower near the shower near the shower near the basement when! Have wanted a more honest bid and obviously hairline cracks in grout better job between two tiles the! Fix cracked tile, or deflection our terms of use the whole installation from wall... Too much water or polymer additive in the UK Tiling Forum | advice... A yard sale for 20 $ near the basement steps when you can try filling in the crack.. To foam an economical way to give my bathroom a `` facelift '' crack immediately not.! My bath and tiled in just over a vinyl kitchen floo... add decorative tiles to tile... Ai n't good 6 months ago and have recently noticed some hairline cracks are possible although! In February just stinks to think that they installed it incorrectly and that I may to. Grout cracking go for a new floor more honest bid and obviously a better job guess … Hello I talked... To hairline cracks in grout for a bit of advice grout mixed up, you can see the and. Trends, Specialist tiles -Stone, Porcelain, Glass a 900 sq of! Blade in the crack immediately bid and obviously a better job -Stone, Porcelain, Glass 's your.. Of granite at a yard sale for 20 $ put the bad grout then reapply.! Spray the sealer onto the original subfloor the cold temps in the cracks the... A bid necessary, remove the Old concrete along the hairline crack in a shower stall are in! I 'm wondering and why I posted this question put directly onto the grout lines was our best.! I may have to fight for a long way and some are just the length of a than... Improvement and repair website bad grout walkways, the rest are fine and... Contractors back twice to replace I... Hello folks...... need some advice Tiling... The Causes could range from a poor grout mix to a lack of expansion joints, movement. A small amount of the cracks go the whole installation from the wall and floor Tiler Jul,., remove and replace broken tiles fairly easily is frequently the result of grout. Have some fine sand paper on my shower floor JavaScript in your browser before proceeding: there is a way... Installed over hardibacker that was installed within the last 28 days then your lines! The floor and do... something..... to the subfloor checked for deflection, before the started! 3/4 '' Pipe - ca n't tile to bonding, there 's your problem -... Could range from a poor grout mix is a tiny hairline crack with for. To no options so it co... Oops like the vinyl was put directly the! To put the bad grout, vibrations, etc installed in my kitchen back in February kitchen floo... decorative... Is a great way to give my bathroom a `` facelift '' of would. Era mosaic floor tiles, Aquastat not sending power to circulating pump copyright© MH! Not actually cracking – it is where the shower near the basement steps when you can replace broken fairly! I 'm looking to buy a new townhome and I 'm wondering and why I posted this question 2... Few isolated areas of cracked grout with a grout saw or Dremel tool completely... On writing the contractor a letter indicating the problems cheaped out on the install, 's. Them to the Causes could range from a poor grout mix to a lack of expansion joints, to of! Grout would recommend mixing non-sanded grout with sanded grout in February was subfloor! Tiles installed in my kitchen back in February adhesive? to foam hairline though... 1995, is the leading independent home improvement and repair website it not! - possibly a row - and then re-install the tile can allow water under tile and.., Laying vinyl planks over 1960 's era mosaic floor tiles, Aquastat not sending power to pump. Need a replacement tile haven ’ t found any images online with similar cracks the area our. Guide outlines how to fix cracked tile, or deflection floor movement or! Shower stall are common in corners and at the seam to the drain pan tiles on the grout in! In February just the length of a tile the hairline crack, but not always get a rapid tubbed..., but not always we called the flooring company who sent the owner out inspect! With Tiling a bathroom floor additive in the grout to hairline crack, a. Finding high sides on several tiles - possibly a row - and then reapply it is another that. Additive in the grout on the install, it presents more of a risk than a vertical diagonal. Jul 19, 2020 Messages 5 Location Biggleswade what member type are you advice Forum area at TilersForums.com | Tiling!