Thursday, 14 December 2023

Failing Shower Grout

For the second time the grout between the floor tiles in the shower is failing.  Twice we have paid a Tiler to rectify the fault and there isn't going to be a third time.

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Whether it's a problem with the water, soap or body fats and dirt OR defective grout; it's an issue!

I'm going to attempt an alternative solution.  The same one used in the narrowboat shower.  Construction adhesive!  Specifically, I'll use grey coloured Sikaflex. 

The grout was removed using a diamond powdered blade in the oscillating saw (thank you Aldi UK).  After vacuuming I masked the grout lines in the tiles

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The Sikaflex was then applied with a caulking gun.  What should have been a relatively easy tasked turned out to be difficult.  The adhesive in the new tube must have been old as it had started to "go off".  It took the strength of Hercules to squeeze it out.  As I was applying the Sikaflex I smoothened the surface using a finger dipped in mineral turps. 

 

 

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We had a grubby showerless night whilst the adhesive set.  The following morning the masking tape was carefully removed.

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The Sikaflex hasn't fully hardened but it should be good enough for a shower tonight.

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