How do I repair the Horizontal Grout Joint between the Bathtub and the Tile wall?
3 thoughts on “How do I repair the Horizontal Grout Joint between the Bathtub and the Tile wall?”
Leah H says:
Is this true for where ceramic tile backsplash meets the countertop (granite)? Grout should not be used? My contractor has “ghosted” us less than a month from completion because the grout between tile and countertop has started to crack. I pointed out that my research showed that a sanded caulk should’ve been used in that space. He said “don’t tell me how to do my job”.
I am trying to compile info and data to present to him because we have a signed contract that says that all work will be done to industry standard and workmanship errors will be fixed at no cost to us within a year of completion.
Please help.
Per the TCNA EJ171 for movement joints for interior applications at perimeters it is recommended to have a 1/4″ wide joint, but never less than 1/8″. For countertop typically you would go with an 1/8″ wide joint so the sealant and bond breaking backing fit.
There is latex sanded grout that does not work well or last long. Plus it doesn’t meet the EJ171 requirements of using an ASTM C920 sealant that is typically either a 100% silicone or polyurethane. You don’t want to add sand because it reduces the performance of the sealant. These types of sealants are more expensive and more difficult to install. You need to put painters tape on both side of the joint and pull the tape right away after filling and tooling the joint. Your installer should not have installed cementitious grout in that joint and that is why it cracked.
Is this true for where ceramic tile backsplash meets the countertop (granite)? Grout should not be used? My contractor has “ghosted” us less than a month from completion because the grout between tile and countertop has started to crack. I pointed out that my research showed that a sanded caulk should’ve been used in that space. He said “don’t tell me how to do my job”.
I am trying to compile info and data to present to him because we have a signed contract that says that all work will be done to industry standard and workmanship errors will be fixed at no cost to us within a year of completion.
Please help.
The answer to your previous question is the same:
Per the TCNA EJ171 for movement joints for interior applications at perimeters it is recommended to have a 1/4″ wide joint, but never less than 1/8″. For countertop typically you would go with an 1/8″ wide joint so the sealant and bond breaking backing fit.
There is latex sanded grout that does not work well or last long. Plus it doesn’t meet the EJ171 requirements of using an ASTM C920 sealant that is typically either a 100% silicone or polyurethane. You don’t want to add sand because it reduces the performance of the sealant. These types of sealants are more expensive and more difficult to install. You need to put painters tape on both side of the joint and pull the tape right away after filling and tooling the joint. Your installer should not have installed cementitious grout in that joint and that is why it cracked.
Thank you!