Replies

1. 
   Dam_inspector | Dec 07, 2008 05:42am | #1

   Can the grout be replaced with silicone adhesive?

1. 
   southernbuilder | Dec 07, 2008 06:34am | #3

   For the inside corners I did a half grout joint and then used clear silicone over it. This detail looks great at the inside corners. I actually tried the same at the bottom of one of the outside corners and it turned out nicely. The only problem is that my client is not that wild about the way it looks. So far, it is the only option that I can come up with. Is there a grout with adhesive additives on the market or some type of additive that I could mix with the grout for extra flexibility and/or strength? This silicone adhesive you mentioned, is it different than a silicone sealant?

   Edited 12/6/2008 10:40 pm by southernbuilder

1. 
   Sbds | Dec 07, 2008 08:14am | #4

   Post this question on Johnbridge.com.

2. 
   Dam_inspector | Dec 07, 2008 04:17pm | #6

   I know little about additives, and the sealant I mentioned was bathroom silicone sealant. It's possible that epoxy grout may hold up better than the existing grout, but it is strange to have that much cracking.

2. 
   RalphWicklund | Dec 07, 2008 06:08am | #2

   Similar to inside corners you might try color matched sanded caulk.

3. 
   VMackey | Dec 07, 2008 10:11am | #5

   What are the construction details on that outside corner?

   Is it a complete tile wrapped corner? Same or similar product wrapped the whole way around?

   What is the underlayment under it? Is the same underlay used on both sides of the corner?

   Can I guess here and it is a CBU corner with CBU on both side and someone forget to wrap the corner with CBU rated mesh set in thinset?

   There is movement somehwere, we just have to figure out where and why. You say "keeps cracking" ... how often and how many times has it been addressed. More then once in a six month period is some pretty serious movement. How big are the cracks? Vic

4. 
   pinko | Dec 07, 2008 05:23pm | #7

   Generally any plane transition is characterized by the TCA as a 'movement joint' and is to be treated a such (by using a sealant--not grout here). Most pro tile setters would not grout an inside corner or a wall-floor transition, nor should you. Outside corners--IF constructed monolithically (solid concrete, or fully wrapped cbu w/ taped corners) are often safe to grout...BUT I'd personally use sealant there as well.

   Tell your customer these are movement joints and must not be grouted, then pull the grout and used a color-matched caulk (sanded or un-sanded, as is your grout). If you used an unsanded grout in white or almond, I'd use a 100% silicone sealant instead. Btw, "sealant" and "caulk" are basically interchangeable terms for the same thing.

1. 
   Ted W. | Dec 07, 2008 06:21pm | #8

   I guess the question of what's under the tile is moot at this point, as I don't imagine you're going to replace it. Hopefully you customer will accept that it must be caulked and it will look different. Then get the best matching silicone you can find. Many specialty tile stores carry a variety of colors in silicone caulk, so get on the phone and find some.

   Good luck with it! =)See my work at TedsCarpentry.comBuy Cheap Tools! BuildersTools.net

   If you haven't already done so, please update your profile. Since many issues are dependant on the region in which you work, we often look at your profile to see where you are writing from.

5. 
   plumbitup51 | Dec 07, 2008 10:19pm | #9

   Any change in plane should be caulked, not grouted. (See TCNA handbook). I don't know what kind of grout you used, but Laticrete makes caulks in all their grout colors, in sanded and unsanded versions, and I've found it's pretty hard to tell you're not looking at a grout line
   with these caulks. Being that it's an outside corner, it must not be right in the wet area of the shower so you don't really need !00% silicone which will never match the grout.

1. 
   Scooter1 | Dec 07, 2008 10:35pm | #10

   Tile on different planes generally should be caulked, not grouted, except with a monolithic setting bed, like mud.Regards, Scooter "I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

6. 
   bluebossa | Dec 07, 2008 10:36pm | #11

   You can actually find stainless steel outside corners that are pretty decorative; i.e. not much steel shows, but the profile is pleasing. They are designed to go on before the tile, so you may need to remove and replace a few courses, but they are a permanent solution, unlike caulk which cracks almost as readily as grout, and they look professional. Typically used in commercial applications....check your tile vendor for a catalog of profiles.

1. 
   KFC | Dec 07, 2008 10:56pm | #12

   yeah, schluter (the company that makes ditra) has outside corners among its many profiles available.  cool stuff.  different colors or stainless are available.

   I think he's trying to avoid re-tiling though.  I'd go with color-matched caulk, personally.

   k

1. 
   southernbuilder | Dec 08, 2008 07:08am | #13

   Thanks guys. Your help is much appreciated.

1. 
   Westcoast | Dec 08, 2008 09:17am | #14

   Yes, schluter profile or caulk as planned. Some people don't like the schluter but i think it looks great in a situation like that.