These are 12″ tiles in two rooms. Both rooms are on a slab. But the slabs were poured at different times.
There is a grout line running nearly in the middle of the doorway between the rooms. There is a crack running the full width of the doorway.
Two of the tiles are cracked. See the crude drawing.
I assume that the cracking is the result of the slabs joining at that point.
I assume that if the original installation had included a substrate between the slab and the tile (such as that orange product from Schulter the name of which escapes me at the moment) then the cracking probably wouldn’t occur.
I can dig out the cracked grout and remove the two broken tiles, but what options do I have to fix it so it does not crack again??
Can I turn the grout line into an expansion joint? Or just caulk it? This is just a few feet inside the main entrance to the house.
Any ideas appreciated.
Thanks.
Rich Beckman
This signature line intentionally left blank.
Replies
Where's the crude drawing?
"Where's the crude drawing?"Good question!!!Maybe it's in this post!
Edit: OK. It was, but now it isn't!! I deleted it since it was 747 kb!!
Rich BeckmanThis signature line intentionally left blank.
Edited 4/30/2007 11:53 pm by RichBeckman
Geez! 700 plus kb! Sorry, I didn't check the size of the file!Here it is in a smaller file.
Rich BeckmanI usually get it right within ten attempts
go for the easy fix.
I'd suggest ... with no guarantees ...
completely clean out all offending grout ...
and fill with nonsanded color match grout caulk.
maybe yes ... maybe no.
if no ...
no harm done.
pretty much any antifracture membrane is gonna leave a hump if U just pop two rows and lay it right.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Do you have to stay with the same tile scheme?
If not you could remove all the tile at the doorway and place a contrasting 4x4 tile as a threshold between the rooms. While the tile is up, place the isolation membrane. Replace the larger tile, cut to fit to the walls and the threshold.
With the threshold you don't have to cut L-shaped pieces which have a built-in stress point. If there is any future movement the smaller tiles will be less prone to cracking, especially with the membrane.
It worked out well for me as a design element. Look closely at the doorway to the right.