Replies

1. 
   nigel_martin | Jul 28, 1999 08:32am | #1

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   What adhesive did you use? large tile are best fixed in place with thinset because it cures which in most cases is better than "drying". I think you are going to have to pull the loose tiles and re-fix. Don't go any further until the adhesive is fully set.

2. 
   Guest_ | Jul 28, 1999 09:43am | #2

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   Nigel is onto something here. What adhesive did you use? It sounds like you used a mastic.

   Generally, the larger tiles are lug or button backed. These serve as a "key" for the adhesive. But some adhesives are not made to span the thickness required by the backing on the tiles.

   A mastic, for example, will not adequately bond a tile that has a 1/4" lug.

   Was this interior or exterior? What material is the substrate made of? In any case, the consistency of the grout would not affect the bond of the tile.

   I'm tired, I've had a long day, so I don't know if this made any sense.

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   Guest_ | Jul 29, 1999 02:09am | #3

   *I had a similar problem with one of my first tile jobs (I'm an amateur). Used mastic instead of thinset. We gave it several days to set before grouting and a few more days before walking on it, but the mastic was still soft enough that the grout failed after a week or so of traffic. The substrate was concrete, so there was no question about any flexing there. Smashed the tiles with a hammer, pried off the pieces and did it over with thinset like I should have in the first place. Three years later, no problems yet.I'm still an amateur, but since then I've used thinset for all floors and counters, and mastic only for walls or backsplashes.It probably wouldn't have helped in your case, but it is a good idea to spritz new grout with water several times a day for the first few days to make sure it cures to maximum strength.Jay

3. 
   Jim_Burrum | Jul 29, 1999 08:27am | #4

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   Thanks for all your input!I don't even know what kind of mastic it was... I have to go to my friends hs tomorrow so I'll check it out. But I'll take my hammer/chisel and some thin-set with me!!!

4. 
   burrum | Jul 30, 1999 03:13am | #5

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   I installed 12" tile in 90-degree, humid weather... waited approx. 30 hrs then grouted (1 or 2 tiles still moved slightly)... the grout was mixed on the dry side... now (1 day later)about 4 tiles are loose with crumbling grout around them... If the glue wsn't dry could it have an effect on the grout, or did I just mix the grout to dry?

5. 
   Guest_ | Jul 30, 1999 03:13am | #6

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   Jim, it's not fair! You come with your questions, we answer them, but you don't answer mine (post 2.0).