Re-grout ? min depth existing groutline?
I did find this old post http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=86602.1 and I am interested in hearing how Pete’s job worked out in the end.
Here’s my situation:
Long story short, fastfood restaurant wants their bathroom tile floors re-grouted. Using their specified grout and prep method.
They are concerned with areas of the tile where the grout level has worn down lower than 1/8″ from tile surface making it difficult to wash the floor to a “proper sanitation level”.
First they want T.S.P. used to clean the floor. Not sure that “real” TSP is available around here.
After the floor is washed, they spec to dry with a vacuum. And floor fans.
Then they want Polyblend Sanded Grout used.
Found at website http://www.custombuildingproducts.com/ProductCatalog/Grout/PolyblendSandedTile_notDIY.aspx?user=arc&lang=en
I’m not sure of the minimum depth that this grout can be used. The link shows a WIDTH of 1/8″ to 1/2″ range.
So what is the minimum depth for re-grouting ?
Is there a better recommended way to re-grout the lower areas?
Thanks in advance.
Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?
Replies
For a heavily used area like a bathroom in a restaurant I wouldn't chance trying to fill such a low surface over dirty grout which I doubt TSP (they have it in liquid and powder form at HD btw) will clean enough for my satisfaction. Floors probably have oil and grease and what-not embedded in the old grout.
It's time to buy a MM and cut into the old grout. Just add on another day depending how big the bathroom is.
Or get in writing the way they want it done but offer no guarantee.
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Hey AndyThe last time I wanted to buy TSP at HD, they only had a TSP "replacement". Worker in paint dept said you cannot buy real TSP anymore. Maybe just in Suffolk because of the phosphates in it?At that time I think I used borax instead, cleaning mold off wooden window sash (winter condensation on glass).Anywho, I suspect they'd never go for digging out the old grout with a MM or Harbor Frt equivalent unit. I had already thought of suggesting verbiage to the effect of "you spec'd it this way, no gurantees".
Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?
Yes, phosphates restrictions are regional.And I am not sure of this, but I think that someplace like HD just automatically get the substitute because they don't have to worry about it.Check at an RPS (real paint store) or janitoral supply house to see if they have it.I would check with the grout manufacture, they all have tech support lines about the depth. Barring that I would make them as deep as the width for a minimum..
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Thank you all who replied.
Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?
....anyone?..... anyone? .....
Buehler?.... Buehler? ....... ?
Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?
It won't last unless you dig out the ould grout to a substantial depth. Epoxy grout 'might' stick.
"When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking." — Sherlock Holmes, 1896
Googling for "polymer-modified grout repair depth tile" brought these up.
PolyGrout Plus Sanded Polymer-Modified Grout For filling joint.pdf
APPLICATION: All joints must be clean and free of excessive setting materials and tile spacers. The depth of the joint should be at least 2/3 the thickness of the tile. Variations in joint depth will cause grout shading. Lightly moisten the face of the tiles to be immediately grouted. Do not flood tiles or leave standing water in joints.
http://www.interstyle.ca/technical/install-mapei.html
H. Remove any excess setting material from the joint area so that 2/3 of the depth of the tile is available for grouting.
SamT
A Pragmatic Classical Liberal, aka Libertarian.
I'm always right!
Except when I'm not.