Advice: Possible Fugabella product issue?

[korkowa135]

Home owner here based in Surrey with a new Porcelain tiled patio. I need some advice about some grout discolouration.

I had a new patio installed several months ago, and we have been struggling ever since the tiles were first laid down, with a recurring discolouration issue regarding the Fugabella grout that's been used. In short, the grout looks patchy, dark and wet even when the rest of the patio is clear/dry. This has not changed even across a series of baking hot days. Most of patio grout is fine so it isn't an issue across the entire space.

Our contractor is of the opinion that this is product issue. When this issue first arose we did actually have someone from the distributor (manufacturer) come over, who stated that it was an installation/mixing issue by our contractor. The affected grout was carefully cut out, the new installation guidelines were adopted, and replacement grout was installed. Within less than a week the same areas of discolouration returned. The contractor is now adamant that this has never happened to them in over 100 jobs and it must be a product issue.

We are just seeking some independent advice/thoughts about what could be causing this, and if anyone has ever seen anything similar before.

 

[Tile mad]

It appears to be staining from underneath. Have the tiles been laid on an old or new concrete base?

 

[korkowa135]

The contractor broke up the original (thick) concrete base and used it to create the majority of the new sub-base. A new layer of concrete was put down on top of the broken-up original base, which the tiles were then sat upon.

 

[Tile mad]

The contractor broke up the original (thick) concrete base and used it to create the majority of the new sub-base. A new layer of concrete was put down on top of the broken-up original base, which the tiles were then sat upon.

You do not say how large an area it is. Cut out the grout in an area of about 5 sq mts and regrout with Fugalite B10. This is a two part grout which resists staining.

 

[korkowa135]

You do not say how large an area it is. Cut out the grout in an area of about 5 sq mts and regrout with Fugalite B10. This is a two part grout which resists staining.

Thanks Tile Mad. Do you mean Fugalite Bio? I can't find any info on Fugalite B10 on the Kerakoll website: Fugalite® Bio - https://products.kerakoll.com/en-GB/p/fugalite-bio

Also what do you think has caused/is causing the staining?

 

[demi34]

I think the tiles not bee fixed properly and the water gets underneath
that’s why you having this problem

 

[korkowa135]

I think the tiles not bee fixed properly and the water gets underneath
that’s why you having this problem

Hi Demi34 the tiles were laid on a fresh bed of mortar and the back of them were primed. Also there doesn't appear to be any movement so not sure if that is the case. Any other thoughts?

 

[demi34]

Hi Demi34 the tiles were laid on a fresh bed of mortar and the back of them were primed. Also there doesn't appear to be any movement so not sure if that is the case. Any other thoughts?

if you look the pictur carf has crackin line that’s why when the water gets underneath

 

[Stu Lilley]

Looks like the grout was mixed with to much water it’s only need 0.7lt per bag ….product issues are rare, user error is very common

 

[korkowa135]

Looks like the grout was mixed with to much water it’s only need 0.7lt per bag ….product issues are rare, user error is very common

 

[korkowa135]

Hi Stu Lilley,
Thanks that was the thought process originally and the contractors cut out the grout and mixed it and applied it precisely as directed. The manufactures even gave them direct instructions to ensure it was done correctly. However a few days later it re-appeared. So that's why I'm trying figure out what else could be the cause.

 

[StuLilley]

Hi
If thats the case I would call Kerakoll and request a site inspection.

Kind regards Stu

 

[korkowa135]

Thanks that's been done they are not being very helpful at all. I might re-post this under a different title to get some more traction. Thanks all.

 

[Alan johnson]

Picturesque landscape I have the same problem on a driveway 37 years experience never had problems with fugabella until the last 2 jobs the package now states .8litre so the product has change if the water ratio has changed .

 

[Alan johnson]

Same problem I have on a driveway they have increased the water ratio too .8l so they must have changed the formula.