Sbr Onto Grout

[Gasfitter]

Hi all sorry to jump straight to it but I have a dilemma.

May be a bit OTT but I have installed a wetroom and used BAL wide joint grout grey. Ive just read the fine print and it says it's not waterproof. I've tanked the walls and floors ect and used BAL rapidflex adhesive. I have been now told that if the water penetrates the grout and sits under the tiles the adhesive (even though it is waterproof will fail)

Had I have known I would have added bal admix. Too late now. Can I "paint on" Sbr to increase waterproofing. It's ceramic tiles BTW.

Ahhhhhh

Cheers folks

 

[Gasfitter]

Oh I mean to the grout of course hahaha

 

[macten]

No cementous grout is fully waterproof mate but water won't harm it and nor will it harm the adhesive you used. Any water that penetrates the grout (though this will be negligible if its been tiled and grouted correctly) will just dry out back through the grout joints. Admix is used to increase flexibility where needed. You could use a grout sealer if you want more peace of mind.

 

[Gasfitter]

No cementous grout is fully waterproof mate but water won't harm it and nor will it harm the adhesive you used. Any water that penetrates the grout (though this will be negligible if its been tiled and grouted correctly) will just dry out back through the grout joints. Admix is used to increase flexibility where needed. You could use a grout sealer if you want more peace of mind.

Thanks mate. Good to get your opinion.

What's the common logic here on wetrooms. If I seal everything grout wise then something gets passed it can't ever dry out back through the gout. But if I don't seal it water may collect under the tiles or in the bed of adhesive.

I was thinking of applying sbr to the grout lines to waterproof them as long as it is absorbed into the grout it should help prevent absorption no? Unless it will just sit on the top which would be no good. Only reason I just can't imagine that spray on stuff is very resilient and it will be seeing heavy use.

Thanks

 

[Stef]

No cement based adhesive or grout is waterproof even if you apply sbr to it.
You say you have waterproofed the walls, what with?

 

[Gasfitter]

Stef Everbuild tanking system. Have you ever applied sbr or heard of other doing it directly to cement based grout to reduce permeability.

Or are the sprays better....or is it just better to leave it breathable?

 

[Sean Kelly]

For your piece of mind I would spray the grout lines with a grout or tile sealer (same thing). As above, grout is not waterproof, but we use grout in showers don't we? Grout or tile sealer is designed to offer protection against staining.......rather like scotchgard for carpets. One coat of sealer will form a protective barrier....like little umbrellas.......2 coats will be like 2 layers of umbrellas protecting the grout or tile from water and stains.

Even if you did nothing, then (as above) if tiled correctly will not cause any issues.

If you poured sbr onto your tiles the chances are you would not get paid for the job because it would be like pouring glue over the installation!

 

[Gasfitter]

Yes thanks for that. I meant sbr onto grout lines not tiles. Wipes off ceramic tiles ok (tried in a small area) for cleanup.

May just give it a go....what the helll. It's my house

 

[Gasfitter]

Cheers for all the info tho. I'm learning lots.

 

[Sean Kelly]

Yes thanks for that. I meant sbr onto grout lines not tiles. Wipes off ceramic tiles ok (tried in a small area) for cleanup.

May just give it a go....what the helll. It's my house

Why? you might as well pour porridge onto grout lines.