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.

 

[Gasfitter]

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

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

Well that's a ridiculous comment

 

[Gasfitter]

Well that's a ridiculous comment

And a waste of porridge

 

[gamma38]

Just a question, why come for advise and then ignore it?

 

[Gasfitter]

What ignore the porridge advise?

 

[Gasfitter]

On a serious note gamma....to get opinions.

We all know even within a trade there are sometimes varying opinions on the same issue. Just cos i ask doesn't require me to act in that way of the people I ask (Otherwise I'd have porridge all over my floor ).

I'm after friendly advise (and maybe a bit of banter) not work rules and strict instructions.

 

[Sean Kelly]

Well that's a ridiculous comment

Sorry, I meant jelly!

I guess it's your own wetroom so you can do what you want. You now know that what you have done is ok and should not cause a problem with your tiling.

Good luck with further questions on this forum.

 

[gamma38]

Of course but you have several guys saying don't use sir and your still going to. These guys on here have so much knowledge between them that to ignore it is just asking for trouble.
Just my opinion though.

 

[Gasfitter]

Touchy,touchy boys....big night last nite was it.

I actually do respect your opinions and certainly your experience. I just need information as to why people think things will work and why others won't. Thats all. I like reasoning.

My logic was sbr is used to increase waterproof/flex properties of cement based mortars. I should have added some at the time but didn't. My bad. However don't think it unreasonable to think that adding it ONTO the grout may add to the waterproof properties of it. It is rubber after all.

It penetrates deep enough to be used as a bonding agent after all.

If this really is so silly then so be it.

 

[Lithofin BOB]

May be issues with an sbr, this is a mix/polymer based product , if this was applied this will give no release to moisture if there is an area of failure and moisture migrated to the back or other areas, moisture could then be trapped causing discolouration or issues behind the tile. Also polymer based products can also whiten if moisture is left to sit on an excess, this may only be a micro suface application. Almost acts like a topical finish , which these guys would never use in a wet area, use a correct impregnating sealer if you want further protection , these are generally breathable ,and will give you what you want. Right product right situation

 

[Gasfitter]

Bob

Thanks for taking the time to thoroughly explain that to me. That all makes complete sense to me and I hadn't thought of those points at all. I will now be using the spray on products you mention. Can anyone mention a particularly good one? Or ones to avoid?

And if you need any mediocre gas fitting advice then don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks

 

[Tile Shop]

The sprays i've tried are Sealguard and LTP Grout and Tile protector. Both very effective and easy to do. But they get you high-as-hell if you don't ventilate the room properly. Enjoy 😉

 

[Lithofin BOB]

Any of the above as paul or any water based specific "grout protector "will do the job if you don't want the high chemical smell , if you use the spays , please do ware a cartridge mask ( spayers chemical vapour) in a small space as these are not pleasent to inhale,

 

[Gasfitter]

Prob use the spray and a cartridge mask as I have one to hand.........Or get my breathing apparatus (from work) to look like a proper plonka

Issues solved. Thanks to all.