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Flooring Bathrooms

Grout Cracking: Should I be concerned?

3 years ago

Hello Houzz community!

I'm in the very early stages of remodeling my bathroom. One contractor/supply store we talked to doesn't like to work with tile, as he claims that the grout frequently cracks in our area (Central Illinois). If this is something I should actually be concerned about, I'm willing to reconsider elements of my design (such as vinyl flooring instead of tile flooring, namely). Those that have done tile showers/floors, do you have issues? Should I go for vinyl instead of tile?

Featured Answer

Matt

3 years ago

If he has problems with grout cracking it is the installation method or product. I have never heard of the area you live in having anything to do with cracking of grout. I am in northern Indiana and we do tile on most every job.

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Comments (7)

Fori
3 years ago
Goodness. I had a house in Detroit with 70 year old tile with perfect (and perfectly filthy) grout in the entry vestibule.

I don't think you need to be concerned, but I would not use that guy for tile!
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PRO
Java Painting & Restoration
3 years ago
Normally yes is product,technique,(water amount) dry very quick,walk on before cure etc...
kudzu9
3 years ago
Shouldn't be a problem with a competent tiler. I would worry about this guy.
PRO
Creative Tile Eastern CT
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
A properly installed tile installation will last the life of the structure. The odds of the contractor you spoke with achieving this goal is most likely minimal at best.

Here's the questions to ask.

https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/homeowners-guide-to-hiring-qualified-tile-installer
Mr. Memes
3 years ago
99% of grout cracking is due to movement. Subflooring is not sturdy enough.
lindsey_9002
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
The contractor is what you should be concerned about, not the tile. Smells like laziness - people like this will tell you anything to get out of doing a job that requires anything beyond the basic bare minimum. IMO, they’re showing you firsthand how lazy they are by dismissing something right off the bat rather than educating themselves on the product and its differential properties. There’s nothing worse than someone unwilling to learn. The inability to admit playing a role in a product’s failure is a sure sign of people unwilling to take responsibility for anything, which is definitely not something you want in a contractor!

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