Wall Grout - Hardness ? - Tile Advice

[WhatNextNow]

Hi there

I was wondering if someone could help.

I have a new build house which is approx. 5 years old. The WC walls have been finished with ceramic tiles.

The grout was poorly finished - I do not think that the joints were wiped down sufficiently as the grout was proud and all stuck all over the place.

With the aid of a small sharp flat screwdriver I was able to shave off the surface of the grout and create a sharp outline around the tiles.

Once I scraped through the surface of the wall grout I found that it was much softer underneath. It was set, but softer.

What I was wondering is that as the top layer of the grout was much harder would the soft layer now exposed harden up over time as it absorbs moisture from the air ?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Waluigi]

It’s not in a shower area is it?

 

[WhatNextNow]

Hi no it is just a straight forward WC and wash hand basin

Does my question about the top layer of the cured grout seeming much harder ?

I assume being wall grout that it is unsanded ? The joints are generally 3mm wide.

 

[Waluigi]

After 5 years, the grout should be fully cured. Unless of course someone has re grouted recently. If that’s the case then sometimes grout can take a number of weeks to fully cure.

 

[WhatNextNow]

So my description of the hard layer on the top with the softer layer below indicates that it never fully cured. Should the hardness be the same through the fully grout depth ?

No the tiles have not been re-grouted.

I take it that I have a problem

 

[Waluigi]

I’ve no idea without looking. Yes, grout should really be the same ‘hardness’ throughout the joint.

How soft is the grout?

I’m wondering if the grout wasn’t pushed into the joint properly.

 

[WhatNextNow]

Hi the grout is easily shaped using a wooden toothpick, however it is not crumbly or falling out.

 

[One Day]

New build house, 5yrs, soft grout...
Likely a combination of poor quality grout, mixed too wet, adhesive still wet, only the surface can cure fully, hence the weak body below.
If it's not bothering you, leave it.
If it's in a wet area and will cause problems, rake it all out and re-grout.

 

[WhatNextNow]

Hi many thanks - is there anything to be gained after all this time by misting the grout with water to try and get it to harden ?

 

[Qwerty]

No

 

[WhatNextNow]

Many thanks to everyone for their help - much appreciated

 

[Waluigi]

I’d scrape the lot out and redo.