I have a customer with a tiled back patio. I cleaned a test spot and the “grout” immediately started coming out.
But it’s not grout like sand or mortar. It seems more like a caulk. It is soft and spongy and is white. And it was coming off in long strips like you’d expect if you were digging caulk out of a crack.
The tile itself was pretty clean but the grout had growth everywhere. You can see it if you zoom in on the pics.
Even a softwash with a strong mix wasn’t working. It needs some pressure to properly clean. So I told the customer we needed to wait clean it until she’s ready to have it re-grouted.
Has anyone encountered this before on outdoor tile?
And if it’s caulk, they did an impressive job filling each joint because the joints are thin but there’s no caulk on the tile at all. It’s like the perfect caulking job.
Did you put down a 4 to 6% sh on there and let it set for about 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing? If so come back in a few days and broom off the surface . All will be dead and loose.
they make several versions of sikaflex. The self leveling kind runs like water in control joints. I’ve only ever used it on concrete, not pavers. The version I like to use requires fingers and some dawn to slick it. That stuff is awesome, will last a decade or more.
I really wouldn’t be surprised if someone put tub n tile caulk out there, sounds like some of the contractors near me (hacks).
The self leveling one runs like water unless it’s cold. Learned that the hard way a few weeks ago.
These joint lines are so small, whoever caulked it either taped the lines on both sides or is very very handy because there’s not a hint of caulk on the actual tile.
I got it from the bridge masons that. If the joint is deep it is supposed to have backer rod. It is also not to be laid level, has to be below the surface about a 1/4" without rereading the spec sheet. i used some dawn on my fingers while working it to get it set below grade, as it is much thicker. Been in my control joints and the joints between pours for about 12 years. Good for northern climates. I’d have to go to the store to be sure, but I am pretty sure that is the one. I didn’t care for that runny self leveler .
When I caulk checks on a log cabin I tape them first, otherwise it is all over the wood which is bad for stain. Backer rod, tape, caulk, then tool, and air bubbles are bad. If you ever caulk checks on logs, that caulk permachink sells is pretty good.
Lol, here is a vid of a guy using it on pavers alongside a drive, he has 10k subscribers. Looks like he cut a small hole in the tube and did it neatly. Didn’t watch whole video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MF9utgy0qg
