Tile grout crumbling

[Dylan J. Bucknavich]

So I'm walking on an 8 year old tile bathroom floor, and it feels like I'm crushing the mortar underneath as I walk. There is deteriorated grout between the tiles on several areas. As never having laid tile before, what went wrong during the install? I can attach pix if you want, but I'm at the job now and haven't uploaded them yet. Thanks

[David P. Valley]

It appears that you're walking on unlevel tiles. Probably improper backing.....Simply have it evaluated and estimated for repairs.

[Dylan J. Bucknavich]

Thanks David. I'm reaching on this one.....very clean.

[Robert E. Elliott]

Originally Posted by dbucknavich

So I'm walking on an 8 year old tile bathroom floor, and it feels like I'm crushing the mortar underneath as I walk. There is deteriorated grout between the tiles on several areas. As never having laid tile before, what went wrong during the install? I can attach pix if you want, but I'm at the job now and haven't uploaded them yet. Thanks

Could also be a very thin patch coat was used before laying the tile.

[Dylan J. Bucknavich]

Originally Posted by relliott

Could also be a very thin patch coat was used before laying the tile.

Thanks Rob. Regardless, for a water resistant membrane, I do not see it lasting much longer

[Robert E. Elliott]

Originally Posted by dbucknavich

Thanks Rob. Regardless, for a water resistant membrane, I do not see it lasting much longer

From what you describe, they need to re-tile.(after they fix the problem underneath.

[Bruce M. Graham, III]

Bad tile job, too much deflection in subfloor, wrong or not enough adhesive, lots of variables

http://www.tilemagonline.com/goldbook

[Dale Duffy]

Tile appears to be installed inconsistent with any manufacturers specifications I have even read - ie - (Amateur Installation). Have a tile contractor repair is necessary

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by dduffy

Tile appears to be installed inconsistent with any manufacturers specifications I have even read - ie - (Amateur Installation). Have a tile contractor repair is necessary

Welcome back Dale.

How the heck are you?

[James F. McKee]

Dylan
I don't think it totally necessary that you pinpoint the exact cause...which is most likely improper initial installation, I would just report loose ceramic tile on bathroom floor....

[Mark Nahrgang]

If I can jump in here... Is the crunching coming from under the tile? Or is it from the grout that has dried out and come out from between the tiles?

If it is the grout, then it was probably caused by to dry a mixture, or allowing the grout to dry out too much during installation. (I've had to patch a few areas of my own bath because I let the grout get to dry.)

If it is from underneath, or if the tiles are moving, then what everyone else has already said.

[Dylan J. Bucknavich]

Originally Posted by jmckee

Dylan
I don't think it totally necessary that you pinpoint the exact cause...which is most likely improper initial installation, I would just report loose ceramic tile on bathroom floor....

I agree, I am not looking to diagnose the problem for my clients sake, just mine. I'm telling the client to re-tile. I just like to know the why's and how's whenever I can. And on this board, there are plenty of them to be found.

[Dylan J. Bucknavich]

Originally Posted by mnahrgang

If I can jump in here... Is the crunching coming from under the tile? Or is it from the grout that has dried out and come out from between the tiles?

If it is the grout, then it was probably caused by to dry a mixture, or allowing the grout to dry out too much during installation. (I've had to patch a few areas of my own bath because I let the grout get to dry.)

If it is from underneath, or if the tiles are moving, then what everyone else has already said.

It is both actually. Grout missing at the joints and crumbling underneath when walked upon. My instincts told me dry mix, but like mentioned before I never laid tile so there you go.

[Mark Nahrgang]

Originally Posted by dbucknavich

It is both actually. Grout missing at the joints and crumbling underneath when walked upon. My instincts told me dry mix, but like mentioned before I never laid tile so there you go.

Hmmmm. Well, you don't put grout under the tile, only between them. Mastic goes under, so that might be part of the problem.