Repair & Renovation Guide 137 6.1 Cracked and deteriorated grout joints of tile linings POSSIBLE CAUSE The cause may be related to grout failure, no provision for grout waterproofing, or normal wear SOLUTION • Remove the existing weathered grout with the GROUT SCRAPER (p. 280) or with a grinder or a special tool and clean thoroughly. • If necessary, create expansion joints (perimeter and on every 16-20m2 for exterior surfaces) with the high adhesion polyurethane elastomeric sealant DUROFLEX-PU (p. 249) after priming the joints with PRIMER-PU (p. 263) and filling the joint with the backer rod DS-265 (p. 246) if it is deemed necessary. • Regrout with: • Epoxy-based grout DUROPOXY (p. 251), • FLEXIBLE & OIL REPELLENT GROUT (p. 278) or • VITREOUS CEMENTITIOUS GROUTS (p. 275) • When using the VITREOUS CEMENTITIOUS GROUTS (p. 275), waterproof them with D-16 HYDROSTOP (p. 232) or if the tiles are absorbent, waterproof the entire surface with the waterproofing and oil repelling impregnating agent for tile & granite D-29 SPOT FREE (p. 234), once the grout is completely dry. 6.2 Tile grout that is discolored and dirty SOLUTION Α’ Clean the grouted joints with the special purpose cleaner BIOCLEAN FOR POLISHED MARBLE (p. 230) to remove the surface dirt. If the cleaning result is satisfactory, waterproof the grout with D-16 HYDROSTOP (p. 232). SOLUTION Β’ If the aesthetic result after cleaning is not satisfactory and there is no possibility of removal and regrouting, then: • Clean (scrape) the grout surface (up to 0.5mm) with the GROUT SCRAPER (p. 280) and remove dust and dirt. • Clean the remaining grout in the tile joints with a damp sponge and allow for them to dry. • Finally, waterproof the grout in the joints with D-16 HYDROSTOP (p. 232). NOTE: In both solutions, and as long as the tiles are absorbent, protect the entire surface with the waterproofing and oil repelling impregnating agent for tile & granite D-29 SPOT FREE (p. 234), once the grout is completely dry. 6.3 Cracked and/or raised lining elements on interior surfaces (tiles, marble, granite etc.) in combination or not, with cracked grout joints POSSIBLE CAUSE The cause may be related to mechanical stress, normal wear or even the absence of expansion joints in the perimeter of the lining. SOLUTION • Remove the damaged elements of the lining. • Seal the joint between the lining and the skirting (creating expansion joints) with the high adhesion polyurethane elastomeric sealant DUROFLEX-PU (p. 249) after priming the joints with PRIMER-PU (p. 263). It may be deemed necessary to install the backer rod DS-265 (p. 246), if the joint depth is large and must be adjusted. • The same sealant should be used on the top joint above the skirting. • Alternatively, the application of DS POLYMER of 32 colors (p. 242) is recommended,
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTk0OTg2