Problems with floor tiles

[xrv]

I have floor tiles in my kitchen and am having a problem with the grouting coming out. The tiles have been down for four years and the grouting has been slowly coming out since six months after they were laid. They were laid on top of plywood and it doesnt feel like there is any flex in the floor. It has been slowly getting worse and now there is a crack in the grout from one side of the room to the other. It's driving me mental but I dont want to redo it just for it to happen again.

[V12Les]

The two obvious reasons: either the flooring isnt secure enough or a flexible adhesive and grout hasn't been used...or both together. Maybe try and find out what was used and the brand name.

[xrv]

Any recomendations for what kind of grout to try next time?

[V12Les]

Never failed me yet
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/39953/Sealants-Adhes...

and Screwfix are about the cheapest.

[xrv]

Thanks for that.

[Simpo Two]

Any reason you can't use silicone sealant instead of grout?

[Chris77]

the problem is could be either:

1 the way they were layed
2 the sub-floor failing
3 a dodgy batch of grout

The first thing to do would be contact the tiler who did the job and see what he says, get him/her to look at the floor not just over the phone. If it has been layed correctly then 95% of the time it will be the sub-floor, I cant remember the last time I came across an adhesive/grout failure, but it does happen (Can happen with materials past there shelf life)

You said it was layed on ply, what is under that? also do you know what adhesive/grout was used? as this info would help

chris

[Chris77]

Also, you say there is a crack in the floor, is it just the grout or tiles and grout? if so is it a straight line across the room or a stepping line (If you know what I mean)?

[Chris77]

Simpo Two said:

Any reason you can't use silicone sealant instead of grout?

In theory it would work, but It would be a nightmare to get a good looking finish and you would just be masking the problem.