Bathroom grout cracking and developing brown residues. Help!

8 years ago

So I recently moved into my flat - it is a new built so everything are newly done - but 2 months in I'm already having problem with the grout on my bathroom floor!

They were originally all light grey to start off with. However, within a month they started to crack and a portion then became consistently damp. And now they are eroding further and developing white and brown residue on the surface.

I rarely leave any puddle of water in the bathroom (and wipe it up quickly when it happens) so unlikely caused by that. Picture here:

Would any of you know what is happening here? Is this because the grout being used was cheap / not adequate or could this be a bigger problem? Pretty worried that my tiles would come loose soon - any advice would be much appreciated
you can find a

Thanks!

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Comments (4)

marylut
8 years ago
File a repair claim with the builder and tiling contractor. The work should be guaranteed.
Rusty Empire
8 years ago
It sounds like there is the perhaps larger immediate issue of water wicking up from below the tile! Are you in a house, hi rise or ? Is the flat on slab or frame built ? What is below you? Another flat or are you on grade? Many questions here, but I can say there is likely water coming in from somewhere (hence the white powdery residue which is a byproduct of the leak) . I'm not a contractor, plumber - or lawyer - but until this is addressed no amount of new tile will fix this! The sub trade who installed your tile may be completely innocent if there is the problem as described. The builder and plumbing trades are the ones that need to be brought in now. Keep photos and/or video of damage for insurance purposes, and best of luck!
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Rusty Empire
8 years ago
PS read more by googling "efflorescence" or go to this link for more info on what it is and it's possible causes.

http://www.nachi.org/efflorescence.htm
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Ellsworth Design Build
8 years ago
Rusty Empire sounds spot on. Without further information I would guess leaking toilet ring. Though in my personal home it was a leaking hvac unit...