Cracking Grout Lines

Q. Our honed, 12x12, Travertine wall tiles have been grouted for about a month and they are already cracking. Our tile layer has used unsanded grout. The grout lines are 1/16. Why do you think they are cracking? We are doing travertine in the shower also and don't want cracking grout in the shower. We are redoing the bathroom because of a failed shower and do not want to have to go thru another failed shower! Help.

 

A. I am assuming you mean the grout is cracking and not the stone. This is a common problem with unsanded grout that is not mixed properly. If too much water is used the grout can crack. I would suggest you tell the installer that you want to use a latex additive in the grout mix in place of water.

 

Dr. Fred

 

 

Fred M. Hueston

Chief Technical Director