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Grout Failure – Why you should act sooner rather than later

Regular maintenance of all aspects of your pool is a good investment as early intervention can prevent small issues developing into large costly ones. One area where this is particularly true is the grouting. Commercial & Specialised Diving are called out dozens of times every month on grouting issues, many of which have been left untended and the resultant repair work needed has been extensive as a result of this.

First signs of grout loss may be in areas of heavy use, such as the shallow end or around steps and finger grip tiles. If left unrepaired there are a number of consequences. Exposed tile edges may result in cutting hazards and extensive grout loss can lead to deeper seated problems. Grout protects not only the tile adhesive but also the screed beneath from the corrosive nature of swimming pool chemicals. Water ingress can cause de-bonding of the tiles- and screed degradation removes the tiles foundation causing instability and cracked tiles. The images here show just how extensive this damage can be.

Grout failure is a particular problem with cement based grouts. Commercial & Specialised Diving use epoxy based products that give a better seal, are more durable and less likely to de-bond. If you think you have grout issues in your pool, don’t delay – call us today to find out more – because when grouting is involved, a stitch in time really can save nine.

Total grout loss - addhesive exposed
Total grout loss – addhesive exposed

 

Grout loss resulting in tile damage
Grout loss resulting in tile damage

 

Debonded tile and screed erosion
Debonded tile and screed erosion
Grout loss and screed erosion result in tile failure
Grout loss and screed erosion result in tile failure

 

Tile loss, extensive screed erosion - this can happen when grout failure is not repaired sooner rather than later
Tile loss, extensive screed erosion – this can happen when grout failure is not repaired sooner rather than later