grout not hardening

[kgrippo]

i had some grout popping up do to some construction i replaced the grout at least 5 times because the grout pops up so easily and is not hard but very sandy i even bought a new bag of grout whats the problem ive done other t ile jobs in the house and the grout is like cement

[bill allemann]

sounds like the grout mix is bad. what you described is what mortar mix will do when it is stored for a while in a damp location. the chemistry of the cement has been altered. you might try some other mix, different brand & store.

Another possibility: As far as user error, one thing that can cause that is if you are adding water after the mud has already slaked (aged for a number of minutes before using). This is probably discussed on the package instructions.

Bill

[Tim Fischer]

A couple random thoughts:

1) You're not using sanded grout for wall tiles, are you? Sanded is for floor tiles. 2) Somethings 'off' with your mixing process. Read, reread, and read again the directions, and follow them to the letter. 3) If all else fails, try adding a latex admixture to the grout. The package should mention this option, and it's available where you bought your grount. It gives it a bit more "give".

-Tim

[Richard J Kinch]

Sand in grout has nothing to do with the direction of the gravitational force vector.

[Tim Fischer]

Correct, of course. I suspect you wanted me to say that sanded is for "larger grout joints, typically found in floor tile and not in wall tile"?

-Tim