Can grout go 'off'?

Norma_Desmond

Our chap was just about to finish our kitchen tiling today and duly mixed the grout....only to say that it was almost turning to powder when he started to use it. We only bought it a week ago, but because it's beige we had to make a 40 mile round trip to get the ruddy stuff :mad:
So, my lovely new kitchen is on hold for a day or two until we get some more grout; but am I entitled to a refund on the original stuff? Is this a common 'thing', and if so, others be warned!

ianeverton

Unfortunately yes,

Grout just like plaster depends upon a chemical reaction to create the bond.

If damp has got into the grout when stored it will go off. You probably wont notice until you start to mix it and it sets too quickly.

Although you have had it a week you dont know where or how long it was stored prior to purchase.

As for a refund all you can do is phone and ask or if that is the only place to get it from go back anyway and politely ask, then complain.

Ultimately it is hard to prove blame so even if you go 50-50 on new batch its better than nothing.

Good luck.

BobProperty

Given your location I suspect it could be old stock. I doubt if there's much turnover of beige grout 20 miles from the Pembrokeshire coast. See if the tiler can suggest somewhere to get it from.

Norma_Desmond

Thanks ian - our chap thought it must have been stored badly! Luckily he knows somewhere else to get it (after many frantic phone calls) and he's getting it for us tomorrow as he'll be in that neck of the woods anyway.
Once this kitchen is done I'm going to get VERY drunk :beer:

Norma_Desmond

You're spot on Bob! It is difficult to source stuff here, but hey-ho......a shop in the next village caused a stir a while back for selling WHOLEMEAL bread for the first time!

ormus

jesus. its little britain all over again!

Mikeyorks

Norma_Desmond wrote: »

Once this kitchen is done I'm going to get VERY drunk :beer:

.... and splash red wine up the new grout?:rolleyes:

jrrowleyws

Norma_Desmond wrote: »

Our chap was just about to finish our kitchen tiling today and duly mixed the grout....only to say that it was almost turning to powder when he started to use it. We only bought it a week ago, but because it's beige we had to make a 40 mile round trip to get the ruddy stuff :mad:
So, my lovely new kitchen is on hold for a day or two until we get some more grout; but am I entitled to a refund on the original stuff? Is this a common 'thing', and if so, others be warned!

Bags of grout etc usually have a best before date on them too. Have a look for this.