Why can you not walk on a freshly grouted floor?
Question:Just grouted a floor and the instructions on the grout say I can't walk on the floor for 24 hours.
The grout is already pretty solid after 12 hours. Why is it that I am not allowed to walk on it for a full day?
Will it ruin adhesion, or is it just that there is a risk I might step on the grout?
Thanks
Answers:
cracking is not an issue for a new grout. its the dirt.
the tile wont sink or move because primarily the grout doesnt support the tile. it just fill in the gaps to add beauty to your floor or walls.
you can walk through it provided you wont get dirt into it.
It is a precausion. If you step on the grout, the tile may slip/sink in or something, so they tell you 24 hours so you can't sue them if you step on it before. It is probably safe, but you run the risk if you try it and will have no come back to the grout makers.
The grout may be hard on the outside in 12hrs or so but it takes 24hrs to harden in the middle as well.
The surface may be dry but the underneath may not have fully set - although I have to say 24 hours is a bit long.
theres a risk you might shift the tiles while putting heavy pressure on them. even if the grout appears to be hard on top, there still may be some wet grout underneath. although the box says 24 hrs, its just a precaution, but it would really suck to walk on the floor and RUIN IT! just wait another 12hrs!
Don't walk on newly grouted tile for at least 24 hours (wait 48 hours for work done in a shower). Circulate air through the area with an air conditioner or fan to facilitate drying. If you walk on the tile and the grout is not dry it WILL CAUSE THE GROUT TO CRACK and sometimes the tiles to shift. Once final grouting is done, you can have grout seams sealed with silicone sealer for extra protection.
it may seem to you its dry pretty much in 12 hours but basically..underneath the tile it will stay wetter longer.. takes longer to totally dry... and if ya wanl on it while wet it could cause the tiles to slide and then youd have to redo those tiles to get it even again...
More Related Questions & Answers...