What could be causing grout discoloration in our shower?
Approximately 6 months ago we remodeled our bathroom and installed a tile shower with a glass enclosure. We noticed from the beginning that the grout was a bit uneven in color. This didn't bother us too much. We used linen colored (light tan) Custom sanded grout. After a few weeks use the shower floor began to discolor. It started in the corner that gets the most direct flow of water and, after another week or so, spread over 3/4 of the shower floor. It began to "wick" up the side (in the corner where it began). We quit using the shower for approx 2 months. During this period I tried drying it out with a space heater/fan for about 3 days. There was only minimal change. Our tile guy has tried the acid wash and a couple other things to see if it would clean up. The floor lightened but remained splotchy. He resealed it inside and outside of the enclosure and we began using it again to see further developments.
We've noticed recently that the floor and sides are getting darker again. There are areas on the outside of the shower pan (outside of the enclosure) that are also dark. The walls that get some water darken and lighten, as they dry but still remain splotchy. Additionally, it is darkening in areas that do not even get wet other than by steam. At the top row of tile the grout on the wall (84” high) is discoloring.
Some general information, the shower is not heavily used – approximately 6-8 times per week. We dry off inside the shower so there is very little water outside of the enclosure. We have a bathroom fan, window and very high ceiling which allows for very good ventilation. It is 6"x6" ceramic tile (floor is 2"x2") with 1/8" grout.
My contractor and tile guy met with me a few days ago and we are still stumped. We have a great general contractor and our tile guy is an experienced installer. We've discussed the materials used, the weep holes, the slope, etc. Both are willing to fix it but we are unclear as to what the problem actually is. The next step is to remove a few floor tiles, replace them with new tiles and try epoxy grout. The shower will be used for a while to see if that section discolors.
If the replaced grout area does not discolor the plan is to remove and replace all the floor tiles. (Shower is approx 4’ x 3’ x 84” high.) Remove the grout on the walls. Replace the current grout with epoxy grout. Hopefully, the shower enclosure will not have to be disturbed.
We would very much like to hear your suggestions and ideas regarding what is causing the discoloration.
Approximately 6 months ago we remodeled our bathroom and installed a tile shower with a glass enclosure. We noticed from the beginning that the grout was a bit uneven in color. This didn't bother us too much. We used linen colored (light tan) Custom sanded grout. After a few weeks use the shower floor began to discolor. It started in the corner that gets the most direct flow of water and, after another week or so, spread over 3/4 of the shower floor. It began to "wick" up the side (in the corner where it began). We quit using the shower for approx 2 months. During this period I tried drying it out with a space heater/fan for about 3 days. There was only minimal change. Our tile guy has tried the acid wash and a couple other things to see if it would clean up. The floor lightened but remained splotchy. He resealed it inside and outside of the enclosure and we began using it again to see further developments.
We've noticed recently that the floor and sides are getting darker again. There are areas on the outside of the shower pan (outside of the enclosure) that are also dark. The walls that get some water darken and lighten, as they dry but still remain splotchy. Additionally, it is darkening in areas that do not even get wet other than by steam. At the top row of tile the grout on the wall (84” high) is discoloring.
Some general information, the shower is not heavily used – approximately 6-8 times per week. We dry off inside the shower so there is very little water outside of the enclosure. We have a bathroom fan, window and very high ceiling which allows for very good ventilation. It is 6"x6" ceramic tile (floor is 2"x2") with 1/8" grout.
My contractor and tile guy met with me a few days ago and we are still stumped. We have a great general contractor and our tile guy is an experienced installer. We've discussed the materials used, the weep holes, the slope, etc. Both are willing to fix it but we are unclear as to what the problem actually is. The next step is to remove a few floor tiles, replace them with new tiles and try epoxy grout. The shower will be used for a while to see if that section discolors.
If the replaced grout area does not discolor the plan is to remove and replace all the floor tiles. (Shower is approx 4’ x 3’ x 84” high.) Remove the grout on the walls. Replace the current grout with epoxy grout. Hopefully, the shower enclosure will not have to be disturbed.
We would very much like to hear your suggestions and ideas regarding what is causing the discoloration.