Premixed Thinset

jmoe · 02-16-2010, 07:44 PM

I just used Mapei Premixed Premium Mortar for Tile and Stone in a shower. I specifically used it because the container says its for wet areas in big letter on the front. I'm now getting worried after reading some threads online about premixed mortar. Its been about two weeks since I used it. I'm not sure what to do now. I used it on the walls, a bench, the curb, and the floor. The walls and bench are grouted. The data sheet on Mapei's website specifically says:
"Premium Mortar can be used in intermittent wet conditions such as backsplashes, countertops, shower walls and floors." So according to that I'm fine. But I'm nervous now after reading some info online. Has anyone used this product before? What do you recommend I do?

Here is a link to the pdf data sheet:
http://www.mapei.it/Referenze/Multim...tar_TDS_EA.pdf

JazMan · 02-16-2010, 08:48 PM

I think it's a big mistake to use that kind of product as you did. It first says,
.....light-duty residential
applications, such as walls, countertops and floors.
Then later it says,
.....intermittent wet conditions such as
backsplashes, countertops, shower walls and floors.

I'm not sure they're saying shower floor or just floor in the last statement.

In any case we know that if moisture gets behind/below the tiles, (and it will), the mastic will re-emulsify back to its original form like when it was in that nice bucket. It'll turn to mush.

In addition to the above, it sounds to me that you did not apply any type of waterproofing product under the tile work. The upper 2/3 of the walls may hold up (?), but the lower walls, and especially the bench and curb are doomed. You will see the failure a few years after it's too late.

And to make matters worse, you paid several times more for that product than the powdered thin set that is waterproof.

Jaz

jmoe · 02-16-2010, 09:16 PM

I'm thinking it was a mistake too. I'm just not sure what to do now. I'm not sure its worth ripping everything back apart at this point since I don't know yet how its going to work. I've always used the bagged powder before, but when I saw this bucket with the specific "wet areas" label I "assumed" it would be better. Obviously wishing I would have done some research first. In any event I'm off to the store to buy some powdered thinset for the bathroom floor. I won't be using the premixed stuff any more. I'm inclined to leave the shower as is and if it fails then I'll have to deal with it then.

As a side note there is waterproofing under the tile work (redgard) and a plastic lined mud pan. The bench is made of cinder blocks (with normal powdered mortar).

Blondesense · 02-17-2010, 03:44 PM

Not an expert by any means, but keep in mind the tile you used may not be available next year (or even next month).

So if there is the possibility you may need more of the same down the road, you should grab them now.

K.M.G · 02-18-2010, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JazMan

I think it's a big mistake to use that kind of product as you did. It first says,
.....light-duty residential
applications, such as walls, countertops and floors.
Then later it says,
.....intermittent wet conditions such as
backsplashes, countertops, shower walls and floors.

I'm not sure they're saying shower floor or just floor in the last statement.

In any case we know that if moisture gets behind/below the tiles, (and it will), the mastic will re-emulsify back to its original form like when it was in that nice bucket. It'll turn to mush.

In addition to the above, it sounds to me that you did not apply any type of waterproofing product under the tile work. The upper 2/3 of the walls may hold up (?), but the lower walls, and especially the bench and curb are doomed. You will see the failure a few years after it's too late.

And to make matters worse, you paid several times more for that product than the powdered thin set that is waterproof.

Jaz

What Brand/make of Thin-set do you use in a shower area

Have you used Mapei Ultralite mortar

http://www.mapei.it/Referenze/Multim...tar_TDS_EA.pdf

K.M.G · 02-18-2010, 04:32 PM

To the Original poster

Looks like you have two solutions

1,Wait a few months and see if anything happens

2,Cut your Lose and buy new tiles,backer board etc and did it all over again

Would be nice if a company made a spray that you put on your tiles and makes them rock hard so know moisture etc would wreck everything.

02-16-2010, 07:44 PM	#1
jmoe Newbie Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 2	Premixed Thinset I just used Mapei Premixed Premium Mortar for Tile and Stone in a shower. I specifically used it because the container says its for wet areas in big letter on the front. I'm now getting worried after reading some threads online about premixed mortar. Its been about two weeks since I used it. I'm not sure what to do now. I used it on the walls, a bench, the curb, and the floor. The walls and bench are grouted. The data sheet on Mapei's website specifically says: "Premium Mortar can be used in intermittent wet conditions such as backsplashes, countertops, shower walls and floors." So according to that I'm fine. But I'm nervous now after reading some info online. Has anyone used this product before? What do you recommend I do? Here is a link to the pdf data sheet: http://www.mapei.it/Referenze/Multim...tar_TDS_EA.pdf Attached Thumbnails

02-16-2010, 08:48 PM	#2
JazMan Tileguy Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Troy, Michigan Posts: 3,287	Premixed Thinset I think it's a big mistake to use that kind of product as you did. It first says, .....light-duty residential applications, such as walls, countertops and floors. Then later it says, .....intermittent wet conditions such as backsplashes, countertops, shower walls and floors. I'm not sure they're saying shower floor or just floor in the last statement. In any case we know that if moisture gets behind/below the tiles, (and it will), the mastic will re-emulsify back to its original form like when it was in that nice bucket. It'll turn to mush. In addition to the above, it sounds to me that you did not apply any type of waterproofing product under the tile work. The upper 2/3 of the walls may hold up (?), but the lower walls, and especially the bench and curb are doomed. You will see the failure a few years after it's too late. And to make matters worse, you paid several times more for that product than the powdered thin set that is waterproof. Jaz __________________ Tile 4 You LLC Troy, MI KERDI Shower Specialist ... DITRA Installs ... Product-Method suitability consultation. I have NEVER made a mistake, I thought I did once...........but I was wrong! - PRODUCTS ADVERTISED WITHIN MY POST ARE NOT ENDORSED BY ME!

02-16-2010, 09:16 PM	#3
jmoe Newbie Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 2	Premixed Thinset I'm thinking it was a mistake too. I'm just not sure what to do now. I'm not sure its worth ripping everything back apart at this point since I don't know yet how its going to work. I've always used the bagged powder before, but when I saw this bucket with the specific "wet areas" label I "assumed" it would be better. Obviously wishing I would have done some research first. In any event I'm off to the store to buy some powdered thinset for the bathroom floor. I won't be using the premixed stuff any more. I'm inclined to leave the shower as is and if it fails then I'll have to deal with it then. As a side note there is waterproofing under the tile work (redgard) and a plastic lined mud pan. The bench is made of cinder blocks (with normal powdered mortar).

02-17-2010, 03:44 PM	#4
Blondesense Stuck in the 70's Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: south central Missouri Posts: 1,832	Premixed Thinset Not an expert by any means, but keep in mind the tile you used may not be available next year (or even next month). So if there is the possibility you may need more of the same down the road, you should grab them now.

02-18-2010, 04:32 PM	#6
K.M.G Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Spring Hill Fla-Toronto Ont CDN Posts: 105	Premixed Thinset To the Original poster Looks like you have two solutions 1,Wait a few months and see if anything happens 2,Cut your Lose and buy new tiles,backer board etc and did it all over again Would be nice if a company made a spray that you put on your tiles and makes them rock hard so know moisture etc would wreck everything.

Premixed Thinset