[mhp8982]

We are getting ready to put down new tile in our bathrooms. We are trying to decide between the old fashioned way of doing tiles or using the interlocking ceramic tiles. Well in doing my research on them, I found info that the rubber piece for the interlocking ceramic tiles has carbon black and titanium dioxide which could be dangerous and possibly carcinogenic. Then even more so, the grout we use for either of them! It says it has quartz or crystalline silica and it's a known carcinogen! This just makes me incredibly nervous. In reading it looks like it is in a non respirable form? Does this mean it is not dangerous to the general public? Putting tiles down and whatnot? Can you calm my fears?

Thanks!

 

[JazMan]

Holy cow, YOU worry too much!

You don't plan on eating the tiles do you? You should have a glass of your favorite wine and put your feet up.

Now, I would not use those loose-lay tiles in a bathroom in the first place. Go with what you called the old fashioned way, but let us know what you plan to do and with what materials.

Tell us as much as you can about the floor and what's there now.

Jaz

 

[mhp8982]

Holy cow, YOU worry too much!

You don't plan on eating the tiles do you? You should have a glass of your favorite wine and put your feet up.

Now, I would not use those loose-lay tiles in a bathroom in the first place. Go with what you called the old fashioned way, but let us know what you plan to do and with what materials.

Tell us as much as you can about the floor and what's there now.

Jaz

I'm sure I am worrying too much.

We are going with regular ceramic tiles.

Could you answer a couple of other questions?

The person helping us lay them, wants to use the premix grout and bought thin set mortar. But I'm reading that premix grout is not the best idea? It's the TEC brand from Menards. Should we use the regular kind and mix it and seal it instead? Would this be better?

After talking to the guy about it, he is now talking about using a quick set mortar that sets in 90 minutes. What do you think of this? Should we stick with the regular thin set mortar?

Also.. what about if we use regular grout, he mentioned a quick set grout or sealant too?

Can you please advise on the right thing to use/do?

 

[mhp8982]

Another thing- this floor will meet another tile floor that will be slightly lower. Would a tile threshold work here?

And we are removing another tile floor?

 

[JazMan]

We generally do not like pre-mixed grout, but there are some specialized newer grouts that are high end. You didn't specify which specific grout you're considering. Tec makes several and I am not sure which one your Menards carries.

Fast setting mortar is fine for a small job or a repair. He's just trying to do the work in one day and save you many $$$.

BTW, it's best to keep your Q's in one thread so we'll be ab le to see what's been asked and answered.

Jaz

 

[mhp8982]

Well we decided to go with the Tec Sanded Grout Powder.. the Accucolor.

The premixed stuff with the Tec Ready to use .. I can't remember the exact name. But I have a feeling the power will be better.

He also mentioned the Tec Power Grout which is ready in 4 hours. What do you think of this?

 

[JazMan]

I haven't used their Power Grout, but we've had several threads about it. The threads of course were started cuz people had complaints, but doesn't mean there's anything wrong with it. There's a learning curve with new products.

HB Fuller, (TEC) is a very good company and I trust them. But as always you have to unlearn what you know and follow directions to a T.

Jaz

 

[mhp8982]

Thanks! What kind of sealer would you use on the grout?

 

[JazMan]

Any penetrating sealer, several coats. One of my favs is 511 Impregnator by Miracle Sealants. Plenty of others though.

Jaz

 

[mhp8982]

Do you have to wait so long between each coat? I know it's like 72 hours after the grout that you want to Seal, right?

 

[JazMan]

3 days is the most common, but just follow directions. Don't forget to wipe off the excess before it dries on the tiles.

Jaz

 

[mhp8982]

The guy helping us said he would be constantly wiping it as he goes. Then he will come back the next day to wipe the haze off.

 

[FrodoOne]

You wrote

It says it has quartz or crystalline silica and it's a known carcinogen! This just makes me incredibly nervous. In reading it looks like it is in a non respirable form? Does this mean it is not dangerous to the general public?

Silicon dioxide (or Quartz) comprises more than 10% by mass of the earth's crust. It is all around you. You just do not want to breathe it in, because "long term exposure can cause Silicosis which is a form of occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust, and is marked by inflammation and scarring in the form of nodular lesions in the upper lobes of the lungs." Of course, you would not want to go outside during a dust storm either !
(Note that the above quote refers to "long term" exposure!)

However, when used in a "grout" it is mixed with water and is "in a non respirable form".

If you use a pre-mixed grout you would have no problem.
If you use a "dry" powdered grout, just be sure you don't "raise a dust' when poring or mixing.
If you are concerned (and I am sure that you ARE) wear a face mask and do any initial mixing "out-doors" - on a calm, windless day.

 

[mhp8982]

Thanks.. that's what they did. They mixed outside. Today I wiped the haze off and didn't wear gloves or a mask... is this going to be okay? I'm sorry I'm paranoid about this stuff.. lol We have quite the story to tell with this job... and I was mad when I had to go in and wipe the haze off.. so I didn't even think about using the protective gear. However I only used water and a scouring pad to wipe it off.

 

[FrodoOne]

Thanks.. that's what they did. They mixed outside. Today I wiped the haze off and didn't wear gloves or a mask... is this going to be okay? I'm sorry I'm paranoid about this stuff.. lol We have quite the story to tell with this job... and I was mad when I had to go in and wipe the haze off.. so I didn't even think about using the protective gear. However I only used water and a scouring pad to wipe it off.

Since you wet it and wiped it off, you should have no problems.

It is probable that the scouring pad was unnecessary - unless the installers were EXTREMELY careless and left lumps of grout around.
In my experience, if an appropriate rubber "squeegee" is used to "finish-off", all that remains on the tiles is a "haze", which will wipe off with a wet cloth.
(i.e. Virtually, a "normal" tile cleaning process!)

The cloth will rinse out (down the drain) but, if you are particularly paranoid about any residue (and you seem so to be), dispose of it (appropriately!)

I repeat "Silicon dioxide (or Quartz) comprises more than 10% by mass of the earth's crust. It is all around you."

 

[mhp8982]

I will totally believe you if you say it won't hurt me at all! From what I could tell it seems like most people who wipe the haze off don't wear protective gear.. if it's just normal haze like that was... nothing crazy.

I didn't scrub hard.. I just used the sponge then wiped it dry with a cloth. I did get rid of that cloth and sponge.

 

[mhp8982]

Even if I get the dust in my face it wouldn't hurt me you're saying? Because it is pertaining to long term exposure.. Not from doing one tile/grout job. Those warnings are for people who work with it on the manufacturing side and who are mixing it all day everyday for their job. Right?

 

[FrodoOne]

Actually, it has been my understanding that Silicosis is/was primarily a disease contracted by miners and tunnelers, although those working constantly with mineral powders in any form could be affected.

 

[mhp8982]

So really you're saying it's mostly just people working with it in it's rawest form.