[tstex]

Hello to all,

I've come to the realization that the only tumbled-travertine filler I could find that was spec'ed for outside usage is grout. We have over 1275 sqft of tumbled travertine outside: 500 near the pool as decking, 775 as transition from pool and covered outdoor kitchen. This was installed approx. Nov/14 and it's a CL-based water.

Some of the holes in the travertine are large enough that I want to fill them so dirt, debris and other stays out, bc it darkens w mold and holds water. The polymeric sand that was "tossed-out" by the orig installer looks poor, and it too has become dark, as well as where the pavers butt-up to the foundation.

I am aware of the std rule of grout lines 1/8 or less, use unsanded, esp for tile/stones that could be scratched by the sand in sanded grout. Since many of these holes are much larger than 1/8", here are a few questions:

1. Is there a finer or smaller granule-based sanded grout that has the strength of reg sanded grout, but will look and feel smother in its appearance?

2. I am not going to seal the outside travertine except the coping, but if I do not seal the grout-filled holes, will they turn dark w debris and mold over time? If so, what sealer is recommended to last the longest and work the best? At this point, the cost becomes less an issue bc it's my labor [and knees/back] that I am trying to minimize regarding more frequent sealings.

The tumbled travertine is a lighter off-white color, so finding a good color should not be a problem. I have some scrap pieces w holes that I'll do first, then see how they look after they fully cure, both w.out and w a sealer if recommended. We live in West Houston so no issue w freezes/expansion.

Thank you very much for your help and advice, it is greatly appreciated.

regards,
tstex

 

[Canarywood1]

Hello to all,

I've come to the realization that the only tumbled-travertine filler I could find that was spec'ed for outside usage is grout. We have over 1275 sqft of tumbled travertine outside: 500 near the pool as decking, 775 as transition from pool and covered outdoor kitchen. This was installed approx. Nov/14 and it's a CL-based water.

Some of the holes in the travertine are large enough that I want to fill them so dirt, debris and other stays out, bc it darkens w mold and holds water. The polymeric sand that was "tossed-out" by the orig installer looks poor, and it too has become dark, as well as where the pavers butt-up to the foundation.

I am aware of the std rule of grout lines 1/8 or less, use unsanded, esp for tile/stones that could be scratched by the sand in sanded grout. Since many of these holes are much larger than 1/8", here are a few questions:

1. Is there a finer or smaller granule-based sanded grout that has the strength of reg sanded grout, but will look and feel smother in its appearance?

2. I am not going to seal the outside travertine except the coping, but if I do not seal the grout-filled holes, will they turn dark w debris and mold over time? If so, what sealer is recommended to last the longest and work the best? At this point, the cost becomes less an issue bc it's my labor [and knees/back] that I am trying to minimize regarding more frequent sealings.

The tumbled travertine is a lighter off-white color, so finding a good color should not be a problem. I have some scrap pieces w holes that I'll do first, then see how they look after they fully cure, both w.out and w a sealer if recommended. We live in West Houston so no issue w freezes/expansion.

Thank you very much for your help and advice, it is greatly appreciated.

regards,
tstex

Most travertine used in the home is filled with an epoxy resin, and then it is honed (or sanded down) so that the filler and stone surfaces are equalized,and are then sealed

Travertine that i've seen is butted together, no grout lines necessary.


Out door travertine is not usually sealed, you can use any kind of sealer, but will have to be done yearly.

 

[tstex]

Thanks Canary..yes, Tanax seems to be the preferred sealer for honed & matte finishes...I'm seeking an outdoor solution. I'm only sealing the pool coping. Not getting into annual outdoor sealing gig for 1275 sqft.

Do you have any suggestions for outdoor tumbled travertine hole filling? Thanks Canary..I bought your HD cleaner but have not had time to use yet.

 

[joecaption]

Post some pictures.
Just can not imagine that be a good choice for tiling an outside area.
Way to porous and soft.
Any filled low spots is going to fail.

 

[tstex]

Post some pictures.
Just can not imagine that be a good choice for tiling an outside area.
Way to porous and soft.
Any filled low spots is going to fail.

Joe, Hou gets smokin hot in summers and travertine does not scorch your feet. The porosity of the stone also prevents slipping . The paver arrangement in the Versailles pattern looks great and integrates well into all aspects of the pool, summer kitchen & spa. All I'm lOoking for are some qualified suggestions on what to fill about 20-30 small holes, all which are in no low areas. W 6 drains, we have an 11" rain over nite & nothing flooded, failed or shifted. Had a 9" rain too along w many other 2-4" rains & again, no shifting. The pavers were installed over 8" of compressed aggregate, then 2" of sand & portland cement. This is mandatory for homes on heavy clay soils. Many homes here have travertine stones for their pool decking & I've not heard of any complaints.

Thanks for participating on the boards.

 

[Canarywood1]

Thanks Canary..yes, Tanax seems to be the preferred sealer for honed & matte finishes...I'm seeking an outdoor solution. I'm only sealing the pool coping. Not getting into annual outdoor sealing gig for 1275 sqft.

Do you have any suggestions for outdoor tumbled travertine hole filling? Thanks Canary..I bought your HD cleaner but have not had time to use yet.

Only thing i've ever heard of is sanded grout, and then it was suggested to use a darker grout as any grout will darken, i suppose it's so you'll have a slight contrast, just my guess.

 

[tstex]

Thx again Canary

 

[intelpcguy]

If you want your sanded grout to be smoother, cut it with non sanded grout, this will make the grout creamer by nature of more cement. Use the same grout from the same manufacturer ( I use Custom's ). I would get as close to a match and not worry about darkening, since all Custom's grouts ( and pretty much every one else's ) is polymer based and hold color ( especially the lighter shades ) very well.
What will discolor grout over time will be the mineral deposits ( calcium, iron etc.. ) that rain, water will leave behind.

You might want to make small controlled batches and start with a 1:1 ratio, try filing holes on a non set scrap piece of stone to see how it finishes out. Sanded grout will not scratch travertine. I have never had an issue with this and sanded grout.

 

[oh'mike]

I moved this thread to 'tile' for you.

 

[JazMan]

tstex,

I think tumbled travertine is perfect for your outdoor area. (sounds like a really nice space).

Since it's already installed, there's no point in recommending a wider joint than just ⅛", although I guess you really didn't say how wide the joints are, did you? I definitely disagree with the suggestion of butting the tiles together. (for others reading this)

I recommend you use sanded grout for all the joints and holes except for the expansion joints that honor any joints in the substrate and expansion joints you need to install at certain locations and at intervals to follow good installation guides. These joints would be made with caulk.

We live in West Houston so no issue w freezes/expansion.

Oh no no, there is absolutely a need for movement joints in your project. Besides to the perimeter where it meets solid objects, you need a movement joint every 8 - 12 ft. in each direction. These joints should be a min. of ⅜" if at 8' o.c. and ½" if 12' o.c. You also need to increase by 1/16" for each 15 degrees of tile surface temp over 100 between the summer high and winter lows.

There's several other specs for expansion/movement/cold/control joints that require inspection and knowledge of local conditions, methods and customs.

Sealing: I would seal the whole thing. If you use good sealers you shouldn't need to do it again for a handful of years. Actually most people do it once and forget about it since a penetrating sealer does not change the appearance in any way. After several years you get used to the natural wearing of the stone and grout.

Jaz

 

[tstex]

Thanks for the detailed note Jazz..I need to get a picture storage acct & send some close up pictures..appreciate everyones feedback.

Regards,
Tstex