About Jim Carlin,csi,csms Expertise I will answer questions pertaining to ceramic and stone tile installations only. Nearly 40 yrs in construction with the last 25 yrs. as a Tile Contractor/ Consultant and Independent ceramic tile inspector. Certified Ceramic Tile Inspector, FITS certified (fitscertified.org)
Experience 39 yrs in construction with the last 25 yrs. as a Tile Contractor/ Consultant. Independent ceramic tile inspector.
Organizations Board of Directors National Tile Contractors Association, Member Construction Specifications Institute.
Education/Credentials Schools are: Certified Ceramic Tile Inspector, FITS certified, Schluter Systems Innovations Workshops for uncoupling membranes, floor drains, waterproofing shower systems, Concrete slab moisture migration, ADA Compliance and many others
Question I recently was retained to clean and seal grout in a ceramic tile floor that was a couple of years old. I performed the job but neither I nor the client were happy with the look of the grout. I returned to re-clean the grout and upon inspection I discovered the grout was turning to powder in the joints. I pointed this out the the customer who now believes my work was the cause of the problem. Do you offer field inspection services or can you refer me to somene in Florida that can provide investigative and analysis services?
Answer Hi Larry,
Yes I do offer “Field Service for Inspections. The rate for ceramic tile inspectors or consultants is on what you might classify as “high or exorbitant”. Remember you are paying for expertise that you can take to a court of law.
My advice to you is to find someone locally in a effort to keep the expenses down. I live in Maine and all expenses for travel start there.
It sounds like you might have used something that was not intended to be used in that manner. Acid will eat or destroy cement grout which has a high content of alkaline and acid is at the other end of the PH scale.
Good luck,
Jim
