[Lee Gilpin]

Glad to read about grout caulk. I'd like to fill in the spaces between tiles in my kitchen so the rollers on the chairs do not catch there.

[greenflash245]

mold.

[17362]

Originally Posted by Brucernelson

As this picture illustrates there is a crevice in the mortar where dirt is collecting. It’s not as simple as wiping it with a cleaner. The breach in the mortar need to be fixed.

All tile and grout needs to be sealed at completion and yearly to prevent that from happening

[BRN_RI_FL]

Thanks for all the helpful responses and even the one or two non-helpful ones. This is not a mold problem.It’s small holes in the grout where dirt gets trapped. We also have one of those solar tubes in the shower so it gets plenty of sunlight. Any recommendations on a repair guy who could also seal it?

[wayneman]

Originally Posted by Brucernelson

I just feel I shouldn’t have to be repairing this myself for what is clearly poor workmanship. But I guess I have no choice.

In my 2nd home in the villages. Have yet to have a home where the tiled shower floor was adequate. My first house was a total nightmare of a job. My 2nd home has your problem. Great lakes did my repair, twice. Still bad, and out of warranty. If you have ever walked in a home when they were doing the tile you would then understand why it is so bad. It’s all about quanity, not quality.

[Altavia]

Anyone know why the builder recommends not to seal?

[jacRI]

My guess is either your slab has settled or, not enough or uneven mastic under section of floor. There had to be some flex for the grout to separate

[retiredguy123]

I think that grouted tile is one of the worst materials to use in a wet area. Solid panels or even plastic are much better.

[dkaufnelson]

Yes you should buy some thing to fill in the crevice but when that is finished I suggest you buy a spray bottle of Bang for $1 at Dollar tree. It's amazing for cleaning anything and does wonders on grout cleaning in showers or countertops. The most incredible cleaner for almost anything and the best Bang for your buck!

[camcnr]

You may have a groundwater problem with water seeping up through a cracked shower pan. That should be covered in a new home. Next heavy rain, lay toilet paper across dry shower floor. If it gets wet, the problem is under the tile.

[camcnr]

Frank, I have the same problem but water is coming up through the tile during severe rainstorms. So a cracked pan is most likely, I believe. Would you agree? My first thought is installing gutter on that side of the house. Your thoughts most welcome.

[Mikeodonnell73]

Try washing with a Clorox they make for bathroom and a hard bristle brush. that will remove it.

[BRN_RI_FL]

Thanks again for all the replies.

[NavyVet]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Not officially.......but you would be surprised how nice people are when approached without rancor.

I have called home warranty TWICE to just say good morning and to tell them how much I enjoy our home and what a good job people did building it. They have been amazing to us with some small issues over time and I often think that those folks, mostly women, who take the calls often do not get good and happy calls.

I think that is sweet. I've always tried to live by the Golden Rule as well.
I imagine they have to deal with lots of cranky people most of the time.
When we were having our second home built here, I used to stop by every few days to check on progress, making sure to stay out of the workers' way. Each time I would leave boxes of donuts and cookies, etc. with a note thanking them for building our house. I never knew which subcontractors were working which days. At our walk through, the sales agent had heard about it and told us that the crews were stunned, saying they had never gotten such treats from an owner before. I think they did an extra nice job as there were very few items to be found for the fix-it list. It doesn't hurt to be a nice person!

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by Medtrans

And always turn the fan on in the shower during and after for a bit to prevent mold.

I’m up to at least 3 showers day during the humidity season.