Marble shower walls - Page 2

cheesedog · 02-06-2008, 03:09 PM

i would recommend 1/8 joint over 1/16, that way the grout has more area to grab and stay. you would want to mix the grout with about 80% latex additive and 20% water. non sanded grout is what is recommended for polished marble. SANDED grout for polished marble is not the way to go, because of the silica sand in it. if it ever has to be repolished its a PITA to polish without the silica scratching the face.

Huligar i was under the impression he was planning on doing this job himself, that is what i said what i did. if you know how to work with epoxy grout, then why not? if youre a do-it-yourselfer then epoxy grout would definitely not be the way to go.

Marble

MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS

This standard includes general information on the characteristics
and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems
associated with the material.

INTRODUCTION

Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite
(CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of
limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic
processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone
with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite
porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high
polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and
sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially
polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects
of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed,
is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is
readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the
actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the
acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds
react differently with marble and produce various by-products,
which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability
of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine
the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration.

Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the
other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid
attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the
brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red,
yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition.

TYPICAL USES

Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for
outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture
it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative
features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is
used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of
exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the
feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not
the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage
to which marble is susceptible.

jeffthomas3537 · 02-06-2008, 05:44 PM

I believe I have miss read instructions, not to use non sanded grout on floor apps. Didn't say for walls. I would prefer the seamed look, but no more than 1/16 grout line is acceptable. I'm not familiar w/ epoxy grout what trouble am I in for?

Huligar · 02-06-2008, 06:16 PM

Get yourself a good installer: they may cost more but it is well worth the cost if they use the epoxy grout. Epoxy grout is very messy to deal with, if you do not know what you are doing and it has a very short pot life.

jeffthomas3537 · 02-06-2008, 11:00 PM

Thanks guys, I guess it comes down to this. If I want the seamed look in the shower stall , I need to hire a professional that's familiar with epoxy grout. Is there any questions I need to ask a potential contractor about epoxy grout that would indicate to me he has experience with this procedure? I don't need somebody that can screw this up, when I can do that myself at less cost. Any idea what the install cost is per square foot , labor only?

deted1 · 02-06-2008, 11:42 PM

Just an FYI. The pH of Portland Cement, which is the largest component of sanded or non-sanded grout is too high to allow for the growth of mold or mildew. While living things can live on it, mold can't live in it. Mold breeds and multiplies in moist wet environments. Put in a heated light that stays on for 15 minutes following your shower. Make sure your shower floor slopes properly to the drain. Make sure the corners are free of debris and cleaned regularly.

Use liquid soap only, solid soap is designed to be solid and will build-up on shower walls and floors immediately after water evaporates.

We use non-sanded grout in all of our showers with joints of 1/16 inch or less. Sanded grout is rougher and will hold moisture much more than non-sanded. Caulking must be done perfectly, becuase as it delaminates in the corners it creates areas where mold can grow.

As long as your installation is sound, your corners are straight and clean, and no larger than 1/16 inch, non-sanded grout will work fine.

hoboal · 02-07-2008, 12:03 AM

Jeff, Here a couple a basic question you can ask: When using your epoxy grout, is it 3 to 4 apart epoxy ?If so ask him or her explain to you what is the propose of each part . Note: My under standing there must be a stabilizer in one of those part to keep gravity from doing what it does best, heading south. or ask, how much sq ft they do @ a time ? i would think no more then 10 sq ft @ due to the fact epoxy set-up fair quickly. References, get some phone # or talk to any general contractor they have work for. That just afew thing i can think of @ this time. Good Luck,

Hobo

jeffthomas3537 · 02-07-2008, 01:32 AM

Thanks Hobo for those questions to ask I don't need my shower to be OJT for someone. Interesting info. about mold growth & grout, I'll tell the wife to scrub harder because the fungus is not in the grout but ON the grout! If the epoxy plan doesn't fly I'll fall back on non-sanded 1/16 grout lines. All you guys have been great it all boils down to the best advice the pros can give is hire a pro.

hoboal · 02-07-2008, 01:53 AM

10-4 Jeff, Don't be a stranger and if you've any other questions, NSRA members will be here for you!! Good Luck.

Hobo