Pressure wash wall grout?????

[TOM KAN PA]

I was thinking of putting my 1300psi pressure washer on the deck outside the
bathroom window and bringing the nozzle into the tub area.
I see no reason why it would not clean the grout in a few minutes.
Any reason not to do this??

[sijka]

I thought of the exact thing a week ago--but I was also wondering if it
would be too much!!

Sijka

"TOM KAN PA" <tomkanpa@aol.comic> wrote in message
news:20040725175531.16597.00001504@mb-m22.aol.com...
> I was thinking of putting my 1300psi pressure washer on the deck outside
the
> bathroom window and bringing the nozzle into the tub area.
> I see no reason why it would not clean the grout in a few minutes.
> Any reason not to do this??
>
>

[Vox Humana]

"sijka" <thecat@neb.rr.com> wrote in message
news:7QjNc.55135$vN3.8039@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> I thought of the exact thing a week ago--but I was also wondering if it
> would be too much!!
>

I think you could do some real damage with the PW, especially if it is
un-sanded grout. If it is that dirty and stained, I would consider
re-grouting and then sealing

[TOM KAN PA]

<< Subject: Re: Pressure wash wall grout?????
From: "Vox Humana" >>
<< I think you could do some real damage with the PW, especially if it is
un-sanded grout. If it is that dirty and stained, I would consider re-grouting
and then sealing >>
____Reply Separator_____
But then you'd have to remove the old grout to re-grout. Wouldn't the power
washer do this? Either way, you either have clean old grout, or you're ready to
re-grout.

[Vox Humana]

"TOM KAN PA" <tomkanpa@aol.comic> wrote in message
news:20040727102958.22107.00000535@mb-m07.aol.com...
> << Subject: Re: Pressure wash wall grout?????
> From: "Vox Humana" >>
> << I think you could do some real damage with the PW, especially if it is
> un-sanded grout. If it is that dirty and stained, I would consider
re-grouting
> and then sealing >>
> ____Reply Separator_____
> But then you'd have to remove the old grout to re-grout. Wouldn't the
power
> washer do this? Either way, you either have clean old grout, or you're
ready to
> re-grout.

Old grout is removed with a grout saw or a rotary tool (Dremmel or Roto
Zip). There isn't any water involved. Intact, unsealed grout can allow as
much as 20% water infiltration to the substrate. I would assume that a PW
would increase that since it isn't static pressure. Depending on the
substrate, you could cause significant damage. If the tile is set in a
mortar bed or cement backer board, then you would be in relatively good
shape - although the backer board might wick water to the studs and
insulation causing a problem. Green board or gypsum board could be ruined.
I had a shower that I thought simply needed to be regrouted in couple of
places. When I started to remove the grout, tile came lose. Then it was
apparent that large areas of green board were wet. When that was removed, I
found wet insulation and studs, with a significant amount of mold. Before
it was all over, I had to gut the room, replace the insulation, put up a
moisture barrier, apply cement backer board, tile, and re-set all the
fixtures including a large jetted soaking tub. Of course, it is your
bathroom.

[TOM KAN PA]

<< Subject: Re: Pressure wash wall grout?????
From: "Vox Humana" >>
____Reply Separator_____
Thanks for the advice. I do know that the tile is on concrete wall board. Each
2 x 4 foot piece weighed about 80 pounds.