First tile job tomorrow

[outatime]

Hi Guys

First tile job tomorrow, about 900sq feet and need a little reassurance please. So this is what I am taking or have collected over the last few months I plan on using. SX 12 spinner and mini turbo hybrid if needed too, my northstar burner for heat, the Nautilus 500 for vac and the Water Otter 1200psi pump for water with the auto pumpout ready to go. Using Grout Master from Rob on the tile first and allow to dwell. In my mind I have it all planned out but my only concern is I blast out all of the grout from the floors, I have noticed areas of missing grout as I don't think they did a good job with this floor, grout line seems quite thin.

I used a brush and gave it a quick scrub on the grout line and it quickly changed from black to a lighter color so I am hoping with everything I have it will work, just a little nervous as its my first real job. The guests have complained about these floors for so long getting back socks when they walk on it so hope I make a difference, if this works out then I have another lined up too.

Any advice please?

Thank you

Stu

 

[Anderson]

looks like you are all set......
be careful that the vac doesnt suck those brocken grout pieces out....

 

[keep it clean]

Safety cones and air movers for area you just finished. So they have a dry place to walk. A clean cotton mop will help speed dry.

 

[Nimblybimbly]

With concerns regarding loose/poor grout, it seems a tile wand with low pressure would be safer on residential jobs.

Maybe consider covering areas with plastic wrap from overspray? I don't know if gm can damage stainless steel or wood finish...

 

[outatime]

Hello, I don't have a tile wand but will definitely look out for one. Could I not turn down the pressure on the water otter, what pressure would you guys suggest starting out at? Thank you

 

[Todd the Cleaner]

Usually loose grout is pulled out by the vacuum, not the pressure. On a good floor 1200 psi and good vacuum is no problem but if you are seeing a bunch of cracked and missing grout already then you may run into problems.

The biggest and most important thing you need to do is discuss this with your customer before you do the job. Show them the problem THEY have and tell them that when grout is in this condition that the cleaning process often pulls out loose and broken grout. Right now THEY have a problem, don’t turn this into YOUR problem.

Ideally you could offer them grout repair. Filling in missing grout is really quite easy. Clean the floor and then the next day after the floor is 100% dry take a color chart to match up what grout color they have. Get the grout and put it in. There are videos on YouTube that can show you just how to do it.

If you offer them grout repair then when you point out the problem they have you can also offer a solution to them. Tell them you will be as careful as you can be while cleaning but most likely there is going to be some grout that comes out. Tell them you can give them a price on the repair once the floor is cleaned and you know how much grout needs to be replaced.

 

[Nimblybimbly]

Usually loose grout is pulled out by the vacuum, not the pressure. On a good floor 1200 psi and good vacuum is no problem but if you are seeing a bunch of cracked and missing grout already then you may run into problems.

The biggest and most important thing you need to do is discuss this with your customer before you do the job. Show them the problem THEY have and tell them that when grout is in this condition that the cleaning process often pulls out loose and broken grout. Right now THEY have a problem, don’t turn this into YOUR problem.

Ideally you could offer them grout repair. Filling in missing grout is really quite easy. Clean the floor and then the next day after the floor is 100% dry take a color chart to match up what grout color they have. Get the grout and put it in. There are videos on YouTube that can show you just how to do it.

If you offer them grout repair then when you point out the problem they have you can also offer a solution to them. Tell them you will be as careful as you can be while cleaning but most likely there is going to be some grout that comes out. Tell them you can give them a price on the repair once the floor is cleaned and you know how much grout needs to be replaced.

Good advice! I'll look into learning this. How do you charge to repair grout? Since you have to go back, there must have to be a lot of damage to make it worthwhile?

 

[Todd the Cleaner]

Good advice! I'll look into learning this. How do you charge to repair grout? Since you have to go back, there must have to be a lot of damage to make it worthwhile?

Base it on how long it will take you. $100 minimum for a small repair. I’d charge around $100-150 per hour of work if it’s a big job. Once you have done a few jobs you will better know how long the job is going to take you and how much to charge.

 

[Anderson]

i bleieve the spinner would be better...
as a tile wand can absolutely suck the grout right out....
it has happened to me...noi fun......
look at the vac holes in the spinner...dont think youl have problems......

 

[Todd the Cleaner]

i bleieve the spinner would be better...
as a tile wand can absolutely suck the grout right out....
it has happened to me...noi fun......
look at the vac holes in the spinner...dont think youl have problems......

They both will. I sucked out a piece of grout just yesterday with the spinner.

 

[Anderson]

I would definetly talk to owner about loose grout ...
And if possible clean around those grout lines......
I hate the sound of grout going up the vac hose...

 

[PistolPete]

No need to wait until the next day for grout repairs.
I've done a ton of them. Just get a fan on the area as soon as you're done cleaning.
I spec the grout color when I do the estimate.
Also if you contact Custom products they will send you a grout stick color match set. Way better than the printed brochure.