Garden Tiles- any ideas what might have caused this?

CHorn

Hi,

These were laid by contractor c6 months ago, now discolored on edges. Any idea what might have caused it (close up best to see)? Caught in middle, contractor blames tiles (and supplier), of course supplier says contractor didn't know what he was doing. So who pays to relay?

Is it the tiles themselves? Is it the grouting? Could contractor have used grout for internal use outdoors? Any help appreciated on what may have caused the discoloration. Thanks.

Garden Tiles.JPG

Garden Tiles- Close Up.JPG

listermint

Appears to be grout. I'm not sure the major issue clean it back with stiff brush or even a wire brush.

BorneTobyWilde

Very tightly places, very little grout to begin with,

CHorn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120672226#Comment_120672226

Thanks, Tried brush, and power-washing with a Karcher, pics after all attempts to clean.

e.r

It’s called efflorescence, and it’s leeching from the grout as said above.

most tile shops supply products to remove this. Cement residue remover etc

surprised it’s happening so long after installation though.

CHorn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120672598#Comment_120672598

Thanks a million for this. Someone else looking at them also mentioned 'efflorescence', so looks like this is best avenue to pursue.