Armstrong Alterna Grout Problems That Are Commonly Faced

The flooring of your bathroom creates a significant influence on the overall look of that place. Once a guest enters your bathroom, the brightness and cleanliness of your house will make them feel better.

So, choosing the best-branded tile from a very reputed brand like Armstrong Alterna can be the way out. However, you may face a few problems with Armstrong Alterna, but there is very little possibility to it.

In this article, I will mention the problems that may occur for picking Armstrong Alterna, and how to deal with those problems. I will share my personal experience regarding this particular product.

So, let’s go further in knowing about this product.

Problems With Armstrong Alterna Grout

A few years back I picked Armstrong Alterna as the tiles of my bathroom flooring as I saw so many of my relatives and neighbors picking this particular product for their homes.

So, I thought, why should not I give it a try?

Hence, I picked this brand and decided to do the installation process by myself. As it felt easy, it came out not a wise decision at all. 

Here are some of the problems I had to face for my inexperienced work.

• Crack In The Floor Grout

I never did the flooring installation work by myself. 

But after getting the instruction along with the tiles, I decided to do it by myself. The process is pretty easy I must say.

Moreover, there is much content online about how I can do it on my own. I read several articles and watched a few videos. After gaining the courage I started doing it.

I completed it all without having any help from anyone.

But it was not long that I had to let go of that sense of relief, as after a few days I discovered the cracks in the grout of the floor. 

There is no doubt it is due to my inexperience in doing the job. There are plenty of reasons for such an outcome. For instance, tiles not having proper thin-set coverage, a moving subfloor in case of a wooden house, the improper manner of installation.

I understood the first and third reasons could be the reason for the problem. 

This time I did not take much time and called an experienced installer to do the job instead. After seeing the outcome, I clearly understood how much my work was incompetent compared to a professional.

• Improper Grout Installation

If the grout wasn’t mixed properly or the joints weren’t packed fully, it can lead to weak spots and crumbling. Using too much water when mixing can also create shrinkage cracks as it dries.

• Excess Moisture

Too much moisture from leaks, floods, or damp environments can deteriorate grout over time.

• Normal Wear and Tear

Foot traffic and daily use will slowly erode grout, especially in high-traffic flooring areas.

• Substrate Movement

If the tile below the grout shifts or separates, it can cause the grout to crack due to the movement.

• Freezing Temperatures

In very cold environments, repeated freeze/thaw cycles can damage grout.

• Adjustment Is Difficult After The Placement Of The Tiles

It is actually common for most of the tiles available in the market, not only just Armstrong Alterna. The adjustment process of the tiles becomes quite tricky once the tiles are placed.

The reason is that there is self-adhesive backing on the grouted tiles of Armstrong Alterna or any other tiles of this type. So, this adhesive makes it difficult to adjust the tiles after the placement.

That is why it is very crucial to have the tiles properly placed during the first time of installation.

I know the mess I created for the installer to get things right. I am sure any amateur wouldn’t be able to do it so easily.

• It Will Cost You More

When you are running on a tight budget, then picking a high-end brand like Armstrong Alterna may cost you more money than you can anticipate.

Though compared to the stone or other hardwood it is cheaper, you need to be prepared to spend a bit more money for it. Going for another less-known brand may save some money of yours.

Another Problems with Armstrong Alterna Grout and Solutions

Discoloration or Staining

It’s common for white or light-colored grout to develop stains over time. Some causes of discolored Alterna grout include:

• Spills and splashes that soak into the pores
• Mold or mildew growth
• Efflorescence mineral deposits
• Harsh cleaners that bleach or discolor it
• Dirt buildup in neglected areas

To remove stains and restore the grout color:

1. Mix a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to stained areas. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Scrub with a stiff nylon-bristle brush to lift the stain.
3. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry fully.
4. For stubborn organic stains, use an oxygen bleach cleaner after testing in an inconspicuous spot.
5. For efflorescence, use white vinegar and scrub with a stiff brush.

Avoid using harsh bleaches, acid cleaners, or alkaline cleaners which may damage the grout further. A penetrating sealer can also help protect against future stains.

Efflorescence

Efflorescence appears as a white, powdery deposit on the grout lines. It’s caused by mineral salts rising up through the grout when moisture is present.

To remove efflorescence:

1. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water.
2. Apply the diluted vinegar to the grout with a stiff nylon brush.
3. Let the solution sit for 3-5 minutes so the vinegar can react with the mineral deposits.
4. Scrub vigorously to lift the efflorescence.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
6. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove all moisture so it dries quickly.
7. Apply a grout sealer to help prevent future efflorescence.

Repeat this process to fully remove stubborn deposits. The sealer will help block moisture that transports the salts to the surface.

Patchy or Inconsistent Drying

Some areas of Alterna grout drying lighter than others can be an annoying issue. But there are a few ways to troubleshoot patchy grout:

• Grout not fully packed into joints causes inconsistent drying and strength. Ensure joints are fully packed when installing.
• Using too much water when mixing grout will lead to shrinkage and patchiness as it dries. Stick to the manufacturer’s mix ratio.
• Uneven drying conditions or moisture can cause blotchiness. Ensure the area dries evenly.
• Old grout not cleaned before applying new grout prevents even bonding and drying.

To fix patchy grout:

1. Use a grout saw to cut out the off-color sections. Widen the area slightly beyond the discoloration.
2. Vacuum out all debris and dust.
3. Re-apply new grout, packing it firmly into the voids.
4. Smooth with a float once packed fully. Allow proper curing time before cleaning.
5. Consider applying a penetrating grout sealer to even out absorption and color.

Patchy grout is largely preventable with proper installation. But targeted repairs can fix the issue when it appears.

Growth of Mold or Mildew

Dark spots of mold or mildew growth can develop in moist grout lines, especially in bathrooms and basements. Excess moisture, humidity, and poor ventilation often cause it.

To remove mold or mildew from grout:

1. Mix one part bleach and four parts water. Test the diluted bleach in an inconspicuous area first before widespread use.
2. Apply the bleach solution and let it soak into the grout for 10-15 minutes.
3. Scrub vigorously with a stiff nylon brush.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water once all stains are gone.
5. Allow the grout to dry fully before sealing or applying caulk.

Once the grout is clean, improve ventilation and moisture control in the area. Also, apply a mold-resistant grout sealer.

For severe mold or mildew growth, a removal product like Tilex Mold & Mildew may be necessary before bleaching.

Loose, Hollow, or Shrinking Grout

Loose grout or gaps between the grout and tile, also called hollow grout, are common problems:

Causes include:

• Improper installation where joints weren’t fully packed
• Normal shrinkage as the grout dries and ages
• Loose tile or substrate movement underneath
• High foot traffic eroding the joints over time

To fix hollow grout:

1. Use a carbide grout saw to cut out the loose, hollow sections. Cut flush with the tile.
2. Vacuum and clean the joint fully.
3. Re-pack with new grout, ensuring complete contact with the tile edges.
4. Tool to smooth the joints. Wipe gently with a damp sponge once partially dry.
5. Applying grout sealer can help prevent excessive shrinkage in the future.

With proper installation and maintenance, quality grout like Alterna should stay firmly bonded to tile edges. But re-grouting is a straightforward fix.

My Suggestions On Using Armstrong Alterna Grout

Armstrong Alterna is a well-reputed brand in America.

For many a year, this brand is providing flooring solutions to American households’ bathrooms, showers, kitchens, offices, hospitals, and even grocery stores.

People living over there seem to trust this particular brand for flooring for many occasions.

Here I would say, to lessen the hassle of saving the money it will not be a wise decision to follow my strategy which brutally failed, which I admit unless you have some successful experience.

Get to a professional to get the work done. It would save a lot of your energy and time for sure. On top of that, there will be less chance of creating a mess afterward due to an improper installation process.

I learned this lesson the hard way, I am sharing this with you so that you can decide it for yourself and save yourself from all potential problems. You will be certainly better off using silicone instead of such grout!

Hopefully, you will get the job done without causing any problem later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping It Up

Armstrong Alterna grout problems that I faced were not due to the brand, I must mention. The products were okay, and the quality was too good.

So, if you have a significant budget that can allow you to spend a little more on the flooring of your bathroom without any doubt, you can pick this product.

I would highly recommend Armstrong Alterna branded products for your home as they would remain for a long period of time.