Well, whenever you think about replacing or installing grout by professional, Sir grout is a familiar name to popup. They are usually praised for the high-quality service that satisfies their customers most of the time.
However, I am not here to review or discuss whether they are good or not. Here, I will be discussing Sir grout complaints that their customers already have.
So, these are mainly some issues that you may or may not come across when you choose this service for your grouting.
Complaints Regarding Sir Grout Tile Care Service
Well, most of the complaints here aren’t about the quality of their services as you will get to see in the discussion. But just having top-quality service isn’t enough at times; that’s what these complaints are about.
These are complaints from their unsatisfied customers. Let’s check out what these complaints are and why they matter.
- They Don’t Refund For Failed Tile Work
One of the major complaints that a previous customer of Sir grout left on Yelp is the fact that they will not refund you, even if their tile work is improper or incomplete.
They don’t even compensate for poor work from their end, which is a huge point of concern.
Yes, if they do the job properly, you will get the quality, and most of the time, it’s good. But sometimes, they can miss out on that, and you are just there left with damaged bathroom or shower tiles after spending money on the servicing.
- Problems With Appointment Schedules
A common problem with this company is that they don’t follow the proper method of appointment schedules.
They will show up at times when you might not be at home, and they do it without even letting you know that they are coming.
In one instance, a customer wanted to reschedule their appointment with the company, and they agreed to the date of rescheduling. However, in reality, they showed up on the same day as they were scheduled earlier.
Later on, they refused to come back, saying it was their fault for not being present that day.
This kind of behavior has left a pretty negative view of the company on the customer’s mind. Problems with schedules and rescheduling are a huge concern for the company.
And the worst part is that they aren’t ready to admit to that at all.
- They Can Take A Lot Of Time To Do The Work
Sometimes, when you opt for this service, you may have to dedicate your whole day to monitoring or staying around the workers while they work.
The reason for that is, they may send only one or two people to do a job. Because of that, a heavy task such as re-grouting a whole bathroom gets very time-consuming.
You can’t avoid this issue, and they are still indifferent to it. So, if you want to go with the service for a pretty heavy job, then get prepared to spend the whole day with them.
- I Am Not Using Quality Parts
This may not be the case all the time, but there are times when the service person will use some poor-quality product and end up with very bad grout work.
After their service, you will end up with floors that haven’t come clean even a little. This kind of work will require a redo within some weeks.
All of these add up that you have wasted your money hiring this service to get your tiling work done. Even if they do an excellent job in terms of skills as a professional, using a low-quality product will surely give you good results in the long run.
- High Prices
Well, if you are looking to get the grouting job done at your home within a budget, then this is surely not the service for you. They charge quite a lot for their services; whether they are justified or not doesn’t matter.
The lowest rate for their primary service starts from $750.
However, there are ways you can get lower prices if you discuss with them over the phone. They will provide you with an estimate, but the estimated rate is still quite up there in the higher range.
So, if you aren’t ready to spend a good sum of money, then you shouldn’t opt for this service at all.
- They Don’t Follow Work Orders Or Specific Instructions
Let’s say you have some kind of special requirements or some suggestions for getting the grouting job done at the place in a certain way. You can simply list them out to the service company, and initially, they will agree to those.
However, they may fail to follow those instructions or misunderstand them entirely when the right time comes. This eventually results in failed work or at least something that you won’t be satisfied with.
This is a huge problem for the company.
- Bad Attitude
One of the worst parts of this company is its attitude. They have a pretty bad attitude with their customer service and management.
Because of this reason, you will most likely come across all the other complaints I have discussed above.
Things worsen when they are unwilling to accept their flaws, even with some evident proof. Instead of fixing their issues or correcting any of their mistakes, they will try to blame everything on the customer.
This is a very bad attitude to have as a servicing company.
Some Problems and Solutions
Cracking Problems
Cracks in grout are one of the top grievances of homeowners. When Sir Grout cracks, it compromises the water-resistant barrier allowing moisture to seep in and cause underlying damage. Cracks in Sir Grout typically stem from two culprits:
Movement – As a rigid epoxy grout, Sir Grout cannot flex. So any shifting or settlings of the flooring underneath can cause Sir Grout to crack from the stress.
Shrinkage – Epoxy grouts shrink slightly as they cure during installation. If joints are not packed fully, it can lead to cracking from shrinkage.
Luckily, fixing cracked Sir Grout is simple with the right materials and technique:
What You Need
- Epoxy grout (Sir Grout)
- Grout saw or rotary tool
- Grout float
- Grout rake
- Grout sealer
- Tape (for borders)
Steps to Fix
- Use the grout saw or rotary tool to cut out the cracked section at least 1/8” deep. Make square cuts along the edges.
- Vacuum out all dust and debris. Wipe area with a damp sponge.
- Apply new Sir Grout epoxy. Holding the float at a 45° angle, pack grout firmly into joints.
- Once packed fully, scrape off excess gently with the grout rake. Remove any haze.
- Allow 24 hours for grout to cure properly. Avoid moisture during this time.
- Seal grout lines with a penetrating sealer to prevent future cracks and staining.
With the proper re-application technique, you can patch those problematic cracks in Sir Grout. Be sure to identify the root cause to prevent recurrence. Using a flexible grout alternative in areas prone to shifting may also help.
Efflorescence Problems
Another common complaint with Sir Grout is a white chalky powder that forms on the surface. This powdery substance is called efflorescence. It’s caused when moisture erodes minerals in the grout and brings them to the surface.
With Sir Grout, moisture can become trapped under the surface during curing and eventually push out efflorescence deposits after installation. To remove:
What You Need
- pH balanced grout cleaner
- Grout brush or stiff toothbrush
- Clean water
- Grout sealer
Steps to Fix
- Mix grout cleaner with water following label directions. Apply over affected area.
- Use grout brush to scrub efflorescence in a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly.
- Allow area to dry fully for 24-48 hours. Check for remaining powdery deposits.
- If needed, spot treat stubborn areas again. Rinse completely.
- Once fully dry, seal grout lines with a penetrating sealer to prevent efflorescence return.
With the proper efflorescence removal steps, you can restore Sir Grout to a powder-free surface again. Be sure to find and fix any moisture issues causing the problem in the first place.
Staining Problems
The water-resistant epoxy material of Sir Grout is designed to resist stains. However, discoloration can still occur over time from moist toiletries, grime buildup, and harsh cleaners. Common stains include:
- Orange/brown stains from soap scum
- Dark or green stains from mildew
- Dingy yellow stains from regular use
Stains occur when Sir Grout is not properly sealed. To remove:
What You Need
- pH balanced grout cleaner
- Stiff nylon brush
- Clean water
- Grout whitener (optional)
- Grout sealer
Steps to Fix
- Apply grout cleaner to stained area and let sit 5 minutes.
- Use stiff brush to scrub stains in a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly.
- For stubborn organic stains, apply grout whitener and scrub. Rinse well.
- Ensure grout is fully dry. Check for any remaining discoloration.
- Seal grout lines with penetrating sealer to prevent future staining.
With some scrubbing using the right stain-fighting products, you can usually eliminate discoloration from Sir Grout. Be aware that badly stained grout may need re-application if it cannot be fully restored.
Sealing Issues
One of the keys to preventing common Sir Grout problems like staining, efflorescence, and moisture damage is proper sealing. Sir Grout needs to be sealed regularly to protect it.
Epoxy grouts like Sir Grout are actually porous. So if left unsealed, staining and deterioration can occur. Sealant fills pores and creates a protective barrier.
Be sure to apply a penetrating grout sealer after installation and reapply every 1-2 years for maintenance. Spot sealing high traffic areas every few months can also help. Using a badly worn or unsealed Sir Grout can lead to permanent damage and need for replacement.
Installation Errors
Many issues with Sir Grout can be traced back to mistakes during the original application. Common installation problems include:
- Inadequate mixing – Uncured epoxy leads to weak grout prone to cracking.
- Applying in too thick of layers – Can trap moisture and shrink unevenly when curing.
- Not fully packing joints – Allows shrinkage cracks and efflorescence to form.
- Sealing too early – Sealer won’t penetrate if applied before full 28-day cure time.
- Moisture exposure – Water contact before complete curing can cause bonding failure.
Replacing the affected sections is the best fix for installation errors. Taking the time to mix, pack, and apply Sir Grout according to instructions is key to minimizing issues from the start.
Preventative Maintenance
Many common Sir Grout problems can be avoided by taking preventative steps during installation and proper ongoing maintenance:
- Prepare surface so it is clean, dry, and properly primed before grout application.
- Mix components thoroughly following ratio directions to prevent curing issues.
- Pack joints fully without over-spreading to minimize shrinkage and cracks.
- Avoid moisture exposure during the 28-day curing window.
- Seal grout lines with a penetrating sealer after full cure time.
- Re-seal every 1-2 years based on traffic and wear.
- Use pH balanced cleaners only – avoid bleaches and acids.
With the right preventative prep and maintenance regimen, you can enjoy long-lasting beauty from Sir Grout installations.
FAQs about Sir Grout Complaints
Yes, Sir Grout is an effective epoxy grout when installed correctly. The epoxy formula provides stain, mold, and mildew resistance. It creates durable, waterproof grout lines on tile surfaces. However, it requires proper application and maintenance to live up to its potential. Following the mixing, curing, and sealing directions is key to getting great results from Sir Grout.
Stanley Steemer is known for excellent grout cleaning services. Their technicians use specialized tools and non-toxic solutions to deep clean dirty or stained grout. They offer various grout care options from standard cleaning to color sealing. Their truck-mounted systems can access grout lines thoroughly. Reviews indicate most homeowners are happy with Stanley Steemer’s grout cleaning results.
Some top-rated grout cleaners include:
Black Diamond UGS Grout Cleaner – Non-acidic enzyme-based formula won’t etch grout.
Miracle Sealants Tile & Grout Cleaner – Phosphoric acid-based spray convenient for vertical surfaces.
Aqua Mix Concentrated Tile Cleaner – Gentle citrus-scented grout cleaner.
Granite Gold Grout Cleaner – Contains antibacterial agents to inhibit mold and mildew.
Look for pH balanced, non-toxic cleaners suited for your grout material. Avoid harsh bleach or ammonia-based products.
For unsealed grout:
1. Mix baking soda and water into a spreadable paste. Apply to grout lines. Let sit 15 mins.
2. Scrub with a stiff nylon brush to lift dirt from pores.
3. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry fully.
4. Apply a penetrating grout sealer to protect unsealed sections.
5. Re-apply sealer yearly. Spot seal high traffic areas every few months.
Sealing is key to keeping unsealed grout clean long-term.
Conclusion
In short, Sir grout complaints are something that you can’t overlook at all. Sure, it’s almost flawless when they work properly and do a good job.
But a lot of the time, when they fail to do the job properly, they don’t want to take any responsibility for that. This is not a healthy way of running a service business.
Now, the question is whether they are worth a shot or not. Well, this highly depends on your situation and your condition.
If you can afford their services and give them a chance, sure, you can go ahead. But you have to do that without having high expectations from them.