ᐅ Ungrouted tiles beneath the heat pump

Hello,

Our utility room was tiled before installing the heat pump (used for heating) of the screed. To allow better drying, the tiles were not grouted, but now it is no longer possible to access underneath the heat pump.

Should we expect any problems because the grout is missing? The utility room also contains a washing machine and dryer. If either of these leaks, will the screed be damaged where there is no grout?

No, fully sealed joints do not prevent the screed from becoming damp in the event of flooding. Cement screed is not affected by this, but the more problematic issue is that water likely gets under the screed into the insulation.

Calcium sulfate screed is different; it should have been properly sealed in this case.

As far as I understand, we have cement screed throughout the entire house. The shower and bathroom will also have additional insulation.

So in case of water damage, it will then run through the screed everywhere into the insulation? Great.

That could also happen with joints, depending on the amount of water. Unfortunately.

It doesn’t matter if the joints are grouted or not; for such a small surface area, it serves no purpose. The tiles will not loosen either. It is completely irrelevant for water.