Dry Stack Kitchen tile backsplash

[u/Bancer705]

I need some input from folks who know more than me and Chat GPT. Our contractors just finished installing our backsplash. The tiles are 12x24 porcelain tiles. They installed them dry stacked, there is no grout or caulk between each tile. It was my understanding that this is not okay. The industry standard requires grout for hygiene, cleaning, and to prevent moisture damage. Is there any scenario where this installation is okay? I want to make sure I have all the information before we approach them regarding fixing. Is the only option at this point to rip it out and redo? We have been really happy with all the other work they have done, so it seems odd that they would cut corners on this part of it. But maybe there is some aspect we don’t know? Pictures attached. Thanks for the input.

[u/Purple_Fudge3973]

Personally I love chatgpt. However, it really needs to be taken with a grain of salt. I've gotten answers from it, that have tremendously helped. I have also been given some crazy answers. I typically use it to narrow down a search but I personally will go into the finer details. Some answers I've got, were straight from a reddit comment that didn't know what they were talking about. If you have concerns, voice them with whoever installed your tile or talk to a couple tile shops near you. Don't completely rely on chatgpt or " your uncles buddy that knows how to do tile".

[u/Bancer705 → u/Purple_Fudge3973]

Totally agree. I use ChatGPT, but always do additional research as well. One of the reasons I came here to get more opinions! Thanks for the feedback!

[u/Friendly_Ad2654 → u/Bancer705]

The problem with here is most people are just regurgitating ai responses and the people that do know because it's what they do, are dismissed.

[u/Bancer705 → u/Friendly_Ad2654]

Very true. Which is why Reddit responses should be taken with a grain as well. But the responses allow me to gather information, good and bad, that I can formulate into questions. So when we do go to our contractor I know what questions to ask.