Sikaflex / Silicone instead of Grout?

Hi,

We have a outdoor alfresco and outdoor courtyard area which are both tiled.

In both areas, I noticed they grouted the entire area apart from the middle lines, I thought this was odd but let it go as I knew they weren’t finished. Anyway.. almost ready for our PCI and I’ve noticed that both these middle sections have not been grouted but instead filled in with either sikaflex or silicone, is this normal?

I’ve checked my current house and the entire area has been grouted. I personally don’t like it and do not think it’s right, nor can I figure out any reason as to why they would do this? This was never discussed with us during any part of our build, including our meeting with the tilers.

I’m hoping someone can shed some info so I can question it during our PCI.

Thank you.

If it's a large area, most likely for an expansion joint so the grout doesn't crack.

FYI, it's more work/money to caulk it than grout.

The Alfresco area is approx 4.6m x 3.570m and the courtyard is approx 4.330m x 1.4m.

No bigger than what we currently have with no expansion joint.. just unsure of standard practice, it looks horrible and very unusual, especially because they’ve used grey grout yet the tiles are almost white..

Expansion joints are good practice. I'm not sure of the exact spacing but particularly when the tiles are subject to direct sunlight the differential in expansion and shrinkage can cause problems with tiles popping or cracking.
It seems that your builder and tiler have done the right thing. They should have matched the silicon to the grout colour so it isn't so obvious.

Okay, good to know.

Thanks for your comments guys. I might mention my concern with the different colour though. Appreciate the replies