If you want your seams between tiles to look aesthetically pleasing, and also to protect yourself from cuts along the edges, then you just need to grind the seams. Grouting is also necessary to protect the inner surface of the tile from the influence of moisture, although none of the grout types can guarantee full water permeability..
Groutare made on the basis of cement, they can be grouped into two categories:
1. Portland cement, as a basis for cement trowelling.
2. Sand mixed with Portland cement, as a basis for cement trowelling.
Back in the 19th century, Joseph Aspdin from Great Britain (Leeds) invented a technique for mashing cement.
The main grout consists of ordinary cement with some additives that change its physical and chemical characteristics. It is also called ordinary grout, which serves to fill the joints, the width of which is no more than half a centimeter..
When buying grout, always refer to the instructions that indicate the maximum allowable joint.
If you add sand to the cement, you will get a cement-sand grout. And the greater the thickness of the joint, the larger the grains must be used for this grout. The grout is usually gray or white. Typically this type of grout is used for both enamel tiles and non-enamel tiles. But more often than not, sand grout cannot be used for tiles, since the surface of the tile is easily scratched.
If you don’t come across dry polymers when choosing a grout, then it is best to use the latex fillers that are used in the grout. Such grouts are the least permeable to water and have a longer service life..
If the joint is less than fifteen millimeters wide, then you need to use Portland cement with the correct fillers. If, however, the seams are wider, then you need to add one part of sand to one part of the cement..
If the seam has a width of 1.2 centimeters, then it is considered wide, and it is rubbed with sand grout, a grain size of 30 units.
And if the seam reaches 2.5 centimeters, then it is best to stay on the universal sand.
The next type of grout is “epoxy”, which consists of epoxy resin, hardeners and paints, which are highly waterproof and have a long service life..
Epoxy has the highest price. And if you decide to buy it, you should know that it has the highest viscosity. This leads to the complication of mashing the seams and leads to the hardest cleaning of surfaces after working with it..
Epoxy grout is also unsuitable if your tile is less than 1.2 centimeters thick, and the joint is not more than 0.6 centimeters thick. These characteristics do not allow the “epoxy” to penetrate deep into the seam. In this case, it is better to use “epoxy” with Portland cement. But this grout is more susceptible to moisture, solvents and dyes..
It is important to remember that the use of “epoxy” is effective for tiles with smooth edges, but by no means for smalt. Wear a respirator when handling epoxy.
There are also grouts based on furan resin, their peculiarity is that there is absolutely no water there. This grout is the most resistant to chemical reagents up to the strongest acids. But at the same time it is very difficult to work with her; so first, each tile must be covered with wax during work, and at the end – immediately clean the remaining grout with steam. Furan grouts have one color – black.
But still there are substances that destroy furan grouts. Therefore, before choosing this grout, test it with substances that will form a compound with it. The use of furan resins for grouting has different modifications, it all depends on the ratio of the addition of cement, latex and sand. Most often, such grout is used inside industrial facilities, therefore, if you need to grind the seams between the tiles at home, then it is better to avoid this type of grout..
What are the different types of grout commonly utilized in construction? Are there specific grouts suitable for different materials or applications?
There are three common types of grout used in construction: cementitious grout, epoxy grout, and furan grout. Cementitious grout, made of cement, sand, and water, is typically used for a wide range of applications in areas with less chemical exposure. Epoxy grout, composed of epoxy resin and hardener, is highly resistant to chemicals and stains, making it suitable for areas prone to spills or heavy use. Furan grout, made with a combination of polymers and a furan resin, is specifically designed for environments exposed to high temperatures, chemicals, and acidic conditions. Each grout type possesses unique properties suitable for different materials or applications, ensuring the right grout is selected based on the specific requirements of the project.