Epoxy Grout: The Best Grout for Tiles

Saint-Gobain Weber India

Tiling is a crucial part of all modern construction. It constitutes a high percentage of all construction, commercial, and residential projects. The tiled walls and flooring give an ultra-chic look to any space. After the tile installation process, the next important step is grouting. In this article, we will focus on how to choose the best grout for tiles and how epoxy grout is becoming one of the most preferred choices among applicators and contractors.

What is grout and what is grouting in construction?

Starting with the basics, grouting is the process where the gaps between the tiles are filled to make the tiled structure stronger and more durable. Hence, by choosing the best grout for your tiles, the overall longevity of the tiled surface is improved. Grouting also enhances the aesthetic value of walls and floors.

Have a look at the various types of grouts available.

With several options available on the market, choosing the right grout can become a task. Here are a few parameters that can be considered when choosing the best grout for tiles.

Tile grouts are broadly divided into three types:

  1. Cementitious grout 
  2. Epoxy grouts
  3. PU grouts

Cementitious grouts:

Cementitious grouts are pre-pigmented, high-quality polymer-modified tile joints. They effectively fill the gaps and level them to give hard-wearing, non-dusting tile joints. Cementitious grouts are suitable for grouting natural stones, fully vitrified tiles, ceramic tiles, and porcelain tiles.

Epoxy Grout

Epoxy grouts are quickly replacing traditional cement grouts as a more effective, convenient, and long-lasting option. High-performance epoxy grouts fill the gaps between the tiles and ensure efficient and durable tiling with minimum issues.

Epoxy grout can successfully overcome the issues faced with cementitious grout, such as:

  • Moisture absorption in cementitious grouts is high, which gets passed on to the screed(tile-based mortar).
  • Because of their lesser strength, the cementitious grouts get damaged while washing the surface.
  • Regular cleaning with acidic cleaners leads to the degradation of screed and tile joints.

PU Grout

PU grout is a single-component, ready-to-use, innovative, resin-based, high-performance tile joint filler. With effective usage, this tile grout can provide colour uniformity, water repellency, durability, flexibility, and stain resistance. Ideal for both internal and external conditions for joint width of 1 mm to 8 mm.

How to choose the best grout for tiles?

As mentioned earlier, grouts play a crucial role. The selection of the best grout will amplify the strength and beauty of your tiled surfaces. Here are a few of the criteria that everyone should consider while choosing the best grout for their tile.

Purpose of grouting:

The purposes of grouting could be manifold: enhancing the aesthetics of a space, improving the durability of the tiled surfaces, and also serving hygienic purposes.

The aesthetics of grouts play a major role during selection, especially with the wide variety of shades and special effects like glitters or fluorescent glow available in the market. Hygienic requirements are predominantly required in hospitality, commercial complexes, etc.

Choice of the right colour: 

The grout colour can be in contrast or of similar shades, depending upon the vision and design that you have in mind. If you are looking for an embossed or dramatic look, you would go for contrast shades, but if you are inclined towards a more sober and classy look, the preference would be towards matching shades. Whatever the choice, you can find a variety of colour options in epoxy grouts.

Areas of application:

All types of grouts can be chosen for internal conditions; however, when selecting grouts for external conditions, it is important to focus on parameters like temperature resistance, discoloration, durability, long-lasting properties, etc.

Service life expectancy:

The life expectancy of grout plays an important factor depending on where the grouting is being carried out. There are other factors like mechanical properties and chemical resistance. Abrasion resistance is essential when the surface is subjected to movement, especially in areas like swimming pools, podiums, warehouses, commercial complexes, etc.

Why use epoxy tile grout?

"Is epoxy grout the best?". This is one of the most frequently asked queries among end users. Epoxy grouts work best in high-performance areas of usage like residential buildings (wet areas, balconies, leaving areas, passages), commercial buildings (heavy foot traffic areas), water containment structures like swimming pools (for chemical resistance), etc. Moisture- and stain-resistant properties make epoxy grouting ideal for kitchen backsplashes as well as wall and floor tiling.

Epoxy grouting does not degrade, expand, or contract when it comes in contact with environmental factors. Owing to their durability, strain-free nature, and low maintenance properties, the usage of epoxy grout is increasing in the residential, commercial, and hospitality industries.

Epoxy grout provides good resistance to household chemicals and is easy to clean. Ensures hygienic requirements are met and doesn’t allow bacterial growth.

Epoxy grouts vs. other types of grouts?

Epoxy grouts are manufactured as a combination of epoxy resin, filler powders, pigments, and a hardener. As mentioned earlier, they are durable, hygienic, resistant to strains, moisture-resistant, and chemically resistant. Also, they restrict the seepage of dirt, water, and grime into the tiled structure. Epoxy grouting prevents issues like tile lifting and tile cracking and hence reduces the need for repair. Last but not least, epoxy grouts do not crack, shrink, or discolour.

How to apply epoxy tile grout?

Epoxy grouting requires a skilled workforce and professional expertise. If done properly, it is convenient to use and provides the best results.

Following are the steps to be followed during epoxy grouting:

  • Mix the various parts of the product as per the mixing ratio provided by the manufacturer.
  • Apply the product with the help of a spatula, squeezer, rubber float, or any appropriate tool for application.
  • Remove the extra grout immediately before it dries, with the help of a spatula, squeezer, rubber float, or other tools.
  • Clean the tiled and grouted surface thoroughly with the help of a scrubber or wet sponge.

Epoxy video

Saint-Gobain Weber has made a name for itself in the epoxy grout segment and has a range of advanced epoxy tile grouts that enhance the look of walls and floors and keep them intact for decades. Weberjoint poxy and Weberjoint poxyfill are used as chemically resistant joint fillers for heavy-duty applications. When you are looking for a glam look. Weberepox 2K, the two-component, epoxy tile grout, is your go-to product. It is used to fix all types of tiles and stones and is available in a variety of colors. It is especially recommended for quick grouting. Weberepox easy is another two-component epoxy grout suitable for all types of tiles and stones. It is especially recommended for hygiene sensitive areas and areas that require sterile conditions. Weber also has decorative grouts, which are widely preferred for commercial places like hotel lobbies, resorts, and swimming pools. These decorative grouts, like Weber shine armorWeber pearl armor and Weber knight armor are highly functional and also enhance the style quotient of any project.

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