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 in 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.

What are the various type 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 levels to provide hard-wearing and non-dusting tile joints. Cementitious grouts are suitable for grouting natural stones, fully vitrified tile, ceramic tile, porcelain tile and their tile joints.     

Cementitious grouts are further divided into two types:     

Unsanded Grouts:      
Unsanded grouts are generally chosen for filling finer gaps in tiles. They are ideally used for narrow joints and tiling, with effective usage in dry areas.There is a wide variety of shades and colours of cementitious shades easily available. Unsanded grout is used for joint widths of 1mm to 6 mm.

Sanded Grouts:      
Sanded grouts are the preferred choice for tile joints with a width greater than 6 mm. Sanded grouts have a rough, sand like structure and need sealing to protect them from stains. Sanded grouts are predominantly used in terrace and podium areas. 

Epoxy Grout

Epoxy grouts are manufactured as a combination of epoxy resin, filler powders, pigments and a hardener. Epoxy grouts work best in high performance areas of usage in residential buildings (wet areas, balcony, living areas & passages), commercial buildings (areas with heavy foot traffic) and water containment structures

PU Grout

PU grouts are single-component, ready-to-use, innovative, resin-based, high-performance tile joint fillers. With effective usage, these tile grouts can provide colour uniformity, water repellence, durability, flexibility and stain resistance. They are ideal for both internal and external applications 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 few of the criteria’s which 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.

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

Choice 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 cementitious grout?

Advantages

• Cementitious grouts are ideal in both cold and hot temperatures
• They are superior to white cement, so no shrinkage cracks appear
• Easy to use, easy to apply and easy to clean compared to white cement
• To enhance further properties of cementitious grout liquid additives like weber groutadd  can be added.

Disadvantages 

• Being cementitious, grout strength development takes longer time as compared to epoxy grouts.
• High water contact during mixing can adversely affect cementitious grout’s performance.
• Mechanical properties of cementitious grouts are lesser as compared to epoxy grouts.

Barring these few disadvantages, the cost effectiveness and easy accessibility in the market make cementitious grout a preferred choice among many sites. They are also available in wide variety of colours. Usable up to 60 min also adds to the convenience of usage. 

How to apply cementitious grout?

Cementitious grout doesn’t need a high skilled workforce, as epoxy grout. It is very easy to mix and use.

Following are the steps to be followed during cementitious grouting:

• Mix 300-350 ml of water with 1 kg of cementitious grout.

• Uniformly mix the grout for 3-5 mins and ensure no lumps are formed.

• Apply the product with the help of spatula, squeeze, rubber float or any appropriate tool for application. 

• Remove the extra grout immediately before it dries, with the help of spatula, squeeze, rubber float or any other tool.

• Clean the tiled and grouted surface thoroughly with the help of cloth or wet sponge after 30 mins.     
   

Saint-Gobain Weber India has made a name for itself in the grout segment and has a range of advanced  tile grouts that enhance the look of walls and floors and keep them intact for decades. weber.colorfine and weber.color dewdrop are ideal for grouting ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles, marbles, granites and natural stones on both walls and floors. Weber also has an innovative range of epoxy grouts and decorative grouts.