Tiling is an integral component of any modern construction. It is a significant portion of all commercial, construction and residential construction projects. Tiled floors and walls create a stylish look for any room. Following the installation of tiles the next crucial stage is the epoxy grouting services in Auckland. In this post we will discuss how to select the right grout for tiles, and also how epoxy grout is now one of the top options for contractors and applicators.
What exactly is grout and how is the purpose of grouting in construction?
The basics are the first step of grouting, it is the process that fills the gaps between tiles are filled with grout to create a stronger structure for the tile and more robust. So, when you choose the most appropriate tile-specific grouting material, the longevity for the tiles will be improved. Grouting can also improve the appearance of floors and walls.
Take a look at the different kinds of grout that are available.
With the variety of options available on the market, selecting the correct grout can be a challenge. Here are some of the parameters to consider in deciding on the most suitable grout for tile.
Tile grouts can be broadly classified into three kinds:
- Cementitious grout
- Epoxy grouts
- PU grouts
Cementitious grouts:
Cementitious grouts come pre-pigmented, high-quality polymer modified tile joints. They are able to fill in gaps and even them out to provide durable non-dusting tile joints. Cementitious grouts can be used to grout natural stones, ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles.
Epoxy Grout:
Epoxy grouts are rapidly replacing traditional cement grouts to provide an efficient, practical and durable option. High-performance epoxy grouts cover the gaps between tiles and guarantee high-quality and long-lasting tiles with minimal issues.
Epoxy grout can over come the challenges of cementitious grouts, for example:
- Absorption of moisture by cementitious grouts is very high and is passed on into screeds. screed(tile-based mortar).
- Due to their lower strength, cementitious grouts become damaged during cleaning the surface.
- Regular cleaning using acidic cleaners causes loss of tiles and screeds.
PU Grout:
PU grout is a one-component that is ready to use, innovative high-performance, resin-based grout filler for tile joints. Utilizing it effectively this grout tile can offer uniform colour and water repellency, as well as durability as well as flexibility as well as stain-resistant. The tile is ideal for both interior and exterior conditions, for joint dimensions of 1mm to 8 millimetres.
What is the best tile grout?
As we mentioned grouts play an important part. The choice of the right grout can increase the durability and appeal the tiled surface. Here are some of the factors that anyone must consider when choosing the most appropriate grouts for tile.
Grouting’s purpose:
The reasons for grouting can be numerous: improving the beauty of a space and enhancing the durability of tiles, and providing hygienic benefits.
The appearance of grouts plays an important role in the choosing, particularly with the variety of colors and effects such as sparkles or fluorescent lights that are available on the market. Hygienic requirements are typically demanded in commercial and hospitality complexes, and other.
The choice of the correct color:
The grout color could be different or similar shades, based on the design and vision you envision. If you’re looking for the dramatic or embossed style it is recommended to choose the contrast hues, but when you want more elegant and refined appearance, the best choice would be for matching shades. No matter what you decide you will find many different colors for epoxy grouts.
Application areas:
Each type of grout can be used for indoor conditions, however, when selecting grouts to be used in external conditions, it is crucial to concentrate on factors such as the resistance to temperature, discoloration longevity, durability, long-lasting characteristics and so on.
Service life expectancy:
The longevity of grout is a significant element based on where grouting is completed. Other aspects include chemical resistance and mechanical properties. The resistance to abrasion is crucial when the surface is exposed to movement, particularly in areas such as podiums, swimming pools warehouses, commercial complexes, warehouses and so on.
What are the benefits of using epoxy tile grout?
“Is epoxy grout the best?”. It is among the most frequently-asked questions from end users. Epoxy grouts are best suited to high-performance environments such as residential properties (wet areas such as balconies, stairwells, exit areas, passages) commercial structures (heavy areas of foot traffic) as well as water containment structures such as swimming pools (for resistance to chemicals) and so on. Stain- and moisture-resistant characteristics make it an ideal choice for kitchen backsplashes, as well as floor and wall tile.
Epoxy grouting is not affected by degrading or expand when in contact with environmental elements. Due to their strength as well as their strain-free and low maintenance characteristics The use for epoxy grout has been rising in commercial, residential and hospitality sectors.
Epoxy grout offers good resistance against household chemical and simple to clean. It ensures that hygiene standards are met, and does not allow the growth of bacterial.
Epoxy grouts are different from other grout types?
Epoxy grouts are made from an amalgamation of epoxy resin as well as pigments, filler powders, and an elastomer. As previously mentioned they are strong and hygienic, resisting pressures, water-resistant, and chemically resistant. They also limit the flow of water, dirt and dirt into the tiled structure. Epoxy grouting can prevent issues such as tile lifting and cracking, which lessens the need for repairs. The last but not least epoxy grouts will not break, shrink or fade.
How do you put in the epoxy grout?
Epoxy grouting requires a knowledgeable workforce with professional experience. When done correctly it’s easy to use and gives the most effective outcomes.
The following are the steps to be taken during epoxy grouting:
- Mix all the components of the product in accordance with the ratio of mixing specified from the manufacture.
- Apply the product using the aid of an utensil, a squeezer, rubber float or any suitable device for application.
- Take out the extra grout before it drys, using the aid of the spatula, squeezer or rubber float, or any other tools.
- Cleanse the tiled and grouted surface thoroughly using the aid of a scrubber or a wet sponge.
