Extremely impressive and still fashionable in interiors are tiled surfaces. Regardless of the shape and material they are made of, there should be grout between them. It protects the tiles from cracking, getting moisture under them, and also connects them into an aesthetic whole. Grout also increases the adhesion of the elements and prevents the formation of fungi and mold. The types of grout available, differ in porosity and absorbability. Their selection should therefore depend on the type of tiles used, the substrate and the place of installation. Properly selected, they will aesthetically highlight the arrangement and give the surface the right character. What grouts do we have to choose from and how do they differ?
Filling with traditional cement grout
Types of grout
The gap between the modules should be filled with a mass with sufficient flexibility and resistance to temperature and humidity changes. There are many types of grouts to choose from, which differ in their physical and chemical properties, affecting optimal use in different rooms.
Cement grouts
This is a traditional type of grout, denoted by the symbol CG1. They are made from a mixture of cementitious binders, aggregate, fillers, modifiers and pigments. They are not resistant to frequent contact with water and frost, so they will be recommended mainly for interiors, in relatively dry areas. Under the influence of a stream of water, they wash out, so we should not use them, for example, near the bathtub and shower. Cleaning them, which requires delicate means, can also be troublesome. So that they do not darken over time, it is worth paying attention to their composition and choosing those with ingredients that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.
Modern CG2 cementitious gro uts have the addition of plastics in their composition. They are then more versatile. They also withstand large temperature changes, so they can even be used with underfloor heating. Less water-absorbing grouts will have the "W" designation, while those more resistant to abrasion are distinguished by the "A" symbol.
Depending on the width of the grout, we should use grout with different aggregate granulation. For gaps of 1-8 mm, a composition with fine aggregate will be suitable, and for spaces of 4-25 mm, coarse aggregate grouts will work well. Cement grouts are available in a wide range of colors.
In showers and other areas exposed to constant moisture, epoxy grouts with hydrophobic properties are recommended.
Epoxy grouts
These are mortars based on reactive resins and additional ingredients, denoted by the symbol RG. They are usually available as a set of two components - a plastic compound and a hardener, which activates chemical reactions to set the material.
Epoxy grout is resistant to water, grease, moisture (there is a pearling effect, i.e. collecting liquids in the form of droplets) and abrasion, and is easy to keep clean, so it is ideal for bathrooms. Its disadvantage, however, is a smaller selection of colors, and during application it needs to be applied very efficiently, as it dries quickly and adheres strongly to the substrate. Epoxy grout also requires a minimum of three millimeters of space between tiles and only a smooth texture. Due to the fact that it is extremely hard, if it needs to be removed, it is easy to damage the neighboring module. It has another significant disadvantage - it turns yellow when exposed to UV rays. In the case of colored grout, this will not matter so much, but white grout can look very unsightly over time.
It is used in industrial halls, kitchens and bathrooms. When choosing a product from a particular company, it is important to remember that not every resin grout will perform well in extremely variable temperature conditions, that is, for example, for use with underfloor heating, or on a balcony.
Tiles on a wall not exposed to constant contact with water can be filled with cement or epoxy-cement grout.
Epoxy-cement grouts
These are also highly durable grouts. They contain additives that reduce water absorption. As a result, the fillings stay dry and clean longer. Such grouts often contain biocidal additives that eliminate the formation of fungi and mold. They are also easier to apply, since removing the dried compound from the tiles is not a problem. There is also no need to use additional agents such as removers and hardeners. They can be used in areas with higher temperatures and humidity, such as showers, laundry rooms or saunas. Also they are used in traffic routes. Hybrid grouts are available in a great many colors.
Grouts in gold color and with glitter added
Grouts in glamour style
Among the epoxy grouts we can find those with added glitter. This allows us to make the tile composition more attractive and emphasize its unique character. There are also transparent and translucent grouts, which we can use in their basic form or with the addition of glossy powders. They will make the grout have a metallic sheen. Shimmering grout can be an interesting material for use in a glass mosaic.
Fluorescent grout
Fluorescent grouts
Light-reflecting grouts are also gaining popularity. In daylight, their light color is visible, but in the dark, after exposure to sunlight or artificial light, they emit a shade of blue or green. This effect is created when a fluo pigment is added to the grout, which, importantly, does not change the basic color.
