Getting Familiar with Grout

If there is one material that does not elicit any excitement from homeowners it is grout. This may be a boring material when it comes to home improvement and maintenance, but you should give grout credit for its ability to keep your tiles in place.

In addition to working as a bonding agent, proper grout installation and sealing strengthens your tile flooring and walls. Grout also prevents certain types of damages occurring on your tiles, such as cracking due to over-bearing weight. Although it may not be an intriguing material, it is recommended to learn about grout so that you can understand its essential role.

Understanding the Types of Grout

Generally speaking, there are three main types of grout. The first two types of grout are sanded grout and un-sanded grout. The third type of grout is epoxy grout, which is becoming very popular. Making a choice on the type of grout will usually depend on the types of tiles that you are having installed, as well as the amount of spacing between the tiles.

For slim spaces (typically less than an eighth of an inch) un-sanded grout would be most suitable. Larger spaces should be filled with the sanded grout to ensure the gap is filled completely as well as to avoid the joint from shrinking.

However, there is also an exception to this rule and this comes about when you are using either marble or granite. The job at hand may have slim joints but using un-sanded grout increases the chances of scratching the marble or granite surfaces. In the event that un-sanded grout has the potential of causing harm to these surfaces, it is best advised to use epoxy grout.

Whether sanded or un-sanded grout, both comprise of cement as well as polymer ingredients. This is to stop the grout from becoming brittle and having an irregular color or texture. One thing to note with both these types is that they are still susceptible to staining due to their porous nature. This is why it is highly recommended to have the grout sealed once it has been installed.

When to Use Epoxy Grout?

There are some areas in the home that are commonly exposed to either a lot of chemicals or to a lot of foot traffic. These areas will require a stronger grout that can be resilient to this exposure, and epoxy grout is the ideal selection for these areas.

The ingredients that make up epoxy grout are quite hardy, thus having some resistance to chemicals as well as staining. You will find that some types will even comprise of detergent in their ingredients making them all that easier to maintain clean. Although this type of grout may be an expensive alternative, it would be most recommended to people who would want grout that possesses a long shelf life.

Selecting a Color for Grout

A common misconception people have is that grout will come in either white or grey. The truth of the matter though is that you can get it in a wide array of colors to suit your fancy. If you would like to stay on the safe side, select a color that is neutral and that will not affect the overall look of your tiles.

Otherwise, you can get creative and try to pair a suitable color with that of your stone. Just be sure to seal your grout after it has been installed. Grout sealant will ward-off staining and discoloration, while sustaining the life of your grout, as well as tile, for many years to come.