Tile grout is used for filling the gaps between tiles. Tile grouts are good in following aspects,
1. Permitting thermal expansion & contraction
2. Controlling water intrusion
3. Available in various colours to suits the tiles
1. Permitting thermal expansion & contraction
2. Controlling water intrusion
3. Available in various colours to suits the tiles
Why not white cement?
Few years before, white cement has been used for filling the tile joints. But after setting, white cement becomes rigid and does not permit the thermal expansion & contraction. So this leads to de-bonding (opening up) of tiles.
Types of grout:
There are two types of grouts available,
1. Cement polymer based grout
2. Epoxy based grout
Colour selection:
In floor: Use dark colour grouts. Light colour grouts tent to get discoloured due to dust and domestic usage.
In wall: We can use both light and dark colour grouts
Applying the grout:
- Before starting the grouting, the gap between the tiles has to be cleaned properly. Tile spacers have to be removed.
- A well-mixed grout in thick paste consistency is applied with putty blade on the gaps. The filling has to be done properly without leaving any air gaps.
- Then the excess grout is cleaned off from the tiles using a cleaning cloth or sponge
- Finally the grout has to be finished as per the specification. The different types of grout finishes are listed below.
For straight edge tiles (wire cut) any of the first 3 finishes can be applied. For Ceramic tiles with curved edges, only the Recessed finish has to be implemented. If not, proper grout line can’t be achieved due to the curvature.
Note: If the gaps are not properly cleaned before grouting, chances of de-bonding of grout and discolouration are possible.
