Types Of Grout
Epoxy Grout: Epoxy grout is impermeable to liquids and doesn't require sealing. This type of grout prevents the growth of bacteria and limits the amount of cracking. The water resistant properties of epoxy grout is great for quarry tile, ceramic, porcelain, and countertops. Epoxy Grout most often used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas prone to large amounts of water.
Cement-Based Grout: This type of grout can either be sanded or non sanded. Both mixtures are acid-sensitive and absorbent. Cement-based grout tends to be polymer-modified which helps to prevent cracking while adding strength.
When chemical resistance is the goal, the actual chemical involved should be considered and tested against the intended grout ingredients. This will ensure that the intended grout can resist the chemicals that will be present in the finished job.
100% Epoxy Resin Grout: While no water is present in the mixture, clean up is still accomplished with water. The grout consists of epoxy resin, silica fillers, pigments, and a hardener. These grouts are resistant to staining, have very low water absorption, and have higher compressive strength than concrete. 100% epoxy grouts are also highly resistant to chemical attack.
Modified Epoxy Grout: This grout has an additional ingredient of Portland cement. The characteristics of this grout are similar to standard Portland cement grouts. However, they are harder, form greater bonds, and are more stain resistant. They are not necessarily any better than Portland cement based grout in their resistance to chemical attack.
Caulking-Type Of Grout: There is a very popular type of grout in this class that includes the caulking type of grout that is available in tubes squeezed by hand or designed for use in a caulking gun. These grouts can be very close to the color of Portland cement grout in the tiled installation. They are used to caulk abutting surfaces like the joint between a tile wall and tub, a kitchen sink and counter tile, or the 90-degree corner joints where tile meets tile.
Sanded Grout: Sanded grout is the most common grout used for ceramic tile, stone, and any tile with a grout joint 1/8 inch or larger. Sanded grout is made of Portland cement, sand, and other additives. When installed, it is mixed with water and toweled into the grout joint. It takes approximately 24 hours for the grout to dry. Sanded grout is as hard as concrete when fully cured, but can have several problems. Sanded grout is very absorbent. If not sealed, will soak up stains, dirt, and any other liquid spilled on the tile. Care should be exercised in choosing a good sealer to prevent staining and water absorption. Many grouts can be mixed with a latex additive upon installation that will reduce absorbency. Sealing is still recommended. Using sanded grout with a polished marble installation, presents another problem. The sand in the grout will scratch polished marble. This is a common problem with tile contractors who are not familiar with stone installation. Never use sanded grout on polished marble. Polished marble should be installed with a grout width smaller than 1/8 inch.
Un-sanded Or Wall Grout: Un-sanded grout, commonly called wall grout, is similar to sanded grout without the sand. Wall grout is used on ceramic tile, and polished marble, with grout joints smaller than 1/8 inch. All the cleaning problems associated with sanded grout apply to wall grout. It should be sealed after installation to reduce absorbency.
Latex Modified Grout Additives: Several latex additives are available that can be added to both sanded and un-sanded grouts. These additives are blends of acrylics and latex. They will lower the water absorption, increase the strength, and improve color retention. Some grouts have dried latex powder added at the factory, and, therefore, do not require additional additives. Some manufacturers also add anti-fungal and mildew resistance additives.
Epoxy Grout: Epoxy grout is a waterless, two part grout made with epoxy resins (part A) and a hardener (part B). These components are mixed on site just prior to grouting. Epoxy grout, when fully cured, is stain and mildew resistant. It is less absorbent than cement based grouts, and is easily cleaned. Epoxy grout should be used on tile and stone kitchen countertops, backsplashes and bathrooms. Epoxy grouts are difficult to apply, and can be quite messy during application. Be sure to hire a contractor who is skilled with epoxy grout installations. Epoxy grouts require no additional sealer.
Furan Grout: Furan grouts are similar to epoxy, but are composed of polymers of fortified alcohols that are highly chemical resistant. They are rarely used for residential installation. They are used for industrial projects such as laboratories, dairies, and meat packing plants. Furan grout is only available in black. Special skills are required for proper installation.