Although your kitchen backsplash could last that long, floors and showers are frequently subjected to violence. Furthermore, the cleaning products we use to keep our tiled surfaces clean could damage our grout, causing it to fail several years before it needs to be replaced. At the Bizaillion Floors, we understand that grout doesn’t always perform to its full potential. Is one kind of grout superior to another?
Which grout is the most suitable?
There are four different types of grout, each with its own feature. In wet environments, choosing the right grout style is important for protecting your tiled surface and the structure underneath it. When installing tile or regrouting, you have the option of using unsanded grout, finely sanded grout, quarry-type grout, or epoxy grout.
Unsanded grout
For tile installations with grout joints less than 1/8″ wide, unsanded grout should be used. Because of its smooth texture, unsanded grout is commonly used for vertical tiling surfaces, including walls and tub surrounds.
Sanded grout (fine-sanded grout)
For tile installations with grout joints varying from 1/8” to 3/8”, sanded grout should be used. Sanded grout is the perfect grout for broader grout joints since it is less susceptible to shrinkage and cracking.
Sanded grout (quarry-type grout)
Quarry-type grout is a sanded grout with larger grains that can be used for tile installations with 3/8” to 12” deep grout joints. Quarry-type grout, like fine-sanded grout, requires sand to prevent shrinkage and crack in larger grout joints. Larger joints necessitate coarser sand grains.
Epoxy grout
Epoxy grout is formed by mixing two epoxy resins with a filler. Epoxy grout is ideal for high-traffic environments, such as those in commercial buildings, since it resists staining and stays pliable, reducing the risk of cracking and chipping. Epoxy grout does not need sealing due to its chemical composition. Unless the manufacturer states differently, this grout mixture is appropriate for glass and ceramic tile. It can be used for natural stone tile, but the tile must be sealed first before epoxy grout can be applied. Epoxy grout manufacturers have raised concerns about older models discoloring with natural UV exposure and causing pinholes in the grout surface during installation.
It isn’t a matter of which grout is the best, but rather which grout is superior.
The question of which grout is best pertaining to the form of tile construction, not the grout quality. Only the highest-quality cementitious grouts are used at The Grout Medic for tile repair and replacements, as well as professional regrouting ventures. Our grout and tile technicians will expertly grout and seal your tiled surfaces to prevent future staining and water seepage. To keep your grout looking beautiful and safe, schedule a professional grout cleaning with The Grout Medic once or twice a year.