Tile Grout
ISO 13007 covers the types and classes of grouts and their special characteristics.
The most common types of grout are:
Cementitious grout is used in the vast majority of tile installations. Reaction Resin grouts (epoxy grouts) are primarily used in commercial environments where grout joints may be attacked by spills of liquids or chemicals.
When applicable, the general performance of cement grouts can be improved by fortifying the mix using an additive which improves resistance to mould and staining while improving flexibility.
Grout is usually applied in 2 mm joints for walls and 3 mm joints for floors in accordance with AS 3958.1. Grouts are also produced which are suitable for use in narrower joints, which are popular with large format porcelain tiles and natural stones like marble. In some instances tile manufacturers specify 1.5 mm or 2 mm grout joints.
Prior to the commencement of fixing, the tile fixer, builder and client should decide if they are going to follow the joint widths stipulated in AS 3958.1 – Guide to the Installation of Ceramic Tiles (outlined in Section 5 – Tile Joints and Grouting) or the tile manufacturer’s instructions. Much will depend on the flatness of the substrate. Tight, narrow grout joints are difficult to achieve on uneven vertical or horizontal substrates. Common sense should prevail.
Leading manufacturers of grout publish their ISO classifications online and on product packaging.
Grout is the material used to fill in the joints between the tiles. The most widely used grout is a cement based powder that is mixed with a liquid (water or latex). There are also special grouts such as epoxies.
The most common types of grout are:
- Cementitious Grouts (CG) and,
- Reaction Resin Grouts (RG) also known as epoxy grout.
Cementitious grout is used in the vast majority of tile installations. Reaction Resin grouts (epoxy grouts) are primarily used in commercial environments where grout joints may be attacked by spills of liquids or chemicals.
When applicable, the general performance of cement grouts can be improved by fortifying the mix using an additive which improves resistance to mould and staining while improving flexibility.
Grout is usually applied in 2 mm joints for walls and 3 mm joints for floors in accordance with AS 3958.1. Grouts are also produced which are suitable for use in narrower joints, which are popular with large format porcelain tiles and natural stones like marble. In some instances tile manufacturers specify 1.5 mm or 2 mm grout joints.
Prior to the commencement of fixing, the tile fixer, builder and client should decide if they are going to follow the joint widths stipulated in AS 3958.1 – Guide to the Installation of Ceramic Tiles (outlined in Section 5 – Tile Joints and Grouting) or the tile manufacturer’s instructions. Much will depend on the flatness of the substrate. Tight, narrow grout joints are difficult to achieve on uneven vertical or horizontal substrates. Common sense should prevail.
Leading manufacturers of grout publish their ISO classifications online and on product packaging.
Grout is the material used to fill in the joints between the tiles. The most widely used grout is a cement based powder that is mixed with a liquid (water or latex). There are also special grouts such as epoxies.