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Types of Grouts for Tile & Stone works

Cementitious based grout VS Epoxy based grout

October 23, 2021. 6:01 AM

Tile grout used in most construction is typically cement-based. Proprietary Cementitious grout are made from a blend of cement, polymer, additive, pigment, fine-graded aggregates and mixed with water or fortified with a liquid latex additive (in replacement of water). Cementitious grouts are commonly used due to its characteristics that allow for easy filling and compacting into the tile and stone joints, and that it is pocket-friendly.

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While good cementitious grout has its benefits, the capillary pores in the grout mortar mean that dirt and other external elements could find their way into the grout and becomes trapped / embedded on the surface. This is where stains occur and sometimes mould and mildew could develop. Cementitious grout is generally not a waterproof barrier, though the addition of a liquid latex additive for the grout mix or a grout sealer can help to further improve its physical properties.

Epoxy grout, on the other hand, is made from epoxy based resins and filler. The components that made up epoxy grouts make it waterproof, and possess greater physical properties, such as chemical and stain resistance.

Though epoxy grouts cost much more than cementitious grout, they are durable and in the long run more cost efficient and value for quality.

Summary of Pros and Cons of each Grout type

	Cementitious grout	Epoxy grout
Pros	Economical Easier to work with	Protects against moisture Resistant to chemicals Excellent cleanability Hygienic Durable
Cons	Excessive water used during cleaning may draw soluble salts to surface Dirt / contaminants may get trapped in the grout causing stains, mould and mildew	Accurate mix proportion is required Short working time Not suitable for tile & stone with absorbent surface Difficult to remove any hardened residue Higher costs in material and application

Ideal environments for using Epoxy grout

Residential and Commercial environments (toilet floor, kitchen / pantry backsplash, food preparation areas)
Environments where hygiene is required (wine cellars, shops, breweries, Food industries, etc.)
Industrial environments where high resistance to chemicals, acids and hydrocarbons and are required (e.g. Food industries)
Swimming pools, in particular basins containing salt or thermal water
Tanks containing aggressive chemicals (e.g. purification plants, etc.)