Quite a few homes have grout in at least one location on the property; if you take the time to look, you’ll notice it somewhere. Anywhere there is tile or natural stone, there is a good chance grout will exist. Grout is used to fill the cracks between tile and stone, serving as a sealant against water infiltration.
Grout has the same ingredients as concrete, but because of the water/cement ratio, has a greater plasticity than concrete. Grout is worked into the spaces between the tiles, and then allowed to dry. After it is dry, it is sealed with a protective seal to protect it from cracking or staining. It can be tinted several different colors to create a close match with the stone or tile.
Sanded vs. Non-Sanded
There are different types of grout, each suited for a different purpose. The grout in your shower is most likely a sanded grout; whereas, the grout on your kitchen floor is normally non-sanded. Exterior grouts will also be sanded, and sometimes include an epoxy. Sanded grouts are more water-resistant; thus their usage in more moisture prone areas.
Interior Grouting
Once you apply the grout, be sure your tile or stone has been allowed to dry for at least three days. Purchase a powered grout, either sanded or non-sanded. Sanded grout is used primarily for wall joints or very thin ones, but non-sanded is mainly used on floor surfaces. Be careful to follow the mixing instructions on the package. An ideal consistency is a smooth paste. Too much water will make a messy, weak grout that will be more prone to cracking. Work the grout into the joint, being sure it settles completely without leaving any air pockets. Clean off the top of the seam and the tile with a damp sponge.
Exterior Grouting
The application of exterior grout is much the same as interior, although you need to take extra precautions against weather and temperature extremes. Be sure to follow the recommendations on the package. For exterior applications, choose a sanded grout mixed with a latex additive for more moisture resistance. Epoxy grouts can also be more resistant to moisture, but they can also trap moisture beneath them; so care must be taken in the installation. There are specially made grouts for exterior purposes depending on the material of your stone or tile.
Painting and Installation
Pre-existing grout can also be repainted if you need to freshen it up or would like a new color. There are special epoxy grout paints you can purchase that will change that dirty and ugly old grout to as good as new.
The installation of the tile is important. Each step requires patience and careful installation to ensure the lasting quality of the tile. If done in the wrong temperatures or if the process is hurried, it can lead to cracking and other problems. Be sure to only hire prescreened tiling and flooring contractors to install your tile or stone.
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Renee Rutledge is the writes for CalFinder.com, the source for finding prescreened remodeling contractors.
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