All Your Grout Questions Answered

Tiles are a convenience of the modern world that cater to not just the aesthetics of the space but also the practical side. When well-maintained, tiles can go a long way and protect your home from moisture  This is where Grout plays an important role. Let’s talk more about this much neglected but important part of tiling – grout.

What is grout?

Grout is the filling that is put in between the joints of the tiles. It is a mix of cement, sand, lime, and sometimes colour pigment, in the case of coloured grout. The main purpose of grouting is to strengthen the tile installation and close gaps between the tiles. Grout prevents water seeping in between the tiles and ensures damp-free surfaces like walls and floors. Grouting not only allows for thermal expansion and contraction, but also keeps dirt and debris from entering between and underneath the tiles. Therefore, grouting is an important aspect of any tile installation if you’re aiming for seamless-looking surfaces with minimal joint appearance between tiles. So choosing the right kind of grout makes all the difference! 

Types of Grout: Which grout should I use for the tile?

There are mainly three types of grout used while installing tiles: cementitious grout, epoxy grout, and furan resin grout. Their unique properties make them suited for specific purposes. 

Also Read: Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages of Epoxy Grout in Tile Laying

• Cementitious grout uses cement-based grout for tiling purposes. It is fast-setting, has low shrinkage, and is an economical way to strengthen your tiles.
• Epoxy grout does not use cement anorater and is entirely different from cementitious grout. It uses epoxy resin combined with silica fillers, pigments, and a hardener. It is also less porous and is an excellent choice where there are chances of more strains and acid uses, like kitchen walls and floors. 
• Furan resin grout is usually used in areas where tiles are exposed to harsh chemicals, like  oratories, professional kitchens, and even breweries and other for industrial spaces. 

How long does grout last on tiles?

Like many other things in this world, grout doesn’t last forever. You may expect a lifespan of eight to ten years for grouting to last. It depends on how you treat and maintain the grouting. Some reasons for the grout to crack might be the inferior quality of the installation and moisture. 

Is it possible to install tiles without grout?

While it’s possible to install tiles without grout, it might shorten the life of your tiles. The cons of not using grout can be an uneven appearance, dirt can get underneath the tiles and damage them gradually, and the movement of tiles is restricted by grout as it hardens and fixes the tiles in place. Such movement can lead to breakage. It is therefore recommended to tile with grout for protection of your floors and walls.

Which is better, white cement or grout?

The most popular types of grouting are epoxy grout and white cement grout. White cement grouting is traditional and inexpensive and suggested by most tilers for filling gaps between tiles. It uses a cementitious grouting mixture and is made into a paste with water. While it’s inexpensive initially it can add up to a very high cost in the long run maintenance. The quality of cement grout varies based on the price and is very less flexible with the added danger of being prone to installer error. White cement grouting is preferable in outdoor areas.

Epoxy grout is considered the most suitable indoors. It is three to five times more water-resistant than cement grout, less porous, stain resistant, and is more consistent in colour. However, when it is exposed to sunlight it loses colour and becomes yellow in parts. The installation cost of epoxy grouting is higher than cement grouting, but when compared to maintenance efforts it is a better choice.  

What colour grout is best?

The colour of grout can influence the appearance of your space in more ways than you can think of. Since grout is a filling link between tiles, our motive should be to create a seamless blend with the tiles used. For this purpose of having a uniform appearance in tiles grout colours are most often found in basic tones. The most popular choice of grout colours is black and white and earthy shades like beige, brown, lighter shades of grey, and sage green are some other options. For flooring purposes, dark grouting is recommended. Domestic use can lead to discoloration of lighter shades of grouts. For walls, there is no bar in choosing anything from both light and dark.

Here, at Orientbell Tiles, you can take a stroll through an elaborate spread of tiles. The kind of design you want decides the grout colour. For instance, if you want to accentuate the pattern of your tiles you should go for contrasting grout. If you want a singular, unifying appearance for your tiled surface, you should choose a grout shade that is a bit lighter than the shade of your tile.

What happens if you don’t clean the grout?

If you don’t clean the grout, layers of dirt will accumulate in the crevices of the grout. Fungal problems like mould accumulation can be another issue with no regular cleaning routine. Unclean grout lines with layers of dirt, fungal growth, and dusty remains can make the look clumsy and dilapidated. To avoid this, it is important you incorporate a regular grout cleaning routine.

Is grout between tiles waterproof?

This is one of the most popular questions asked when it comes to tiling and grouting. The answer to this question is ‘No’. Grout is not waterproof – most grout is made out using cement and sand. However, one way to waterproof grout is by using a grout sealer. If you’re using epoxy grout, you don’t need a grout sealer as it has inherent water-repellent properties.

How do you remove grout?

The most difficult part of renovating a bathroom or kitchen is removing the grout from already-installed tiles without any damage to the tiles. There are numerous popular methods for removing grout. Small amounts of grout can easily be removed with a manual grout removal tool or a common household tool like a flat-bladed screwdriver or steel wool. Also, only water can get your job done if you sprinkle sand on the grouting portion before removing it. However, experts doing extensive work would go for more effective equipment like an oscillating tool or reciprocating saw to avoid the slightest scratches on the tiles.

Despite many popular opinions about how grout is not always needed, it is recommended if you’re looking for longevity of the tiles. Grout may seem expensive, but actually saves you long-term expenses by preserving your tiles for longer. 

How Can Orientbell Tiles Help?

We at Orientbell Tiles manufacture high quality tiles that suits every tiling requirement – be it indoors or outdoors. Have a look at the entire range of tiles on our website or visit a store near you. While on the website be sure to check TriaLook, the revolutionary tile visualisation tool that makes tile selection and tile buying a breeze.