Grouting is an important operation when gluing tiles in various rooms. The final effect of the entire laying of the ceramic coating largely depends on the type of joints. The joints also play a protective role against the penetration of moisture underneath it.
Grouting compounds are part of the system for laying ceramic coverings. In addition to performing purely aesthetic functions, the joints protect the coverings and absorb thermal movements in the base. It is important that the grouting compound is selected according to the conditions to which the covering will be exposed and the operational requirements of the room.
WHAT SHOULD GROUTING MIXTURES MEET?
As we have already noted, grouts, in addition to their aesthetic function, are a very important part of a ceramic coating system, for example in a bathroom, where they are directly affected by the surrounding environment and water. There are several most important indicators that grouts must meet.
The first is to be highly elastic, as they play the role of a compensator for the linear expansion of ceramic tiles.
The second very important indicator of grouting mixtures is that they must be wear-resistant, as they are subject to direct environmental impact.
The third function, which is very important, is to be resistant to the development of microorganisms. This is of paramount importance when it comes to grouting wet rooms.
The fourth important factor in grouting mixtures is that they are resistant to dirt. Good grouting mixtures have the function of not absorbing dirt and not forming stains on their surface.
TYPES OF GROUTING MIXTURES
Generally speaking, grouting mixtures are divided into two main types: regular and aquastatic.
Aquastatic grouts prevent water from penetrating through them and getting under the tiles. This prevents the formation of mold and mildew.
The full hydrophobic effect of the aquastatic mixture is achieved after about 5 days.
Modern grouts contain natural minerals and polymer additives that prevent water from penetrating the structure. The drops remain on the surface and then evaporate without damaging the joint. In addition, special additives against the development of microorganisms complement the weapons of the grouts in their fight against them.
To combat mold and mildew, use aquastatic or water-repellent grouts enriched with special formulas to combat microorganisms. And in critical areas such as corners and around sanitary equipment, be sure to apply sanitary silicone.
WHAT PROBLEMS DOES THE INCORRECT CHOICE OF GROUTING MIXTURE LEAD TO?
Choosing the wrong grout can lead to problems. Here are the most serious ones:
- Cracking of the joint: temperature changes cause the ceramic coating to contract and expand. Only joints with high residual elasticity can absorb these movements without cracking;
- Color change: frequent cleaning of ceramic coatings with aggressive chemicals affects the color of the grout. With low-quality grouts, the color fades over time and becomes susceptible to staining.
WHAT DOES THE CHOICE OF GROUTING MIXTURE DEPEND ON?
When choosing grouting mixtures, factors such as joint width, external or internal use, elasticity, resistance to chemicals, antibacterial protection, etc. should be taken into account. As a general rule, the minimum joint width should be 2-3 mm.
Natural settlement processes in new buildings require the use of grouting mixtures with high residual elasticity.
Pools require special grouts that prevent moisture from passing through the joints. They must be highly elastic to withstand water pressure. Pool grouts do not retain microorganisms and are not damaged by cleaning with chemicals.
In damp and wet rooms, only grouts with antibacterial properties should be used. Ordinary grouts are susceptible to mold and mildew.
HOW IS THE GROUTING MIXTURE APPLIED?
1. Wait for the adhesive to dry completely before grouting. Clean the joints thoroughly of any excess adhesive. Remove any loose particles with a brush, screwdriver or other suitable tool. Porous tiles or stones are impregnated before grouting. This prevents them from getting grout into the pores and causing unwanted staining.
2. Mix the grout with clean water, following the ratio indicated on the packaging. The strict water/dry mix ratio ensures the correct color. Mix with an electric mixer at low speed until a mixture of uniform color and composition is obtained.
3. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. Stir again and start grouting. Stir occasionally to achieve a good result with each subsequent grouting.
4. The grout, regardless of its type, is applied with a special sponge, rubber/sponge trowel or grouting spatula over the entire surface of the tiles. This way the material penetrates and fills the joint. Apply it from end to end over the entire area until you fill all the joints. Work with diagonal movements to achieve a flat surface and avoid overuse of the product. Apply the grout over a large area. Make sure that the grout has penetrated deep into the joints to avoid cracking or flaking.
5. Wait about 10 minutes after applying the grout. Clean the tile faces with a damp sponge, while shaping the joints without pressure.
6. Wait until the cement film on the tiles dries and clean their faces with a soft cloth.
7. The joints take about 24 hours to dry completely (at a temperature of 5°C to 25°C). After this time, the ceramic coating can be used.
WHERE ARE EXPANSION JOINTS LEFT?
For large areas of ceramic coverings or those subject to heavy loads, expansion joints are left to absorb the load and thermal expansion with their elasticity. A deformation joint with a width of 8-10 mm is left every 6-8 m. Such a joint is also left at the border with coverings of different materials. Expansion joints can be filled with sanitary silicone or shaped with special profiles.
WHY CHOOSE CERESIT CE 40?
A large part of the offers in our store are for aquastatic grouting mixtures CERESIT CE 40 and therefore we will focus on them in more detail. These are cement-based grouting mixtures for joints up to 8 mm wide.
Properties:
- flexible
- water-repellent
- aquastatic effect
- scratch and dirt resistant
- for indoor and outdoor use
- with a smooth surface
- excellent operating parameters
Application area:
For grouting floor and wall coverings made of ceramic and porcelain tiles, glass and stone tiles (including natural stone and marble after testing). Thanks to the hydrophobic (aquastatic) effect, water droplets remain on the surface and do not absorb into the structure of the joint, which is stronger and more resistant to discoloration, scratching and dirt. These advantages allow the use of CE 40 in humid environments: bathrooms, shower cabins, kitchens, etc. The product can be used indoors and outdoors. The use of CE 40 grout is especially recommended on substrates subject to deformation: plasterboard, wooden panels, underfloor heating. CE 40 complies with the BDS EN 13888:2004 standard - class CG2 Ar W (grout with improved parameters, increased scratch resistance and reduced water absorption).
Preparation of the base:
The material used for gluing the tiles must be sufficiently hard and dry. The scraped joints must first be moistened. A test should be carried out beforehand to ensure that CE 40 does not permanently discolour the surface of the tiles.
Method of use:
CE 40 is mixed in clean water until a homogeneous mixture without lumps is obtained. For 2 kg of CE 40, 0.6 l of water is required. For 5 kg of CE 40, 1.5 l of water is required. Stir until a uniform, homogeneous color is achieved. After 3 minutes of curing time, the grout is stirred again. The mixture is applied using the classic filling and smoothing technique. Freshly grouted tiles are wiped and cleaned with a damp sponge. The dried layer is removed later with a soft, dry cloth. The full hydrophobic effect is achieved 5 days after application. Cleaning of the tiles with detergents can be carried out no earlier than 5 days after laying the grout.
Protect your skin and eyes!
CE 40 is only used in dry conditions at temperatures from +5°C to +25°C and relative humidity of 60%. In other climatic conditions, the hardening and drying time is shortened or extended. Differences in the absorption of the sides of the joint (edges of the tiles), different water/cement ratios, water specificity, different drying rates and humidity levels of the substrate can cause discoloration of the joints. CE 40 contains cement and reacts alkaline with water. Therefore, skin and eyes must be protected. In case of contact with skin, rinse thoroughly with water. In case of contact with eyes, seek medical advice immediately.
WHY CHOOSE BAUMAKOL PREMIUM FUGE?
Another large part of the offerings in our store are the BAUMAKOL PREMIUM FUGE mixtures, which we will also pay special attention to.
BAUMAKOL PREMIUM FUGE is a mineral powder grout, non-reactive with food products. It is water and frost resistant, colored, enriched and hydraulically binding.
Composition: cement, sand, additives.
Application: for filling joints with a width of 1 mm to 8 mm, for walls and floors, for faience, other building tiles, mosaics, for indoor and outdoor use.
Technical data: they have been established under optimal conditions of temperature 20°C and relative humidity 60%. 0.3 l of water is required for 1 kg of BAUMAKOL PREMIUM FUGE. The time for using the mixture is about 2 hours. The consumption is about 0.5–0.9 kg/sq. m depending on the size of the plates and the width of the joint. Recommended tools: slow-speed electric mixer, suitable mixing container, masonry trowel, jointing tool, rubber spatula, joint sponge, bucket of water.
Storage method: dry, on wooden racks, covered with foil
Shelf life: for 2 kg and 5 kg packages – about 36 months; for 20 kg packages – about 24 months.
Area of application: for ceramic tiles, terracotta, small-format tiles; conditionally applicable for: increased thermal and static loads such as underfloor heating, precast concrete elements, terraces, facades, swimming pools.
First, remove any adhesive residue from the joint. The base must be dry, unfrozen, sound, and free of dust, oils, grease, and loose parts.
Method of use:
In a clean container, using a slow-speed mixer, mix a homogeneous, lump-free mixture (mixing time about 3 minutes). After about 15 minutes of standing time, mix the mixture briefly once more. For a 2 kg bucket of BAUMAKOL PREMIUM FUGE, 0.6 l of water is used, and for a 5 kg bucket – 1.5 l of water.
It is applied using a rubber spatula, diagonally to the location of the joint. The ceramic coating is cleaned after about 5 - 15 minutes with clean water and a soft sponge. After drying, the cement film remaining on the tiles is cleaned once again with water. The tiles with the already laid grout should be protected from mechanical stress for about 24 hours (do not walk on them).
General instructions:
Observe the standards, instructions and technical data sheets concerning the base and the coating. Do not apply at temperatures below + 5°C, in direct sunlight, rain, strong wind or drafts, respectively, protect in an appropriate manner until strength is gained. Low temperatures and high humidity slow down, and high temperatures and low humidity accelerate the bonding and hardening process. Use only clean water (tap water). Do not add other products. Do not wet the joint beforehand. To avoid stains on the joint, the adhesive should be very well dried. Uniformity in the color of the joint is guaranteed only within one batch number.
Protect your skin and eyes!
When using BAUMAKOL PREMIUM FUGE, the skin and eyes must be protected, as it may cause adverse reactions. In case of contact with the skin, wash immediately, and in case of contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical advice. Remove contaminated, soaked clothing immediately.
Keep out of reach of children.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
With us you will find an exceptional variety of grouting mixtures. The most important differences, of course, are in the characteristics, and the color range is so diverse that there is no way you will not find what you are looking for. There is also variability in the sizes - 1, 2, 5 and 25 kg. We have opted for the smaller sizes because of their longer shelf life.
In addition to the mentioned CERESIT and BAUMIT products, we also offer mixtures of the brands BORO, ARDEX, SIKA. You can also purchase a special grouting sponge from our store.
Our prices are competitive with what is offered on the market.
