All You Need To Know About Grout

Grout is used everywhere in the home to lock out moisture or prevent water leakages and damage. If your house has tiles, you’ll be using a lot of grout, which may get dirty over time. If this is the case, you may consider having your tiles and grout professionally cleaned. Let’s have a look at a few of the basic aspects of grout.

Types Of Grout

There are a few types of grout available out there, and different types are used for different purposes. Here are the most common types you would use:

  • Epoxy – The most durable of all grout choices. Epoxy, used indoors, is resistant to stains and water damage. Highly durable, it will withstand harsh chemical cleaners and last for a very long time. This type of grout is best used in areas with a lot of moisture or food, such as in bathrooms or the kitchen. If used on exterior applications, however, epoxy may fade or turn yellow in color.
  • Sanded – A cement-based grout with sand added to the mixture. The inclusion of sand creates a bond within the grout, adding to its durability so that it becomes resistant to cracking or shrinking. It also increases friction and reduces danger of slipping. Sanded grout is most suitable for grout lines wider than 1/8th of an inch.
  • Non-sanded – Also cement-based, but without sand added. Easy to work with on vertical walls as they tend to stay in place during application. Non-sanded grout is most suitable for grout lines between 1/16th and 1/8th of an inch.

Sealing Grout

Aside from epoxy, which inherently contains a sealing agent, it is necessary to seal your grout. This is especially true in moisture-prone areas or if your grout is light-colored. You can usually choose between spray on and applicator sealers. There are two types of sealers available as well. One is penetrating grout sealer which is the most effective sealant as it soaks through the grout and creates a barrier impossible to penetrate by moisture. The other type is a membrane sealer which puts a layer over your grout, but is not as effective and may cause moisture to be trapped underneath your grout. Do check every few years to see if your grout needs to be replaced.

Choosing Grout Color

While most people will go for a neutral color, or white, you can also go for a dark color if your tiles or surrounding materials are dark. Some people also choose to contrast instead of match their grout to their tiles, to create intriguing patterns or looks. Darker grout may stain light colored tiles (which you can try to clean using grout release), and light grout may stain easily and be harder to maintain the look of.

Knowing about grout will help you know what to look for when you need to seal some areas in your house, such as pipes (use epoxy), cracks in the walls on the interior or exterior, cracks in between tiles, and much more. If you need to clean the tiles or grout in your home, call Reilly’s for a professional cleaning solution!

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