Grouts and Surface Treatments

Grouts & Surface Treatments

Of all the building supplies contractors and homeowners need to properly install a tile floor, tile grout is essential. Its function is to securely adhere the tiles to the floor below them and to each other so that the resulting flooring is stable. However, the job doesn't end with grouts alone. That's where grout treatment comes in.  

Over time, the grout between the floor tiles can become worn out or cracked and require repairs. Grout treatments can mend any problem areas and bolster the grout's stability. On the other hand, surface treatments can go on top of the grout lines to prevent future damage and give the whole ensemble an aesthetically pleasing finish. 

Benefits of Grouts & Surface Treatments

These treatments can offer various benefits for tile floors and backsplashes. When grout becomes cracked or worn, a useful treatment such as a grout sealer can really come in handy. Once applied, it will fill in the various cracks and loose patches so that the lines appear as good as new without removing and reinstalling the entire apparatus. Other forms of grout treatment can be laid down before installation to increase the likelihood of a secure adhesion process.

Surface treatments also offer a range of advantages. When they go on top of grout lines as a preventative measure, they can protect the grout below from experiencing excessive wear and tear and postpone its inevitable need for touch-ups. They also serve to soften the look of untreated grout.

Types of Grouts & Surface Treatments

These treatments are categories that encompass many products. Here are some of the predominant groupings that fall into these two categories. 

Grout

Grout is a crucial substance involved in the tile installation process. Its job is to hold everything together.

Primer

Primer is a solution that can be applied to the surface at the beginning stages of the installation process. Its application occurs before the placement of underlayment, grout, and tile. It works to ensure a smooth installation experience.

Underlayment

Underlayment goes between the primer and the tile, and it evens out the surface so that the finished product lies perfectly flat.

Sealant

Sealant is another priming tool that is applied to surfaces before tile installation to make sure they comply with the process.

Aesthetic Surface Treatments

This is where homeowners can really have fun with their treatments. These products go over the finished grout line and can have various visual effects, such as a metallic sheen, sparkles, or glow-in-the-dark properties.

Substances Used

Grout is a useful adhesive that comes in several different varieties:

Cement 

Cement is a traditional ingredient present in grout mixtures. While it's a more cost-effective option, it has some notable drawbacks. For instance, it is not very resistant to water, and so has a rather short lifespan, and is very vulnerable to wear and tear. Additionally, grout cement always has to be used with a sealant, while other materials, such as epoxy, do not.

Epoxy

Epoxy grout contains resin instead of cement. It tends to be more expensive than the alternative, but it is a much higher quality product. Epoxy is well-known for its superior durability and resistance to stains. 

Concrete

Concrete grout is a good option for projects that involve heavy materials such as masonry. However, for traditional tile work, the use of concrete and cement would most likely be discouraged in favour of epoxy.

Methods of Use

Applying grout is a rather simple procedure. One just needs the adhesive substance of their choice, a sponge, and a float. The tiles also need to be affixed before the project can commence.

Apply the Adhesive to the Tiles

This process should be done in small sections throughout the installation process to make it easier. A homeowner can press the tiles into the floor individually.

Use the Float

Holding the float at a 45-degree angle, use sweeping motions to evenly distribute the adhesive treatment throughout the joints and spaces between the tiles.

Clean Up the Excess Adhesive 

Leaving excess adhesive can create a disorganised look, so it's essential to clean up any leftovers. The sponge will come in handy for this task. 

Factors to Consider

When deciding on a particular adhesive material, it's important that one considers the type of tiles they're working with. For heavy stone tiles, cement or concrete is an absolute necessity. However, for ceramic tiles or tiles made from any other lightweight material, epoxy would be a better choice due to its superior durability and stain-fighting capabilities.

From an aesthetic standpoint, one should also make sure that the colour of the adhesive complements the tiles' colour and the rest of the space. 

Care and Maintenance

Tile adhesive requires some maintenance to stay in good shape for the long run, but luckily the process is rather simple. Cleaning it regularly should do the trick. Most experts recommend cleaning the joints between tiles once a week with water and baking soda, but there are also specialty cleaners available on the market.  

In addition to grouts and surface treament products, you can consider incorporating other products into your construction or renovation project, such as sealants and adhesives for impeccable surfaces, concrete and cements for robust structural elements, as well as plaster and plastering materials for achieving a smooth and aesthetically pleasing interior. These additional products offer versatility and play a crucial role in ensuring your project's overall quality and longevity.