One of the materials you’ll require to fill the gaps between tiles after mortar application is grout. The pourable paste is thinner and with high water content. But is grout waterproof?
Most grout types in the market are not waterproof but rather water-resistant. This means it takes time to allow water through the surfaces when submerged. The only type of grout that’s considered waterproof is epoxy.
If you intend to use grout, this article is for you as we’ll delve deeper into the grout.
How Long Does Grout Last?
You should bear in mind after using grout that it won’t last forever. This means it has a lifespan. Generally, grout should last between 8 and 16 years. But the time grout will last largely depends on how you take care of your tiles/surfaces.
To know when it’s time to regrout inspect the surfaces. A visual inspection will enable you to spot some imperfections. For example, the silky white sheen in grout will have water stains and be discolored because of contaminants.
If you see such, it’s an indication that the grout needs replacement, or you can clean it with certain cleaning agents. You also need to know that it won’t have problems if the grout is installed properly and may take time to crack.
What Makes Grout Crack?
Grout will crack if you settle for a highly porous, low-quality brand with no sealing. Remember that if you don’t seal the grout, moisture will escape through them and below your tiles, affecting their lifespan.
But also, if you use grout in a mostly moist area, its chances of cracking are high. To prevent this, you need to do regular maintenance and avoid water spills in areas with grout.
How Long Does Grout Take to Dry?
For your surfaces with grout to look better after application, you need to give it some time to cure. Enough time will also prevent you from redoing the work after it spoils. Give your grout about 24-72 hours to dry off completely.
But this will depend on the other factors like;
Type of Grout You Use
When tiling, you can use acrylic grout, epoxy grout, or cement-based grout. Each type of grout takes a different time to dry, which you need to know. For example, epoxy grout takes 24 hours to dry since it doesn’t require sealing.
On the other hand, acrylic grout will take 24 hours, while cement-based grout requires 72 hours to dry. The cement-based grout takes longer to dry as it has to be mixed with water and contains additives that prolong its drying time.
Humidity Level
Additionally, the house’s humidity level where you apply grout will also affect its cure time. A highly humid room will have more moisture content increasing the cure time. The grout will not take long before drying completely in dryer areas.
Note that if you’ve indoor plants, they’ll increase the moisture level making you wait longer for the grout to cure.
Is Grout Waterproof in Showers?
Epoxy grout is waterproof, grout that you can use in the shower. The rest, like cement-based, is not, so you need to seal it to prevent water from passing through. The acrylic grout is known to be waterproof. However, the manufacturers advise using water-based sealers to improve their performance.
Before settling for any grout, ensure you look at their features and what makes each stand out. With such information, you’ll be able to select one that’s ideal for your shower.
Is Epoxy Grout Waterproof?
Yes, Epoxy grout is waterproof. It has a protective sealant layer that works as a waterproof grout. The coating protects it from stains, shrinking, or cracking, which are some of the reasons that can allow water to pass through and reach your tiles. To maintain this feature, you need not scrape it off when cleaning.
The sealer layer makes it a preferred grout for moist or wet areas to protect them from water. Since this grout also has high strong tensile strength, it will last longer on your surfaces, saving some maintenance costs.
What About Water Resistance?
Epoxy grout is also considered water-resistant, and it’s a preferred choice for staircases or hallways. It’s stronger and flexible, making it the best choice for high-traffic area applications. You can seal epoxy to improve its waterproof nature and make your surfaces last longer.
You can also install epoxy grout in an area where you use harsh chemicals, like hospitals, and it will not damage delicate metals. When choosing epoxy over another grout, be ready to dig deeper into your pocket because its features make it more expensive.
Is Acrylic Grout Waterproof?
Acrylic grout is another type of grout you can use on surfaces when tiling. It’s an unsanded grout consisting of latex and acrylic additives. The flexible grout works best in areas that can move a bit, and you can use it instead of epoxy grout.
However, it’s not waterproof, as it’s the case with epoxy grout which can limit you. But it is water-resistant, meaning it takes longer to allow water to pass through it to the other surfaces. This allows you to use it in wet areas and showers without getting damaged or discolored.
If you use acrylic grout, it’s best to seal it off to make it waterproof. The sealer will also protect it from stains and mold growth which can affect your health.
Best Grout Sealers
The best grout sealer depends on the application area. You can opt for either penetrating sealer/ impregnating sealer or topical sealer. The penetrating sealer absorbs into grout, preventing stain or moisture around it. It’s durable, easy to use, and lasts up to five years. This makes it an ideal choice for moist surfaces like a shower.
The topical sealer will protect your tiles and grout from water for about one year. This will limit you as you’ve got to reapply it yearly according to manufacturers’ guidelines.
Bottom Line
Before you buy grout, you’ve got to know that there are different types of grouts, each with an outstanding feature. There are waterproof grouts like epoxy grout, while the others are water-resistant, which sees them absorb water after some time. So, as you plan to buy grout for your tiling work, look keenly to avoid regrets.
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