Grout is a construction material used to connect pre-cast tiles and fill the cracks and crevices in between them. It’s generally made up of water, cement, sand and sometimes gravel and can be colored to match the floor type. Even though grout makes up only a fraction of floor spaces, it’s important to care and maintain it. Sealing is often recommended for grout, since it’s porous, which makes it absorb dirt and spills. This provides a coat to protect against water and stains. It also makes cleaning easier and repairs less frequent.
Grout uses:
- To seal narrow joints between tile
- To cement steel in walls
- To connect pre-cast concrete
- Fills voids
Types of grout:
- Sanded
- Un-sanded
- Acrylic latex
- Epoxy
Installation Methods
You’ll need the following tools of trade:
- A grout scraper - used to remove old grout
- A grout float - used to smooth the surface
- A dremel - can remove grout faster than a regular grout saw
- A grout sealer - Rejuvenate Sealer and Protectant
- Grout Care & Maintenance
For general care and maintenance of grout, follow these simple guidelines:
- Always seal grout since it’s porous, making it absorb dirt and spills.
- Always wipe spills immediately
- Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning your specific grout type
- Never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads or steel wool on grout
- Dust regularly with a Microfiber mop.
- Use a doormat at each entrance to prevent dirt from being tracked inside the home.
- Place protectors under furniture.
Why is Grout cleaning so important?
Dirty grout can have damaging health effects. Harmful microbes, dirt, grease, stains, and mold can build up deteriorating indoor air quality. Untreated grout can also cause permanent damage to tiles. It’s also important to keep cleanliness since this maintains the value of your home.
What are the benefits of Rejuvenates tile and grout cleaning solution?
- It is easy to use and handle
- It renews and restores tile and grout to make floors look clean and fresh
- It makes tiles look brand new with its unique restoration properties
- It is environmentally friendly without any harmful chemicals
- It eliminates the cost of tile replacement for aged surfaces and makes it look new again
- It keeps the germs and bacteria out of the grout with its sealing properties
- It minimizes the cost of cleaning significantly by eliminating the need to hire a contractor
- It leaves grout uniform and natural looking
Grout vs. Mortar
These terms are often used interchangeably; but differ based on their water-consistency and aggregate sizes. They also have different functions. Grout is a filler and has more water in it’s mixture. It is used to fill between tile joints, to take one example, and is therefore intended to be a pourable mixture.
On the other hand, mortar is a binding material which contains less water and is usually a paste-like mix. It is used to lay bricks, for example, or enable tiles to stick to floors. Both grout and mortar consist of sand, stone, gravel, cement and water. However, mortar will have smaller pieces of these materials and hydrated lime as well.
Floor Comparison Chart
Cost |
An affordable alternative to hardwood, stone and tile. |
One of the most expensive floor types. |
Offers a cheaper alternative to stone, hardwood and tile flooring. |
An affordable option similar to linoleum. |
A practical cost-effective floor type. |
May be pricier than other flooring materials. |
Installation |
Easy options
- Glueless
- Underlayment
- Pre-Glued
Glued |
Requires professional installation. |
Adhesive |
Peel and stick tile / sheets installed with an adhesive. |
Fitted tiles requiring a grout filler. |
Underlayment─ set with narrow grout joints. |
| Life-Expectancy |
15-25 yrs |
Lifetime |
25 yrs |
50 yrs |
75 + yrs |
75 + yrs |
Sunlight |
Built in UV protection, therefore not affected by direct sunlight. |
Some species affected by prolonged sunlight. |
Fades with exposure to sunlight. |
Fades with exposure to sunlight. |
Generally, ceramics are unaffected by sunlight exposure. |
It depends on the stone or rock type. |
How it affects resale price |
|
Adds value to the resale price. |
|
|
|
Increments the value of a home’s resale price. |
| Components & The Environment |
Large portion made from recycled materials. |
May contribute to deforestation; however forest management techniques enable wood to be a renewable resource. |
Made from very natural ingredients. Most varieties are bio-degradable. |
Made from synthetic materials. |
Made from clay. |
Made from organic rock and sourced from quarries. |
| Fire-Resistant |
|
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Yes |
|