What are the most common cement grout problems, and how can I avoid them?
The most common cement grout problems are shade variation, blotching, cracking, powdering, and efflorescence. Improper installation techniques and environmental conditions are the most common causes of these problems. Controlling the installation conditions and being consistent with product mixing, installation and cleaning go a long way in providing good, consistent results.
While some of these problems may still occur, there are fairly simple ways to avoid or deal with them. The Cement Grout Troubleshooting Guide (TDS 201) can provide some suggestions and solutions to these common problems.
The easiest way to avoid these cement grout problems is to use LATICRETE® SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout for residential and light commercial installations.
Related Documents:
LATICRETE Cement Grout Troubleshooting Guide TDS 201
LATICRETE® SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout DS 681.0
LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout Installation Instructions DS 681.5
What should I do when grouting very porous or rough textured stone (e.g. travertine)?
The use of a high quality grout release (e.g. STONETECH® Grout Release) or grout sealer (e.g. STONETECH Heavy Duty Grout Sealer or STONETECH Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer) is recommended. The use of these types of product will aid in the clean-up process and help prevent the tile or stone from being stained, or having the voids filled by the grout in such a way that cleaning would be very difficult. Contact the manufacturer of the grout release or sealer product for their recommendation and conduct a test area to determine suitability and acceptability.
Related Documents:
LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Select Grout DS 281.0
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Grout DS 250.0
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select NS DS 116
STONETECH Heavy Duty Grout Sealer DS 295
STONETECH Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer DS 278
STONETECH Grout Release DS 213.5
How long should I wait after grouting before I can seal my grout?
LATICRETE would recommend that their cement based grouts (e.g. LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Select Grout, LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Grout or LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select NS) cure for a minimum of 72 hours at 70°F (21°C) prior to use of a STONETECH® sealer (e.g. STONETECH BulletProof® Sealer). You should always check with the manufacturer of the grout sealer to determine if the grout must cure for a longer period of time before using any particular sealing product. LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout and LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG are epoxy based grouts, and, as such, do not require the use of a grout sealer.
Related Documents:
LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Select Grout DS 281.0
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Grout DS 250.0
LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout DS 681.0
LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG DS 030.0
STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer DS 282
Where would flexible sealant be used in place of grout?
A flexible sealant should be used where tile work abuts restraining surfaces (e.g. perimeter walls, dissimilar materials, curbs, columns, pipes, ceilings, and where changes occur in backing materials) and to honor all changes of plane, expansion, control, construction, cold, and seismic joints. Allowance for movement, using a suitable sealant product, helps prevent or minimize damage caused by structural movement and by loads placed on the structure. Movement joints should also be placed every 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7m) in each direction for exterior installations and interior installations exposed to direct sunlight, and every 20 to 25 feet (2.4 to 3.7m) in each direction for interior applications not exposed to direct sunlight. Please refer to Tile Council of North America EJ-171 for more information.
Related Documents:
LATICRETE® LATASIL™ DS 6200.1
What do I need to do if I want to re-grout my existing tile installation?
Carefully remove a minimum of ½ the depth of the existing grout joint, ensuring that he remaining grout is sound and firm. The careful use of dustless grinders with a diamond-cutting blade works well for this purpose. Use caution so tiles are not damaged. If the grout joints are too narrow to accommodate a dustless grinder, it may be necessary to use a hand-held tool (e.g. grout saw, Dremel Tool, Roto-Zip, etc...). Vacuum all of the dust and grout debris from the joints, wash with clean water and allow to dry. Proceed with the grout installation using one of the following grouts:
LATICRETE® SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout
LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG (for commercial kitchens, industrial applications and areas which will be subjected to aggressive cleanings regimens, food acids and/or high temperatures)
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR® Select
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Grout
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select NS Grout
Related Documents:
LATICRETE® SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout DS 681.0
LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG DS 030.0
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR® Select Grout DS 281.0
LATAPOXY PERMACOLOR Grout DS 250.0
LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout Installation Instructions DS 681.5
Sanded grouts can sometimes scratch marble, other soft stone, glazed surfaces, or soft glazed tile. Conducting a small test area will confirm results and help in choosing the correct grout type to use. If an unsanded grout is specified or required, use LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Select NS.
LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Select NS DS 116
For LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Grout, add 2 LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select Color Packs to 2 – 2 1/4 quarts (1.9 to 2.1 liters) of clean, potable water in a clean bucket and allow packs to dissolve. Blend pigment in the water until fully dispersed. Add one 25 lb. (11.3kg) bag of LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select Base Powder to the pigmented water and mix as directed. Refer to data sheet (DS 281.0) below for more specific instructions.
For LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Grout, mix 2 quarts (1.9 liters) of clean, potable water with one 25 lb. (11.3kg) bag of LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Grout in a clean bucket. Refer to data sheet (DS 250.0) below for more specific instructions.
For LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select NS, add one LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select Color Pack to 0.9 - 1.0 quart (1.0 - 1.13 liters) of clean, potable water in a clean bucket and allow the pack to dissolve. Blend pigment in the water until fully dispersed. Add one 8 lb. (3.6 kg) carton of LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select NS Base Powder to the pigmented water and mix as directed. Refer to data sheet (DS 116) below for more specific instructions.
LATAPOXY PERMACOLOR Grout DS 250.0
LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout Installation Instructions DS 681.5
Should I use a sanded or unsanded grout on marble or other soft stone?
Sanded grouts can sometimes scratch marble, other soft stone, glazed surfaces, or soft glazed tile. Conducting a small test area will confirm results and help in choosing the correct grout type to use. If an unsanded grout is specified or required, use LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Select NS.
Related Documents:
LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Select NS DS 116
Questions about Grouting with Cement Based Grout
How much water should I add to the cement grouts?
For LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Grout, add 2 LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select Color Packs to 2 – 2 1/4 quarts (1.9 to 2.1 liters) of clean, potable water in a clean bucket and allow packs to dissolve. Blend pigment in the water until fully dispersed. Add one 25 lb. (11.3kg) bag of LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select Base Powder to the pigmented water and mix as directed. Refer to data sheet (DS 281.0) below for more specific instructions.
For LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Grout, mix 2 quarts (1.9 liters) of clean, potable water with one 25 lb. (11.3kg) bag of LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Grout in a clean bucket. Refer to data sheet (DS 250.0) below for more specific instructions.
For LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select NS, add one LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select Color Pack to 0.9 - 1.0 quart (1.0 - 1.13 liters) of clean, potable water in a clean bucket and allow the pack to dissolve. Blend pigment in the water until fully dispersed. Add one 8 lb. (3.6 kg) carton of LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select NS Base Powder to the pigmented water and mix as directed. Refer to data sheet (DS 116) below for more specific instructions.
Related Documents:
LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Select Grout DS 281.0
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Grout DS 250.0
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select NS DS 116
When do I use a sanded grout or an unsanded grout?
Use unsanded grout (e.g. LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Select NS) for soft marble, polished marble, other types of soft stone, some polished stone, or soft glazed tiles when the grout joint is 1/8" (3mm) or less.
Use sanded grout (e.g. LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select) for all other types of tile or stone or grout joints greater than 1/8" wide.
Sanded grouts can be used in grout joint widths 1/16" (1.5mm) or greater in width. Unsanded grout can only be used in grout joint widths 1/8" (3mm) or less.
Related Documents:
LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Select Grout DS 281.0
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Grout DS 250.0
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select NS DS 116.0
My grout turned out to be a different color than what I expected. What can I do?
There are a variety of factors which can cause grout to appear lighter or darker than the expected color. Some of these factors include improper liquid to powder ratio when mixing the grout, washing grout too soon, using too much water to clean, improper cleaning techniques, poor lighting, variation in appearance when installed next to a tile or stone, contamination, and others...
There are two approaches which can be taken to get the desired grout color;
1. If the grout becomes the correct color when it is wet, the use of a high quality wet-look sealer (e.g. STONETECH® Enhancer & Sealer) will make the grout look like it is always wet and provide the protection of a superior sealing product. The sealer may require re-application from time to time so check the sealer instructions for more information or call STONETECH Technical Services at 1.888.786.6343.
2. The grout can also be brought to the correct color, or the color changed entirely, by the use of a grout colorant. Grout colorants are topically applied coatings which seal the grout as well. The grout colorant may require re-application from time to time so check with the colorant manufacturer for more information.
Related Documents:
STONETECH® Enhancer & Sealer DS 217.5
LATICRETE Grout Guide TDS 400
LATICRETE Cement Grout Troubleshooting Grout TDS 201
What tips should I keep in mind when grouting with cement based grouts?
1. Make sure when using multiple bags or cartons of grout, that all the batch numbers match. Slight shade variations can occur from batch to batch. If you are using grout from multiple batches, dry mix all of the grout powder prior to adding the gauging liquid.
2. Use the same grouting and cleaning techniques over the entire installation to ensure a consistent finish.
3. The final grout color is dependent on many job site conditions; including temperature, porosity of the tile, humidity, mixing ratios (powder/liquid), lighting, lippage, and installation & cleaning techniques used. Controlling the environment as much as possible and being consistent in installation and cleaning techniques helps promote consistent and satisfactory results. Keep other trades away from the grout during installation and protect installations after they have been installed.
4.Always try to verify grout color appearance by conducting a test area under actual job site conditions and allow to dry, prior to grouting the entire installation.
5. Grout color swatches are approximate guides to grout color and actual shade and texture of the finished grout will depend on job site conditions, installation techniques, lighting, and the types of tile or stone (and their color) installed.
6.Clean tile promptly after installation as stated in the data sheet for each grout product. Do not let the grout dry completely on the surface.
7. Mix the grout as stiff as possible without losing workability. Use a sharp rubber grout float to spread and pack the grout fully into the joints. Follow the specific instructions for cleaning time as stated in the product data sheet. Keep in mind that the time to cleaning can vary depending on job site conditions (e.g. porosity of tile, temperature, humidity, etc...). Use a damp sponge to clean up the grout. DO NOT USE EXCESS WATER DURING THE CLEANING PROCESS!. The use of too much water can wash out the pigments from the grout and a lighter shade can result.
Related Documents:
LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Select Grout DS 281.0
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Grout DS 250.0
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select NS DS 116.0
LATICRETE Cement Grout Troubleshooting Guide TDS 201
How can I clean up stubborn cement grout haze?
As always, it is best to make sure that the grout is properly installed and cleaned during the original installation. Cement grout haze can be difficult to remove after it has had a chance to fully dry on the surface of the tile. To remove grout haze after prior to fully curing on the tile or stone face, try using a STONETECH® Stone & Tile Cleaner with a scrub pad. Conduct a test area to determine results and verify acceptability. Use caution when scrubbing polished stone or soft glazed tile as scratching may occur. If the haze is persistent, it may be necessary to use a more aggressive chemical cleaner which has been designed for the purpose. STONETECH RESTORE™ is effective at removing stubborn cement based grout haze. Contact STONETECH Technical Services at 1.888.786.6343 for more information on when and how to use STONETECH RESTORE to remove cement grout haze. Conduct a test area to determine suitability and acceptability; do not use STONETECH RESTORE on polished marble or other acid sensitive stone or surface. Follow the directions on the STONETECH cleaner data sheet or packaging, including dilution percentage, rinsing and neutralization information prior to use.
Related Documents:
STONETECH® RESTORE™ DS 216
STONETECH Stone & Tile Cleaner DS 211.0
When should I start washing the tiles after spreading the grout?
Allow the grout to firm in the joints approximately 15 to 30 minutes at 70°F (21°C) . This time can vary depending on the grout used, job site conditions (e.g. porosity of tile, temperature, humidity, etc...). Check with the specific grout data sheet for more concise directions. Use a damp sponge to clean up the grout. DO NOT USE EXCESS WATER IN THE CLEANING PROCESS! The use of excess water can wash out the pigments in the grout and a lighter shade can result.
Related Documents:
LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Select Grout DS 281.0
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Grout DS 250.0
LATICRETE PERMACOLOR Select NS DS 116.0
The whitish powder or residue, which is visible on the top of some grout installations, is commonly called efflorescence. Efflorescence is actually salts, a by-product of the portland cement manufacturing process, which go into solution in the presence of water and migrate to the surface of the grout or other cementitious product.
Three conditions must occur for efflorescence to manifest; 1. There must be the presence of soluble salts (as stated earlier, soluble salts are present in portland cement products), 2. Water must be present in the concrete, mortar bed, setting materials, and/or grout (since portland cement products must be mixed with water, it is present at some point in time). The water puts the salts into solution., and, 3. Some type of force (e.g. evaporation, gravity, capillary action, etc...) must bring the solution to the surface. Eliminating any of these three conditions will help to eliminate the occurrence of efflorescence.
When the salt solution reaches the surface, the water evaporates and the salt remains on the surface where it recats with arbon dioxide in the air. The reaction changes the chemical nature of the salt and turns it into an insoluble residue that appears as a white powder on the surface of the grout. This whit epowder can be difficlut to remove at times.
To remove minor cases of efflorescence it may be necessary to conduct a wash with STONETECH® RESTORE™. However, until the salts are completely removed from the system, efflorescence can reoccur, so ongoing inspection and cleaning may be necessary. The use of LATICRETE® SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout or LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout, epoxy based grouts, can also help to minimize or eliminate the occurrence of efflorescence.
Efflorecscence is a naturally occurring condition and is not a product defect.
STONETECH® RESTORE DS 216™
LATICRETE® SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout DS 681.0
Efflorescence - Causes, Prevention and Removal TDS 159
Grout Guide TDS 400
I have a whitish residue on the top of my grout, what is it and how can I get rid of it?
The whitish powder or residue, which is visible on the top of some grout installations, is commonly called efflorescence. Efflorescence is actually salts, a by-product of the portland cement manufacturing process, which go into solution in the presence of water and migrate to the surface of the grout or other cementitious product.
Three conditions must occur for efflorescence to manifest; 1. There must be the presence of soluble salts (as stated earlier, soluble salts are present in portland cement products), 2. Water must be present in the concrete, mortar bed, setting materials, and/or grout (since portland cement products must be mixed with water, it is present at some point in time). The water puts the salts into solution., and, 3. Some type of force (e.g. evaporation, gravity, capillary action, etc...) must bring the solution to the surface. Eliminating any of these three conditions will help to eliminate the occurrence of efflorescence.
When the salt solution reaches the surface, the water evaporates and the salt remains on the surface where it recats with arbon dioxide in the air. The reaction changes the chemical nature of the salt and turns it into an insoluble residue that appears as a white powder on the surface of the grout. This whit epowder can be difficlut to remove at times.
To remove minor cases of efflorescence it may be necessary to conduct a wash with STONETECH® RESTORE™. However, until the salts are completely removed from the system, efflorescence can reoccur, so ongoing inspection and cleaning may be necessary. The use of LATICRETE® SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout or LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout, epoxy based grouts, can also help to minimize or eliminate the occurrence of efflorescence.
Efflorecscence is a naturally occurring condition and is not a product defect.
Related Documents:
STONETECH® RESTORE DS 216™
LATICRETE® SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout DS 681.0
Efflorescence - Causes, Prevention and Removal TDS 159
Grout Guide TDS 400