It’s safe to say that we can all agree on how much of a struggle it can be to maintain the cleanliness of the grout on our tiled floors. And it’s more difficult than it should be if you have no idea about how to properly care for the specific type of grout you have at home. Determine which one of the following you have installed and get to know how to take care of it below.
Cement-based sanded grout is an adhesive mixture of water, cement, and sand that fills in the gaps between tiles. This combination of natural compounds is porous, making sanded grout susceptible to water and grease damage, dirt, mold, and even bacteria. Here, a grout sealer is a must to cover or plug those microscopic spaces and keep your grout clean and fresh. Source: BobVila
Epoxy Grout
Where high traffic, water exposure and wear and tear are an issue, epoxy grout may be the answer. Like most forms of epoxy, the formula consists of two or three components—resin and hardener plus colorant—that must be mixed to a specific proportion and then applied in a timely manner.
Epoxy offers superior hardness (it is frequently harder than the surface of the tile itself) and durability and is impervious to water and staining. It also resists growth of bacteria like mildew.
Early versions of epoxy were difficult to adapt to grout applications because the formula hardened quickly after mixing components. Often it was problematic to apply the mixture fast enough before it would begin to cure.
Today’s new generation of epoxy grouts harden more slowly to allow more time for application. Plus, the formula contains detergents that permit clean-up with water, which was not possible with earlier formulations. Source: HomeReference
Furan Resin Grouts
Furan grout is similar to epoxy, but it is made of polymers of fortified alcohols that are highly chemical-resistant. The name derives from the fufuryl alcohol included in the formula. There is no water at all used in this type of grout. Furans are two-component systems that contain a furan resin and a filler powder with an acid catalyst. It is the acid catalyst that causes the furan resins to cure, forming a thermosetting resin that has unsurpassed chemical-, physical-, and thermal-resistance.
Furan grout is commonly used to grout brick pavers and quarry tile and it is also recommended in areas exposed to chemicals and grease. The tile surfaces may be smooth, non-skid, or abrasive, depending on the intended use for the floor. The tile or brick surfaces must receive a wax coating to protect them from staining prior to the installation of furan. Because of the difficulty of installation, these grouts are normally used for industrial projects, such as laboratories, dairies, and meat-packing plants. Source: TheBalancesMB
Have you almost broken your back as you tried to scrub off the stains on your grout using all kinds of cleansers but nothing worked? It’s time to let a professional take care of it for you. Call us to have your grout looking brand new in no time!
