Cement Grouts
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 easiet way to avoid these cement grout problems is to use SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout or SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout for residential and light commercial installations.
Related Documents:
Cement Grout Troubleshooting Guide TDS 201
SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout DS 681.0
SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout DS 685.0
SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout Installation Instructions DS 685.5
How much grout do I need for my project?
This will vary depending on the tile size, thickness of the tile and joint width. Please visit our website http://www.laticrete.com/coverage to download or use the LATICRETE Grout Coverage Calculator. You can also download the LATICRETE App for your iPhone or iPad (Click Here) for a handy, easy-to-use grout coverage calculator. The LATICRETE Grout and Sealant Colors card (DS 254.3) also contains grout coverage calculations for some common tile sizes.
Please note that grout coverages are approximate and can vary based on jobsite conditions, actual grout joint width and depth, and type of tile or stone being grouted.
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 accomodate 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:
SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout
SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout
PERMACOLOR® Grout
1500 Sanded Grout mixed with 1776 Grout Enhancer
1600 Unsanded Grout mixed 1776 Grout Enhancer
Related Documents:
SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout DS 681.0
SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout DS 685.0
1500 Sanded Grout DS 256.0
1600 Unsanded Grout DS 258.0
1776 Grout Enhancer DS 265.0
SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout Installation Instructions DS 685.5
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 1600 Unsanded Grout mixed with 1776 Grout Enhancer.
Related Documents:
1600 Unsanded Grout DS 258.0
1776 Grout Enhancer DS 265.0
Where would flexible sealants be used in place of grout?
Over all movement joints, control joints, cold joints, changes of plane, changes of surface type, corners, coves, room perimeters, etc... Refer to the current version of the Tile Council of North America Expansion Joint Detail EJ-171. Use LATASILTM in these areas.
Related Documents:
LATASILTM DS 6200.1
Why Are Expansion Joints Needed in Tile and Stone Applications? TDS 252
Questions about Grouting with Portland Cement Based Grout
Can I use 1776 Grout Enhancer with 1500 Sanded Grout or 1600 Unsanded Grout?
Yes. Adding 1776 Grout Enhancer to 1500 Sanded Grout or 1600 Unsanded Grout will enhance the physical properties of the grout and the growth of mold and mildew into the grout. Adding the 1776 Grout Enhancer will also help to intensify color and remove any concerns which minerals in the mixing water may create. As always, conduct a small test area to determine suitability and acceptability.
Related Documents:
1500 Sanded Grout DS 256.0
1600 Unsanded Grout DS 258.0
1776 Grout Enhancer DS 265.0
Can I use 1776 Grout Enhancer with PERMACOLOR® Grout?
No. PERMACOLOR® Grout should only be mixed with cool, potable water.
How much gauging (mixing) liquid do I add to the portland cement grouts?
For PERMACOLOR® Grout, mix 2 quarts (1.9 liters) of clean, potable water with one 25 lb. (11.3kg) bag of PERMACOLOR Grout in a clean bucket.
For 1500 Sanded Grout, mix 2 quarts (1.9 liters) of clean, potable water, or, mix 2 quarts (1.9 liters) of 1776 Grout Enhancer with one 25 lbs (11.3 kg) bag of 1500 Sanded Grout in a clean bucket.
For 1600 Unsanded Grout, mix 5 quarts (4.7 liters) of clean, potable water, or, mix 5 quarts (4.7 liters) of 1776 Grout Enhancer with one 25 lbs (11.3 kg) bag of 1600 Unsanded Grout in a clean bucket.
Related Documents:
1600 Unsanded Grout DS 258.0
1776 Grout Enhancer DS 265.0
When do I use a sanded grout or an unsanded grout?
Use unsanded grout (e.g. 1600 Unsanded Grout) 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. PERMACOLOR®) for all other types of tile or stone or grout joints greater from 1/16" (1.5mm) to 1/2" (12mm) wide.
1500 Sanded Grout can be used in grout joint widths 1/16" (1.5mm) to 1/2" (12mm) in width.
1600 Unsanded grout can only be used in grout joint widths 1/8" (3mm) or less.
Related Documents:
1600 Unsanded Grout DS 258.0
1776 Grout Enhancer DS 265.0
What tips should I keep in mind when grouting with portland 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 mixing ratios and techniques, as well as the same grouting and cleaning techniques over the entire installation to help 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), 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 jobsite 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 jobsite 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:
1600 Unsanded Grout DS 258.0
1776 Grout Enhancer DS 265.0
Cement Grout Troubleshooting Guide TDS 201