Due to its density, there is no need for topical sealers. The finished grout joint has an even uniform color with no blotchiness or shading and is easy to maintain the original color. This high-performance grout inhibits the growth of stain-causing mold and mildew in the grout joints with use of Microban antimicrobial protection. Laticrete SpectraLock Pro is a high-performance epoxy grout that offers superior color uniformity, durability and the stain resistance of epoxy grout. Have superior color retention through-out the installation.Įxamples of the new grouts on the market are:.Luckily, for a small investment, you can avoid all of the pitfalls of the old style of cement based grout by purchasing one of the new technologically advanced grouts that are on the market now. Non-sanded grout is for joints that are less than 1/8”.Īlthough cement based grouts are economical, easy to install and generally do the job they were designed to, they come with some inherent issues that you’ll need to be aware of like staining from contaminants and cracking and discoloration due to poor installation techniques. Sanded grout is for any joint size over 1/8”. There are two types of cement based grout and they are sanded and non-sanded. This type of grout has been used for many years. The most economical grout on the market are cement based grouts. But typically, a color that either matches or compliments the color of the tile is chosen. Apart from the many colors, grout can be found with metallic as well as “glow in the dark” enhancements. Grout comes in many different colors and can be as important in the design as the tile itself. The filler in a grout joint is called “grout”. Note that the smaller the grout joint and the larger the tile the less grout there is that can compress. The grout will actually compress to allow for this movement. Grout joints also exist is to accommodate tiles that expand and contract during cooling and heating cycles.

Typically, we recommend grout joints being no less than a 1/8 of an inch however some precision cut tiles and stone can withstand a smaller grout joint. Due to the technology incorporated in the manufacturing of tile today, there is very little variation in size and therefore grout joint widths are generally much smaller than they have been in the past. Less variation in the tile size allows for a smaller grout joint. The grout joint enables the installer to adjust the tile to compensate for these sizing differences and allow for a straight grout line. The space between the tiles is called a “grout joint” and the main reason grout joints exist is to accommodate for slight sizing differences from tile to tile that are created during the manufacturing process.

Clean space between tiles