The Importance of Grouting- Why Do You Need to Grout After Tiling?

Tile is an excellent choice for a variety of flooring requirements. One can install tile in almost any space, including a room with high moisture levels or heavy foot traffic. 

It's long-lasting, water-resistant, and requires very little care. There are also a plethora of colours, patterns, and even tiles that resemble wood and stone, ensuring that everyone can find a tile that complements their aesthetic. If you're planning on going with tile, you might need to consider grout as well. While some may argue that grout isn't always required, it should always be applied when working with tile. Don't let anyone persuade you differently. 

There are various types of grout available today, and here at AGL Tiles, we'd like to discuss three of the most prevalent ones used in tile and stone installations. We'll also talk about tile grout colours and why it's a good idea to use grout. But first, let's see what grout is. 

What is Grout?

After the tiles are installed, grout is used to fill in the gaps between the tiles. Grout is mainly the cement, lime, colour pigment, and sand. When combined with water and left to dry, it hardens.

Grout is an important aspect of any tile installation, and selecting the right grout may make the difference between a gorgeous, long-lasting placement and one that soon degrades into a terrible eyesore.

Unlike glue, which is generally used to hold your tiles in place, grout is used to fill in the gaps between your tiles. Its main objective is to complement the tiles in terms of appearance. Grouts are available in a number of colours to add finishing touches to different types of tiles or stones.

Tiles are often laid on floors with a minimum spacing of 3mm. For large format tiles, the standard spacing is 5mm. The widths of the wall tiles start at 2mm and match the widths of the floor tiles. After the tiles are installed, grout is used to fill in the joints. 

Types of Grouts

Choosing the proper grout for your wall tiles and floor tiles is crucial to a successful installation. For different tiles, different kinds of grout are advisable. Here are the three most common types of grouts available on the market today:

Sanded Grout- Sanded grout is best for joints that are 1/8" or joints larger than that. The sand in the grout helps the grout stick to the joints. Sanded grout should have a texture similar to that of peanut butter, and it will have a sand-like texture once cured. You should clean up any excess grout left on the tiles before it cures. Sanded grout has to be sealed to keep dirt, spills, and UV rays from discolouring it. 

Unsanded Grout- Smaller grout joints, less than 1/8" of an inch, are filled with unsanded grout. If you're using unsanded grout, you may need to apply a bit more pressure to get it into those narrower joints. It is critical to completely fill the joints; otherwise, your grout will collapse. To protect it against spills, stains, discolouration, and UV rays, unsanded grout must be sealed in the same way as sanded grout.

Epoxy Grout- Epoxy grout is not the same as the more typical cement variety we've been discussing. Epoxy grout does not require sealing and is non-porous. It also prevents bacterial development and is less prone to breaking over time. 

The Importance of Grouting

Can you accomplish a grout less tile installation? This is an age-old question. The short answer is no, you should never try to lay tile without grout. You might be wondering why it is. Why is grout important if it doesn't help the solidity of the tile installation? Here's your answer-

• The gap between tiles is visible when they are set, regardless of the spacing between them. Grout fills in the cracks and gives the floor a polished look. 
• Grout ensures that all lines are straight and that even minor changes in tile sizes are not evident. 
• Everything that falls to the floor will gather in the spaces between your tiles without grout. It will happen even if you try to arrange the tiles right next to each other. 
• Tiles will shift if they are not grouted, even if they are set close to one another. When tiles rub against one another, pressure is created, causing the tiles to break or chip. 
• Grout keeps tiles in place by not only acting as a buffer between them but also by keeping them securely in place and preventing movement in the first place.

Also Read: HOW DO YOU SELECT THE BEST GROUT COLOUR FOR YOUR TILES?