![]() Would you take advice from a ticket agent on how to fly a plane, just because they work at the airport? If some designer or rando salesperson at a tile shop or hardware store suggests a particular type of grout for your project, ask ’em if they’ve ever actually installed it themselves. Professional installers have lots of learned tricks and techniques to prevent all of these potential problems.Īnd finally, TRUST YOUR INSTALLER! If you’ve hired a competent pro for your reno project, then presumably you trust their experience and skill. There are lots of subtle ways to really screw up any grouting job. But in reality, it takes quite a bit of practice and skill to get pro results. NO grout is “goof proof”! Installing grout correctly is pretty straightforward and simple-seeming in theory. While some types are more expensive than others, you should choose grout based on the application and not the price tag. More expensive is NOT always better! The adage “you get what you pay for” does not really apply to grout. Waterproofing is done behind the tiles, not between them. Sealants can make grout a bit more water resistant, but not water proof. There is no sealant that will make it completely impermeable to moisture. There is no magic fix that can make grout waterproof. If the underlying waterproofing isn’t done correctly then there is no tile or grout combination that will prevent eventual water damage. But if your shower wall or tub surround tile was installed on the cheap with the tile set directly on drywall, then this will definitely be a problem. If you have a shower or tub surround that has a proper waterproofing layer behind the tile, then this isn’t a problem. ![]() Grout will however absorb some moisture and transfer this moisture to whatever substrate the tile is laid on. Tile and grout obviously blocks most of the water that sprays onto it. Grout is NOT waterproof! Neither is tile, actually, but the grout joints between tiles are where most moisture wicks through in wet areas like shower floors or tub surround walls. Read on to find out why! First, let’s correct some MYTHS The bottom line? “ Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA” is my favorite all-purpose grout. This post also describes what kind of grouts to use for fantastic results. This post has some gritty grout advice for saving money and trouble on your next tile project.
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