Cement-based grout is a very popular grout material, as the price and ease of use of such a material are very pleasing. But is this material so good in all matters?
Let's try to understand this article.
What are the advantages of cement-based grout?
Cement- based grouts have the following features:
- Convenience in work: the material dries for a long time, which is why there is no need to hurry when grouting seams. Also, if necessary, rub the seam in a new way, the composition can be easily removed and laid fresh. In addition, if the grout material gets on the tile, it can be removed by wiping it with a damp cloth.
- Pleasant prices: like many other materials, in which cement is the main material, they have pleasant prices, since cement does not need to be extracted or purchased like other raw materials.
- Always available: since cement grout is a very simple material that is produced by almost every manufacturer, which is why it can be bought in every construction store in any quantity.
What are the disadvantages of cement-based grout?
Cement grouts have not only the above advantages, but, unfortunately, also disadvantages.
These include:
Short-lived: it is due to the fact that the natural composition cannot be resistant to moisture and various substances, due to which dampness and bacteria appear on the seams, which cause the development of fungus, the appearance of an unpleasant odor and an ugly appearance;- Inelasticity: because of this, the material may crumble or crumble over time;
- The possibility of changing the color of the grout material in a few years: depending on the original color, the grout may turn pale, darken, turn yellow, and so on;
- Unstable to ultraviolet light.
Because of all these disadvantages, the scope of operation of cement-based grout turns out to be quite narrow. That is why manufacturers are developing other types of grout, such as in composition with polymers or based on epoxy resins.
What are the areas of use of cement-based grout?
Cement-based grout can be used both indoors and outdoors. On the one hand, there are no restrictions in the fields of application, on the other hand, if you use this type of grout in damp rooms or in rooms with frequent temperature changes and other similar places, then such seams may not last very long. Therefore, if you need to make durable seams for your decorative coating, it is better to give preference to materials with polymer or epoxy resins in the base.
