What grout for wetroom floors? discuss!

[JMC tiling]

Hi all,

Just wanted to get a feel for what types/make of grouts everyone is using on wetroom floors? I have a done a few wetrooms over the past couple of years and have used Bal micromax and weber without any issues as far as I am aware, however, I have one to do in a few weeks and was wondering if epoxy grout is a better option? never used it before and am aware it can be a more difficult application but have also noticed that it seems it is for grout joints that are over 3mm (mapei kerapoxy specifically), is that correct? Also I understand that it isn't flexible so could be an issue on a timber based floor?

Cheers, John J.M.C Tiling

 

[Italy]

Epoxy Grout on a Heated screed / Under floor heating - http://www.tilersforums.com/threads/epoxy-grout-on-a-heated-screed-under-floor-heating.80995/
😉

 

[Chalker]

Ideally epoxy. But Webber is very cementous, sets very hard and repels water

 

[AndY mac]

This one done on Thursday with grout 3000 natural grey. Grout was still fresh when pictured.

 

[hmtiling]

Ideally epoxy. But Webber is very cementous, sets very hard and repels water

Which weber do you use Chalker? I really didnt get on with the pro joint last time i used it about 5 years ago.

 

[Chalker]

Joint pro.
Cleans off easilly. Like mappai, I use the full bag and exactly the ammount of water specified. When it starts to go off in the bucket, just mix it again.

 

[J Sid]

I use all Ardex grout now for everything....
did my wet room at home 12 years ago with Ardex C2 without add mix on ufh wires and all is fine expect 1 joint where head drips on this joint and has eaten it down about 5mm, so a job to do..
So Ardex tried and tested. 🙂

 

[JMC tiling]

Which weber do you use Chalker? I really didnt get on with the pro joint last time i used it about 5 years ago.

So what have you been using on wetroom floors mate?

 

[hmtiling]

I'm probably gonna get shot down for this but i'm not keen on how Grout 3000 sets. It seems soft in comparison to UCP and others.

 

[hmtiling]

😱

So what have you been using on wetroom floors mate?

Used to always be Mapei ucp, then Bal mm2 and now Grout 3000 but am thinking of going back to Mapei😱

 

[Chalker]

I'm probably gonna get shot down for this but i'm not keen on how Grout 3000 sets. It seems soft in comparison to UCP and others.

I know it's liked a lot on here, but I find it sets too soft.

 

[JMC tiling]

😱
Used to always be Mapei ucp, then Bal mm2 and now Grout 3000 but am thinking of going back to Mapei😱

So you don't see that epoxy is necessary on these installs? I'm not sure I do really as a lot of the cement grouts mentioned are top quality

 

[hmtiling]

So you don't see that epoxy is necessary on these installs? I'm not sure I do really as a lot of the cement grouts mentioned are top quality

If the tiles are fixed properly i.e. solid bed,then no, i don't think epoxies are necessary.

 

[J Sid]

If the tiles are fixed properly i.e. solid bed,then no, i don't think epoxies are necessary.

as Harry says, no need for you domestic wetroom.

 

[Aston]

the epoxy will have an advantage over the cement based grout because it will resist the build up of bacteria and mold growth.

 

[J Sid]

the epoxy will have an advantage over the cement based grout because it will resist the build up of bacteria and mold growth.

bacteria and mold growth, think you need to employ better clean staff 😉

 

[Aston]

Hi all,

Just wanted to get a feel for what types/make of grouts everyone is using on wetroom floors? I have a done a few wetrooms over the past couple of years and have used Bal micromax and weber without any issues as far as I am aware, however, I have one to do in a few weeks and was wondering if epoxy grout is a better option? never used it before and am aware it can be a more difficult application but have also noticed that it seems it is for grout joints that are over 3mm (mapei kerapoxy specifically), is that correct? Also I understand that it isn't flexible so could be an issue on a timber based floor?

Cheers, John J.M.C Tiling

Hi John
is the advice you are looking for based on a particular job or are you just gauging general opinions for future considerations?

reason I ask is, you mention a timber floor? so yes, there could be issues using the epoxy especially if you have concerns about its construction.

 

[JMC tiling]

Yes Aston, I have a wetroom to install in an upstairs bathroom. Always looking to minimise any potential problems so just wanted to know if epoxy is a better, more fool proof way of grouting this type of install? I've never had a problem myself with using a good quality grout in a wetroom but have been reading some threads on here that say it could be a potential problem with water going through the grout and causing water to pool underneath somewhere hence discolouring the grout.

 

[Aston]

John,
if you read everything that could go wrong on here you wouldn't get out of bed in the morning ;0)

seriously, the epoxy does have an advantage regarding mold resistance and water pressure resistance but apart from that, if you are happy, stick with whats always worked for you in the past.

 

[Mark@Tilemaster]

I know it's liked a lot on here, but I find it sets too soft.

Evening Gents,
Grout 3000 is softer than some grouts, mainly those that are based on a sand/cement type formulation. We have looked into this in great detail, as well as having the Grout 3000 tested as part of the EN13888 standards. The Grout 3000 is officially classed as abrasive resistant, i am pretty sure though that the test replicates foot traffic and that type of wear as opposed to its resistance to a sharp edge.
You can be rest assured that the Grout 3000 conforms to the requirements of EN1388 and meets CG 2 WA. It has become an extremely popular product and hand on heart I am only aware of one issue that we had when the grout was too soft for everyday use, we eventually found out that the home owner mopped the floor twice a day using Dettol detergent!! The floor was mopped within hours of it being grouted so the grout never got chance to fully cure.
For us, it's about trying to get the right balance of usability and ease of use versus fast curing and surface hardness. If we make the grout harder this compromises the workability, it can flash set on the tile and becomes very difficult to clean off. Agreed, the grout is softer than some other grouts but hopefully the ease of application and the long lasting end result make up for this.
Regards to all
Mark Kelly

 

[One Day]

It's my favourite cement-based grout.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Evening Gents,
Grout 3000 is softer than some grouts, mainly those that are based on a sand/cement type formulation. We have looked into this in great detail, as well as having the Grout 3000 tested as part of the EN13888 standards. The Grout 3000 is officially classed as abrasive resistant, i am pretty sure though that the test replicates foot traffic and that type of wear as opposed to its resistance to a sharp edge.
You can be rest assured that the Grout 3000 conforms to the requirements of EN1388 and meets CG 2 WA. It has become an extremely popular product and hand on heart I am only aware of one issue that we had when the grout was too soft for everyday use, we eventually found out that the home owner mopped the floor twice a day using Dettol detergent!! The floor was mopped within hours of it being grouted so the grout never got chance to fully cure.
For us, it's about trying to get the right balance of usability and ease of use versus fast curing and surface hardness. If we make the grout harder this compromises the workability, it can flash set on the tile and becomes very difficult to clean off. Agreed, the grout is softer than some other grouts but hopefully the ease of application and the long lasting end result make up for this.
Regards to all
Mark Kelly

Isn't it this type of post that makes this forum so valuable ! To be able to have a response from the manufacturer to general tiler concerns says a lot about the company.
Thank you Tilemaster.

 

[Flintstone]

One thing I I'm interested to hear is how long is advisded to leave a wet room floor once grouted Before using the shower?

 

[One Day]

One thing I I'm interested to hear is how long is advisded to leave a wet room floor once grouted Before using the shower?

2 weeks

 

[Flintstone]

I usually advise a week. Might up it!

 

[Mark@Tilemaster]

1 week should be than sufficient.

 

[WetSaw]

What's advised at what actually happens are usually 2 different things though!

 

[Mark@Tilemaster]

What's advised at what actually happens are usually 2 different things though!

We actually advise a minimum of 3 days so by allowing 1 week you are well covered.

 

[Flintstone]

As soon as your pulling off the drive I bet there clothes are coming off!

 

[Lithofin BOB]

Mark if you were to be impregnating the grout after application, how long to release all moisture say a 3mm by 12 mm deep . How long before you recomend before this type of product is applied.

 

[Mark@Tilemaster]

Mark if you were to be impregnating the grout after application, how long to release all moisture say a 3mm by 12 mm deep . How long before you recomend before this type of product is applied.

Let me check this one with the team Bob and I will come back to you.