Grout for seams tiles in the bathroom

Although the bathroom usually does not differ too much in area, the repair in it can be described as enough by the laborious process. One of the stages of work is the lining of walls and floor with ceramic tiles, which is most suitable for finishing the surfaces of a room with high humidity.

However, in order for the finish to be durable, and the tiles did not begin to fall off a few months later, it will not be enough to properly select the glue and masonry in accordance with the technology requirements. In , case should not allow moisture to enter the seams between the installed tiles. The penetration of water and steam under the finishing material threatens that under it the will start the fungus, which will affect not only the tile glue, but also the wall, and it is very difficult to get rid of such microflora completely, especially if it penetrates deep into the base material. From excessive moisture the adhesive composition is dying, losing its original qualities, and the lining can

start fly off. In addition, surfaces with carefully seamed seams between ceramic tiles will look much better than when empty gaps are left or when they are filled with a conventional cement mortar.

Grout for seam tiles in the bathroom is selected according to the adhesive reliability and its ability to withstand an aggressive wet environment with temperature changes. And, of course, on the color scale and the structural structure of the mixture.

Leading manufacturers of similar finishing materials

The first thing that buyers are interested in when choosing any finishing materials - is their manufacturer,time. This is absolutely correct, since by acquiring a composition made by a proven company that has already gained prestige in the market, one can be sure that the characteristics indicated on the package fully correspond to the with its content.

There are quite a lot of companies on the Russian market of finishing materials, but several of them are the most popular and :

• "Knauf" - is a manufacturer of cement-based grouts .
• "Ceresit" - manufactures one- and two-component grouts, mixes on cement and silicone based .
• « Atlas, - manufacturer of epoxy two-component and cement mixtures .
• «Weber Vetonit » - produces cement grouting .
• «Kiilto» - manufacturer of cement based mixtures and auxiliary compounds for them .
• "Unis" - also produces cement mixtures.

Characteristics of joint fillers for ceramic tiles from the leading manufacturers

Products of company "Knauf"

"Knauf" - is a German company that is popular with its quality construction products not only in Russia - has deserved authority in many countries of Europe andof the world.

Joint filler for "Knauf" has the name "Knauf Fugenbunt".It is produced on a cement basis and is used for internal and external work.

With this mortar seal seams with a width of up to 6 m m m each tile laid on the walls and on the floor. When using the composition in rooms where linear deformations of surfaces are possible due to temperature differences, for example, heated floors, balconies, terraces, and bathrooms, it is recommended to mix dry mixture with the addition of Knauf-Fugen-Elast.

Application of grout is possible only at temperatures not lower than 8 ÷ 10 degrees, after the adhesive has completely dried, on which the tiles were laid.

Knauf Fugenbunt has a high elasticity and reliable adhesion to surfaces, so with this mixture the work will go easily and quickly.

Main characteristics of the material:

Evaluation criteria	Indicators
Colors	15 shades in pastel colors.
Water resistance	High
Substance	Cement
Filler	Limestone
Size of dry mix	Maximum 0,25 ÷ 0,3 mm
Operating temperature	Minimum 8 ÷ 10 degrees during the trowel and 48 hours after its completion.
Water temperature in solution manufacturing.	Not more than 30 degrees.
Time of use of the finished solution	One hour.
Hardening time	Cleaning of the tiles is carried out after 20 ÷ 30 minutes, complete hardening takes place after 48 hours.
Solution consumption	0,7 ÷ 1,2 kg / m² depending on the thickness and size of the tile, as well as the width of the seam.
Liquid consumption during mixing.	7.5 liters of water per 25 kg of dry mixture;4,5 l "Knauf-Fugen-Elast" for 15 kg.
Possible joint width	2 ÷ 6 mm
Packaging	Paper bag 5 or 10 kg
Shelf life of the dry mix	12 months in undamaged packaging.

Trowels from "Ceresit"

"Ceresit" is one of the oldest companies in Europe, focused on the manufacture of a wide variety of building mixtures. Formed in 1876 in Germany, it has been successfully working to this day, expanding the its representation and opening production facilities around the world.

As already mentioned above, "Ceresit" produces joint fillers on cement and silicone substrates.

«Ceresit CE 40 Aquastatic»

This trowel is intended for outdoor and indoor use. It is produced on a cement base with mineral and polymer fillers and is ideal for rooms with high humidity, even for shower cabins and pools - , subject to the use of its in combination with silicone grout, which is used to seal seams on joints of planes.

The composition has pronounced hydrophobic properties and enhanced antifungal effect. The mixture can be used with a joint width of up to 10 mm.

Grout "Ceresit CE 40 Aquastatic" is elastic, easily and qualitatively fills seams, when cured it is resistant to dirt, easy to clean, frost-resistant and environmentally safe.

The dry mix is ​​diluted with water having a temperature of at least 18-20 degrees, and is kneaded, like most dry materials, with a mixer nozzle. If a small amount of grout is made, then the - spatula can be used for mixing, so that the mass is uniform and has no lumps.

The ready solution should be used within 120- ti minutes after it has been shut. Work on the grouting can be carried out only at a temperature of not less than 10 degrees of heat, with the dried adhesive composition under the tile.

The characteristics of the grout "Ceresit CE 40 Aquastatic" are as follows:

Evaluation criteria	Indicators
Colors	30 different colors according to the shade shown in the table above.
Water resistance	High
Base material	Cement
Filler	Mineral and polymer modifiers
Size of dry mix	Maximum 0.2 ÷ 0.25 mm
Operating temperature	5 ÷ 20 degrees during troweling and 48 hours after completion.
Water temperature in solution manufacturing.	Not more than 20 degrees.
Time of use of the finished solution	Two hours.
Hardening time	Cleaning of the tiles is carried out after 20 ÷ 30 minutes, complete hardening takes place after 48 hours.
Solution consumption	0,5 ÷ 1,0 kg / m² depending on the thickness and size of the tile, as well as the width of the seam.
Liquid consumption during mixing.	0,32 ÷ 0,33 l per 1 kg of dry mix or 0,6 ÷ 0,64 l per 2 kg of dry mixture
Possible joint width	2-6 mm
Packaging	Polymer buckets of 2 kg
Shelf life of dry mix	24 months in unopened and undamaged packaging.
Achieving full hydrophobicity.	After 7 days.

«Ceresit CE 33 Super»

This type of grout is designed for sealing narrow joints - up to 5 mm. If the joints of the are wider, the above-mentioned grout "Ceresit CE 40 Aquastatic" or "Ceresit CE 35 Super" should be used.

The joint filler has excellent hydrophobic properties and is suitable for use in a bathroom, shower or bath. It is frost-resistant and easily tolerates temperature extremes. - can be operated while lowering their to - 50 and increasing to +70 degrees.

The mixture has its composition of antifungal additives, suitable for internal and external work, when cured, has a smooth surface. At the joints of walls and floor it is recommended to use this compound in combination with silicone grout "Ceresit CS 25" , the characteristics of which will be presented below.

Key features Ceresit CE 33 Super

Evaluation criteria	Indicators
Colors	26 different colors according to the shade shown in the table above.
Water resistance	High
Base material	Cement
Filler	Mineral and polymer modifiers
Size of dry mix	Maximum 0.1 ÷ 0.15 mm
Operating temperature	5 ÷ 30 degrees during troweling and 48 hours after completion.
Water temperature in solution manufacturing.	Not more than 20 degrees.
Time of use of the finished solution	One hour.
Hardening time	Cleaning of the tiles is carried out after 20 ÷ 30 minutes, complete hardening takes place after 48 hours.
Solution consumption	0,5 ÷ 0,7 kg / m² depending on the thickness and size of the tile, as well as the width of the seam.
Liquid consumption during mixing.	0,32 ÷ 0,33 l per 1 kg of dry mix or 0,6 ÷ 0,64 l per 2 kg of dry mixture
Possible joint width	Not more than 5 mm
Packaging	Paper bag weighing from 2.5 to 25 kg.
Shelf life of dry mix	12 months in undamaged packaging
Achieving full hydrophobicity.	After 7 days.

"Ceresit CS 25"

This type of joint filler is made on a silicone base. As a matter of fact, - is a grouting sealant that is excellent for sealing seams between tiles laid on the joints of the surfaces of bathrooms, baths, shower rooms and etc .

The operating temperature of this material varies from - 40 to +120 degrees. This grouting type produced in colors, provided 16th shades:

№ color	color scheme	№ color	color scheme
Transparent	43	Bahamas
1	White	46	Caramel
7	Gray	49	Brick
16	Graphite	55	Light brown
25	Sugars	58	Dark brown
28	Peach	64	Mint
31	Rosa	79	Crocus
40	Jasmine	82	Blue

"Ceresit CS 25" is a one-component silicone paste with acid curing. It is elastic and water resistant, has an antifungal effect and resistance to ultraviolet radiation, so it can be used not only for internal, but also for outdoor works.

Composition has excellent adhesion, including porcelain, ceramic, glass, enamel and faience surfaces. However, it is important to know that this grout does not adhere well to bitumen, rubber, Teflon, tar, polyethylene and oily surfaces, so before its application, it is necessary to check the tile coating for greaseiness and, if necessary, degrease with organic solvent.

The material contains fungicides and, when hardened, secures acetic acid, therefore it is not suitable for sealing the walls of aquariums, surfaces that come in contact with drinking water and food, limestone, marble and corrosive metals such as lead, zinc, iron and copper.

Key Features:

Evaluation Criteria	Indicators
Colors	16 different tone colors, which are shown in the above table.
Water Resistance	High
Base Material	Liquid Silicone Rubber
Filler	Vulcanizing Agent( Acetoxysilane)
Operating Temperature	+ 5 to +40 degrees
Time to use the ready-made mortar	One hour.
Hardening time	Create a surface film - 15 minutes. The thickness of 3 mm is 24 hours.
Solution flow rate	From 25 to 150 ml / m.
Liquid consumption during kneading.	0,32 ÷ 0,33 l per 1 kg of dry mix or 0,6 ÷ 0,64 l per 2 kg of dry mixture
Possible joint width	5 to 30 mm
Packing	Polymer cartridges with a volume of 280 g.
Shelf life of dry mix	At temperatures from 0 to +30 degrees, not more than 18 months in undamaged packaging

grouts «Weber vetonit »

«Weber vetonit » is a French dry mortar manufacturer,working in 64 countries and being one of the world leaders in this field. It produces several types of trowelling compounds made on a cement, silicone and epoxy basis. They differ among themselves by some parameters and names. Fillers for the seams of this company are of a standard and specialized type.

The first type materials are cement-based:

• " Weber vetonit DECO" - is a fine powder for filling narrow joints and is available in the 30-color pallet.

• "Weber vetonit PROF" is made from a coarse material. It has the property of fast hardening and is designed to fill wide, up to 10 mm, seams. This composition has only 8 shades.

Special types of grout are:

• « Weber vetonit SSL» - is a one-component type of grout that is used to seal expansion joints with a width of 5 ÷ 12 mm. The material is produced in 30- te colors .
• «Weber xerm 848» - epoxy joint filler consisting of two components. The composition is used to seal joints with a width of 2 ÷ 6 mm and has 5 colors. Most often, this specialized material is used for waterproofing joints in swimming pools, shower trays, with tiling laboratories or large areas in industrial premises.

In daily practice we use fine-grained for the sealing of the bathroom joints, therefore it is worth considering its characteristics:

Evaluation criteria	Indicators
Colors	30 different intone colors, which are shown in the above table.
Water Resistance	High Resistance	High
Substance	Cement
Filler	Mineral and Polymer Modifier
Size of Dry Mix	Maximum 0.1 mm
Operating temperature	5 ÷ 30 degrees during troweling and 48 hours after completion.
Water temperature in solution manufacturing.	Not more than 20 degrees.
Time to use the finished solution	One hour.
Hardening time	Cleaning of the tiles is carried out after 20 ÷ 30 minutes, complete hardening occurs after 48 hours.
Solution consumption	0,5 ÷ 1,2 kg / m² depending on the thickness and size of the tile, as well as the width of the joint.
Liquid consumption during mixing.	0,27 ÷ 0,32 l per 1 kg of dry mix
Possible joint width	1 ÷ 8 mm
Packing	Plastic bag with handle for 2;5 and paper three-layer packaging 15 kg.
Shelf life of dry mix	12 months in undamaged packaging in paper packaging and 24 in plastic.

It should be noted that this option is not recommended for use in waterproofing joints of pool tiles, shower pan or floors, which will be subjected to a heavy load. But for the walls and the bathroom floor, the material is ideal for the .

company products "Atlas"

"Atlas" - is a Polish company that is becoming more popular on the Russian market due to the high quality of its products. There are three variants of joint filler from company "Atlas" :

- grout on cement basis, designed for narrow joints;

- composition on a cement basis with impregnation of gloss elements;

is an epoxy two-component grouting.

Also the manufacturer offers paint-restorer , which is able to tidy old seams. In order to have an idea of ​​these materials, you can take a closer look at their characteristics:

Evaluation criteria	Cement for narrow joints	Epoxy "EXTRA"	Cement with gloss effect	Paint restorer
Indicators
Color palette( number of colors)	32	4	7	3
Joint width	0 ÷ 7 mm	1 ÷ 6 mm( walls) or 1 ÷ 610 mm( floor)	1 ÷ 10 mm	From 2 mm
Consumption	0.3 kg / m²( for laying tiles 30x30 cm with a clearance of 3 mm)	0,4 ÷ 2,3 kg / m²	0,3 kg/ m²( when laying tiles 30x30 cm with a gap of 3 mm)	1 packing is enough for 8 ÷ 15 m²
Application temperature	From +5 to +25 C °	From +10 to +25 C °	From +5 to+25 C °	From +5 to +25
Cooking proportions	1 part of water for 3 parts of dry mixture	13 parts of component B per 1 part of component A by weight( already prepacked)	1 part of water for 4 parts of dry mix	Readyto
Operation	Operation after 24 ÷ 48 hours	After 24 hours	After 24 hours	After 12 hours
Time of use	2 hours	30 minutes	2 hours	-
Packing	Bag 2 and 5 kg	Bucket 2 kg	Pail2 kg	Packaging 250 ml
Shelf life	2 years	1 go	2 years 2 years

All grouting this company is absolutely waterproof and can be used for the joints between the tiles in the bathroom, as well as underfloor heating in any of the rooms of an apartment or house.

Primary setting of the trowels takes place 15-30 minutes after application, and after this time, it is possible to clean the surface of the tile from the remnants of the composition with a wet sponge.

The complete premises for operation will be ready in 36 ÷ 48 hours, depending on the level of its humidity.

Domestic brand - "Unis Color "

"Unis" - is a Russian company that has been operating on the market for more than 10 years and produces its products in full compliance with international standards. Therefore, the "Unis" is not inferior in quality to mixtures of the most famous manufacturers.

Grouting "Unis Color" has a high hydrophobicity and is well suited for sealing seams in tiles laid on walls and floors in the bathroom. We also apply this compound to fill the gaps between the tiles laid on the warm floor.

The prepared mass of the solution has an excellent elasticity, so it is pleasant to work with it, since it easily fills the cavities. After curing, due to the same plasticity, no shrinkage cracks appear on the seams.

The material has a long service life, since after the set of strength it acquires the qualities of excellent water resistance and does not react in any way to external influences.

The trowelling compound is available in a range of 18 colors, from which you can choose the most suitable facing for .Tint colors «Unis Color»