As any good DIYer knows, there is never just one way of doing a job that needs doing inside the house. So when it comes to grouting tiles in a bathroom or shower room, it is no surprise then that it can be done in several different ways.
Some of the alternatives to the traditionally used grout that is cement based, include none cement versions, such as urethane grout, silicone sealant, caulk, latex additives, and epoxy grout. With there being so many different alternatives currently available on the market, the days of only using grout in the bathroom are well and truly over.
One of the main reasons why people are turning away from using grout, especially lighter colored grout, is because of how unclean and dirty it can get. It requires lots of cleaning and maintenance in order to keep it in good condition. If you already have grout in your bathroom and would like to see it restored to its former glory, then reach out to this grout restoration company who can clean it up and get it looking great again.
Some of the main alternatives that people use when grouting their bathroom include the following materials:
- Caulk – a highly versatile material, caulk can be used anywhere in a bathroom where two different materials meet one another. Wherever there is a seam, caulk is the ideal solution and can be very easily applied. Just like grout, it is available in a range of different colors. The only problem with this alternative is that it can shrink over time.
- Urethane grout – this type seals itself and is a good alternative to synthetic grout. There are a number of things about urethane grout which are particularly good. The first is that it resists mildew and mold, it is very hard to stain, and it even seals itself. Once it has been applied to the tile, there is no need for a second layer. It works best with tiles that are made from glass and is available in a pre mixed form for ultimate convenience.
- Epoxy grout – this alternative contains epoxy additives and silica fibers that provide extra strength. Epoxy grout is also well known for being highly durable and able to withstand moisture, chemical erosion, and staining, thus making it the ideal material to use in a bathroom. It does have the potential to stain some tiles so be careful during application.
- Silicone sealant – silicone provides an excellent alternative to using traditional grout and is well suited to bathrooms with it being water resistant. It is able to withstand lots of pressure over time and does not crack like grout does. This is because it buffers any movement that the wall or tiles experience.
Latex additives – this can be used with a wide variety of different tile materials. Where used indoors or outdoors, or for stone or glass tiles, latex additives increase both durability and versatility when added to the powder of grout that is cement based.