EN13888- Grout Classification

Defining the design aspects and performance parameters of tile adhesive and tile grout is considered the basis for successful tile installation??

The majority of the tile grout used in a building is a cement base grout, tile grout is a proprietary cementitious base made of a blend of cement, re-dispersible polymer powder, pigment, fine granulometric aggregates, mixed with water, or fortified with a liquid latex additive (in-replacement of water) to produce a free-flowing self-leveling compound that can easily fill the joint between the tiles and natural stone. The popularity of cementitious grout is owned to its durability and economical use.??

Modern chemistry has added to the improved performance of cementitious grout, in cooperating different types of polymers such as DropEffect technology have reduced the affinity of the cementitious grout absorbing water by blocking the capillary pores and the possibility of the dirt accumulating on the surface. Thanks once again for modern chemistry which contributed greatly to improving the cementitious grout by introducing the BioBlock? Technology to eliminate the mold and mildew formation, having said that the epoxy grout remains superior in its performance. In spite, of the above, the cement base grout can stain easily when in contact with colored liquids such as coffee, catchup, juices, or tomato sauce.

?With the continued advancement in the tile manufacturing industry the use of epoxy grout is growing in popularity, not only that epoxy grout can add greatly where chemical spillage is inevitable, or preserve an extremely hygienic environment such as hospitals and pharmaceutical industry, kitchens, and food preparation areas.? Cementitious grout can soften over time when applied in swimming pools due to prolonged exposure to chlorine disinfectant but with epoxy, they can last many years without any significant problems. Epoxy grouts are not prone to cracking and can take harsh chemicals found in surface cleaning agents

The? EN 13888 European Standard is applicable to ceramic tile grouts for internal and external tile installations on walls and floors.

This standard gives the terminology concerning the products, working methods, application properties, etc., for ceramic tile grouts.

The? European Standard specifies the performance requirements for cementitious and reaction resin grouts for ceramic tiles.

Ceramic tile grouts can also be used for other types of tiles (natural and agglomerated stones, etc.), where these do not adversely affect these materials.

Ceramic tile grouts are defined in two types, according to EN13888

• CG Cementitious grout
• RG Reaction resin grout

For cementitious grouts, it is possible to have different classes, related to the different additional characteristics,

in accordance with Tables 1 and 2. These classes are designated with the following references:

1 Normal grout

2 Improved grout (meets the requirements for additional characteristics, indicated as:

W reduced water absorption or A high abrasion resistance)

Both cement base and epoxy-based grout have their pros and cons, the most important is how to select the right grout for the right application:

1. Indoor or outdoor?
2. Wet or dry area.
3. Type of the tiles (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, or agglomerate …)
4. Size of the tile (width x length and thickness).
5. Color range.

Mapei has a special grout in both cement base and epoxy matching with movement joint silicone sealant colors, such as Ultracolor Plus, Keracolor FF, Kerapoxy, Kerapoxy Easy, and more.

Visit our website: www.mapei.ae for the variety of grout types and colors.