11 Feb Grouts tiles installation by Mykonos Cerámica

The grout is the gap that is left between all the contiguous ceramic tiles.

It is a very important element, both for its technical and aesthetic functions.

Grouts reduce movements and stresses of the flooring: the movements of the structures generate compressive stresses between the tiles which are discharged onto the grouting material.

The tile grout also serves as a first level of stress propagation reduction between the ceramic tiles.

They also improve the overall adherence of the tile, slow down the passage of water, and dissipate steam.

DECORATION

The Messina serie by Mykonos Cerámica

The joints of the tiles also serve a decorative function.
These vary from 1 mm for straight edge tiles to the 5 mm that is usually used in more rustic atmosphere and tiles with uneven edges.
If we are looking for a more chic and minimalist style, we will use a minimum joint of 1 mm, and we will look for a color for the filling, as close as possible to the tone of our tile, to create a uniform vision of the room.
If, on the contrary, we are looking for a more rustic space, the wider the joint, the more it will help us to create this effect.
We may both apply different colors to contrast with the tile, or mimic with it.

MEASURES

The Alaska serie by Mykonos Cerámica

Some measures must be taken before grouting.

•  The grouting must be done with materials developed specifically for this purpose defined and classified in the UNE EN 13888 standard.
•  The grouting will be carried out at least 24 hours after the placement of the ceramic pieces.
• The application of the grouting material will be carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Generally we will use a CG2 type grouting material.
• For cases in which high mechanical strength, tightness and chemical resistance are required, we will use RG1 type grouting material.
• The grouting paste will be spread using a suitable rubber trowel, filling the joints in all their depth with diagonal movements.

Ceramic tiles grouting

CEMENTOUS GROUTS
Cementitious grouts are defined in the standard as CG and are divided into the two basic classes CG1 and CG2, which are, respectively, the regular class and the improved one, in addition to the special classes A, for products with high resistance to abrasion and W, for those with low water absorption.

A class CG1 grout can be considered sufficient for residential and commercial ceramic or porcelain tile installations that are not subject to excessive temperature and humidity variations.

The use of class CG2 grouting material is recommended for surfaces subjected for prolonged periods to conditions of high humidity and sudden temperature changes, or exposed to intense traffic, in commercial and industrial areas.

* Although the standard does not distinguish between normal-setting and fast-setting grouts, the latter are preferable when surfaces need to be put into service quickly, which is the case of stores in shopping centers, airports, public spaces, swimming pools, etc.

EPOXY GROUTS
Epoxy grouts those of the RG class, are normally used when a high level of hygiene is required on the surfaces, or a special chemical or mechanical resistance.

Therefore, they are especially suitable for industrial facilities. they are also frequently used in residential environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, etc., in which it is necessary to guarantee easy and deep cleaning of the joints.

To find out what type of mortar to apply according to the desired effect, the room, and the tile to be used, please ask at the store where you buy Mykonos Cerámica.

In a future post we will deal with cleaning the joints after the tiling.