Epoxy grout is a great solution for sealing and waterproofing bathroom tile. It’s especially useful if you plan on installing tile over an existing shower stall or bathtub.
Epoxy grout is available in both solid and hollow forms, and can be tinted to match the color of your tiles.
But before you start applying epoxy grout, make sure it’s right for your project. Learn about the pros and cons of using epoxy grout here!
How long will epoxy grout last?
Epoxy grout is a great option for people who want their tile and grout to last as long as possible. Here’s why:
- Epoxy grout is less porous than standard grout. This means that it’s less likely to get stained, moldy, or mildewed over time because the epoxy seals out dirt and other contaminants from getting into the spaces between your tiles.
- Epoxy does not absorb moisture as regular grout does, so it’ll stay dryer for longer than traditional grouts can keep up with. This also means that you’re less likely to have problems with mold growth in your bathroom tiles—another plus!
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What are the disadvantages of epoxy grout?
While epoxy grout is a great choice for many projects, it does come with a few disadvantages. These can be especially important to consider when deciding whether or not to use epoxy grout on your project.
- When compared to traditional tile grout, epoxy is more expensive. It can take longer than four hours for an average-sized bathroom floor to cure after application and drying time; however, if you’re concerned about cracks in the long run, consider adding some extra time into your hiring process so that you can get the best possible product installed correctly.
Is epoxy grout more flexible?
Epoxy grout is more flexible than regular grouting material. In fact, it can be installed in a wide range of temperatures and is resistant to cracking, shrinking, and expansion.
This makes epoxy grout an excellent choice for patching or repairing existing tile work.
How do you repair cracked epoxy grout?
Repairing cracked epoxy grout is relatively straightforward, though it will require a fair amount of patience and elbow grease. If you’ve got the time and energy to tackle this task yourself, follow these steps:
- Remove all loose or flaky sections of grout with a wire brush, then wipe away any dust using a damp cloth.
- Apply an epoxy grout repair kit according to its instructions (usually with an applicator stick) while wearing rubber gloves; allow it to dry according to the package directions before proceeding further.
- Use sandpaper to remove any excess material that remains on the surface after drying, then wipe away any dust using a damp cloth once again before re-grouting as normal
Is epoxy grout a good idea?
If you’re going with epoxy grout, it’s definitely a good idea. The material is durable and less porous than traditional grout, which means it’ll be easier to clean.
It also makes your floor more slip-resistant than other types of grout would (even though it does still have some “give” on the surface).
Is epoxy grout worth the price?
If you want to avoid the hassle of replacing your cracked grout and slabs, epoxy grout is a good choice.
It costs more than traditional grout—it’s usually about 10% more expensive per square foot—but it’s a one-time investment that will last you several years.
The pros of epoxy over traditional grout include:
- It’s easy to install and clean. Epoxy comes in powder form and must be mixed with water before application, but it goes on quickly with a trowel or jointing tool. Once it’s applied, you can use a damp sponge to wipe away any excess material without damaging the surface below. This makes cleaning up spills or splatters easy!
Can you apply epoxy grout over existing grout?
Yes, you can apply epoxy grout over existing grout! It is important to remove the old grout before applying epoxy, as some types of epoxy may not adhere properly to an existing grout.
If you are going to apply epoxy over an existing surface, make sure you use the correct amount of product and apply it in the right way.
Will epoxy grout absorb water?
It’s important to know that epoxy grout is not waterproof. Even though it’s water resistant, it should not be used in areas prone to moisture damage or directly exposed to water such as swimming pools and bathrooms.
However, if you have a dry basement or garage with concrete floors and you want to add some color and texture, then this type of flooring can work great for your home.
You should make sure that there is good drainage in the area where you are planning on installing this type of flooring because epoxy grout absorbs moisture when it gets wet and will dry out over time if proper ventilation is provided.
Conclusion
While it’s true that epoxy grout will crack, you shouldn’t be too concerned about it. In most cases, these cracks are superficial and can be easily repaired with an epoxy patch kit.
An epoxy patch kit is a small package containing everything needed for repairing minor cracks in your epoxy concrete surface: a tube of epoxy grout, sanding pads, and instructions.
The best part about this kit is that it’s always at hand when you need it!
