If you’re considering using epoxy grout for your shower or bathtub, make sure you know exactly what it can and cannot do.
Epoxy grout is an easy-to-install material that can be used to repair cracked tile, but not all epoxy grouts are created equal.
When shopping for a waterproofing product, there are several things to keep in mind: How long will the grout last?
What is the best brand of epoxy? Which type of bathroom should you use this stuff in? In this article, we’ll answer all these questions so that by the end of it; you’ll know exactly what sort of project would benefit from using an epoxy grout coating.
How long does epoxy grout last in a shower?
Epoxy grout can last for many years if you take care of it. Regular cleaning will help it last longer, as well as not using it for showering.
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Which grout is waterproof?
There are four different types of grout in the world: epoxy, polyurethane, silicone, and polymeric. Each type is waterproof in its own way.
Epoxy grout is waterproof because it has a very high water absorption rate. However, this makes it very difficult to clean off residue from your hands once you’ve touched it.
It also can’t be used on porous surfaces such as concrete or brick because they will absorb moisture over time and create cracks in your wall as a result of expansion and contraction (which isn’t good).
- Polyurethane Grout
Polyurethane grouts have a lower absorption rate than epoxies but still retain their waterproof status after installation due to their chemical makeup (they’re basically super glue).
They don’t absorb much water at all so there’s no need for sealing afterward; however, they can crack if exposed to too much moisture over time—especially if you live somewhere humid like Florida or Louisiana!
A good rule of thumb is that if you live near water (like on an island), then use epoxy instead.”
What are the disadvantages of epoxy grout?
While epoxy grout has a lot going for it, it does come with some disadvantages:
- It’s more expensive than other types of grout. Epoxy is strong and durable—and this comes at a price. Epoxy can cost more than twice as much per square foot as other types of grout.
- It is more difficult to work with than other types of grout. While you can use colored epoxy to match your tiles and give them an elegant look, it takes practice and patience to get the effect that you want without making mistakes along the way. In addition, since epoxy sets quickly when mixed together with water and hardens even faster once applied to your tile surface, you have very little time in which everything must be done perfectly before the entire project becomes permanent! If anything goes wrong while working with epoxy then chances are good that any mistakes made will remain visible forever unless they’re repaired immediately after installation occurs (which isn’t always possible).
- Cleaning up after installation requires care because all surfaces exposed
Which is better cement grout or epoxy grout?
Cement grout is usually cheaper than epoxy, but you’ll be paying for it in other ways. Epoxy grout is more difficult to clean, apply and repair—and even removing epoxy can be a pain. Cement is more forgiving.
Should I use epoxy grout on shower walls?
Epoxy grout is not waterproof. Because of this, you should not use epoxy grout on shower walls or in areas where moisture can get trapped between the tiles and wall.
- For example, if you’re using a cement backer board (like Hardibacker) on your shower walls and are planning to install tile over it, your best bet is to go with a different type of grout like quartz or sanded acrylic. The cement backer board isn’t waterproof either but it has more wiggle room than other types do when it comes to choosing what type of grout will work best for your project.
- On top of that, some epoxies are better at resisting water than others are so you’ll need to make sure you read reviews before buying any product! You don’t want to spend hours installing tile only have water seep through later because your trowel didn’t lay down enough sealer.”
Does epoxy grout grow mold?
Mold is a fungus that grows in damp or wet areas, such as those found in bathrooms and kitchens. Mold can grow on your epoxy grout, which may cause the grout to become discolored with mold spores.
Epoxy grout is not resistant to mold because it does not have any anti-mold properties, unlike other types of tile grouts.
Therefore, it’s important to make sure you choose an appropriate type of tile for your bathroom if you want it to be mold-free.
How long will epoxy grout last?
Epoxy grout is a permanent solution. It will not fade, chip, or peel away over time and is extremely durable.
Because it can withstand moisture and constant exposure to water, epoxy flooring is a good choice for areas that are exposed to high amounts of moisture such as basements and bathrooms.
Epoxy grout also has many other benefits including:
- It’s easy to clean with soap and warm water; simply wipe down your floors after you mop them and the grout will shine up beautifully.
- There’s no need for a primer before application; just brush on two coats of epoxy polymer (the mixture used in creating the flooring) using an applicator pad included with your kit purchase!
How do I make grout resistant to water?
You can use a sealer to make grout resistant to water. A sealer is any compound that will prevent water from getting in between the tile and the grout.
You could also use a waterproofing agent or paint, which are both similar to a sealer, but they’re not as thick and will go on more smoothly than a sealer would.
Some seals are better than others because they don’t swell when exposed to moisture like some types of caulking do. If you want your grout sealed against future damage, opt for one of these kinds of seals instead!
Conclusion
Epoxy grout is a great option if you want to make your bathroom or kitchen more water resistant. It provides a waterproof seal that keeps mold and mildew away from your tiles, while still letting their natural beauty of them shine through!
