With the arrival of spring comes warmer weather. Along with rising temperatures comes high moisture levels in the air, which could pose challenges for flooring installers on the jobsite—whether it’s indoors or outside. “It’s important for exterior installations to be protected from the [prospect] of efflorescence,” said Ian O’Connor, product manager, grout, care and tools, Custom Building Products.
He recommended a rapid-setting, high-performance cement grout as well as a rapid-set, high-performance mortar. “What that does is lock in any of the potential salt that would form the efflorescence. This will prevent that from defacing your installation. If the contractor, installer or owner of property takes that extra step in selecting materials properly for exterior applications, particularly in a wet and moist environment, it can help your installation to look beautiful for years to come.”
Following is an overview of some of the latest grouts and sealants designed to address issues on the jobsite.
Ardex
Ardex FL is a high-performance, rapid set, flexible, sanded grout that creates fuller, stronger grout joints and provides a smooth finish. The Portland cement-based, polymer-modified grout is both freeze/thaw resistant and water repellent, and is open to traffic in just 90 minutes. Whether it’s a floor or wall application, ArdexFL is suitable for interior and exterior installations of porcelain, glass, quarry, ceramic, mosaic and a selection of natural stone tiles. Being naturally resistant to mold and mildew makes it ideal for use in areas prone to water incursion. Ardex FL comes in more than 30 hues, making it ideal for a
wide variety of indoor and outdoor projects.
Bostik
For those looking for pre-mixed grouts to offer ease and quick installation, look no further than NeverSeal from Bostik. This commercial-grade grout provides color accuracy, water resistance, stain resistance and crack protection. What’s more, it is UV stable, which prevents colors from yellowing, darkening and fading and will never need to be sealed, according to the company.
NeverSeal boasts an installation rate that is up to 50% faster than traditional grouts, according to the company, and contains Bostik’s Blockade antimicrobial protection, which inhibits the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria that can cause stains. NeverSeal also contributes to LEED credits, making it appeal to those making it a point to stay environmentally conscious.
Custom Building Products
Prism Ultimate Performance, a latex-polymer modified, calcium aluminate cement-based formula, aims to set a new standard in cement-based grout technology. The product consists of a specially crafted blend of lightweight recycled glass and fine aggregate sand that makes a smooth, creamy consistency that is not only easy to spread but easy to clean.
Furthermore, Prism will not mottle or shade no matter the tile type, temperature or humidity and will keep a uniform, consistent color. It’s fast setting, does not require a sealer and is ideal for both floor and wall installations. Whether it’s used for countertops, tub surrounds, showers or another high-traffic area, this grout resists shrinking, cracking, powdering and wear and will not effloresce.
Stauf
As products all across the industry are making a point to be more environmentally conscious, Stauf follows suit with its ACS-210 True Seal acrylic concrete sealer/primer. This formula is low-odor, free of solvents, isocyanates and is certified as very low emissions. In addition to its eco-friendly attributes, ACS-210 True Seal features a moisture barrier specifically created to mitigate the moisture pressure (85% RH) from a humid subfloor to an acceptable level needed for flooring installation to begin. The formula spreads easily, creates a dust-free and evenly absorbent surface and is ideal for concrete subfloors.
