When it comes to tiling a wet area like a shower or a balcony, the type of grout you choose is just as important as the tiles themselves. The wrong grout will degrade, stain, and eventually leak.
Here in Brisbane, where the climate is humid and wet areas see heavy use, traditional cement grout often falls short. Enter epoxy grout — the undisputed king of wet area sealing. But what exactly is the difference?
Traditional Cement Grout
Cement-based grout is the industry standard. It's cheap, easy to apply, and readily available. However, its biggest flaw is that it is highly porous. Like a sponge, it absorbs water, soap scum, dirt, and bacteria. Over time, constant exposure to water causes cement grout to weaken, crack, and wash out. This is the primary cause of most leaking showers.
Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grout is fundamentally different. Instead of a cement and water mix, it's made from epoxy resins and a filler powder. The resulting product is virtually impenetrable.
Here’s why epoxy grout is superior for showers and balconies:
- 100% Waterproof: It does not absorb water, making it the ultimate defence against leaks.
- Stain and Chemical Resistant: Harsh cleaning chemicals and hair dyes will not discolour or break down epoxy grout.
- Mould Resistant: Because it’s non-porous, mould spores cannot penetrate the surface to grow roots.
- Extremely Durable: It is highly flexible and won't crack or crumble due to building movement.
The Verdict
While epoxy grout is more expensive and requires specialist application skills, the investment pays for itself. A shower sealed with epoxy grout will outlast a cement-grouted shower by years, and requires far less maintenance.
At Superfine Regrouting, we highly recommend our epoxy regrouting service for anyone looking for a permanent, watertight, and pristine finish.