Can I Grout Straight After Tiling?
Applying grout is a key step in the tile laying process. Grout helps to fill in the gaps between the tile and helps to seal the surface to protect it from moisture and bacteria.
Flooring specialists understand the importance of proper drying times. They also know how to correctly apply each type of grout to different tile materials. If you have decided to complete your tile floor installation on your own, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
Here at Atlas Ceramics, we often get calls from homeowners curious about when is the best time to apply grout during the installation process.
Is It Okay To Grout Right After Laying Tiles?
Tile adhesive is formulated to bond tiles directly with walls, floors, and back-splashes. The bonding process is a critical time where the tiles should not be disturbed. That means they should not be leaned on, walked on, or have any type of pressure applied to them until the drying process is completed.
Tiles that are disturbed before the tile adhesive has dried can become misaligned. This can ruin the aesthetics of the tile and prevent a solid seal.
Why Not To Grout Straight After Laying Tiles
It’s not easy to fix tiles once they have been knocked out of their placement. Often, you will need to break the tile further and replace it with a new one. You will also have to apply a new layer of adhesive.
Applying grout will put pressure on the tiles during the application and smoothing process. Therefore the thin-set mortar must be allowed to dry fully before grouting. We recommend Weber Joint Premium as the best grout for tile application. This product is highly rated by our tilers and traders alike.
Our Recommendations
Here at Atlas Ceramics, we recommend Weber set plus as the best tile adhesive for your tile installation. Weber PLC is one of the best companies for supplying the tile industry with a range of tiling equipment, adhesives, and general installation products. Follow the link above to see their website and their wonderful range of grouting products.
What Is Thin-set Mortar?
Thin-set mortar is a type of tile adhesive, that is the most commonly used adhesive for residential locations. It is mostly used on countertops, backsplashes, showers, and floors. The product works well with many different types of tiles, such as porcelain and ceramic.
There are two other types of adhesive. These are epoxy and mastic, which we will go over later in the article.
Just like concrete, tile adhesives must be cured properly in order to create a strong bond with the tile. When properly cured they are extremely durable compounds. Improper curing or immediate grouting can result in loose tiles being installed, or even cracked tiles.
How Long Should You Wait Before Grouting?
Grouting should be completed only after the tile adhesive has completely dried. Drying times will vary depending on the type of mortar used and the amount of moisture in the mortar. The humidity in the environment, and the temperature of the room will also affect the drying times.
The shortest time after laying tile that you can grout is 24 hours. However, it is much better to wait at least 48 hours before grouting. This is to give the mortar ample time to set and dry before pressure is applied.
Choose a nice and dry day to lay your tile. The ideal setting temperature is between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. The room will need to be properly ventilated, but not exposed to the elements. Adhesive exposed to the surface will dry quicker than that under the tile, so it is important to give the mortar ample time to cure even it if appears ready to grout.
What Is The Difference Between Setting And Curing?
Any products that have a cement base must dry before moving on to the next step. The term “dry” and “set” mean the same and can be used interchangeably.
Curing is different. It is a chemical process within the mortar that helps it to bond with the tiles and other surfaces.
The process starts from the moment water is added to the mixture and will continue until the mortar has completely set. Mortar used to affix tiles to the wall or floor is a blend of chemicals, cement, and polymers. There are some brands of tile adhesive that have added ingredients that will speed up the curing process. This is usually labelled as a quick-set mortar.
Why Should I Wait Before Applying My Grout?
If you want a tiled floor that will stand up to just about anything you can throw at it, make sure you give the floor the time it needs to properly cure.
There is no reason not to wait to apply grout, unless you have used a quick-set tile adhesive. The thin-set mortar needs time and air to properly set and cure for strong bonding. Improper curing can lead to a flaky adhesive, which will cause loose or failing tiles and bonds.
How We Can Help
Laying down new tiles is a great way to refresh the look of any room in your home. If you are interested in doing it yourself, we hope that our tips above will make your project a success. For those interested in leaving the hard work up to the professionals, Atlas Ceramics is always here to serve. Give us a call today on 01425 621173 to find out more about our products and services.
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