b'Mortars and groutsPre-mixed grout has helped drive the construction indus- an epoxy, RTU grouts are a bargain.try forward by helping installers do their jobs more effec- Merkretes Carroll agreed, adding, Since the trend to tively, noted Mintie. In addition to time savings thanks tolarger format tile and smaller joint widths is growing, less a faster preparation, pre-mixed grout helps to simplify thegroutisrequiredforeachinstallation.Thisallowsthe installation process by eliminating the guesswork. Installerscontractortojustifyusingahigher-priced,higher-per-no longer need to worry about meeting the exact amountforming grout because the square foot cost is negligible. of water necessary to achieve the desired consistency, like Louis Iannacothey would with traditional grout.Pre-mixed grout can also be less expensive when used for smaller jobs because these products can usually beThe NTCA Reference purchased in small quantities. Any left over grout can beManual was developed to saved and then used on other projects, Mintie said, sig- identify recurring challeng-nificantly reducing waste. Some pre-mixed grouts alreadyes to successful installa-contain materials like latex or urethane, which can helptions of tile and stone, rec-improve adhesion and eliminates the need for sealing. ognize potential problems, and to gain consensus InthePortlandcementgroutcategory,moreandfrom industry experts on more installers are electing to upgrade their grout selec- offering solutions. Some of tion to a rapid setting, CAC-Calcium Aluminate Cement,the topics include:which offers higher performance specifications and typi-callyadherestoANSIA118.7,notedDavidMowery, MAPEIsBusinessManagerforSpot bondingColor Products and UltraCare.Proper preparation and ANSI requirementsTraditionalPortlandcementCuring compounds and release agentsgrouts typically only achieve ANSIInterior installation of tile over exterior glued A118.6specification,Moweryplywoodsaid.Giventhetrendtolarger- Preparation for thickset installationsformattileandgapwidthstypi- Movement jointscally in the 3/8 range, less groutQuestionable/unsuitable substratesDavid Mowery Backerboardsis being required per square foot,Concrete substrate issueshe added. This allows the contractor/installer to justifyUnderlayments, trowelable and pouredthe higher price given the higher-performance character- Loss of underlayment bond to substrateistics. With the higher-performance grouts, the contrac- Cracking underlaymenttor/installerwillgainmoreperformancefeaturessuchSoft or powdery underlaymentasnoefflorescence,enhancedcolorconsistency,rapidPoured gypsum underlaymentsetting for earlier foot traffic, and no sealing required. Steam roomsAnothercategoryofgroutisshowingmajorgrowthGlass tile descriptionas well, noted Mowery. The use of ready-to-use (RTU)Glass tile installationsgrouts is moving out of the DIY arena and into the com- Shower issues with tub/shower combo andprefab shower pansmercial contractor/installer channel. This is being drivenPosition statement on GPTPby improvement in overall performance in this grout cat- Radiant heat issues for tile and stone installationsegory. RTU grout chemistry includes acrylics, urethanes,Recommendation for exterior tile maintenanceand hybrid versions.Care and maintenanceWhen cost is a considerationand it always isthe product cost for RTU grouts vs. traditional cement grouts are higher, he continued. Yet, when you factor in theTo order your reductioninlabortimeforinstallation,nosealingNTCA Reference Manual visitrequired,nocallbacks,noefflorescence,colorconsis- www.tile-assn.comtency and the chemical- and stain-resistance provided by 582019|TECH'