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Grout, a mixture of cement, sand, and water or chemicals, is used to repair concrete cracks, fill seams and gaps, and waterproof structures. It also helps strengthen the foundations of load-bearing structures.
Types Of Grouting
Cementitious Grouting
Cementitious grout, a mixture of sand and water, is one of the most common grouting materials available. Its high strength and durability mean it is an excellent traditional option to fill voids and crevices in the structures. However, depending on the application or formulation, cementitious grout may present a limited ability to penetrate fine soils or voids.
Epoxy Grouting
Epoxy grout is renowned for its high durability and versatility, chemical-resistant properties, and nonporous nature. Not to mention that it is stain-resistant and dries faster than cement grout. That, along with its long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements, makes epoxy one of the go-to grouting materials for various projects in Singapore.
High-Performance Polymer Cement Grout
High-performance polymer cement grout is derived from introducing latex polymers to traditional cementitious grout formulas to improve the strength, sturdiness, and moisture resistance of standard cement grout. The end product offers increased durability, allowing a surface to withstand prolonged wear and tear from constant usage. That makes it suitable for repairing damaged concrete structures or foundations where rapid strength development and durability are essential.
Polyurethane Grout
Polyurethane (PU) grout is typically made with polyurethane polymers, fine fillers, and water, giving it a moisture-resistant formula that helps prevent staining and mould growth. This grouting material is easy to use and can be applied to a foundation without having to mix the grout with water.
Grouting offers various benefits, including:
Grount can fill voids in construction materials, boosting overall structural stability and ensuring a solid, reliable build.
Depending on the grouting material used, grout can create a barrier that prevents water and other fluid leakages.
Specific grout, like concrete grouting material, can provide additional strength and support, enhancing the load-bearing capacity of structures.
Grouts are crucial for soil stabilisation, especially in the construction of foundations or underground structures.
The right grouting material can effectively seal off existing cavities and gaps, preventing water infiltration and soil intrusion.
Leaks and water ingress are the bane of every asset owner’s existence, as these issues could snowball and manifest significant problems down the line if they are not nipped in the bud. One effective solution that has proven its mettle in combating leaks and water ingress is injection grouting. This process involves injecting specialised materials into the cracks and voids of structures to prevent or repair leaks.
Polyurethane (PU) injection grouting is often employed in most water leakage issues, as it is more cost-effective than other traditional methods. With that said, it is essential for asset owners to understand the characteristics of each type of grouting material and its purpose to ensure they make an informed decision on any waterproofing works or leakage repair. Let us shed light on the types of injection grouting materials that play a crucial role in leak repairs.
As we shared earlier, PU grouting is often viewed as the best option in dealing with water leakage issues, as the versatile and expansive nature of closed-cell polyurethane makes it suitable for both fine cracks and larger fissures, creating a resilient and flexible seal, thus ensuring a durable and permanent watertight solution.
This method involves injecting resin into the affected area or crack line, causing a chemical reaction when it comes into contact with water and filling up the void in these crack spaces. The added benefit of modern PU grouting is the lack of hacking work involved, as contractors only need to drill a hole into the affected area to inject the resin. As such, it is hassle-free and often cheaper.
Like polyurethane, epoxy grouting is derived from mixing a base material and a hardener. The adhesive material created makes most grouting works reliable due to the robust bond when applied. As a result, this grouting method has an extremely low failure rate and is suitable for tiny and ultra fine cracks.
However, epoxy often takes a longer time to cure, usually requiring more than 1 hour at room temperature. Therefore, moisture sensitive epoxy will need to be considered for water ingress situation. Furthermore, the epoxy structure will inevitably be damaged if the substrate cracks further. As a result, asset owners must contact a contractor to resolve this shortcoming when it happens.
Cementitious grouting relies on a mixture of sand and water, the most traditional form of grouting. This injection material can be further divided into two sub-categories – sanded and non-sanded grouts. The former is suitable for joint widths above 4mm. Conversely, the latter is for those 4mm and lower.
While cement injection grouting is often used for large cavity filling within a structure, most contractors have moved away from this method in recent years, as it is high viscous in nature, it requires high mechanical pressure to grout into the structure. That will stress and damage the structure further. Not to mention that cement usually stains surfaces, requiring more work hours and downtime to maintain the property.
Acrylic grouting features a permanent gel with low adhesive, compressive, and tear strength, making it extremely stain and crack-resistant. As a result, this injection material is most suitable for dynamic cracks and movement joints.
Another crucial benefit of acrylic grouting is that it can be used for curtain grouting. Behind the existing concrete, brick or masonry walls, where it is impossible to install a new waterproofing membrane on the positive side (against the earth).
Injection grouting is a reliable solution for dealing with leaks and water ingress precisely and efficiently. Each type of injection material – polyurethane, epoxy, cementitious, and acrylic – brings its own strengths to the situation, catering to the unique demands of different scenarios. As such, choosing the ideal injection material depends on the specific needs of the individual and structure.
If you are experiencing leakage in your commercial or residential unit, look no further than Adcos Asia for your leak-sealing needs. Our portfolio offers a broad range of speciality chemicals to solve complex issues, such as heavy water ingress and structure leakage, providing flexibility and customisation to meet the specific needs of each project. Contact us today to learn more about our chemical grouting solutions.
