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Grout, the whitish/yellowish substance seen in the image featured above, is commonly used for foundation repairs.
Foundation repairs are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of any building. Over time, foundations can develop cracks, voids, and other issues due to soil movement, moisture infiltration, and general wear and tear. Using the right type of grout is essential for effectively addressing these problems and ensuring the long-term stability of the structure. In this article, we'll explore the top 4 grout types for foundation repairs and guide you on how to choose the best one for your needs.
The aim of applying grout to a structure is to fill out gaps, thus ensuring structural stability and sealing out dust, dirt, and moisture.
However, not every type of grout functions identically. The product’s durability and resistance will depend on the type of grouting material used. So, before starting your construction project, it is essential for you to know more about the common types of grout to choose from to ensure you make an informed decision.
Choosing the right grout is essential, as it plays a pivotal role in ensuring the overall quality of your project and its longevity and durability.
Reason #1: Enhanced Structural Stability
The right grouting material can help reinforce the foundation, effectively preventing further deterioration. By providing a solid bond between building elements, it significantly enhances structural stability, ensuring that the infrastructure stands the test of time.
Reason #2: Increased Longevity
With the right grouting material, you can be confident that the structural foundation will remain robust and reliable for years to come, minimising the need for time-consuming and costly maintenance.
Reason #3: Adequate Protection Against Moisture
Moisture ingress can lead to serious structural issues, including water damage and mould growth. Utilising a non-porous, water-resistant grout can provide an effective barrier against moisture, safeguarding the foundation against the harmful effects of water and humidity.
Reason #4: Ensure The Right Fit For The Environment
Specific industrial settings or areas are constantly exposed to harsh chemicals. In such environments, it is vital to use grout that offers resistance to chemicals and stains, such as epoxy grout, to maintain the aesthetic and functional integrity of the structure, even under challenging conditions.
1. Cementitious Grout
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.
Moreover, cementitious grout is only water-resistant but not water-proof. That means the grout joint remains vulnerable to staining. Moisture that carries particles of dirt can still infiltrate the joint and cause deep staining. So, while cementitious grout remains one of the cheapest and easiest to work with grouting materials, most contractors have moved away from it in recent years.
2. Epoxy Grout
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 it easy to see why epoxy is one of the most popular grout types.
While epoxy grout is more expensive and challenging to install than standard cement grout, its nonporous nature can prevent air, moisture, dirt, oil, and grime from seeping behind the foundation. However, it tends to work best on dry surfaces, as the bond strength is significantly decreased when applied to wet areas.
3. High-Performance Polymer Cement Grout
Various manufacturers are beginning to introduce latex polymers to traditional cementitious grout formulas to improve the strength, sturdiness, and moisture resistance of standard cement grout. The end product is high-performance polymer cement grout, which offers increased durability, allowing a surface to withstand prolonged wear and tear from constant usage.
That makes high-performance polymer cement grout suitable for repairing damaged concrete structures or foundations where rapid strength development and durability are essential, as its strength ensures grout cracking or crumbling issues are a thing of the past. However, these benefits often come at a higher price point.
4. 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. One advantage of the PU grouting material is that it is a ready-to-use product that can be applied to a foundation without having to mix the grout with water.
Another benefit of PU grouting is that it is easy to apply and relatively affordable. However, there are currently no fixed industry standards regarding its usage. As a result, the grout’s properties can vary depending on the supplier. Therefore, we recommend reading the product specification beforehand to ensure it is suitable for the application.
When selecting a suitable grout, the most important thing to consider is its application. For example, is the grout meant for a location that is constantly under sustained pressure, like a tunnel? In that case, durability is an essential factor.
Meanwhile, you will require grout that is nonporous and water-resistant to repair the foundation of an environment constantly exposed to moisture, such as the Tuas Water Reclamation Plant. By keeping this information in mind, you can ensure you always make the right choice for your project.
At Adcos Asia, we provide a comprehensive range of speciality grout products to solve complex foundation issues, offering flexibility, adaptation, and customisation to meet the specific needs of your business. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings, including our portfolio of grouting pumps.
