Waterproofing Ball Grout

[Moyoltd]

Hi guys,

I really like working with Ball grout but as it is cement based absorbs the water. I do use grout sealer but as most clients use hars chemicals to clean limescale for obvious resons it disolves quite quickly.

So my idea would be to mix Sica Waterproofer into the grout to make it waterproof.
Would it work? Did anyone tried it? Or is there any alternative admix?

Thanks
Danny

 

[L95]

Explain to your customers that bleaching etc damages the grout and that a PH neutral cleaner can be picked up from most tile specialists.

In regards to waterproofing. Epoxy resin grouts are the only chemical and waterproof grouts that let nothing in but not for the faint hearted. They require specialist installation and one wrong moment can reckon everything.

For admixture, BAL make an ad mix called GT1 for their grouts and AD1 for their adhesives. Ring their tech department for exact information but that's your best bet I reckon.

 

[Moyoltd]

Thanks for the reply,

I tried to explain but in the same time I'm having the same problem. Water is really hard in london which generates lots of limescale. Bought some ball tile cleaner from topps tiles but it's impossible to get the scale off with that.

I do use GT1 but that is only increase the flexibility nothing else.

What other brand would you recommend which is better waterproofin wise?

Apparently Mapei grouts are water resistant, any experience with that?

Used it a couple of times, not bad to work with but haven't revisited the place to see it later on.
http://www.screwfix.com/p/mapei-bui...xb8P8HAQ#product_additional_details_container

 

[L95]

Thanks for the reply,

I tried to explain but in the same time I'm having the same problem. Water is really hard in london which generates lots of limescale. Bought some ball tile cleaner from topps tiles but it's impossible to get the scale off with that.

I do use GT1 but that is only increase the flexibility nothing else.

What other brand would you recommend which is better waterproofin wise?

Apparently Mapei grouts are water resistant, any experience with that?

Used it a couple of times, not bad to work with but haven't revisited the place to see it later on.
http://www.screwfix.com/p/mapei-buildfix-flexible-wall-floor-grout-charcoal-2-5kg/46020?kpid=KINASEKPID&cm_mmc=GoogleLocal-_-Datafeed-_-Sealants%20and%20Adhesives&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&gclid=Cj0KEQjw76jGBRDm1K-X_LnrmuEBEiQA8RXYZ0cf0ag9xU7-ckOqIzSaptpAwbnqlerXDe9JIVHz8fQaAhxb8P8HAQ#product_additional_details_container

Are you using the BAL basic wall grout or the Micromax2?

Topps Grout Cleaner probably won't work on limescale but go to your local store and ask them if they know of anything else you could try. For the record, it's manufactured by Fila not BAL.

BALs worst product still leaves Mapei in the dust as far as I'm concerned. You would be downgrading the quality without a payoff personally. If your happy with BAL quality then don't settle for less. Ardex are probably the only other brand I'd personally try.

GT1 enhances both the water resistance and flexibility.

The fuzzy bit....

When a grout says waterproof or water resistant it only means it won't turn to mush when wet. As I previously stated, Epoxy Resin based grout (BAL make one called Easypoxy) is the only waterproof grout that repels water entirely but it is not suitable for anything flexible and is definitely NOT a diy product. The only other epoxy I know of is the Kerapoxy that Mapei make which Tile Giant sells for patching travetrine.

My standard combo when I do tile is Micromax2 and Grout Sealer. FYI, my nearby topps told me that the only reason that Micromax2 is no good for swimming pools is because it hasn't been tested on how it reacts with Chlorine and the Micro stuff that it uses.

 

[Moyoltd]

Thanks for the information.

Definitely dont want to compromise on quality. I did a test piece yesterday. Just had some leftover metro tiles which i stuk on Aquapanel. Mixed some SBR into the grout. Might be a crazy idea but lets see... Will let you know how does it behave with water.

Yes, i do the same with micromax2 + sealer.
Now I always leave a bottle of sealer for the client so they can spray over after a few months.

Good to know that GT1 helps with water resistance too. Didn't know that.

Thanks again for your help.

Danny