NASCLA Accredited Commercial General ContractorFinishesMedium
A contractor is installing ceramic tile in a high-traffic commercial restroom. To ensure the grout resists staining, mildew, and chemical degradation, which type of grout is most appropriate?
- ASanded cementitious grout
- BUnsanded cementitious grout
- CEpoxy grout
- DAcrylic latex modifying grout
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Epoxy grout
Epoxy grout offers superior resistance to staining, mildew, chemicals, and abrasion compared to cementitious grouts. Its non-porous nature makes it ideal for demanding environments like commercial restrooms where hygiene and durability are critical.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Sanded cementitious grout is more durable than unsanded but still porous and requires sealing, and its chemical resistance is limited.
- B. Unsanded cementitious grout is porous and prone to staining and mildew, requiring sealing, and lacks chemical resistance.
- D. Acrylic latex modifying grout improves the performance of cementitious grout but does not offer the same level of stain and chemical resistance as epoxy grout.
Epoxy Grout
A two-part grout system (resin and hardener) that forms a dense, non-porous, and highly durable joint, offering excellent resistance to stains, chemicals, and mildew.
- Two-part system
- Non-porous
- High chemical/stain resistance
Memory trick: For 'commercial restrooms' and 'super durability', 'Epoxy' grout is the 'clean' choice.