Grout is a construction material used to embed rebars in masonry walls, connect sections of pre-cast concrete, fill voids, and seal joints (like those between tiles). Grout is generally composed of a mixture of water, cement, sand, often color tint, and sometimes fine gravel (if it is being used to fill the cores of cement blocks). It is applied as a thick emulsion and hardens over time, much like its close relative mortar.
Main varieties include: tiling grout (either urethane, cement-based or epoxy), flooring grout, resin grout, non-shrink grout, structural grout and thixotropic grout.
Structural grout is used in reinforced masonry to fill voids in masonry housing reinforcing steel, securing the steel in place and bonding it to the masonry. Non-shrink grout is used beneath metal bearing plates to ensure a consistent bearing surface between the plate and its substrate.
Tiling grout is used to fill the spaces between tiles or mosaics, and is often used to secure tile to its base. Although ungrouted mosaics do exist, most have grout between the tesserae.
There are a few tools associated with applying and removal of grout such as:
- grout saw or grout scraper a manual tool for removal of old and discolored grout. The blade is usually composed of tungsten carbide.
- grout float a trowel-like tool for smoothing the surface of a grout line, typically made of rubber or soft plastic.
- grout sealer a water-based or solvent-based sealant applied over dried grout that resists water, oil, and acid-based contaminants.
- Dremel grout attachment an attachment guide used in a die grinder for faster removal of old grout than a standard grout saw.