Hydroment grout

[figaro]

Customer has picked out a hydroment color for her tile shower and bath floor. Haven't used Hydroment in a while, but in the past, if using it on a floor, I've always used the latex additive. But that makes it harder to clean.

After searching on here I've read that some of you NEVER use the additive.
Shouldn't one use the additive especially on a floor?

Maybe I should just switch to TEC. Doesn't it already have an additive in it? It always seems to clean up OK.....

Figaro

[KCT]

I don't think you NEED latex additive. Last time I used Hydroment sanded and 425 admix on 700 sq. ft. of 18 x 18 porcelain, I was REALLY regretting it. But I was working alone, too.

In fact, the only time I ever use additive is when a customer buys tile/materials from The Tile Shop. Their products seems easy to clean up, and the tile is usually glossy ceramic, etc. The jobs are rarely very large.

I would strongly consider using admix in an exterior app, though.

[muskymike]

I don't think I ever used an additive fer grout. I used alot of Hydro just mixed with water.

[Raymondo]

my rep told me that there is an epoxy mix available for hydroment grout. anyone ever use it?

[gueuzeman]

I never mix grout with water, have always had good results with hydroment with additive. TEC and Laticrete grouts get mixed with Laticrete 1776.

Obviously, your results may vary. As I like to say, just because it worked last time doesn't mean anything, but it is the only palce to start.

Good luck- gueuze

Also- hydroment epoxy- good stuff, no fun to use.

[Saldibs]

I usually use Tec products but on occasion I do use Hydroment. Hydroment has two kinds of grout, modified and unmodified, you should always use additive with the unmodified type. I have never had an issue when using the additive in the past but prefer to use the modified to make life a little easier. It has been a few months since I last used it though.

[figaro]

I did not know Hydroment had two kinds of grout. I got on their website and they show only regular unmodified and an epoxy.

Back to my question on Tec. Is there grout modified?

Seems we have mixed opinions on whether or not to use the latex additive.

Anyone else?

Thanks for the replies!

Figaro

[Paramount Installer]

Tec is modified. Hydroment does indeed have modified and unmodified. The additive is a royal pain unless the tile has a smooth surface. I would recommend mixing 1/2 latex and 1/2 water if you have a textured surface. I have some painful memories of trying to remove the latex from a textured tile. Whatever you do, don't spread too much at once. Get a feel for how long it takes to wash it down.
I'd be interested to know how a modified grout compares with an unmodified mixed with latex in compressive strength and such. It seems to me there would be no comparison knowing how much harder it is to clean.

[tileguytodd]

my rep told me that there is an epoxy mix available for hydroment grout. anyone ever use it?

Yep Both Kinds...1900 & their 100% Solids

Ive Used Hydroment for YEARS..
YES they have BOTH modified and NON Modified

Here is the DIFFERENCE If you use a NON Modified grout.

DAMP CURING!!!!

All things being equal if your structure can handle a ceramic installation, Modified is NOT necessary.........You can use a NON Modified but you should damp cure the grout for 5-7 days for best Strength least porosity etc.

Vary rarely will you see a Modified grout used on an Interior Commercial Floor, particularly if its Slab On Grade.

In Fact, Chances are its probobly a 2:1 sand/cement mix used to make natural grout.......Sometimes Brick Mud colorant is added but Latex?? NO WAY!!!
Walk around a Mall thats tiled......Look for Grout problems..........If the job was done properly ( and most in our area were Union crews from Grazzinni or Milw tile & Terrazzo Or Detroit Tile) Chances are you will not find any problems and I can about gaurantee no Latex was used.

Latex is an Expedience thing.........Keeps grout from shrinking during a dry cure.
Great product if you want to grout and walk away.....BUT, its never been a neccessity, more of a convenience

Adds Elasticity to the grout??? - Once its cured, if you need Elasticity, you probobly needed MORE Support!!!
How Much Elasticity is a Cured cement product REALLY going to gain from a latex addative.....Think About it!!

TILE SHOPS Cleans up EZ for 2 reasons...High Glaze tile like you mentioned, But also A VERY HIGH Water Content.

Theres just not alot of Latex in their Admix

[KCT]

So is the latex the one variable in modified grout that causes so many color issues? Is unmodified easier to clean off and does it offer more consistent results provided that it is cured properly?

[tileguytodd]

Andy, I couldnt say for certain on that as all mfg's formulas vary.

If i were to give my opinion, it isnt so much the addative as it is the forced cure but then again it could be something to do with binding color agents.

I do know that Latex Modified grouts have these issues and Ive never seen it as an issue with a Non modified that was Properly mixed and Cured!!

Some modified grouts are better than others also.....Hydroment & Mapei have Less issues than some others in MY experience but others may have had different experiences.

Ive not yet used PRISM Grout so can not comment on it.
Custom had ALOT of issues with their modified grouts, More than any other company I'm aware of although IN FAIRNESS, Since they were in Home depot and being used by ALOT of DIYers, that may have had something to do with a good percentage of the problems.

I had enough Issues with their grout though that I simply refused to use it anymore.
Customers who had their Home Depot grout ended up having to pick out a Hydroment color, I didnt give them any alternative......too RISKY, Particullarly with any Medium to Dark color!!!!