Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

coldoll514 t1_j5m9zk4 wrote

grout is theoretically waterproof and rigid, where caulk is waterproof and flexible. the flexibility is because it will go through extreme swelling/shrinking cycles and over time will separate from its surface and eventually fail. grout does not have this problem and is more permanent.

0

bms42 t1_j5n2w23 wrote

Sorry but this is incorrect on both key points.

First, grout is not waterproof. It doesn't pass water easily but it's not waterproof.

Second, the reason you caulk changes of plane is precisely because caulk is flexible. The two planes will swell and shrink at different rates over time, causing grout to fail. Having said that, grouting a mitered tile assembly around a niche is quite common because the one plane is so small it won't move much.

7

[deleted] t1_j5numd5 wrote

[removed]

−2

bms42 t1_j5ow5xr wrote

Head on over to /r/tile where the professionals are and explain that grout is waterproof. You'll have some fun.

2

[deleted] t1_j5pobw5 wrote

[removed]

0

[deleted] t1_j5pqnxk wrote

[removed]

1

taken_name t1_j5mqimy wrote

Grout isn't waterproof, it is porous.

3

coldoll514 t1_j5nue6x wrote

modern grout is waterproof

0

taken_name t1_j5nv7mc wrote

Any cement based grout which is the most commonly used grout is not waterproof. Water resistant, but not water proof. Epoxy grout on the other hand is, but it is not as common.

2

coldoll514 t1_j5o6fmh wrote

i said modern grout, yes? which would all have an epoxy element to them.

also, i said "theoretically” waterproof originally. didn’t think that the minuscule amount of water absorption was material to the conversation.

−1