If you are working on a construction project, don’t just focus on the main structure. There is one small element that is crucial to the overall strength of the building, and that is grouting. This gap-filling material is sometimes overlooked, but if you choose the wrong one, the effects can be long-lasting, ranging from structural cracks to costly repairs.
Grouting is not just building glue. This material plays an important role in bearing loads, reducing vibrations, and maintaining stability between concrete, steel, or other structural elements. To help you understand better, let’s take a look at why choosing the wrong grouting can cause huge losses and how to avoid it!
Why Can Choosing the Wrong Grouting Cause Building Damage?
Choosing the wrong grouting may not have an immediate impact, but the long-term effects can be quite troublesome. To help you be more vigilant, here are some real risks of choosing the wrong grout material in a construction project:
1. Structures Crack Quickly
Inappropriate grouting can leave gaps between structures unsealed. What happens then? External pressure isn’t properly distributed, and cracks begin to form.
2. Not Weather- or Vibration-Resistant
Some types of grout are designed for specific conditions, such as heat resistance, water resistance, or vibration resistance. If you choose carelessly, the final result may quickly deteriorate because it doesn’t serve its intended function.
3. Requires Disassembly and Reassembly
This is what must be avoided at all costs: grouting failure that requires you to dismantle the completed structure. This results in additional costs, delays, and wasted effort.
4. Compromises Building User Safety
In more serious cases, grouting errors can affect the main strength of the building structure. This can be dangerous if left unaddressed for too long.
How to Avoid Losses Due to Choosing the Wrong Grout Material
Now that you know the risks, it’s time to be more careful when selecting this material for your project. Don’t worry, choosing the right grout isn’t complicated, and you don’t need to be a structural expert. So, how do you do it? Follow these practical tips!
1. Understand the Function and Installation Location
The first step you must take is to understand the position and role of grouting in the structure to be built. Each area has its own challenges. For example, grouting for outdoor concrete columns requires extra durability against extreme weather, while indoor areas protected from moisture can use more standard grouting. If you install it without adjusting to the field conditions, don’t be surprised if the results deteriorate quickly.
2. Choose the Type According to Your Needs
There are many types of grouting, and each has its advantages in certain conditions. Therefore, choose the type that suits your construction needs. Some common choices include:
Non-shrink grout
Suitable for constructions that require high durability and precision, such as installing base plates or structures with heavy loads. This grouting does not shrink when it dries, so the results remain stable and tight.
Has super strong adhesion and is resistant to chemicals, making it suitable for use in industrial areas, laboratories, or commercial kitchens. In addition, epoxy is also waterproof and does not crack easily.
Cementitious grout
The most common type for concrete columns, machines, beams, or base plates. It is easy to apply and quite economical, as long as it is used correctly.
3. Pay Attention to Product Quality and Certification
Don’t be tempted by low prices. Quality grouting products generally pass laboratory tests, have a sufficiently high compressive strength of at least 25 MPa, and have standard certifications, such as ASTM or SNI.
Also ensure that the material you purchase has the adhesion, compressive strength, and durability that meet the project specifications. It is better to pay a little more upfront than to incur significant costs for repairs later.
4. Use Products from Trusted Manufacturers
Well-known brands usually have more consistent quality assurance. They also usually provide complete documentation such as application guides, technical data sheets, and technical support if needed. In addition, it is easier to find testimonials or reviews from previous users, which can be additional considerations before purchasing.
The point is, grouting is not just a gap filler, but part of the building’s strength system. Choosing the wrong product can cost you time, effort, and money. But with the right understanding and product selection, you can avoid these risks.
So, don’t just choose any product. If you can make your building stronger and more durable, why take the risk? Get grouting products with proven quality and reliability at PT. Hissan Trading Indonesia!
