Cement Grouting

Material for Cement Grouting

In the cement grouting method, standard cement and plaster sand are used. The amount of water added to the mix will depend on the method utilised. A trowel, pointing tool and damp sponge will also be used.

Method

There are two grouting methods used. One way it is installed is by creating a slurry and pushing this wet mix into the joints. This is very quick and not labour-intensive, but a major disadvantage of this method is that cement staining is nearly impossible to prevent.

The other way – which is more labour-intensive, but achieves a cleaner result – is to make a stiffer cement mix and use a trowel to push the cement mix into the grouting gaps. A pointing tool is used to ensure that the finish is clean and a damp sponge should be kept during the process to clean any cement that gets onto the surface of the paving. Unlike sand grouting, the pavers should be damp during this process in order not to leech water from the new cement joints. The joints should also be kept moist by lightly sprinkling water over them when they dry out for a few days after application. This is to prevent uneven curing of the cement and have stronger joints. Cement grout does not have the upkeep required from sand, but is very susceptible to cracking and popping out. The cement joints have no flexibility and any movement – and even the expansion and contraction from heat – can cause cracks that eventually widen.