Editing Grout (section)

{{short description|Building material}}
{{other uses}}
[[File:Applying grout.jpg|thumb|Using a tool to smooth grout between tiles]]

'''Grout''' is a dense substance that flows like a liquid yet hardens upon application, often used to fill gaps or to function as reinforcement in existing structures.<ref name=maconline>{{Cite web |url=http://www.maconline.org/tech/materials/grout.html |title=Not mortar, not concrete&mdash;grout! |publisher=Masonry Advisory Council |date=28 April 2015 |access-date=2015-09-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907161713/http://www.maconline.org/tech/materials/grout.html |archive-date=2015-09-07}}</ref>  Grout is generally a mixture of [[water]], [[cement]], and [[sand]], and is frequently employed in efforts such as [[pressure grouting]], embedding [[rebar]] in [[masonry]] walls, connecting sections of precast [[concrete]], filling voids, and sealing joints such as those between [[tile]]s. Common uses for grout in the household include filling in tiles of shower floors and kitchen tiles. It is often color tinted when it has to be kept visible and sometimes includes fine gravel when being used to fill large spaces (such as the cores of concrete blocks). Unlike other structural pastes such as [[plaster]] or [[joint compound]], correctly mixed and applied grout forms a water-resistant seal.
 
Although both grout and its close relative, [[mortar (masonry)|mortar]], are applied as a thick suspension and harden over time, grout is distinguished<ref name=beall1>{{cite book |last=Beall |first=Christine |title=Masonry Design and Detailing for Architects, Engineers and Builders |year=1987 |publisher=McGraw-Hill |isbn=978-0-07-004223-0 |page=103}}</ref> by its low viscosity and lack of lime (added to mortar for pliability); grout is thin so it flows readily into gaps, while mortar is thick enough to support not only its own weight, but also that of masonry placed above it.<ref name=maconline/>  Grout is also similar to [[concrete]], but grout is distinguished by having only very fine [[Aggregate (composite)|aggregate]] (sand) and by generally containing a higher ratio of water to achieve the low desired viscosity.

The materials "[[caulk]]" and "grout" may be confused for each other or otherwise subject to misunderstandings. While each are used in building [[maintenance]] to a significant degree, the former is usually made up of a [[fluid]] [[silicone]] or [[polyurethane]] type of [[chemical substance]] while the latter consists of a specific mixture based on many fine particles, with the aforementioned household use of grout relying on its basis in cement being important. In addition, caulk remains flexible after it dries, which contrasts with the utilization of grout. Projects involving a lot of work involving grout frequently take place with the goals of preventing both [[dirt]] and [[moisture]] from getting under tiles.<ref>{{citeweb|url=https://www.angi.com/articles/grout-vs-caulk.htm|website=Angi.com|accessdate=December 17, 2024|title=Grout vs. Caulk: Which Is Best for Your Project?|first=Taylor|last=Freitas|date=August 13, 2024|publisher=[[Angi]]}}</ref>