In simple words, grout refers to the mixture of water, cement, and sand. It is mainly used to set up the tiles or fill any gaps and openings on any surface. If you just install a new backsplash for your kitchen or setting up the bathroom tiles. Then you may wonder how long does grout take to dry.
This is a ubiquitous question among people who recently works with grout. Basically, the drying time will depend on various factors. Such as; the material you have used, types of grout, weather condition, and many more. But most often, there is an average time to dry the grout.
So, in this writing, we will discuss how long grout takes to dry and several factors in this regard. Keep reading the entire article for more.
How Long Does Grout Take to Dry?
As we have known that the drying time depends on several factors. But usually, it takes 24 to 72 hours to dry up the whole grout. However, this time can be increased or decreased depending on where you are applying the grout. For example, if you are working in an indoor environment.
Then definitely, it will take a much longer time than any outdoor with the dry weather condition. Whether applying the grout, the experts always recommend waiting at least 7 days to dry the moisture. Also, it is always better to wait as long as you can.
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The longer you will wait, the better result you will get. But in most cases, people are in a hurry. So, if you have a concise time on your hand, you should start at least 24 hours before the usage. But if you want to start earlier than that. Then you may ruin the whole process.
Factors That Determine the Grout Drying Time
Several factors impact the drying time. Those factors may include the type of grout you are using, humidity level, weather conditioning, and so on. Also, some manufacturers' guidelines will help you increase or decrease the drying time of grout.
Here's a brief explanation of those factors in the following:
Types of Grouts
The types of grout play a massive role in terms of drying time. The drying time is much more dependent on what types of grout you are using, as you have known that there are various types of grout on the market. And all are not the same.
Some have heavy cement mixture and concentration, and some have different concentrations than other grout. But there is some suitable grout type that will minimize the drying time in the process. Among them, one of the most common types is cementitious grout.
Usually, cementitious grout is used for residential projects or office projects. It takes more or fewer 72hours on average to dry up the whole process. Other common types of grouts are epoxy and furan grout. Comparing to different types of grout, this grout takes lesser time to dry up. On average, it takes 24hours to dry up the grout.
Humidity level also determines the drying time of grout. For example, if you are working in a bathroom, the humidity level will be more than in any other room in the house. So, the drying time will also be affected by it. It will take more time to dry.
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Also, in the tropical climate condition, the grout will take longer to dry than any other dry climate condition. However, another factor plays a very important role in your home humidity level. And that is indoor plants. Indoor plants usually release moisture and increase the humidity level of your house.
The grout may take a longer time in indoor conditions than outside weather conditions. Because the outdoor is more warm than indoor. But sometimes, the grout takes a much longer time than the inbox, especially when there is rainy, humid, cold outside.
In bad weather conditions, it may take up to 7 days to dry the grout. Therefore, if you are working in bad weather conditions. Then you should make sure that you are covering the working area with proper tenting. And also need to make sure that the area has proper temperature control for drying up the grout.
How to Decrease the Drying Time of Grout?
Generally, the grout dries up as a result of some chemical reaction. That is why some mixture of grout takes a longer or shorter time to dry. But if you are in a rush and need to work on an urgent project. You may need to speed up the whole drying process.
Even though there are not many things that you can do, but you can prevent it from slowing down the process. To do that, you can follow specific easy tips and tricks. Those tips and tricks are given in the following:
- If there is an air cooler or conditioner. Then you can turn it on in order to make the air dry. If you can make sure a cooler or drier place, the quicker it will be to dry.
- You can also use a fan to distribute the airflow across the entire room or place. It will make the drying process faster.
- If there are any plants inside your house, try to remove all those plants during the drying process.
- While working in an outside place, try to cover the working place. So that any external element like snow, rain cannot affect the whole drying process.
How to Make Sure a Successful Grout?
If you are recently working on any project. Then you may need to go through all those hassles and challenges. Ensuring a successful grout is always a big challenge. If you fail to apply the grout properly, you may face so many difficulties and inconveniences.
Though you can follow certain steps to ensure a successful grout. those steps may include:
Step 1: Setting Up a Proper Plan
Sometimes, a project can be ruined just because of an improper plan. That is why proper pre-planning is essential. Before going to the application, you need to decide which room you have to start with. Usually, it is always better to start with the kitchen first.
Because if you need anything from the kitchen. Then you may not have to walk across the entire floor all the time. You can also start with the bathroom. You can project plan also can be different. So, proper preparation is essential before the actual work.
Step 2: Wait Ample Amount of Time to Dry It Properly
As you know, that the grout requires 24-48 hours to dry properly. In some exceptional cases, it may take more or less time. But it would help if you gave it enough time to dry it up. If you fail to dry the grout properly. Then the tiles may get loose from their ground.
Also, there is a chance that the color will be destroyed. Usually, people use grout to set up the tiles. In some cases, if the grout does not get enough time to dry. Then it can ruin the whole process and whole grout job. That is why you should wait at the latest 2-3 days till it is thoroughly dried.
Step 3: Remove the Excess Grout
Another thing you need to focus on is the excess grout. Before drying the entire material, you need to remove the excess grout as early as possible. And it is better to remove it after 15-30 minutes of applying the grout. Or else the grout will start drying.
You can use any grout remover or any wet sponge to remove the excess grout.
Step 4: Sealing the Grout
This is the final and most important step that you need to seal the grout. Before sealing the grout, you have to wait for at least 24-48hours. If you try to seal the grout too early. You may damage the whole grout work. Then, after sealing the grout. Additionally, you need to give more than 5 hours to dry the grout formula.
In the conclusion
Grouting is an essential part while working with tiles or any ceramic projects. Though, before working with that stuff, you need to prepare proper planning. Then you just need to work according to that plan. Sometimes, you may find this stuff very complicated for you alone.
That is why you can follow the manufacturer's instructions. In that instruction, you will find how long you need to wait to dry the whole process if you do not give enough time for drying. You may ruin the whole grout work. Also, it is recommended for you to take professional help if you are working with grout for the first time. Hopefully, this writing helped you to understand How Long Does Grout Takes to Dry.