10


APPOINTMENTS & NEWS XXX


NEWS FEATURE


Why grout selection matters on commercial projects


WEBINAR MASTERCLASSES Connecting industry professionals through insight and expertise


Our webinar programme delivers targeted digital events designed to connect industry professionals with relevant insight, research fi ndings, expert- led discussion, and valuable CPD-accredited content. Each session provides an accessible platform for engaging, helping at endees stay informed, develop their knowledge, and meet professional development requirements.


Have you registered for our next CPD webinar masterclass? insights.netmagmedia.co.uk/webinars


Nick Bratt, national technical sales manager at tile adhesive and grout manufacturer Palace Chemicals explains that the specifi cation of appropriate grouts is critical to the success of any commercial project.


W Supplier SPOTLIGHT


hile tile specifi cation is the main focus for architects and building designers during the design and procurement process of a building, the selection of grouts will also be a key factor in the long-term performance and appearance of any commercial project. Since they are both a functional and an aesthetic component, grouts can infl uence durability, hygiene and visual appearance of tiled installations within commercial environments. Commercial spaces place unique demands on tiled surfaces. High foot


traffi c, frequent cleaning, exposure to moisture and chemical attack can quickly expose weaknesses in poorly specifi ed grout systems. Selecting the appropriate grout should therefore be considered an integral part of the overall design strategy, rather than something to be viewed solely as a colour consideration in the fi nal stages.


Performance is key and traditional cementitious grouts remain widely used due to their cost-effectiveness and versatility. However, in demanding environments such as healthcare facilities, commercial kitchens, laboratories, swimming pools and public areas, higher- performance solutions may be required. This might include grouts with inbuilt additives designed to inhibit the growth of black spot mould, such as Palace ANTI-MOULD GROUT. Epoxy grouts offer exceptional resistance to staining, chemical and moisture penetration, making them particularly suitable for areas where hygiene and durability are paramount. Hybrid and advanced polymer-modifi ed grouts also provide enhanced fl exibility, colour consistency and resistance to cracking. Aesthetic


considerations are also important. Grout colour


signifi cantly affects the visual impact of tiled surfaces, either highlighting tile geometry through contrast or creating a seamless appearance with complementary tones. Large-format porcelain tiles, increasingly specifi ed in commercial developments, often benefi t from carefully selected grout colours that minimise visual interruption and reinforce a clean, monolithic aesthetic. Some manufacturers offer enhanced grout ranges which include a full palette of colours and alternatives to OPC cement, allowing an effl orescence-free fi nish, such as the Palace COLOUR-LOCK range.


Grout systems that resist deterioration and require less frequent replacement can also contribute to reduced lifecycle costs and lower environmental impact.


Additionally, some manufacturers now WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/SHOWCASE/SUPPLIER-SPOTLIGHT


offer products with lower embodied carbon or containing recycled content. Specifi ers are therefore advised to check the Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions of grouts which are being specifi ed on a project. Manufacturers are increasingly able to provide this information.


Supplied by Nick Bratt, national technical sales manager for Palace Chemicals


WWW.BUILDINGCONSTRUCTIONDESIGN.CO.UK


Your new Source of Manufacturing insights!


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22