The joints of the joints – epoxy or cement? –

You met him in the bathroom, in the kitchen and swimming pools, adding a color accent or accompanying discrete tiles, tiles, mosaic, natural stone or clinker, but always having an important role in protecting the plated surfaces. It concerns the joints, which is divided into two types.

The first is the cement -based kit, which is often used due to the low purchase costs and the ease of implementation and cleaning. It can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, swimming pools, restaurants, hotels and shopping centers.

Depending on the quality of the binders in its component, the properties that will be interested in concrete mortar are: abrasion resistance, frost/defrosting and ultraviolet radiation (if you want to use the external kit). In addition, the concrete mortar has hydrophobic properties (refusal of water), prevents the development of molds and a short strengthening period (if you are quickly and want to use the cave surface as soon as possible). After application, cement -based joints are easily cleaned with water or some special solutions.

The second type of kit is the epoxy resin, whose superior quality is given by its properties. Epoxy grains can be used in any field, but are used, in particular, in the food industry, in the swimming pools of sea or thermal water, medical or chemical workshops and in other spaces where floors are required mechanically or are subjected to aggressive chemical factors. In addition, epoxy grains are used for the glass mosaic joints, improving its appearance.

The epoxy grains form an extremely resistant, very resistant surface, very resistant to abrasion and compression even in intense traffic conditions, do not allow the development of molds and the appearance of bacteria, guaranteeing optimal hygienic conditions, does not expand and does not contract, therefore it does not break and guarantees the efficient filling of the floors. In addition, epoxy grains have uniform colors, which do not stain and do not get dirty, resist ultraviolet rays and other atmospheric factors.

How to apply the joints

Both cement and epoxy mortars are easily applied. Those based on concrete are combined with water and epoxy ones are composed of two predominant parts that mix and enter the chemical reaction. It is very important to know that the strengthening of epoxy grains takes place in just 30 minutes, so their application should be done very quickly. Therefore, it is advisable to choose the epoxy kit for a package that can be applied entirely during this period, because otherwise it will be strengthened and you will have to launch it.

For the application of different tools, such as: a drill or a mixer, a spatula or a spade for application, a special and harder sponge, for cleaning and distant to the desired width of the joint.

Immediately after applying the joints, it is necessary to clean the surfaces. In the case of the Espoxid kit, provided that fresh, it is necessary to make a first cleaning with sponge and water, then a cleaning with a dedicated cleaning solution. Due to rapid strengthening, it is recommended that the application of epoxy grains functions of two people: one that applies and one that purifies the kit.

Some useful tips

In order to calculate the need to purchase the kit, the joint producers offer formulas that take into account the length, width and thickness of the cultivated plates and the width of the joints. In addition to the above aspects, consumption can increase if some types of plates are used, such as those with irregular surface and, depending on the application technique (application on the entire surface or only in the joint area).

All Kite manufacturers offer a vast color palette, as well as online applications in which anyone can test different combinations between the shades of the plates and those of the joints. Choose the color of the kit based on the catalog of a manufacturer, not based on the colors seen on the monitor or flyers.

If you order special joints of joints, which are not permanently found in the stock of producers or traders, make sure that you have correctly calculated the need for a kit. The special shades have a manufacturing duration that can reach a few weeks and you can be conditioned by ordering a minimum quantity, so it is better to make correct calculations. Also, be interested if the shadow you buy is still produced or you can find it in the warehouse. You will not want to discover that you have purchased the latest bags of color that are no longer manufactured and you need a complement.

Note somewhere the color code of the joints used. You can be useful if you want to buy in the future for small repairs.

Photo source: pixabay.com

Author: Raluca Ghetu

Over 7 years of experience in the blog and building materials and over 20 years of experience in the management of projects, budgets, re -enlargement of businesses, training and management consultancy. Passionate about innovation and pay attention to details that bring value. See all articles by Raluca Ghetu