Perfect Grout for a Humid Summer
Due to the La Niña weather system, we are currently experiencing a significantly wetter and more humid Summer than last year. It’s worth noting that it has also been relatively cooler.
So how does that effect your installations? Consider the grout you use as a good example of this.
Grout, like all engineered cements require water and heat in order to cure correctly via a chemical reaction. The amount of water and heat varies greatly based on environmental factors such as weather.
Let’s take last year Summer which was exceptionally warm and relatively dry. In this scenario the surrounding concrete slab is very warm and has a tendency to suck or strip moisture from the grout mix making it cure exceptionally fast but can cause cracking due to moisture loss in the curing process. In this situation you would hose down the core holes and ensure the concrete is moist and cool as possible.
However, we currently have the reverse situation where concrete is already very damp and cool. Core holes may have collected moisture or even filled with water since being drilled. In this scenario you’ll ensure the hole is as dry as possible. If it can’t be guaranteed that it won’t stop raining, it’s best to put off the grouting until it dries up. Too much water and cooler temps can cause the grout to not cure, leaving behind grout with a crumbly or play-dough consistency.
Installers should be aware of how to adjust your installation techniques taking into consideration the extreme and varying weather conditions we endure in Australia.
If you’d like more information on Polaris Spigot and Channel Quik Set Grout please visit our website https://www.polarishinge.com/product/quick-set-grout/ or contact our Sales and Marketing Manager Nathan Ungaro on 0488 771 900 or nathan@polarishinge.com.