Non-Shrink Grouts
Product Guide
For more information, see the Product Selection Guide.
Suggestions for form non-shrink grouts include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Preparing: All surfaces in contact with grout must be free of dirt, oil, grime, curing compounds, and other contaminants. Concrete surfaces should be roughened to improve bond and saturated with water for 24 hours prior to placement. Surface should be saturated surface dry (SSD) with no ponding prior to placement of grout.
- Forming: All forms should be treated with Magic Kote. Forms should be caulked at all seams. Forms should be placed to allow a minimal shoulder on the grout that is cut back at a 45° angle after the grout stiffens.
- Mixing: Always use clear drinking water for mixing. Large grout quantities should always be blended in a paddle blade mortar mixer. Small quantities can be blended with a ½" (1.3 cm) drill and jiffy mixer. Always place water into the mixer before adding grout to the mix. After initial mixing, add the prescribed water as needed until reaching the desired consistency. Mix time should be typically 4 minutes to 5 minutes. Typically, grout must be extended with the addition of 25 lbs (11.3 kg) of washed pea gravel (3/8" or 1 cm) per bag for placements greater than 3" (7.6 cm) in depth. Do not use sand. Do not retemper the grout by adding water after it stiffens.
- Placing: Grout can be placed by hand or pump. Hand placement should be a continuous flow from one side of the area to be grouted. A head box is usually desirable when pouring grout. Venting the base plate can avoid trapping of air underneath. Vibrating of grout should be avoided. Pumping grout in place is desirable on larger placements. Pumping should also be a continuous process and uninterrupted. Fluid grout should also be strapped to free air voids. When strapping grout, escaping air will be very visible with air bubbles escaping from the bottom of the base plate.
- Curing: Grout must be cured immediately after placement. We recommend Cure & Seal HS WB as the curing and sealing compound. Proper curing minimizes surface dusting, checking and cracking. Leave forms in place as long as possible to take advantage of the moisture retention.
Suggestions for hot weather grouting include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Temperatures above 85°F (29°C) require special hot weather procedures. Try to keep the bags of grout in the shade with the plastic shrink-wrap removed. Use water cooled with ice, if needed. A fine screen can be used to filter out the ice when pouring the mix water.
- During hot weather, it is critical to keep the grout base saturated with water for 24 hours in advance. The metal base plate should be cooled, and this can be accomplished with wet burlap or towels. If possible, create shade for the area to be grouted.
- During pumping applications, attempt to keep the pumping lines cool, especially with long lines. This can be accomplished with wet towels or rags. Also, prior to priming the pump with cement slurry, pumping cold water through the lines will cool the lines down.
- The ideal time of day for hot weather grouting is late in the day, not early in the morning. This allows the grout to initially cure during the cool evening hours.
- Hot weather will reduce the working time with the grout and smaller batches may be required.
Liquid SystemsAvailable in solvent or water-based formulations. |
Cement SystemsEnhance concrete performance or correct problems. |
Epoxy SystemsResin-based systems correct structural concrete problems and protect concrete surfaces. |
Polyurea SystemsPolyurea-based systems to repair and protect concrete joints and nosings, even in low temperature conditions. |
