2006

What is Quartz-Lock® Grout?

Quartz-Lock® Grout is a revolutionary URETHANE grout technology that comes pre-mixed and ready to use

It is available in two sizes 2-gallon, 18 lbs./unit 1-gallon, 9 lbs./unit

The History of Grout Cement Grout

Has been around for centuries (988 B.C.) Pigment used to add color Problems

Durability (cracking, crumbling) Dusting during mixing (messy, inhalation hazard) Shading (caused by inconsistent mixing) Over-washing can lead to color change Highly absorptive

Stains easily Efflorescence

Must be sealed (year after year) in order to add stain resistance Not reusable – leftovers must be thrown away Sagging / shrinkage caused by mixing with too much water (grout

shrinks / settles as water evaporates) – “rain gutter effect” Two different types

Sanded for large grout joints Non-sanded for small (<1/8”) joints

The History of Grout Epoxy Grout

Introduced ~40 years ago to address cement grout’s staining / durability issues

Multi-component mixing system Problems

Extremely difficult to clean from tile surface Short pot life (limited time to work with it before it sets up in the bucket) Sagging / shrinkage caused by exothermic reaction (heats up as it

cures, making it more fluid, so it seeps underneath tile) Brittle, inflexible Significant portion of the population is allergic to epoxy (some violently)

Skin rashes Respiratory issues

Non-UV stable – will break down over time under sunlight Not reusable – leftovers must be thrown away Dusting during mixing (messy, inhalation hazard)

Urethane Grout Solves Three Biggest Issues in the Tile Industry

ColorConsistency

Cracking

Staining

Why use Quartz-Lock® Grout?

Market acceptance … Installers love its ease of use Stain-resistance of epoxy, yet easier to use than

cement Pent up demand for a “better mouse trap” Solves grout problems

Cleanability, fading, staining, sagging, cracking and waste

Ease of Use

Single component – ready to use No mixing required Applies and cleans up easier than epoxy or

cement True water clean up

Superior Stain Resistance Self sealing

Urethane incorporated throughout product, not just on surface Skins over, providing an impenetrable surface One-way breathable grout allows moisture out but not in Water-repellent, water beads on surface

Stain resistance of leading epoxy grouts Meets ANSI 118.3 (epoxy standard) for chemical resistance

Chemical resistant Designed for harsh automotive environments

Mildew resistant Contains anti-microbial additive

Consistent Color Match

Colored quartz (not pigment) provides grout color 30 colors available, including speckled Enhanced design capabilities

No batch control issues Quartz provides “locked-in” color, no pigments to fade Pre-mix takes away installer error Can’t fade with over-washing Product color consistency batch-to-batch

UV resistant – light colors won’t fade or yellow Indoor/Outdoor applicable

Balanced Physical Properties

Quartz-Lock® Grout has the perfect balance of physical properties that keeps grout in joints and crack-free Semi-elastic nature provides superior flexibility, minimizing

grout cracking as compared to cement and epoxy grouts Excellent adhesion properties – sticks hard to all tile

surfaces and other grouts Excellent for re-grouting projects (if proper dry time

allowed) Balanced tensile strength with elasticity and adhesion

provides long-lasting grout

Commercial / Residential Use

Commercially Rated Approved for all commercial applications

Warranty Residential – Lifetime Commercial – 2 years

Specifications Quartz-Lock meets or exceeds ANSI 118.3 Standard

Test Results Provided by the Tile Council of North America Laboratory

1 Heat-cured sample to compensate for air-dry vs. catalytic product.2 TCNA results compared to Laticrete’s published data show that Quartz-Lock™ exceeds SpectraLOCK PRO™ for stain resistance.3 Test results were performed in an actual grout joint.

Description Typical ResultsWater Cleanability PassInitial Set <2 hrs.Service Strength PassVertical joint sag Pass

Linear Shrinkage10.06%

Stain Resistance2Pass

Compressive strength34,200 psi

Chemical Resistance PassWater absorption <1%Open Time 180 minutesDensity 13.8 lbs/gal

Hospitals / Health Care Facilities

Excellent water cleanability Specific TCNA testing showed exceptional stain

resistance to: Urine Human / animal blood Animal fats

Contains anti-microbial agent to prevent mold / mildew formation

Chemical resistant to all residential / commercial cleaners, including bleach

Near zero absorption / impermeability leads to exceptional stain resistance

Health and Safety Benefits

Ready-to-use grout Requires no mixing, easier to handle Produces no dusting

Non-allergenic, unlike epoxy grouts Water-based urethanes are more environmentally

friendly No pigments to stain hands GreenGuard® Certification pending

Why are we Greener? Pre-mixed grout eliminates mixing / dust health

risk Non-allergenic Nearly zero VOC’s Wash water is more environmentally friendly Crack resistance => longer installation life cycles Produces no waste Buckets are made of 100% recyclable Class 2

HPDE

Typical Cost Savings Competitively priced compared to epoxy grouts Installation cost savings

Easier to install than epoxy 35-50% faster to install depending on tile type and size.

Installers/Dealers can keep epoxy grout installation up-charge fee ~$1-3/sq. ft. (region dependent) Pays for grout and increases job profitability

Tools clean up easily and are ready for use on next job Leftover material saved for next job

Close bucket and store 3-year shelf life

Grout Coverage18 lb. unit

Tile Size Joint Width

(inches) 1/16" 1/8" 3/16" 1/4" 3/8" 1/2"

1" x 1" x 1/4" 63 32 N/A N/A N/A N/A

2" x 2" x 1/4" 126 63 N/A N/A N/A N/A

4 1/4" x 4 1/4" x 5/16"214 107 71 54 36 27

4" x 8" x 1/2" 168 84 56 42 28 21

6" x 6" x 1/2" 189 95 63 47 32 24

8" x 8" x 3/8" 337 168 112 84 56 42

12" x 12" x 3/8" 505 253 168 126 84 63

13" x 13" x 3/8" 547 274 182 137 91 68

16" x 16" x 3/8" 673 337 224 168 112 84

18" x 18" x 3/8" 758 379 253 189 126 95

24" x 24" x 3/8" 1010 505 337 253 168 126

Other Important Facts Shelf life – 3 years Cure time

24 hours - light foot traffic 72 hours - heavy traffic 7 days for wet areas like showers / steam rooms 7 days – full chemical / stain resistance Temperature and humidity will affect drying Use of StarCure® Urethane Grout Cure Accelerator will improve

these dry times and is recommended for all wet applications 2 oz. citrus cleaner provided for final clean Great for re-grout jobs, will adhere to both epoxy and cement

grouts Usable in 1/16” to 1/2” grout joint widths and with all tile types “Clean as you go” speeds up grout installation

Summary Urethane grout is the first grout innovation since epoxy

grout Pre-mixed, ready-to-use Self-sealing, no sealing required - EVER Stain / chemical / mildew resistant Rich quartz colors - no pigments to fade Contains no epoxy, no cement, no pigment UV resistant – light colors won’t fade or yellow Semi-flexible, low shrinkage and highly crack resistant Save leftover for next job, 3-year shelf life