Tile colour trends for contemporary homes
21st Jan, 2021
Check out the biggest trends of the season and our expert take on them.
Tile joints in bathrooms and kitchens are exposed to water splashes, soap residue, food stains, and frequent cleaning. Choosing the right gap filler helps keep these joints cleaner and reduces the risk of moisture-related problems. For wet areas, consider epoxy grout for its water- and stain-resistant properties.
Bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes experience repeated moisture exposure. If tile joints are porous or poorly maintained, water and dirt can collect, making cleaning harder and potentially contributing to mould growth.
Conventional cement-based grout is porous to varying degrees and may absorb moisture and stains if it is not properly maintained. In persistently damp conditions, accumulated moisture and residue can encourage mould or mildew growth on joint surfaces.
Cracked or deteriorated grout can also let water through the joints. This is especially concerning in showers and other wet areas, where water reaching the substrate can cause damage over time. Grout alone, however, isn’t the waterproofing system: the underlying surface must be waterproofed where required.
Epoxy grout is a strong choice for bathrooms and kitchens because it resists water and stains. For example, Roff Starlike is an epoxy-based tile joint filler designed for wet-area applications. Roff Starlike maintains its colour even in harsh conditions and resists staining and water ingress. Epoxy grout can help reduce water absorption through the joints, but it does not replace a properly designed waterproofing system where one is needed.
Roff offers epoxy grout options for different tile types and design preferences. Choose a product based on the application and the manufacturer’s technical instructions, then select a shade that complements or contrasts with the tiles.
The following Roff products offer practical performance and decorative finish options. Their specified application areas and available shades can help guide selection.
For the best visual result, compare the available shade cards with the tile colour and lighting in the actual room. Test the chosen combination where necessary, especially with natural stone or delicate surfaces.
Even a high-performance grout needs correct preparation and application to deliver its intended results. Follow the product instructions carefully, because epoxy grout has specific mixing, working-time, and cleaning requirements.
Use these steps to achieve clean, durable joints while avoiding unnecessary residue on the tile surface.
Follow these guidelines to achieve a beautiful tile finish that maintains its colour and texture for years to come. Remember that movement joints and junctions requiring flexible sealant must not be filled rigidly with grout.
1) What is the best waterproof tile gap filler?
Roff Rainbow Tile Mate Epoxy Grout and Roff Starlike Epoxy Grout are options for waterproof, stain-resistant tile joints in suitable wet-area installations.
2) Is epoxy grout waterproof?
Epoxy grout offers strong water resistance and helps reduce water absorption through tile joints. However, it does not replace a dedicated waterproofing system where one is required.
3) Can I use cement grout in a shower?
A suitable cement-based grout may be used in some shower installations, depending on the product and system requirements. Epoxy grout is often preferred where greater stain and water resistance are desired. The shower still needs appropriate waterproofing.
4) Which gap filler prevents mould?
Epoxy grout resists moisture and stains, helping make joints easier to clean and less prone to moisture-related problems. Good ventilation, regular cleaning, and proper waterproofing also help control mould.
5) What colours does epoxy grout come in?
Roff Rainbow Tile Mate Epoxy Grout is available in 25 shades, while Roff Starlike comes in over 33 shades. Roff Sparkles adds a decorative gold, silver, or copper finish when mixed with compatible epoxy grout.
This approach ensures the wall isn’t just ‘ready’ but rather bonded to the wall tile adhesive system.
