The Ultimate Guide to SikaGrout®: Types, Benefits, and Applications
- A.C.
- Sep 3
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 25
Grout is a composite material made primarily of water, cement, and sand. It’s a fluid-like substance that easily flows into gaps, voids, or other spaces within structures that may be hard for other materials to reach.
Grout is typically used to seal joints between tiles or in concrete, acting as a bonding agent or filler to prevent movement, water infiltration, and structural deterioration over time. It hardens upon application, improving the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of materials.
Choosing the Right Grout
Choosing the right grout for your project is crucial because it directly impacts the durability, appearance, and performance of your construction or tiling project. Here’s why choosing the right grout matters:
Structural integrity and longevity. The right grout fills gaps and bonds tiles, preventing movement, cracking, or displacement. Poor-quality grout can lead to premature cracking, discoloration, or even mess up the installation.
Water and moisture resistance. Grout acts as a barrier against water infiltration. Select a grout that suits the environment (like epoxy grout for bathrooms or high-moisture areas) to protect against mold, mildew, and eventual damage beneath the surface.
Maintenance and hygiene. Proper grout selection keeps dirt and debris from lodging in gaps, making it easier to clean and maintain hygiene—especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and healthcare facilities.
Aesthetic impact. Grout color and type influence the overall look of your tilework—creating seamless, subtle finishes or making bold, dramatic statements. Choosing a grout that matches or contrasts your tiles will change the overall appearance of your space.
Durability under stress. Areas subject to heavy load, chemical exposure, or high foot traffic require high-performance grouts to withstand stains, pressures, and environmental challenges.
Easy application and reduced maintenance. Certain grouts (like epoxy) are virtually maintenance-free, but require skilled installation. Other grouts need periodic sealing. Choose the right balance of application ease and long-term upkeep requirements.
What is SikaGrout?
SikaGrout® is a high-performance cementitious grouting mortar used in structural and general grouting applications. It is a non-shrink grout featuring a unique, two-stage shrinkage-compensating mechanism that prevents shrinkage in both the plastic and hardened states.
SikaGrout is pre-mixed as a powder. When mixed with water, it becomes self-leveling with excellent flowability. It is non-metallic, contains no chlorides, and complies with ASTM C-1107 standards. It is often the top choice for grouting machine base plates, column base plates, anchor rods, bearing plates, precast concrete sections, cavities, gaps, and concrete repairs, among other applications.
Types of Sika Grout
Learn about the different types of SikaGrout, their key features, and what each one is best for.
Sika® Lanko 101 Parenduit
Sika® Lanko 101 Parenduit is a ready-to-mix smooth skim rendering paste designed for leveling uneven wall and ceiling surfaces. It can also be used to fill small blemishes, such as grooves, seams, and rock pockets.
It is mixed with cement or gypsum to achieve a perfectly smooth finish. The Sika Lanko 101 Parenduit can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications on various substrates, such as traditional rendering, shuttered concrete, reinforced concrete shell work, precast concrete panels, and gypsum tiles.
Its thickness ranges from 0.3 mm to 2.0 mm, with occasional thicker applications up to 40.0 mm for filling larger holes. It is commonly used on walls and ceilings for surface preparation before painting or applying other coatings.
Key Features of Sika Lanko 101 Parenduit:
Perfectly smooth finish
Can be left exposed or covered with finishing materials
Final surface color can match the substrate
Easily applied with a trowel
Saves on time and cost due to less paint required afterward
SikaTop® 121 PH AB
SikaTop® 121 PH AB is a two-component, cement-based, polymer-modified trowelable adhesive and filling compound. It protects and repairs concrete and metal surfaces by filling irregularities, blowholes, and fine honeycombs. SikaTop 121 PH AB can also be used to bond floor and wall tiles, render reservoirs, and bond new concrete to old concrete.
Typically used as a patching and adhesive mortar, it protects concrete structures against environmental effects. It comes in a grey powder (Part B) to be mixed with a milky white liquid (Part A). SikaTop 121 PH AB is suitable for concrete surface repairs, leveling, and bonding tasks due to its good durability and resistance properties. It is ideal for infrastructure and building maintenance.
Key Features of SikaTop 121 PH AB:
Easy to mix and apply
Excellent adhesion to concrete and ceramic surfaces
Good mechanical strengths with compressive strength over 40 N/mm2
High resistance to saltwater, chlorides, carbonation, and city sewage
Waterproof and non-toxic when fully cured
Non-corrosive to steel
Non-flammable
High-abrasion resistance
Sikalastic® HLM 5000
Sikalastic® HLM 5000 is a single-component, moisture-curing, polyurethane-based waterproofing membrane. It is designed to protect structures from water penetration while remaining flexible to accommodate nominal expansion and substrate contraction. It cures by reaction to the atmospheric moisture, forming a tough, elastomeric membrane.
Sikalastic HLM 5000 comes in a black liquid form, typically packaged in pails with a shelf life of 6-12 months, depending on the specific grade. The membrane forms a durable, flexible, waterproof barrier that provides structures with long-term protection against moisture intrusion.
Key Features of Sikalastic HLM 5000
Waterproof protection for concrete and plywood surfaces
Elastomeric properties to allow it to handle structural movement without cracking
Low temperature flexibility, making it suitable for all climates
Seamless and cold applied, eliminating the need for lapping, seaming, or precutting
Available in different grades for application on vertical or horizontal surfaces
Resistant to bacterial attack, select acids, alkalis, salts, and harsh weather
SikaGrout® 212 PH
SikaGrout® 212 PH is a high-strength, shrinkage-compensated, self-leveling cementitious grouting mortar. It is a ready-mix powder designed for precision and heavy-grouting applications. SikaGrout 212 PH complies with ASTM C-1107 standards and is commonly used in machine foundations, base plates, rail beds, and anchor bolts. It fills cavities, voids, gaps, and recesses.
Its typical application thickness ranges from 10 mm to 100 mm for gap filling. It has a shelf life of 12 months when unopened and stored properly.
Key Features of SikaGrout 212 PH:
Easy to use with adjustable consistency (flowable, pourable, stiff)
Good dimensional stability
High compressive strength, reaching over 50-60 MPa at 28 days (depending on consistency)
Non-corrosive and non-metallic
No segregation, bleeding, or rust staining
Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications
Economical and suitable for pumping, with no build-up on equipment
SikaGrout® 215 PH
SikaGrout® 215 PH is a high early strength, pumpable, dual shrinkage compensated, self-level cementitious grout. It is designed for aiding in repairing concrete structures and grouting works with clearances of 10 mm or more. It is prebagged and suitable for local ambient temperatures, complying with ASTM C1107 standards.
SikaGrout 215 PH comes in grey powder form and can last up to 12 months when stored properly. It is ideal for structural and repair grouting requiring rapid strength development, durability, and stable performance over time.
Key Features of SikaGrout 215 PH:
High early and ultimate strength
Pumpable and easy to apply with good flow properties
Extended working time to accommodate different application conditions
Dense, non-shrink, non-toxic, non-corrosive, chloride- and iron-free
Suitable for machine foundations, rail beds, columns in precast construction, concrete anchors, bridge bearings, cavities, gaps, and recesses
Suitable for grouting works with clearance from 5 mm to 50 mm
Can be mixed to different consistencies (flowable, pourable, stiff), depending on the application needs
Key Benefits of Using SikaGrout®
What makes SikaGrout a top choice when it comes to grouting applications?
Easy-to-use: It comes as a ready-to-mix powder that only requires adding water—simplifying preparation and application.
Durability: It has superior freeze-thaw resistance, high resistance to oil and water, and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Non-shrink characteristics: Its two-stage shrinkage-compensating mechanism prevents shrinkage during both plastic and hardened states. This ensures structural integrity and dimensional stability.
Flowability and ease of placement: It can be mixed into different consistencies—from dry packs to high-flow pourables—offering versatility for various applications.
High strength: It delivers high compressive strength suitable for structural grouting, reaching over 50-60 MPa at 28 days, depending on the product type and mixture.
Chemical resistance: It is non-corrosive and non-metallic, containing no chlorides that will not stain or rust, making it safe for reinforcing steel and metal components.
Economical: It is cost-effective, due to ease of use and reduced maintenance, making it ideal for various construction projects.
Highly trusted with global certifications: SikaGrout is a highly trusted global brand in the construction and industrial sectors. It is known for its high-quality products and upholds numerous internationally recognized certifications.
Best Practices for Mixing and Application
Start with a checklist of everything you need to prepare and do before applying SikaGrout.
Prepare the surface. Ensure the substrate is clean and free from dust, oils, grease, and surface contaminants.
For saturated absorbent surfaces—clean them first with water, but remove any standing water or puddles before applying the grout.
For metal surfaces—ensure that the area is clean and free from rust or oils. Use appropriate mechanical cleaning methods, such as grit blasting or scabbling, if necessary.
Check the temperature. Depending on the grout, the optimal application temperature is between 5-35°C. Protect fresh grout from direct sun, wind, or freezing conditions immediately after placement.
In warmer temperatures, use cold water and retarders to extend working time if needed.
In cooler temperatures, use accelerators to reduce setting time.
Mix the grout. Mix the grout using a low-speed hand drill mixer (<500 rpm) or mechanical grout mixer to avoid air entrainment.
Add about 70-80% of the whole bag of SikaGrout powder while continuously mixing.
Add the remaining water gradually, mixing continuously for at least three minutes or until it becomes a lump-free, homogeneous, smooth, consistent mix. Do not add more water than specified.
Apply the grout. Use gravity flow or pumping techniques to place the grout continuously to avoid air entrapment. Pour from one side of the void and maintain the grout head during placement. Avoid vibration as it causes segregation. Use rodding or tamping to compact the grout if needed.
Check the thickness. Typical pour thickness ranges between 10 mm and 100 mm. For thicker sections, add coarse aggregate (typically up to 20% by weight) to maintain workability and reduce heat buildup during curing.
Cure the grout. Allow the grout to cure immediately after placing it to prevent premature drying. Use wet hessian, plastic sheeting, or curing compounds to maintain moisture for at least seven days to ensure strength development.
Clean your tools immediately. Use water to clean grout off your tools. Once it hardens, you can only remove grout mechanically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using SikaGrout, be sure to avoid some of these common mistakes to
Adding Too Much Water
Adding excess water to increase flowability can weaken the grout, cause segregation, and reduce its strength. Always follow the specified water-to-powder ratios.
Not Preparing the Surface Properly
Grout adheres best to clean surfaces. Failure to thoroughly clean and prepare the substrate (removing dust, oils, grease, curing agents, and loose material) can prevent proper bonding and affect grout performance.
Poor Mixing Techniques
Mixing by hand can cause lumps, air entrapment, and inconsistent grout texture. Use a mechanical mixer at a low speed for at least three minutes or until the mix becomes smooth.
Trapping Air When Pouring
Pouring grout from multiple locations or causing vibrations during placement can trap air and cause voids. Always pour grout from one side and avoid vibration. Use a rod or tamp to compact the grout. Avoid excessive troweling or finishing before the grout starts to stiffen, as this can cause surface cracks and dusting.
Ignoring Temperature Sensitivity
Mixing or placing grout outside the recommended temperature ranges (5°C to 35°C) can affect the setting time, strength, and workability.
Delaying Placement
After mixing, be sure to place the grout within its working time (depends on the kind of grout you’re using). Delay will stiffen the grout, which must be discarded, not retempered.
Improper Curing
Neglecting to cure grout properly (using wet hessian, plastic sheets, or curing compounds) for at least seven days can result in drying shrinkage and reduced durability.
Use SikaGrout for Your Construction Projects Today
Sika Grout is a reliable, versatile, globally-recognized cementitious grout. It is widely used in construction and anchoring for its durable, stable filling.
Comments