Tile Joint Grout Consumption Calculator

Tile Length (mm) Tile Width (mm) Tile Thickness (mm) Joint Width (mm) Total Area (Sqm) Select Grout Type 1500 Sanded Grout (10 Kg) 1600 Unsanded Grout (10 Kg) PERMACOLOR Grout (10 Kg) PERMACOLOR Grout FS (5 Kg) SPECTRALOCK Pro Premium Grout (5.2 Kg) SPECTRALOCK Pro Premium Grout FS (4.95 Kg) Latapoxy 2000 industrial epoxy grout (10.8 Kg) LATAPOXY SP 100 (5.385 Kg) STELLAR Grout (5 Kg) Wide Joint Flowable Grout (20 Kg)

0 Kg

---

Does Absorption – Porosity of the Surface Affect Bonding?

In construction and finishing works, surface porosity plays a critical role in determining how well a product bonds to a substrate. Whether you are applying tile adhesives, self-leveling compounds, waterproofing membranes, or coatings, the absorption characteristics of the surface directly influence performance and long-term durability.

What is Porosity? 

Porosity refers to the proportion of open pores or voids within a material. These pores can be:

• Capillary pores – formed during hydration or solidification of cementitious materials.
• Air voids – trapped during mixing.

Effect of Porosity on Bonding

Highly porous substrates: Examples: old concrete, screeds, plaster, AAC blocks.

• Absorb mixing water from cementitious products too quickly.
• Adhesive does not get enough water for proper hydration → weak bond.

Low-porosity or non-porous substrates: Examples: glazed tiles, dense stone, metals.

• Provide little to no mechanical key for bonding.
• Adhesive sits on the surface without anchoring → debonding risk.

Moderate porosity substrates: Examples: cement boards, fair-faced concrete.

• Provide a good balance for mechanical interlock and hydration.
• Often ideal for strong adhesion.

How Absorption / Porosity Affects Bonding

1. Sealing the surface – Reduces excessive suction on highly porous substrates so the product does not lose water too quickly.
2. Mechanical bond improvement – Primers create a tacky or micro-rough layer for better grip.
3. Chemical bonding – Some primers contain resins or reactive agents to bond chemically with both the substrate and the applied product.
4. Uniform surface condition – Primers minimize dust, laitance, or micro-particles that block adhesion.

High vs. Low Porosity in Practice

• High Porosity → High Water Absorption, Product’s mixing water is drawn into the substrate → weak hydration → poor bonding.
• Low Porosity → Very Low Water Absorption, Adhesives can “float” without proper grip unless primed or roughened.

Example:

• Concrete screed with 8% absorption will pull water from cement-based adhesive in minutes.
• Glazed tile with <0.5% absorption won’t allow adhesive penetration without surface roughening or a primer.

Porosity, Strength, and Durability

In cement-based systems (concrete, mortar, screed):

• Cement + Water → Hydration → Binder formation.
• Higher strength requires lower porosity.
• Lower porosity generally means higher durability.

The hydration process links strength, porosity, and durability — improving one influences the others.

Standards for Measuring Porosity / Water Absorption

1. Cement, Concrete & Mortar

• ASTM C642 – Density, absorption, and voids in hardened concrete.
• BS 1881-122 – Water absorption in hardened concrete.
• IS 3085 – Permeability of cement mortar and concrete.

2. Ceramic Tiles & Fired Clay

• ASTM C373 – Porosity, water absorption, bulk density of ceramic tiles.
• ISO 10545-3 / EN ISO 10545-3 – Porosity of ceramic tiles.
• ASTM C20 – Porosity and density of refractory brick.

3. Natural Stone

• ASTM C97 – Absorption and bulk specific gravity of dimension stone.
• EN 1936 – Density and porosity of natural stone.
• IS 1124 – Porosity of building stones.

4. Refractories

• ASTM C830 – Porosity and density of refractory shapes by vacuum.
• ASTM C20 – Boiling water method for refractories.

5. Plastics & Polymers

• ASTM D570 – Water absorption of plastics.
• ISO 62 – Water absorption of plastics.

Simple Site-Level Porosity Test (Qualitative) as per ASTM F3191

1. Clean the surface.
2. Place a drop of water with a pipette.
3. Wait 1 minute.
4. Wipe the droplet.
5. Observe:
• Absorbs quickly → High porosity.
• Remains rounded → Low porosity.
• Moderate absorption → Ideal bonding potential.

Recommendations

• High porosity → Use primers to seal the substrate and reduce suction.
• Low porosity → Use bonding primers to create a mechanical/chemical key.
• Always ensure the surface is clean, sound, and free of contaminants.

Absorption and porosity directly affect adhesion. Understanding your substrate and applying the correct primer or preparation method ensures a strong, durable, and reliable bond — preventing costly failures in tile, stone, or coating installations.

 You want to add some points? comment below…

 

 

SASO ISO 13007 - Tile adhseive

Full form is SASO = Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization

ISO = International Organisation for Standardisation

13007 series standard specifies the performance requirements and test methods for adhesives and grouts used in the installation of ceramic tiles. The standard categorizes adhesives into different classes based on their performance characteristics. 

Below is a table summarizing the minimum requirements for each class of adhesive as outlined in SASO ISO 13007:

Adhesive Class	Open Time	Slip Resistance	Shear Adhesion Strength	Tensile Adhesion Strength	Transverse Deformation
C1	≥ 20 minutes	No slip	≥ 0.5 MPa	≥ 0.5 MPa	Not required
C2	≥ 30 minutes	No slip	≥ 1.0 MPa	≥ 1.0 MPa	Not required
C2S1	≥ 30 minutes	≤ 0.5 mm slip	≥ 1.0 MPa	≥ 1.0 MPa	≤ 0.5 mm
C2S2	≥ 30 minutes	≤ 0.5 mm slip	≥ 1.0 MPa	≥ 1.0 MPa	0.5 mm
D1	≥ 20 minutes	No slip	≥ 0.5 MPa	≥ 0.5 MPa	Not required
D2	≥ 30 minutes	No slip	≥ 1.0 MPa	≥ 1.0 MPa	Not required
D2S1	≥ 30 minutes	≤ 0.5 mm slip	≥ 1.0 MPa	≥ 1.0 MPa	≤ 0.5 mm
D2S2	≥ 30 minutes	≤ 0.5 mm slip	≥ 1.0 MPa	≥ 1.0 MPa	0.5 mm

Notes:

Open Time: The duration during which the adhesive remains usable after application.

Slip Resistance: The maximum allowable slip of the tile after placement.

Shear Adhesion Strength: The adhesive's resistance to shear forces.

Tensile Adhesion Strength: The adhesive's resistance to tensile forces. 

Transverse Deformation: The flexibility of the adhesive, indicating its ability to accommodate slight movements in the substrate.

C1

Normal cementitious adhesive

Basic performance (e.g., tensile adhesion strength ≥ 0.5 MPa)

C2

Improved cementitious adhesive

Higher performance (e.g., tensile adhesion strength ≥ 1.0 MPa)

D1

Normal dispersion adhesive

Basic performance

D2

Improved dispersion adhesive

Enhanced properties like water resistance, adhesion, etc.

R1

Normal reaction resin adhesive

Basic two-component adhesive

R2

Improved reaction resin adhesive

Better chemical and mechanical resistance

F

Fast-setting

Adhesive sets faster than standard time

T

Slip resistance

Adhesive prevents tile from slipping vertically

E

Extended open time

Adhesive maintains bonding strength for longer after application

S1

Deformable

Adhesive can flex ≥ 2.5 mm and < 5 mm (for moderate substrate movement)

S2

Highly deformable

Adhesive can flex ≥ 5 mm (used in areas with high movement or stress)

Let me know your comments below...

Test on construction chemicals products

This blog guides you in identifying the appropriate tests for different types of products and helps you determine the relevant standards to refer to when conducting those tests.

Test on All products
Test Name	Reference Standard	Method of testing
Asbestos Content
CFC or Halon-based materials
Chloride ion content
Chromated Copper Arsenate CCA content
Density / Specific gravity
Environmental & Safety Compliance	Green Seal GS-37
Environmental & Safety Compliance	EcoLabel Standards
Environmental & Safety Compliance	Green Guard certification
Fire Resistance	ASTM E84 / EN 13501-1
Non Emitting product in Nature
Solid Content	ASTM D2697
VOC Content	SCAQMD Rule 1168/1113
VOC Content	EPA Method 24
VOC Emission	CDPH V1.2-2017
Zinc content
Test on Waterproof coatings
Test Name	Reference Standard	Method of testing
Abrasion Resistance	ASTM D4060, EN 13892-4, ANSI A118.10
Accelerated Weathering	ASTM G155, EN 12312-1, ANSI A118.10
Adhesion to Substrate	ASTM D4541, ASTM D7234, EN 1542, ANSI A118.10	https://annayyachandrashekar.blogspot.com/2017/09/astm-d-4541-iso-4624-adhesive-adhesion.html
Chemical Resistance	ASTM D1308, EN 13529, ANSI A118.10
Crack Bridging ability (Static):	ASTM C1347
Crack Suppression	ANSI A118.12.5.4
Curing Time	ASTM C639, EN 12311-3, ANSI A118.10
Dimensional stability	ANSI A118.10 (M-4.4) ASTM D1204
Elongation at Break	ASTM D412, EN 12311-2, ANSI A118.10
Fire Resistance	ASTM E84, ASTM E648, EN 13501-1, ANSI A118.10
Fungus resistance	ANSI A118.10 (M-4.1)
High-Temperature Stability	ASTM D297, EN 1062-1, ANSI A118.10
Hydrostatic Resistance	ASTM D751 (Modified
Impact Resistance	ASTM D2794, EN ISO 6272, ANSI A118.10
Low-Temperature Flexibility	ASTM D1970, EN 1062-1, ANSI A118.10
Resistance to Hydrostatic Pressure	ASTM D751, EN 12316-1, ANSI A118.10
Tear Resistance	ASTM D624, EN 12310-1, ANSI A118.10
Tensile Strength	ASTM D412, EN 12311-1, ANSI A118.10
Thickness Measurement	ASTM D4138, EN 13892-6, ANSI A118.10
UV Resistance	ASTM G154, ISO 11341, ANSI A118.10
Water absorption	ASTM D870
Water penetration	BSEN 12390-8
Water Resistance	ASTM D471, EN 12317-2, ANSI A118.10
Water Vapor Permeability	ASTM E96, EN 1062-3, ANSI A118.10
Water Vapor Permeance	ASTM E96-80 (Inverted Water Method)
Waterproofing	ANSI A118.10 (M-4.5)
Test on Tile Adhesives
Test Name	Reference Standard	Method of testing
Chemical Resistance	ANSI A118.3 / ISO 13007-2
Compressive Strength	ASTM C579 / EN 196-1
Fire Resistance	ASTM E84 / EN 13501-1
On site test - Pull-Off test		https://annayyachandrashekar.blogspot.com/2017/09/astm-d-4541-iso-4624-adhesive-adhesion.html
On site test - Slip resistance test on tile / stone		https://annayyachandrashekar.blogspot.com/2018/08/slip-resistance-of-flooring-and-floor.html
Open Time (Tensile Adhesion Strength)	ISO 13007-2 / EN 1346
Pot Life and Workability	ISO 13007-2 / EN 1347
Sag Resistance	ANSI A118.3 / ISO 13007-2
Shear Adhesion Strength (After Thermal Shock)	ISO 13007-2 / EN 1348
Shear Adhesion Strength (After Water Immersion)	ISO 13007-2 / EN 1348
Shear Bond Strength (Impervious Ceramic Tile)	ANSI A118.3 / ISO 13007-2
Shear Bond Strength (Porcelain Tile, 28 Days)	ANSI A118.4 / ISO 13007-2
Shear Bond Strength (Porcelain Tile, Heat Aging)	ANSI A118.4 / ISO 13007-2
Shear Bond Strength (Porcelain Tile, Water Immersion)	ANSI A118.4 / ISO 13007-2
Shear Bond Strength (Quarry Tile to Plywood)	ANSI A118.11 / ISO 13007-2
Shrinkage	ANSI A118.3 / ISO 13007-2
Slip Resistance (T - Slip Test)	ISO 13007-2 / EN 1308
Tensile Adhesion Strength (After Freeze-Thaw Cycles)	ISO 13007-2 / EN 1348/ ASTM D 4541 & ISO 4624 - On site test	https://annayyachandrashekar.blogspot.com/2017/09/astm-d-4541-iso-4624-adhesive-adhesion.html
Tensile Strength	ANSI A118.3 / ISO 13007-2
Thermal Shock Resistance	ANSI A118.3 / ISO 13007-2
Transverse Deformation (Flexibility Test)	ISO 13007-2 / EN 12002	https://annayyachandrashekar.blogspot.com/2018/08/determination-of-transverse-deformation.html
VOC Content (Volatile Organic Compounds)	ASTM D2369 / ISO 11890-2
Water Cleanability	ANSI A118.3	https://annayyachandrashekar.blogspot.com/2025/02/testing-process-for-water-cleanability.html
Test on Tile Joint grout
Test Name	Reference Standard	Method of testing
Abrasion Resistance	ISO 13007-4
Chemical Resistance	ANSI A118.3 / ISO 13007-3
Color Stability (UV Resistance)	ISO 13007-4 / EN 12808-6
Compressive Strength	ANSI A118.7 / ISO 13007-3
Flexural Strength	ANSI A118.7 / ISO 13007-3
Pot Life	ANSI A118.7 / ISO 13007-3
Resistance to Mold Growth	ISO 846
Sag Resistance	ANSI A118.3
Shear Bond Strength (to Ceramic Tiles)	ISO 13007-4 / EN 1348
Shrinkage	ANSI A118.7 / ISO 13007-3
Stain Resistance	ANSI A118.3 / ISO 13007-3
Tensile Adhesion Strength	ANSI A118.3 / ISO 13007-3
Thermal Resistance	ISO 13007-3
Water Absorption	ANSI A118.7 / ISO 13007-3
Working Time	ANSI A118.7 / ISO 13007-3
Test on Sealers
Test Name	Reference Standard	Approx cost (SAR)
Chemical Resistance	ASTM D1308
pH Measurement	ASTM E70
Porous Substrate Staining	ASTM C1248
Sealer Durability	ISO 11507
Slip Resistance	ANSI A137.1 / ASTM D2047	https://annayyachandrashekar.blogspot.com/2018/08/slip-resistance-of-flooring-and-floor.html
Stain Resistance	ASTM D2203
UV Resistance	ASTM G154
Water Absorption Reduction	ASTM C642
Water Vapor Transmission	ASTM E96
Test on Cleaners
Test Name	Reference Standard	Method of testing
Abrasiveness (Scrub Resistance)	ASTM D2486
Cleaning Efficiency	ASTM D4488
Effect on Grout and Sealers	Internal Manufacturer Testing / ASTM C267
Hard Water Deposit Removal	ASTM D5343
pH Measurement	ASTM E70
Residue Analysis	ASTM D3206
Stain Removal Performance	ASTM F2828
Surface Damage Assessment	ASTM C650 (Chemical Resistance of Glazed Tile)
Test on Cementitious screed
Test Name	Reference Standard	Method of testing
Abrasion Resistance	ASTM C944 / EN 13892-3
Chemical Resistance for exposed screed	ASTM C267 / EN 13529	https://annayyachandrashekar.blogspot.com/2025/01/astm-c267-1982-standard-test-methods.html
Compressive Strength	ASTM C109 / EN 13892-2
Fire Resistance	ASTM E119 / EN 13501-1
Flexural Strength	ASTM C348 / EN 13892-2
Freeze-Thaw Resistance	ASTM C666 / EN 13892-9
Impact Resistance	EN 13892-5
Setting Time	ASTM C191 / EN 13294 / ASTM C1708
Shrinkage	ASTM C157 / EN 13454-2
Tensile Bond Strength	ASTM C1583 / EN 13892-8
Thermal Expansion	ASTM E228 / EN 1770
Water Absorption	ASTM C642 / EN 1062-3
Test on Cementitious self-leveling compounds
Test Name	Reference Standard	Method of testing
Abrasion Resistance	ASTM C944 / EN 13892-3
Compressive Strength	ASTM C109 / EN 13892-2
Fire Resistance	ASTM E119 / EN 13501-1
Flexural Strength	ASTM C348 / EN 13892-2
Flowability (Slump Test)	ASTM C1708 / EN 12706
Freeze-Thaw Resistance	ASTM C666 / EN 13892-9
Impact Resistance	EN 13892-5
Pumpability
Setting Time	ASTM C191 / EN 13294 / ASTM C1708
Shrinkage	ASTM C157 / EN 13454-2
Tensile Bond Strength	ASTM C1583 / EN 13892-8
Water Absorption	ASTM C642 / EN 1062-3
Test on Cementitious repair mortar
Test Name	Reference Standard	Method of testing
Abrasion Resistance	ASTM C944 / EN 13892-3
Bond Strength Under Wet Conditions	EN 1542
Carbonation Resistance	EN 13295
Chemical Resistance	ASTM C267 / EN 13529	https://annayyachandrashekar.blogspot.com/2025/01/astm-c267-1982-standard-test-methods.html
Chloride Ion Penetration	ASTM C1202 / EN 12390-11
Compressive Strength	ASTM C109 / EN 12190
Fire Resistance	ASTM E119 / EN 13501-1
Flexural Strength	ASTM C348 / EN 196-1 / BS 6319 pt 3
Freeze-Thaw Resistance	ASTM C666 / EN 13687-1
Modulus of Elasticity	ASTM C469 / EN 13412
Setting Time	ASTM C191 / EN 13294 / ASTM C1708
Shrinkage	ASTM C157 / EN 12617-4
Sulfate Resistance	ASTM C1012 / EN 12390-10
Tensile Bond Strength	ASTM C1583 / EN 1542  /BS 1881 Pt 207
Tensile Strength	ASTM C307 / BS 6319 pt 7
Water Absorption	ASTM C642 / EN 1062-3
Water permeability	DIN 1048
Test on resin coating / screed / flooring
Test Name	Reference Standard	Method of testing
Abrasion Resistance	ASTM D4060:19, EN 13892-4
Adhesion Strength	ASTM D7234, EN 1542, ASTM C4541:17
Chemical Resistance	ASTM D1308, EN 13529
Compressive Strength	ASTM C579:18, EN 13892-2
Drying time	ASTM D1640:18
Elongation at break	ASTM D638:14
Fire Resistance	ASTM E648, EN 13501-1
Flexural Strength	ASTM C293, ASTM C580:18 , EN 13892-3
Glossiness	ASTM D523, ISO 2813, MPI 77:12	https://annayyachandrashekar.blogspot.com/2018/07/what-is-glossy-surface.html
Hardness	ASTM D2240 (Shore D), ISO 868
Impact Resistance	ASTM D2794, EN ISO 6272
Modulus of Elasticity	ASTM C580:18
Shrinkage	ASTM D2566, EN ISO 175
Slip Resistance	ASTM D2047, EN 13893, R11-R13 (DIN 51130) (Dry) ASTM E303:93 / (Wet) BS 7976-2:02	https://annayyachandrashekar.blogspot.com/2018/08/slip-resistance-of-flooring-and-floor.html
Tensile strength	ASTM D638:14
Thermal Stability	ASTM D3418, ISO 11357-2
Thickness Measurement	ASTM D4138, EN 13892-6
UV Resistance	ASTM G154, ISO 11341
Water absorption	ASTM C413:18
Water Permeability	ASTM E96, EN 1062-3