How Long Does Grout Take to Dry?

It can take 24-72 hours for the grout to dry completely. The drying time depends on various factors. Let’s find out more about them.

Factors that Impact the Grout Drying Time

1. Type of grout
2. Humidity level
3. Indoor or outdoor installation
4. Temperature

Grout Type

Don’t forget to check the drying time on grout packing. It is recommended to let the grout dry for more time than recommended by manufacturers.

Epoxy and Furan Grout

Epoxy and furan grouts take one day to dry completely.

Epoxy grout is the best option for high-traffic areas. Epoxy resins and filler powder are used to make epoxy grout. Its drying time is short, and that’s why it is difficult to apply. But its durability and effectiveness make it one of the best grouts.

Furan grout is made with polymers of fortified alcohol. It is similar to epoxy grout if we talk about resistance and durability. It is often used in industrial settings.

Cementitious Grout

Cementitious grout can take around 72 hours to dry. It takes more time due to water retentive additive that keeps grout moist and slows down the drying process. It is commonly used in residential settings.

Humidity Level

The humidity level in the application area also affects the drying time. Too much moisture in the air means the grout will take more time to dry and less moisture means less drying time. Each room in your house has different humidity levels. So, the drying time of grout will differ from room to room. Indoor plants also increase the drying time because they release moisture. You can open windows and turn on ceiling fans to speed up the drying process.

Read more: Easiest Ways to Clean Grout without Scrubbing

Indoor or Outdoor Installation

Grout always takes more time to dry outdoors as compared to indoors. Different weather conditions affect the drying time, such as rain, snow, humidity.

Indoor grouting can take around 24 to 72 hours to get completely dried, whereas outdoor grouting can take a week, even if the weather is good.

Temperature

Temperature plays a critical role in deciding grout drying time. Grout takes longer to dry in winter compared to summer. Consider the following examples to understand it.

• 32-54 F: 8-12 Hours
• 54-76 F: 6-8 Hours
• 76-97 F: 4-6 Hours

These times are for epoxy tile grout and may vary from one grout to another. Construction experts recommend shoveling the residue grout within 2-3 hours in summer and 4-6 hours in winter.

How to Speed up the Drying Time of Grout?

1. Remove indoor plants from application area.
2. You can also use a dehumidifier in your rooms to decrease the humidity levels.
3. A fan or an air conditioner can also help.
4. Protect outdoor grout from rain and snow.

What happens if Grout doesn’t dry Properly?

An improperly dried grout can impact the overall stability. It can lead to peels and flakes, weak joints, cracks and crumbles, discoloration, and mold & mildew.