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 Color Consistency 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 (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

Important Crack Resistance Properties for Grout Flexibility (Elasticity) Adhesion Tensile Strength BALANCE

Commercial / Residential Use Commercially Rated Approved for all commercial applications Warranty Residential – Lifetime Commercial – 2 years

Specifications Quartz-Lock meets or exceeds ANSI 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.

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 Coverage 18 lb. unit Tile SizeJoint Width (inches)1/16"1/8"3/16"1/4"3/8"1/2" 1" x 1" x 1/4" 6332N/A 2" x 2" x 1/4" 12663N/A 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" x 5/16" " x 8" x 1/2" " x 6" x 1/2" " x 8" x 3/8" " x 12" x 3/8" " x 13" x 3/8" " x 16" x 3/8" " x 18" x 3/8" " x 24" x 3/8"

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