Why Ants Are a Problem in the Home
Ants can chew through traditional grout types, such as sand-based grouts, because they are relatively soft and porous, making it easy for ants to burrow through them. In addition, sand-based grouts are prone to cracking and breaking, creating openings and pathways for ants to follow.
Once ants have found their way into a home through cracks in sand-based grout, they can cause significant damage by burrowing into the wood and other building materials, eating through insulation, and damaging electrical wiring. This can be a serious problem, leading to structural damage and even fires if the wiring is damaged.
To prevent ants from chewing through sand-based grouts and causing damage to a home, it is important to use a stronger, more durable type of grout, such as epoxy grout. Epoxy grout is much harder and more resistant to wear and tear than sand-based grouts thanks to its epoxy resins, and it forms a much more effective barrier against ants and other pests.
How Water Ingress Helps Ants Invade Your Home
When water ingress occurs, water infiltration into a structure or object can occur through various means, such as leaks, poor sealing, or existing damage. It can cause significant damage to the structural integrity of a building and lead to mould growth, rot and other issues.
Ants, like many other insects and animals, are attracted to areas that provide them with food and shelter. If water ingress has occurred, it can create ideal conditions for ants to thrive, such as moist wood or soil.
Additionally, water ingress can damage buildings, such as openings or cracks in walls, foundations, or roofs, which can provide entry points for ants to invade.
These entry points can also allow ants to establish colonies within the structure, which can be difficult to remove. Ants can also be attracted to damp or wet materials, like wood or insulation, damaged by water ingress.
Preventing water ingress is important to prevent damage to the structure and avoid ant infestations. Regularly inspecting and maintaining buildings, sealing entry points, and keeping an eye out for signs of water damage can help prevent both water ingress and ant infestations.
What are the Benefits of Epoxy Grout as a Barrier Against Ants
There are several advantages of using epoxy grout as a barrier against ants:
Strength and durability
Epoxy grout is much stronger and more durable than sand-based grouts, made of epoxy resins, making it much more difficult for ants to burrow through it.
Non-porous
Unlike traditional cement grout, epoxy grout is non-porous, meaning that it does not have any tiny openings or cracks that ants can use as pathways into your home.
Water-resistant
Epoxy grout is water-resistant, which means it will not break down or become weakened when it comes into contact with water. This is important for preventing ants from tunnelling through the grout. Being water-resistant helps prevent water ingress, which is commonly taken advantage of by ants in order to gain entry into your household.
Easy to clean
Epoxy grout is easy to clean and maintain, so you can keep your home free of ants and other pests with minimal effort.
Long-lasting
Epoxy grout is long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear, so you can expect it to protect against ants for many years to come.
How We Use Epoxy Grout to Protect Your Home from Ants
Using epoxy grout to protect your home from ants is a simple and effective way to keep these pests out.
Before we begin, we will ensure that the area is clean and debris-free. Replacing old, damaged grout may require the removal of the old grout first. Once the area is clear of all potential hazards and contaminants, the epoxy grout is prepared.
Once the grout is mixed, it is evenly spread over the area where the new grout is being applied. All gaps and cracks are filled carefully, as ants can use these as pathways into your home. After applying the grout, any excess epoxy grout is wiped away, and the surface is smoothed out.
Once the new epoxy grout has been applied, it will need to cure. Our proprietary AllGrout product can cure faster than sand and silicon-based grouts, allowing it to cure within 24 hours. It is important not to disturb this process.
To maintain the grout and prevent ants from entering your home, keep it clean and in good repair. This ensures that the new epoxy grout will effectively use epoxy grout to protect your home from ants and keep your home free of these pests.