Overview
ISO 13007-3:2010 - "Ceramic tiles - Grouts and adhesives - Part 3: Terms, definitions and specifications for grouts" is an international standard that defines terminology and sets performance specifications for ceramic tile grouts. It covers both cementitious grouts (CG) and reaction resin grouts (RG) used for internal and external tile installations on walls and floors. The standard is focused on product properties and test-based performance requirements, not on tile design or installation techniques.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 13007-3:2010 organizes grout requirements around clearly defined terms and measurable characteristics:
- Defined terms: grout, grouting, cementitious grout (CG), reaction resin grout (RG), liquid admix, pot life, maturing time, service time, cleaning time, shrinkage, water absorption, flexural and compressive strength, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, etc.
- Performance thresholds (examples given in the standard):
- Cementitious grouts (CG): flexural strength ≥ 2.5 N/mm², compressive strength ≥ 15 N/mm², shrinkage ≤ 3 mm/m, specified limits for water absorption (e.g., ≤ 5 g after 30 min, ≤ 10 g after 240 min).
- Reaction resin grouts (RG): flexural strength ≥ 30 N/mm², compressive strength ≥ 45 N/mm², shrinkage ≤ 1.5 mm/m, water absorption ≤ 0.1 g after 240 min.
- Abrasion, chemical resistance and freeze–thaw requirements are also specified or referenced to test methods.
- Classification and designation: grout types and classes (e.g., CG1 normal, CG2 improved with W = reduced water absorption, A = high abrasion resistance, F = fast‑setting).
- Marking and labelling: required product information includes reference to ISO 13007-3:2010, product name, manufacturer, shelf life, grout designation, mix proportions, pot life, cleaning and service times, and field of application.
(Actual test methods and detailed procedures are referenced in ISO 13007-4:2010.)
Applications and users
ISO 13007-3 is practical for:
- Tile and grout manufacturers - to formulate and declare performance, classify products (CG/RG) and label packaging.
- Specifiers, architects and engineers - to select grout types and performance classes for interior/exterior walls and floors, and for environments needing chemical or abrasion resistance.
- Contractors and installers - to understand pot life, maturing time, cleaning time and service time requirements for job planning.
- Quality assurance and testing laboratories - to verify product conformity against the specified performance thresholds.
This standard supports reliable material selection, performance claims, procurement specifications, and compliance checks in tiling projects.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 13007-3, ceramic tile grouts, cementitious grout, reaction resin grout, grout classification, grout specifications, grout performance, tile installation.