Quikrete Non-Shrink Grout 20 lb

Quikrete Non-Shrink Grout delivers exceptional early strength (up to 3,000 psi in 3 hours) for contractors who can’t afford to wait around. Three distinct mix consistencies — fluid, flowable, and plastic — let you dial in exactly what the application demands. Installation depth from 1/4 inch to 24 inches means one product handles everything from thin anchor bolt grouting to deep column base pours.

Skip it if you’re just patching a sidewalk crack. This grout targets structural work where shrinkage must be avoided — equipment bases, bearing plates, and critical anchoring applications where movement equals failure.

Technical Performance

The strength development timeline tells the story. In plastic consistency: 3,000 psi at 3 hours, 5,000 psi at 24 hours, 8,000 psi at 28 days. Those aren’t marketing numbers — they’re ASTM C109/C109M tested values. Compare that to standard concrete hitting 2,500-3,000 psi at 28 days. You’re getting nearly triple the strength in the same timeframe.

Mix Consistency	Water per 20 lb	3-Hour Strength	28-Day Strength
Fluid	2.33 quarts	2,000 psi	6,500 psi
Flowable	2.0 quarts	2,500 psi	7,500 psi
Plastic	1.83 quarts	3,000 psi	8,000 psi

The working window runs tight — approximately 20 minutes at 70°F with final set between 20-45 minutes. That’s not a leisurely pace. Mix what you’ll place immediately. Use cold water in hot weather and hot water in cold weather to control that set time.

Height change measures 0-0.2% from 1-28 days per ASTM C1090. True non-shrink performance. Not “low-shrink” or “minimal-shrink” — actual dimensional stability that keeps bearing plates tight and anchor bolts locked.

Montana-Specific Applications

Montana’s infrastructure takes a beating. Bridge repair, equipment base grouting, and structural patching demand materials that perform in temperature swings and freeze-thaw cycles. This grout’s rapid strength gain matters when you’re racing weather windows.

Primary uses include structural concrete repairs and patching, anchoring and grouting anchor bolts, grouting of pre-cast concrete keyways, grouting of bearing plates and steel column bases. Think bridge bearing pad replacement on Highway 93. Mining equipment bases in Butte. Wind turbine anchor bolts on the Front. Damp cure for at least 1 day to maintain non-shrink performance — critical in Montana’s dry climate.

The ideal application temperature range of 50-90°F covers most of Montana’s construction season. For cold weather work, that hot water mixing adjustment becomes essential. Mix it in a heated space if possible.

Standards and Compliance

ASTM C1107/C1107M compliance validates this as true hydraulic-cement grout for load-bearing applications. ASTM C928 R3 certification adds rapid-hardening repair material credentials. That’s specification language that matters for DOT work and commercial projects.

Surface prep follows standard protocol: clean and remove all loose material, grease, and oil. Flush and soak with clean water; remove standing water before application. Mechanically mix for a minimum of 3 minutes. Do not exceed 20 seconds flow time for fluid consistency. Those aren’t suggestions — they’re requirements for achieving rated performance.

Review scores average 4.6 stars at Home Depot (48 reviews) and 4.5 stars at Lowes (31 reviews). Contractors praise the non-shrink properties, which ensure stability and load transfer capabilities. Common concerns include sensitivity to hot weather conditions, which can cause cracking due to plastic shrinkage if not properly managed.

Bottom Line

Quikrete Non-Shrink Grout earns its place on Montana jobsites through measurable performance advantages. The three-consistency flexibility eliminates guesswork. The strength timeline supports fast-track scheduling. The true non-shrink characteristics deliver what structural applications demand.

At roughly 0.19 cubic feet yield per 20 lb pail, calculate your volumes carefully. This isn’t budget-friendly bagged concrete. It’s precision grout for applications where failure isn’t an option. The warranty covers product replacement or refund for defects, but excludes consequential damages — standard protection that puts performance responsibility where it belongs.

For Montana contractors handling structural repairs, equipment installations, or any application demanding dimensional stability under load, this grout delivers documented performance. Just respect the working time, follow the mix ratios, and maintain that critical damp cure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I extend the working time in hot weather?

Use cold water in hot weather to slow the set. Mix smaller batches more frequently rather than trying to extend working time with admixtures. The 20-minute working window at 70°F shrinks fast as temperatures climb. Hot weather conditions can cause cracking due to plastic shrinkage if not properly managed.

Q: What’s the actual difference between the three consistencies?

Water content drives it all. Fluid mix uses 2.33 quarts per 20 lb for flow applications. Flowable takes 2.0 quarts for standard grouting. Plastic needs just 1.83 quarts for maximum strength. Less water equals higher strength but reduced workability. Match consistency to placement method.

Q: How deep can I pour this in a single lift?

Installation depth ranges from 1/4 inch to 24 inches. That’s a huge range for one product. No need to layer or build up in stages for most applications. Pour it and forget it.

Q: Does this actually not shrink or is that marketing?

Height change measures 0-0.2% from 1-28 days per ASTM C1090 testing. That’s measurable non-shrink performance, not marketing fluff. The product meets ASTM C1107/C1107M standards for non-shrink hydraulic cement grout.

Q: What happens if I don’t damp cure it?

Damp cure for at least 1 day to maintain non-shrink performance. Skip this step and you’ll compromise the dimensional stability that makes this product worth its premium. Use wet burlap, plastic sheeting, or curing compound to maintain moisture.