GROUT SEALING

DOES YOUR GROUT NEED SEALING OR RE-SEALING?

Have you scheduled a tile and grout cleaning job or done it yourself and wondered if you need grout sealing as well?

It is relatively simple to find the answer to your question. Simply sprinkle a few drops of water at several places around your tile. If areas of your grout soak in the water immediately, your grout should be sealed or re-sealed.

WHAT IS GROUT?

Grout is used to fill the seams between tiles. Most grout is called 'sanded grout' because the grout contains sand, which is a good and inexpensive material to use. Unfortunately, though, sand is porous and therefore grout is porous. It is this porosity that makes it necessary to seal the grout after the majority of tile applications, as well as re-seal the grout when needed.

After grout has been applied and has dried, but has not yet been sealed, it will absorb water and any other liquid, as well as dirt, mildew, and other contaminants through its microscopic pores that act like a sponge. Obviously, this is not a good situation for a shower wall or bathroom floor but can be a problem in any area where tile has been laid and grout has not been sealed or the seal has worn off.

Please note: There is a type of grout which is epoxy-based called epoxy grout or pre-sealed grout. This type of grout does not need sealing because it actually sheds water. It is relatively expensive and difficult to mix so is not used as much as sanded grout.

WHY WASN'T MY GROUT SEALED BY MY CONTRACTOR?

The usual answer to this is--If a sanded grout was used and it was not sealed, it may be the fault of the contractor. To seal the grout in a new installation means returning at another time because the grout must be completely dried after installation. This can take as much as 30 days. Many contractors do not want to or may not have room in their schedule to return to the site to do this.

WHY DOES MY INSTALLED GROUT NEED SEALING IF IT WAS ORIGINALLY SEALED BY A CONTRACTOR?

Existing tile may need to have the grout sealer reapplied. Bathroom wall tile and tile kitchen counter tops especially, may need to have the grout sealed more frequently. Since grout is porous, spills may seep in if not cleaned up immediately. Colors from liquids such as fruit juice or tea and coffee may remain after the liquid evaporates, staining the grout. Oils can also seep into the grout. To remove these stains, the old grout may need to be chipped out and replaced. NOTE: There are some types of grout available that are non-staining.

PROTECTION AGAINST MOLD & MILDEW

Grout is not as resilient as the tiles surrounding it and applying grout sealer can provide good protection, especially against mold and mildew as in a bathroom situation. The combination of continuous water exposure and warm temperatures can cause slow chemical changes in the structure of the grout. The minerals that compose the grout structure can dissolve away, allowing water to go even deeper.

It is important to note that as the minerals in the grout dissolve, the alkalinity of the grout is reduced, eventually allowing bacteria to survive and reproduce as well. The water may reach the mortar at the base of the tile, compromising the drywall backing and the entire tile assembly.

IF MY GROUT NEEDS TO BE SEALED, HOW OFTEN SHOULD IT BE DONE?

Check your tile and grout areas about once a year to see if they need sealer. If the tile and grout is in a high-traffic area, check more often. The general rule of thumb is to have the grout re-sealed at least once a year on high traffic floors and every 18 months for counter tops and back splashes.

TYPES OF GROUT SEALERS

Penetrating  Sealer

Penetrating grout sealer penetrates the grout, protecting it from stains. It is not permanent so must be reapplied periodically. There is another type of penetrating sealer which seals the pores permanently but may darken the grout. Regular penetrating sealer does not leave a shine and does not change the color.

Non-Penetrating Sealer

Non-Penetrating Sealer acts as a film or barrier on the surface of the grout which helps repel water and stains. This type of sealer may turn a milky color over time. It would then have to be removed and replaced with a fresh coat. Non-penetrating sealers may be shiny and may darken the grout color.

When our tile cleaning technicians service your tile and grout cleaning and apply grout sealer, we use the penetrating type.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR TILE & GROUT PROPERLY BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL CLEANINGS

• Wipe up any spills as soon as possible to prevent stains.
• Sweep your tile floors once a week to remove accumulated dust and dirt.
• Use mild soap and water to wipe down your tile counter tops regularly.
• Mop your floors occasionally with a mild, neutral cleaner. Do not use over-the counter products that have wax-like substances that promise to add shine to your hard surfaces. The wax can cause a build up over time causing your tile and grout to look dingy. They may also deteriorate the grout faster.
• Make sure to use door mats outside all entrances to capture dirt, grit and other substances.

CALL ABC 

We have the knowledge and the equipment to professionally clean your tile and grout and apply grout sealer.

Call or text today to schedule at 607-272-1566. Check with our office staff about any available special discounts.

For more information on tile and grout cleaning and sealing please click on the Ceramic Tile, Ceramic Tile Cleaning, Grout, and Tile and Grout Cleaning articles on our website. 

---

Top of Grout Sealing

Back to Articles

Back to Homepage

---