Sealing of Tiles

Tile and Grout Sealing

A sealer is a liquid coat applied to the porous surface of the tile and grout. It protects tiles from oxidation, natural deterioration and day-to-day wear. Typically speaking, sealers protect unglazed tiles and grouts from absorbing strains.

It’s important to realise that there are two parts of a tile floor. The tile and the grout. Most of the floor is made up of the actual tiles but the grout is just as important. It’s the often overlooked material that holds the tiles in place. Grout needs to be sealed. It’s naturally porous and will stain easily. If the grout is not properly sealed, it can leak water to the underside of the tile rather easily. This damages the tile from the inside creating a ripe environment for mildew, bacteria, fungus and other harmful microbes to grow freely.

Most tiles need to be sealed as well. It depends on the type of the tile. Sealing is done on tile to strengthen tile or grout’s defences against dirt, spills and erosion of grout. If your tile is stone, then it needs to be sealed as stone is naturally porous and will absorb spills and stain fairly easily. If your tile is ceramic or porcelain, it’ll need to be sealed only if the tile is porous. Otherwise, sealing only the grout will be enough.

Benefits of Sealing

All stone surfaces and grout are porous in nature. Therefore, eventually, your beautiful stone tiles and grout will take on the color of whatever is spilled on them, whether it’s coffee, or wine, or milk. Some liquids such as milk and juice, also contains acids that, over time, can actually damage an unsealed floor. As you have probably noticed in your driveway or on your sidewalk, sometimes even clear liquids can cause stains. Sealing will prevent these products from staining or damaging your tile and grout, so that you will be able to continue to maintain the beautiful appearance.

Another reason to seal your floors is for hygienic reasons. When the floor is porous, even if clear liquids spill, they can sit in those tiny pores for long enough for bacteria to transfer from the liquid to your stone. This could be harmful for your health.

Sealing adds a level of protection against slip and fall. Sometime, your beautiful stone tiles can be extremely smooth. Applying a sealant property can maintain that smooth appearance while giving just enough grip to reduce the risk of slipping.

Sealing tile and grout adds years to the life of your floor and will save you time, labor and money in the long run.

Professional tile and grout sealing services can keep your floors looking as good as new for years to come.

The main benefits of Sealing are:

• Prolong the look, texture and consistency of your grout and tile.
• Defend your tile and grout against dirt, grime and harmful bacteria.
• Helps keep out mold and mildew.
• Better hygiene.
• Prevents stains.
• Makes the floors easier to clean. Less work on your end.
• Protects the tile from damages.
• Moderate cost.
• Improve colour and longevity of your grout and stone.
• Protect your grout and stone from weather and spills.
• Leaves the floor looking bright and refreshed.