You may have heard that sealing your grout and tile is important, but why is that? Are all sealants the same? Your friends at The Grout Medic want to help ease any confusion you may have revolving around sealants by sharing a few facts about the subject with you.
Unless an accident befalls them, tiles are likely to last your entire lifetime. This is not the case when it comes to your grout, however. Over time, constant exposure to numerous elements and traffic will wear away at your grout. When your grout begins to fail, you will notice it. The best way to ensure that your grout looks good and lasts for as long as possible is to seal it regularly.
One variety of tile that needs to be discussed when talking about sealants is unglazed tile. For most other types of tile, you do not need to worry about sealing them to keep them in good condition, but when it comes to unglazed tile you do. This is because unglazed tile is porous, like cement-based grout is. If left unsealed, these tiles are more prone to bearing scratches and stains. Two things that could ruin the look of your tile installation.
Did you know that there are different types of sealants? Choosing the right one for your project will ensure that your grout and tile are protected the best. The good news is that there are only two main types of sealants to choose between: membrane forming and penetrating.
Membrane sealers are recommended for tile that is in dry areas of your home. It works by forming one solid layer over the surface and protects grout by blocking all moisture from coming into contact with it. This type of sealer is typically ideal for kitchen floors and backsplashes.
Penetrating sealers are best used in areas where the presence of water and moisture are more common. Places like the laundry room and the bathroom. Penetrating sealers work by filling the pores and gaps of your grout. This prevents water from dwelling in these pockets but still allows the grout itself to breathe and dry out properly.
These are the three main things you need to know when it comes to sealing your grout and tile. If you want your grout and tile to be protected and last longer, reach out to Grout Medic for help. We can help you with all your tile and grout needs, including sealing.
By Grout Medic 4-1-2022
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