Is Sealing Your Grout Necessary?
After you install new tiles on your countertops, walls, showers, or floors, you may be wondering whether sealing your tile surfaces is required. Usually, installers take some time for the grout to dry out. Once it does, they use a grout sealer. So, what happens if you don’t seal a grout?
Usually, grout is made of the cement material, making it porous. This is why it can absorb liquids readily. Hence, grout sealing is necessary for your tile surfaces. In addition, grout sealing is useful because it stops mold and mildew from growing on your grout. With a grout sealer, you can increase the strength of your growth, making it more durable and slow down any wear-and-tear.
Sealing Grout Increases Tile Surface Lifespan
When grout is not sealed in time, grime and water can seep into it, causing cracks on your tiles and forcing them to break at a certain point. By sealing your grout, you get to prolong your tile surface’s lifespan and minimize damage to a considerable extent.
However, there are some exceptions when it comes to grout sealing, because not all grout are made of cement. Certain grout, such as the epoxy grout doesn’t have to be sealed as it is not porous like its counterpart. Hence, epoxy grout is widely used on non-porous surfaces like glass and offers protection against water and stain damage. Epoxy grout is well-known for its flexibility, making it less prone to becoming chipped and cracked. However, you do have to seal the unsealed tile before applying epoxy grout.
On a similar note, if you have certain tile surfaces, like the one made from non-porcelain ceramic tiles, there’s no need to seal it. For instance, a durable glaze is used to finish ceramic tiles, so it can prevent stains to the surface. In such a scenario, adding a sealing solution is rarely needed. On the other hand, if your home has porcelain tiles, you are likely to need a certain sealer. Alternatively, for natural stone surfaces, such as granite, slate, travertine, and marble, you are going to need a grout sealer. Natural stone is also porous, which makes it prone to moisture and stains.
In case you are uncertain whether or you have to seal your grout, perform a simple test to determine. Drop some drops of water on your grout. If it absorbs the water, it’s a telltale sign that you need to have it resealed.
Final Thoughts
After you install a new till, wait for at least 72 hours for the grout to dry. In this period, make sure to not spill water near your grout. After the time is up, you can send us a message. Our grout sealing experts will visit your home and seal your grout effectively.