Tile and Grout Sealing
An important preventative step is sealing your tile and grout
Everyone is talking about it and many have had it done but have you had it done yet?! We’re talking about sealing your grout and tile. If not, it’s something seriously worth considering. It’s a relatively inexpensive service compared to the value it gives. So, what exactly is tile and grout sealing?
Before we dive into the particulars of what tile and grout sealing is, it’s best we first examine what the different types of grouts are.
What are the types of grout?
Grout is the material used to fill in the space between each tile. The grout joint (the space) between each tile is typically anywhere from 1/8” to about ½”. The sizing you choose is more so dependent on aesthetic preference than a structural or technical need.
Cement Base AKA Cementitious Grout
There are many different color options to choose from. This grout can be purchased premixed, meaning that the grout comes in a pale and ready for use. Or in a power like form that is ready to be mixed using water or a proprietary mix from the manufacturer.
The two main grout companies that most are familiar with are Laticrete and Mapei.
Cementitious grout is a blend of cement, polymers, color pigments and graded aggregates. Both sanded and unsanded grouts are made from the same ingredients except unsanded is composed of much finer aggregate particles thus not having that gritty look or feel. There are two main types of cementitious grout: sanded and unsanded.
Sanded– Used for floors and rarely used for walls. Due to the enlarged sand (aggregate) particles, it’s more durable than unsanded grout thus better for high trafficked areas. Sanded grout should not be used in grout joints 1/8 and smaller.
Unsanded– Mainly used for walls and low trafficked areas. Not recommended for floor applications unless the material is a natural stone. Best used for walls such as backsplashes and shower walls. Unsanded grout is the better choice for smaller grout joints.
With ever enhancing technologies, both Laticrete and Mapei have engineered grout enhancers to be used in place of water when mixing cement based grout. The grout enhancer acts as a built in sealer. It forms with the grout to create a denser grout with long lasting pigment colors. It helps repel dirt and grime and inhibits mold and mildew growth.
Most homeowners, builders and contractors use cementitious grout because it’s the easiest to work with and has a great deal of forgiveness in regards to application and cleanup compared to epoxy grouts.
Epoxy Grouts
Epoxy grouts are entirely different from cementitious grouts. You do not and cannot mix epoxy grouts with water. In fact, epoxy grouts are mixed with their own proprietary blend of resin, hardeners, fillers and pigments. The mixtures are usually a two or three component mixer blend plus the pigment color. Typically, epoxy grouts are sold as a kit equipped with the needed materials to mix the grout.
Benefits of Epoxy grouts.
Virtually stain proof
Waterproof
extremely durable,
color and pigment longevity retention,
can be combined with custom pigments for a glitter or glow in the dark effects
mold and mildew resistant
Application of Epoxy Grouts
Epoxy grouts can be submerged in water for pool application, or in high moisture areas such as kitchens, laundry rooms or catchall rooms, or dry areas such as living rooms.
The bonding chemical structure of epoxy grouts allows for the grout to be more flexible. Thus epoxy grouts are extremely resistant to shrinkage and cracking.
While epoxy grouts ARE much more durable than cementitious grouts, it’s important to note that epoxy grouts take longer to cure, meaning harden. During the curing phase, this grout MUST remain extremely clean and free of any dirt or debris. It is only stain and waterproof once it has fully cured. Not following such precautions may result in stained grout.
Because epoxy grouts are waterproof- meaning that unlike cementitious grouts which will absorb water, oils and other liquids-epoxy grouts will repel water and moisture, epoxy grouts should not be sealed with a grout sealer.
Why it's important to seal your tile and grout
Tile Sealing
Throughout this blog post, you’ll often hear us refer to tile and grout sealing. Cementitious grout should ALWAYS be sealed for reasons written about in this post. However, tile should only be sealed when it is a porous and/natural stone. Meaning, glass, porcelain, ceramic tile does not need to be sealed. Their grout lines do, however, so long as the grout is cement based.
We are often asked what the difference between certain grout sealers and what is the different between each sealant description. So, let’s discuss sealant terms and what they mean
Penetrating aka Impregnators
This means that the sealer should absorb into the tile or grout to create the sealant barrier. Penetrating sealers and Impregnators are not a surface sealant. Meaning that they do not coat the top of the surface of a porous area such as cementitious grout and tile. Rather this type of sealer will penetrate.
The Pros always chooses a grout and tile sealer that DOES NOT change the sheen level or color of your grout or tile. There are many products on the market that has the ability to change the sheen level of your tile. Most make it more a glossy effect.
Benefits of sealing your tile and grout
After reading above, hopefully you have a better understanding of tile and grout sealing. If not, please feel free to contact our office and we’d be more than happy to further assist you.
Tile and grout sealers act as an invisible, impermeable protectant barrier. The sealant forms a bond with the tile and grout and acts as a shield as it penetrates.
Grout and tile sealants protect against water and oil spills.
Protects against stains, dirt and grime.
Keep tile and grout looking new.
Easier clean up.
Due to the barrier, water cannot penetrate thus inhibiting mold and mildew growth. This is a HUGE pro for sealing your tile and grout. Believe it or not, we’ve seen marble actually stain from mold and mildew growth. Even after it was cleaned and our clients wanted the tile sealed, the unfortunate growth of the mold and mildew caused the tile to stain.
For natural and porous stone, you MUST seal the tile using an impregnating sealer prior to grouting to avoid the grout staining the tile. This is especially true for cement, marble, travertine, sandstone, and other heavily porous stone.
Contact The Pros for all your tile and grout sealing needs in Houston, TX. We would be more than happy to assist you.
Tile and Grout Sealing Q&A
No, it does not change the color of your grout. In fact, it helps keep your grout and tile looking new far longer compared to no sealer application.
Depending on the sealer you choose, yes it can change the sheen level of your tile and grout. When we provide this service, unless otherwise specified and requested by our client, we DO NOT use a sealer that changed the sheen level.
The sealer should penetrate your tile and/or grout lines. It helps in making the tile more resistant to stains and helps keep it waterproof. Technically because the sealer penetrates, there should be no reason it is more or less susceptible to scratching.
Depending on the traffic, you should seal your grout and tile at least once a year. More often if your area is high traffic.
Yes. And its actually recommended to seal exterior surfaces.
No. Mortar is the material component of thinset. We use thinset to adhere your tile to its subfloor or wall backing. However, for wall tile applications, many pros opt for a Mastic glue in areas that are not high moisture such as backsplashes. You cannot use this for grout.
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