Sealing the joint.: an indulgence or a need? After laying new tile, you might be wondering whether it’s important to seal the grout on your counters, bathrooms, walls or floors. Most installers postpone tile surface sealing to allow the grout enough time to completely cure. Still, after the grout has totally dried, it would be prudent to seal it. Many advantages of sealing and recoloring grout can assist to preserve your investment and maintain your house.
Sealing the joint. Grout porosity.
Grout is generally composed of cement, so the cement renders the grout porous and causes it to absorb liquids should they not be removed right away. For tile surfaces, then, sealing grout is an essential process. Apart from stopping leaks that could lead to stains, sealing grout hardens the grout and lowers wear and tear, therefore reducing mold development. Over time, when dirt and water seep into the grout, the tiles may start to fracture and finally fall. If your bathroom or kitchen grout is sealed, the lifetime of your tile surface will be prolonged and damage is less likely.
Sealing the joint. Exists any particular exception to the rule?
Indeed, not every variety of grout calls for sealing. For instance, non-porous epoxy grout is not requiring sealing. Because epoxy grout resists stains and water, it is frequently used on non-porous surfaces including glass. Unlike cement-based grout, epoxy grout stays flexible, so the substance is less prone to break and chip. Before adding epoxy grout, unsealed tiles—including natural stone—must be thoroughly saturated.
Sealing the joint. Grouting tiles vs. sealing grouts
One kind of tile surface devoid of need for sealing is ceramic tiles. For most ceramic tiles, for instance, a hard covering helps prevent stains; so, using a sealer is not required. Porcelain tiles lack a protective glaze, hence you must use a sealer to preserve their surface. Your tiles will need surface sealing since stone is a porous material prone to stains and moisture. You should absolutely think about sealing your natural stone surfaces—marble, travertine, slate, or granite.
Evaluating the Sealer
You may run a quick test to find out whether you should seal your grout if you already have tiles set and unsure about it. Think about slinking a little water into the grout. Should you find that your grout is absorbing water, you will know it is time for re-seal.
If the “water test” indicates that your grout is in fact absorbing water, don’t spend time. Water damage can affect your property; once grout turns porous, it’s impossible to know what could be caught in it or how long it will hold. Often times, we discover that our grout is porous, moldy, and quite damaged. Re-stain and seal grout is a great, reasonably priced substitute for replacement.
What liquid and how to clean grouts?
BETOFF-F is the most effective grout cleaning liquid available on the market and at the same time the most handy. It does not require cleaning; it reacts quickly with dirt on grouts in the bathroom and kitchen. Instead of scrubbing, enjoy your free time, this liquid does not require long and tedious scrubbing with a toothbrush. It extracts dirt from the grout itself; just clean it with a damp cloth or sponge.
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