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Should Grout Be Sealed? This Is What You Need to Know | CSI Clean
Whether it’s your kitchen backsplash or bathroom floors, tile adds unique texture and style to any room of the home.
To keep the tile in place and looking its best, grout is used to fill in the gaps.
So, should grout be sealed or not? Read on to discover the ins and outs of sealing the grout so you can do what’s best for your tile.
The Ins and Outs of Grout
Grout is made of a cement-based component that makes it extremely porous. Due to its porous nature, any liquid that spills on your grout can be absorbed right into the surface if it’s not addressed immediately.
If you’re wondering whether or not grout needs to be sealed, it’s usually a good idea to do so. Sealing this material will protect it from stains, and it will also help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
For tile floors, grout can wear down quickly due to a lot of foot traffic. This excessive wear and tear can be minimized when you apply a sealer. Water and dirt can also cause your tiles to deteriorate as it penetrates the grout.
When you ask should grout be sealed, consider that it can help minimize excessive wear and damage to your tiles. It’s especially important to apply it on the grouting in tile floors.
Should Grout Be Sealed All the Time?
Although sealing your grout is usually recommended, there are some instances where it shouldn’t be sealed. Epoxy grout doesn’t need to have a sealant applied since this material is not porous.
You’ll find epoxy-based grout between glass tile since traditional grout can scratch the surface of the glass. This type of grout is flexible and won’t get cracked as easily as traditional grout.
It’s important to note that if you use tiles like natural stone and use epoxy grout, you should seal the tiles themselves. This will protect the stone from staining and damage.
Re-Sealing Tips
If you have any tile with grout that has been sealed previously, it should be re-sealed every so often. The best way to determine if your grout needs to be re-sealed is by doing a simple water test.
Take a few drops of water and splash them onto the grout. If the water beads, the sealant is still intact and you won’t need to re-seal it just yet.
If the water seems to seep right into the surface of your grout, this means the sealant is worn and it’s time to reapply. Make sure you reapply the sealant as soon as possible since water can wreak havoc on grout and tile.
Extend the Life of Your Tiles
So, should grout be sealed all the time? The short answer is no, but most of the time, traditional tile with grout can always use a layer of sealant.
Epoxy grout doesn’t need to be sealed, but any other format should have a sealant applied to keep your tiles and grout lines looking fresh and new.
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