Friday, February 7, 2014

To Seal or Not to Seal – That is the Grout and Tile Question!

To finish off a bathroom tiling the shower can be the finishing touch that adds beauty. What many homeowners that are DIY types aren't sure about is if they should seal the tile. The first thing that a professional would ask them “Do you know the difference between what grout is and what tile is?"

While this may seem like a silly question to some, to those who didn't know, it is a learning step, but important to know before you do a tile job yourself. Tile is the pretty part with the colors and designs that attract you to start with. Grout is the stuff that goes between the tiles, filling the gap.

Grout should be sealed for a few reasons:

• Easier To Keep Clean

• Protects From Mold and Mildew

• Keeps It New Looking

Before you apply sealant to the grout, let it sit a day to dry and cure and plan to reseal every 2 to 3 years, depending on the foot traffic it gets. Whether or not you should seal the tile depends on the tile itself. Tile made of limestone, marble, matte, natural stone, slate or terra cotta are porous. They will absorb water so by sealing these materials, you can protect them against mildew, mold, stains and water.

Keep in mind some sealers will darken or even stain the tiles, changing their looks. Once you have stained the tiles, you will need to re-stain them once a year to keep them looking good. Ceramic tile is a beautiful product but is not porous and sealing is not necessary.

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