Sealing grout helps protect against moisture and stains. Sanded and unsanded grout needs a sealer; epoxy grout doesn't. Shower grout should be resealed every year. Grout in other areas of your home should be sealed every couple of years.
Porous grouts attract water, dirt, oils, etc. While the tile industry does not require sealing, it is always recommended, especially in wet or high-traffic areas. Penetrating sealers are the most commonly used and offer high water, chemical and stain resistance.
The only type of grout that doesn't need sealer is epoxy, which is inherently pre-sealed. Grout sealers typically come in two forms-- spray-on sealers and applicator sealers. Applicator sealers are applied directly to the grout with a roller ball or a brush.
If grout is not sealed, it can absorb water and become a breeding ground for bacteria. It can become unsightly and ruin the entire design of your space and be hazardous to your health. If you have young children or tiles in an area where you eat, you need to ensure that they are as clean as possible.
Whoever installed your floors most likely did not seal the grout because it needs time to harden and cure completely.
Moisture can penetrate the grout, causing it to expand and contract, leading to cracks and gaps between tiles. These openings not only look unsightly but can also allow further moisture intrusion, potentially leading to structural damage to the underlying substrate.
The Drawback of Using Grout Sealer
Moisture can still pass through most sealers, meaning grout isn't entirely waterproof even when sealed. Over time, grout in areas like bathrooms will naturally stain or show signs of aging, regardless of sealing.
If you notice your tile grout is changing color, specifically getting darker when it's wet, you can be pretty sure the seal is broken and needs to have some grout sealing reapplied by a professional. You may also notice dirt and grime gathering between your tiles that doesn't wipe off when you apply a grout cleaner.
You can seal the grout the day after you applied it or 100 years later. If it isn't dirty, seal all three sides of the shower with a tile sealer or masonry sealer. That will make the grout water-resistant, if not waterproof, and help prevent the growth of mold and dirt.
MAPEI's Keracolor U is a cement-based grout and is porous. Therefore, it will absorb stains and should be sealed. Sealing Keracolor U grout will help to maintain it, keep it clean and minimize discoloration. Choose a high-quality grout sealer, such as our UltraCare® Penetrating Plus SB Stone & Porcelain Tile Sealer.
Jim Whitfield, manager of Technical Services at Mapei told industry professionals, “Because epoxy grout is so tough, it wears extremely well. It doesn't wear down over time and become a tile gutter—like cement grout can—where all the dirt and liquid and junk collects.”
Quick Drying
It is often considered a negative character because of its quick-drying quality. That's why epoxy grout is more prone to wastage. To avoid this, you have to work quickly and apply the grout mixture before it dries.
Epoxy grout doesn't need to be sealed at all.
While you can easily work unsanded grout into a large grout joint, it won't perform well in joints larger than 1/8 inch, as it has a tendency to crack and shrink. Sanded grout is a superior option for joints ranging from 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch.
Using Too Much Sealant
You might be tempted to use more grout sealer to get the job done quickly, but an excess amount can easily spill over onto the tiles. As a result, unnecessary time will have to be spent scrubbing the excess sealant off.
You can apply new grout right over the top of the old grout. To do this, all you need is a grout removal tool. Use the tool to strike out the old grout, making sure the depth is at least 2mm, which is about the thickness of two dimes stacked one on top of the other.
There are a number of factors that can cause cracks and issues in the grout. But if cared for properly, grout can last for up to twenty years.
A: Polyblend Plus Sanded Grout does not require sealer. However, Polyblend Plus Sanded Grout can be sealed to help protect against staining. For further assistance please contact us at 1 800 282 8786 option 3.
Most installers will not seal the tile surfaces right away to ensure that the grout has enough time to cure completely. However, once the grout is completely dry, using a sealer to protect it would be a smart decision. Grout recoloring and sealing has many benefits to help keep up your home and protect your investment.
It is never too late to seal existing grout to avoid and prevent future damage. However, it is recommended that sealing should be done as soon as tile installment is finished in order to prevent future costly repairs.
Sealing grout helps protect against moisture and stains. Sanded and unsanded grout needs a sealer; epoxy grout doesn't. Shower grout should be resealed every year. Grout in other areas of your home should be sealed every couple of years.
The average cost to seal grout is $150 to $250 for 160 square feet of space, including materials and labor, though the price depends on the size of your tiles and the condition of your grout.