Why Do Ceramic And Porcelain Tiles Need Sealing?

Tiles are an attractive flooring option for your new home or renovation project. One of the biggest concerns with tiles is whether to seal them or not? There’s a lot of confusion when it comes to needing only grout or sealing or both. Let us explain the best way to properly take care of and prolong the life of your beautiful ceramic and porcelain tiles.

What is grout?

Tile grout is the dense substance that’s lined between your tiles. These come in different colours, but they are usually white or grey and can be colour tinted for specific aesthetics. Grout fills in the gaps around the tiles and bonds them together, preventing the edges from being exposed to chips and cracking. Grout is a standard with tiling, and it’s rare to see fitted tiles without it. When the grout is applied, it is a liquid that forms into a solid. It’s naturally porous, which means it’s susceptible to staining from everyday wear and tear like dirt and food spills, and that is why they should be included in the sealing process.

What is sealing?

Sealing tiles is an important process to provide a stronger overall finish on your tiles and grout to protect them from grime, dirt, liquid spills and erosion. Some ceramic and porcelain tiles are also porous surfaces, so properly cleaning them can be a battle, especially if you leave dirt and stains to seep in and set.

If you want to go for a DIY sealer, make sure to use the right type. Ceramic tiles need their sealer, as well as porcelain tiles. They generally cannot be mixed. If you’re also applying grout in between your tiles, then you need to let it cure and dry before sealing. Make sure to follow the instructions listed on your sealer, as they can vary between brands.

If you don’t have any prior experience with sealing tiles, hiring professional tile sealing surfaces is generally safer, so you don’t risk damaging your tiles or touching harsh chemicals. They have the knowledge and tools to get the job done perfectly, saving you time and money buying new equipment and learning how to seal all your tiled surfaces. Properly sealed tiles will be protected from damage, spills and much more but still require general cleaning and maintenance to keep them beautiful.

If you have any burning questions or concerns about porcelain and ceramic tile sealing, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Pressure & Steam today! Our team of experts can share a wealth of knowledge and expertise on the subject to offer you the perfect solution. Contact us today for a free quote, and you can schedule an environmentally friendly service with advanced equipment at a commercial-grade quality. Sealing your floor tiles and grout is one of the most effective ways to protect and increase the lifespan of your tiles, so don’t delay.