WAXIE Grout Guard is a tough, permanent, high solid, water-borne sealer that penetrates deep into grout and repels soil and germs while improving slip resistance. This protection will dramatically reduce maintenance costs, due to the ease of cleaning.
Myth #6: Grout sealant can last for years!
Although some sealers on the market promise to be extremely long-lasting, The Tile Council of North America recommends that you have your grout sealed every two years at the outside.
Silicone sealer
It is a flexible material so it can be easily applied. However, silicone sealers protect against water and water only. Silicone sealers have the same size molecules and the large molecules can only fill up a certain type of space in the grout.
For high-traffic areas, like the main bathroom, you should consider sealing it every six months, while low-traffic areas like the guest bathroom can be resealed every two years. If you are using epoxy grout, it might not be necessary to reseal it as it is highly water-resistant.
A. 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.
Therefore, grout sealing is an incredibly important process for your tile surfaces. Not only does it help protect your grout from spills that make it susceptible to stains, but grout sealing helps protect it from mold and mildew growth, strengthens your grout, and slows down wear-and–tear.
Sealing grout helps to protect wet areas from water damage and prevents bacteria and mould from growing. It's a simple but important process to do and will even improve the longevity of your tiles.
The grout in your shower should always be sealed; this will block any moisture that could easily enter the very porous material. A sealer will prevent water from becoming stuck behind the tile and grout, forming mold and mildew.
How to Tell If Grout Is Sealed. You can sometimes tell if your tile or grout has been sealed by spreading a few drops of water on them. If they darken or change color, they are probably not sealed. If they stay the same, they may have already been sealed.
It costs between $0.90 and $1.60 per square foot to seal grout based on the size of your tiles, where you live, and the condition of your grout. Grout sealing usually includes cleaning, but always ask your contractor before you agree to a price.
The best line of defense and protection for your grout is to have it sealed. Sealed grout will not only get the protection it needs against crumbling, but it will also be protected against heavy staining as well. Your tile and grout need to be professionally cleaned before getting sealed for best results.
But does grout color really change when sealed? In short, the color doesn't change after sealing. But you can expect the shade to darken a bit. And don't worry; it's not a drastic change.
Grout sealer will not harm porcelain tiles if it gets on them while you are working. That said, it can dry clear and shiny, and this may be noticeable. It may be particularly visible if you have bright or overhead lights in the space where the tiled floor is located.
How often should you regrout shower tiles? Moisture and direct water contact contribute to grout deterioration over time, and eventually, the tiles will crack. This is why you should consider regrouting shower tiles every six months.
When grout is not sealed in time, grime and water can seep into it, causing cracks on your tiles and forcing them to break at a certain point. By sealing your grout, you get to prolong your tile surface's lifespan and minimize damage to a considerable extent.
Grout doesn't last forever. You can expect a lifespan between eight and sixteen years. Its lifespan will vary depending on how you treat your shower. Odds are, you have no idea when your grout was installed.
Be sure to let your grout sealer dry thoroughly before testing a small area with a few drops of water. If the water beads up, you're all set! If not, you'll need to apply an additional coat of sealer to your grout. Most grout sealers take 1-3 coats for best results.
If it gets darker or changes color, it is a clear indicator that the grout hasn't been sealed. However, if the color remains the same, the grout has been sealed properly. Another way to check if the grout has been sealed is to monitor the water beads.
Grout almost always appears darker when wet than when dry. New grout can take 24 or even 48 hours before it's completely dry.
If you try adding new grout over your old grout, the new mixture will not properly adhere to the existing grout or tile edges, leaving your shower open to water damage.