[TommyT]

Another Newbie Question;

My wife and I built a designer in Pennecamp. We opted for tile rather than carpet and now have a question concerning "Tile Grout". The builder said the grout was not sealed and it would be up to us to handle that. I've heard pro and con concerning sealing or not and need some input from others that have been the same route.

Did you seal and why ?????

Did you not seal and why ?????

Any help will be greatful...

[Army Guy]

We have our whole CYV tiled and we had it sealed. Prior to the sealing we also had it acid washed which really cleans the tile well after installation. There are various kinds of sealers, most do it your self does not last, so we had a pro do it and it is suppose to be good for life.
We did it for the main reason it is recommended and that is to avoid staining. When unsealed as you know grout is made with sand so very porus. Anything spilled will soak in and can stain it.

Army Guy

[Ooper]

Just curious... what are the con's if you seal grout.

[soonfl]

We just closed in Pennecamp ( Jacaranda Island) and are going to seal the tile. Hopfully before we move in.

One , grout and water dont play well

Two, It is not that hard to do. We have had several homes with tile and it is a once every 4 yr job.

Three - they say that it makes it more difficult to repair cracked grout under the warranty . Well so do stains.

Its a 70 / 30 percent choice in my opinion

[wkogto]

I highly recommend Pat More, the tile guy to seal your grout ... it's an acrylic sealer that matches exactly your grout color. They acid wash your tiles first so you are starting with fresh, spotless tiles and grout. He has lots of referrals and he did an excellent job in our home. I originally got his name from TOTV and so glad I did!

Pat More, Tile Guy
352-516-3565

Gail
Village of Pennecamp

[K9-Lovers]

I've had ceramic, porcelain and marble tiles in my previous homes. Seal the grout. I know of no "cons" and the grout gets dirty quickly, whether it is stained or just walked upon.

[vj1213]

We built a Bridgeport in July. I bought a steamer to be used on my tile sections, upon reading the instructions that were included it said not to use on unsealed floors. So I called and made appt. for someone to come and seal the grout. I also called the warranty dept. who told me that if I had the grout sealed before the one year period that it would void the warranty. She also gave me the name and number of the tile company and the lady's name who is in charge of the warranty work, so I also called her and once again I was told that sealing the grout before the year would void the warranty. I have always used white vinegar / water mixture to clean my tile floors (this was also recommended by both ladies) and when I asked about using the steamer was told to not use it each time I cleaned and if it were to do any damage to the grout as long as it wasn't sealed they would cover it. Needless to say, I canceled having mine sealed.
Now I am aware that sealing grout prevents staining, but I suppose I will wait my year before sealing.

[Linwood]

Seal the grout,
I did not and it cost me a bundle to have it professionally cleaned so it could be sealed - and ate up three days of my June vacation visit (that was the real bummer)

Pat Moore is my hero, because he cleaned the grout so well it looked brand new, then I had him seal it with a color that is dirt colored (my description), it actually looks darned good with the tile.

Pat is easy to work with and he knows what he is doing,

Cheers

[Kelsie52]

We are building a designer as we speak in Buttonwood --I called several people for sealing tile grout and received a wide variety of prices --I had decided to seal it --beause I think it makes sense
now that I read it voids the contract --I mght reconsider

[Sherman931]

Any estimates on the cost? I know it will depend on square footage.

[Mikitv]

I agree about using Pat More to seal your grout. He did ours six months ago and I am so happy I did it this time. Last 7 house we didn't and never again.

[Kelsie52]

Originally Posted by Sherman931

Any estimates on the cost? I know it will depend on square footage.

I received estimates from $.35 to $1--sq foot

I intend on calling Pat Moore with so many positive responses here ..

[TommyT]

for the responses. I want to keep our home looking great, but voiding the warranty !!!!! However, I can't see spending good money for something that should have been completed from the start. WOW...what to do

[Bob45]

I was told by a local (Ohio) builder not to seal the tile. He said he did his 3 years ago and now he has to remove the sealer to clean it. I thought the sealer kept it from getting dirty.

We have a steam cleaner and from an earlier post it is not supposed to be used on unsealed grout.

If we go a couple years with it unsealed and it gets dirty will the acid wash clean it? Or is it too late?

Totally confused,
Bob

[Cateca]

We just had our 2,100 ft sq Lantana entirely tiled and then sealed. Sealing cost about $800, but it's worth it. Very meticulous guy from Floormasters used a small brush to go over all the grout, especially in kitchen. There are no CONS to sealing new grout.

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