Grout Sealing
"Love Your TILE... Hate Your GROUT?

          When your grout is sealed, it is impervious to food or drink stains, simply wipe them up.

Why Clean and Seal Your Tile Floor? 
Tile floors develop traffic patterns in the grout joints, similar to pathways on a carpet. Once the floor has been cleaned and rinsed, a clear, penetrating sealer is applied to protect grout joints from future discoloration without changing the appearance. This also extends the life of the grout. 

Q: What is a sealer and should I seal my bathroom tile?
A: The sealer is a liquid that is applied to the grout about 2 days after the grout work is done. Once it is applied it soaks into the grout and dries creating a protective barrier against water and dirt. We strongly recommend you seal your grout and tile after it has been newly re-grouted or any new tile work installed. It can greatly extend the life of your grout and even make it easier to clean as the dirt will tend to float on the surface rather then penetrate deep into the grout. We can also steam clean your grout for like new results and then seal it for results that last.

Q: How often should I seal my grout?
A: To protect your tile and grout you may want to perform regular maintenance including steam cleaning or regular cleaning a few times a year. It is also very important to visually inspect your tile for any missing or cracking grout or caulking. You should fix any such failing caulk or grout right away. If you like, we can come in and power clean your walls, tend to any missing grout or caulk making sure you are protected and your walls are safe from any leaks. We will then re-seal your shower. Feel free to call about this service.

RE-GROUTING 

Why Re-Grout? 
A sure sign that you are in need of re-grouting will be the cracked, missing or mildewed grout you presently have. Hopelessly stained, missing or crumbling grout between tiles not only looks bad, but can allow water to accumulate and damage the tile substrate. Mold and mildew attaches to grout because it is a porous surface, staying continually wet. Mildew is usually black but can appear red, pink or green. Re-grouting and sealing the new grout will help prevent water penetration and staining. This also extends the life of the grout.

Q. What is grout?
A. grout (grout) n. 1.a. A thin mortar used to fill cracks and crevices in masonry. 
The grout is the substance between the tiles. Often times this substance between the tile (grout) becomes dirty or discolored and in turn makes your entire tile job look old and dingy. With a fraction the cost of replacing the tile we can Re-grout it and make it look like new again. 

Q. What is Re-Grouting?
A. Re-grouting is a process where we remove the old grout, either by using a grout removal tool or with a power grinder, then replace the area with new grout. 

Q: What do I do if I find some grout or caulk has opened up?
A: Make sure you call us to fix this problem or fill it yourself. A small hole that allows water to get behind your tile or tub can over a period of time, even a short time, make this seemingly insignificant problem into a huge mess and a costly repair. It is a good idea to stop once every month and eye-up the entire shower looking for holes or openings. These minor problems can be fixed with a minimum of effort but left alone can become a real problem. If you think your grout is failing you should have it re-grouted. Give us a call, we'll take care of it for you.

Q: Why is my grout cracking?
A: If you have an older tile installation and the grout keeps disappearing you may have a problem. If you tap on the tiles and hear a hollow sound this means that the surface below the tile has deteriorated and the tiles have lost their bond. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, try resetting the tiles yourself or call us and we will do the job for you.