No matter where you live, chances are high that there is tile somewhere in your residence. Tile is beautiful, usually easy to clean, and often very durable no matter your lifestyle. As time passes, it is inevitable that the tile will lose its luster and the grout will begin to become stained with age and wear. Deep cleaning your grout, just like a carpet or a rug, is needed to properly clean and sanitize your grout, but one key step you cannot ignore is applying a sealant afterward. Grout sealing in your McLean, VA home is a very important step to properly maintain your tile and grout and should never be skipped, or else risk damaging the wall or flooring beneath your tile.
Grout, Mortar, and Tile
To understand why grout is so important for a grout cleaning in McLean, VA, it is first ideal to know what grout and the other components of your tile are made out of.
Grout is a dense mixture that is usually composed of water, sand, and cement. Mortar, made similarly to grout but typically with lime, is used to connect the tile to the underlayment or subfloor. Both grout and mortar dry to form a firm material that helps keep the tile in place for years of hard use, but both are also naturally porous, meaning they have small pockets within them.
Tiles are generally made of a mixture of clays that are fired in a kiln, often glazed to provide a hard seal on the exposed layer. The sides and back of the tile are porous, in comparison to the glazed top side, just like the grout and mortar.
The Reason Why McLean, VA Grout Sealing is Important
Now that you know what the three main components of your tile are, we can get to the reason why grout sealing for your McLean, VA tile is so important. With all three of these materials being porous, it is easy for dirt, debris, and bacteria to get into those little pockets. When this happens, not only does your grout start to stain, but moisture can seep in, settling deep within your grout, eventually starting to fracture it and get to the exposed mortar beneath. Once your underlayment or subflooring is exposed to these contaminants, it will start absorbing the moisture and bacteria, which will promote mold and other unfriendly things to not only your health but your home as well. Once the mold sets in, it will start to erode the flooring and walls, causing a lot of damage in a surprisingly short amount of time.
Grout Sealing to Preserve Your Tile
When you properly clean your grout, you’ll want to seal it right away to provide a waterproof seal, keeping out the moisture and dirt. The Grout Medic of Northern Virginia utilizes a clear grout sealant that is rated for 20 years of general use before it is recommended to be replaced. If you have tile in high-traffic areas, it is recommended to have your grout properly cleaned and resealed every two years to ensure the longevity of your grout and tile.
If you are interested in updating the look of your tile after it is professionally cleaned, ask about our grout color sealing options. In place of the clear sealant, The Grout Medic will use a color stain grout sealant that will make your tile appear completely transformed.
Looking for a McLean, VA grout cleaning and sealing company “near me”? We serve the following areas in Northern Virginia:
Alexandria, Ashburn, Arlington, Vienna, Fairfax, Burke, Great Falls, Clifton, Warrenton, Lovettsville, Round Hill, Hamilton, McLean, Leesburg, Chantilly, Herndon, Burke, Manassas, Oak Hill, Centreville, Nokesville, McLean, South Riding, Reston, Stone Ridge, Sterling, Springfield, Southbridge, Brambleton VA, and surrounding areas of Northern Virginia.
If you are considering replacing all of your tiles, why not obtain a second opinion? We can restore antique tile and grout in a single day, after all. You can reach us anytime by calling us at 703-634-4646, by filling out our contact form, or feel free to schedule a day and time that work best for you using our online scheduling portal. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
