Frequently Asked Questions about tile and grout sealing.

Q: Does my grout need to be sealed?
A: All grouts with the sole exception of 100% epoxy grout, which does not accept any sealer, need to be sealed. This includes polymer modified grout. These cement-based products are porous, and will stain if not properly sealed.

Q: Does my tile floor need to be sealed?
A: During the production process, a glaze is baked onto the surface of ceramic and porcelain tiles. This glaze creates an impenetrable layer on the surface of the tile, much like our sealers do on grout. Sealers will NOT bind with your tile, and can easily be wiped off with anything, including normal foot traffic. It is, however, highly recommended that porous tiles (mexican, saltillo, natural stones, etc.), be sealed.

Q: How long will this process take?
A: Floors That Glow applies all sealers directly by hand. Unless more than one coat needs to be applied, the entire process (cleaning, sealing, and cleanup) can take two crew members from 6-8 hours on a 1,000 square foot floor with 18 inch tile. Smaller tile results in more grout to be treated, which creates more workload. Total square footage also influences job time.

Q: How long will my family need to wait before we can walk on the floor?
A: The chemicals that we use to clean the floor before sealing are extremely slippery. During this process, we ask that our customers do not walk on the area being cleaned. Once the cleaning process is complete and the floor is ready for sealing, the homeowner may walk on the tiles only, if it is necessary. Once your job is complete, your floor is ready for normal traffic. Your floor should not be soaked with liquids for 20 days after sealing. Light mopping, however, is fine.

Q: What should I clean my floor with?
A: We recommend only distilled white vinegar at one half a cup of vinegar to each gallon of water. Store-bought cleaners may leave a transparent tacky film on the surface of tile, trapping dirt and oils.

Q: A colleague had their tile floor steam-cleaned. What is the difference?
A: Steam cleaning can damage grout, surrounding areas (cabinets, baseboards, etc.), or the tile installation itself. If pressure is too high, the high-pressure water vapor can actually remove the surface layer of grout. There have been complaints about steam cleaning actually removing whole chunks of grout from floors. When the steam-cleaning device reaches close proximity to cabinets or baseboards, damage to these surfaces occurs, or these grout joints are not fully cleaned. We have had a customer report that the tile adhesive under her floor was damaged during steam cleaning, resulting in some of her tiles popping up. Also, if grout is cleaned and not sealed, even if that "new look" is achieved upon cleaning, the grout will again stain. Our cleaners are applied to your floor by hand to ensure a thorough job without damaging surrounding areas.

When choosing to have a company come into your home to work, it is very important to make sure that company is licensed and insured. Floors That Glow is licensed to do business in your county, and we are covered by insurance. It is often recommended, as well, to check with your local Better Business Bureau regarding the company you choose. Guarantee of work is another area to take into consideration. Floors That Glow guarantees the craftsmanship of all our services for life.

Here is a link to the better business bureau simply enter the business name and make sure they have a good tract record Click Here