Do Ceramic Tile Floors Need To Be Sealed

Tile contractors and their customers need to understand whether porcelain tile needs to be sealed and if so why when and with what type of sealer.

Do ceramic tile floors need to be sealed.

Many tiles especially natural stone such as slate marble and limestone are porous and need to be sealed. Different types of ceramic tiles and grout have distinct features that should be considered when choosing sealing products. Sealing is done to strengthen tile or grout s defenses against dirt spills and erosion of grout but not all tile needs to be sealed. Do porcelain floor tiles really need to be sealed.

It s necessary to seal tiles that are going in high moisture areas bathrooms especially and the presence of oil and grease in kitchens makes it a good idea to seal any wall tiles there too. Seal the tile not the grout. Some polished porcelains are sealed as part of the manufacturing process to protect them during installation but a further seal after a thorough builders clean is recommended to offer. Genuine ceramic floor tiles do not stain so sealing will not improve stain protection.

If your tile is ceramic or porcelain it probably won t need to be sealed. Many consumers believe that a polished porcelain floor tile doesn t need sealing. They are glazed and unglazed. However during the polishing process micro pores are opened up.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are not porous. When to seal tiles. There are some exceptions to this so check with your manufacturer to be sure. Sealing of grout however may be a good decision that will help you reduce floor maintenance.

Using a product like pro seal ultra is ideal for grout. Epoxy grout is a tough water resistant material that doesn t require sealer but it s not right for every tile application. Even for areas such as a tile backsplash that may not see a lot of dirt or usage sealing tiles is crucial for the installation of it over time. The key is to ensure that proper sealer is periodically applied.

But like any floor a ceramic tile floor can become soiled or stained if it isn t sealed properly and regularly. Ceramic tile floors are an attractive and durable addition to high traffic and wet areas in a home. A mop won t dig out the dirt and often. Textured tiles can prove difficult to keep clean as they have high low surfaces.

There s an argument to say that you d only seal a polished porcelain tile and would leave a textured or matt surface well alone. Sealer is necessary for any floor tiles because they pick up dirt and grime that will set into the tile if it isn t sealed. Damage wanting to seal a ceramic floor tile to fix or cover some damage. Unsealed tiles such as clay and natural stone must be sealed.