When you are building or doing renovations to your home, there are several decisions that need to be made. A big one is what flooring you are going to choose. With whatever flooring choice you make, there are even more decisions within that choice. If you choose to have tile flooring installed in your home, you will not only have to choose the tile color, shape and size, but you will need to choose what grout you want to go along with that tile. Steam Magic Carpet Cleaning would like to talk about some considerations you should make when you are choosing the right grout for your tile flooring.
What Type of Grout Do You Need for Your Tile?
There are a few types of grout available for tile flooring. The type of grout you choose will depend on a few things. Here are the types of grout available and when you would use them.
Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grout is a very durable option. It is a two-part chemical process that uses resin and hardener to create a long lasting product. It is a great option for areas that will be moist, like the bathroom. It is also a great option for areas near or around food, like the kitchen because it is so stain resistant. The installation of epoxy grout is more difficult and should not be a DIY project. Since it is hard to work with, it is also more expensive than other options.
Sanded Grout for Wide Joints
This type of grout is cement based, with sand mixed into it. The reason you would want to add sand to your grout would be to help your grout hold up to shrinkage and cracking. Sanded grout should be used when grout joints are wider than 1/8 inch. It shouldn’t be used with marble floors since the sand will scratch the surface of the marble.
Non-Sanded Grout for Wall Tiles
The absence of sand in non-sanded grout makes it a good choice for wall tiles, because it is very sticky. It shouldn’t be used if the grout joint is more than 1/8 inch-wide because it is likely that it would crack or shrink. This type of grout is also cement based.
Should You Seal Your Grout?
Sealing your grout is important. It will keep your tile protected in places where food or drink is involved, or when you have chosen a light grout color. Even if you choose a dark grout color, sealing it will help protect it against fading. You will want a penetrating grout sealer that soaks into the grout and creates an impenetrable barrier.
Tile & Grout Cleaning & Sealing in San Diego, Solana Beach, La Mesa, Mission Valley, La Jolla, Del Mar, Poway, Encinitas, Chula Vista California.
No matter what tile and grout you choose, proper care is important in extending the life of your tile flooring. Steam Magic Carpet Cleaning not only offers carpet cleaning, but tile and grout cleaning as well. By having your tile and grout professionally cleaned, your flooring will continue to look like the day it was installed. Call us today for an appointment.
