When we sell porcelain tile in Palm Beach and throughout the rest of South Florida, we always make sure that homeowners understand everything they need to know about the material they’re purchasing.
This includes what kind of maintenance it will need after purchase. One of the most important aspects of maintaining a floor is ensuring that it's sealed if it needs to be. Today, we’ll discuss which types of flooring need sealing and which don’t.
It All Depends on the Porousness of the Material
Floor sealing is designed to protect your flooring, ensuring that it lasts longer and makes it easier to clean. Perhaps its most important benefit is that it also protects your flooring from moisture.
Some materials are porous, which means they absorb liquids. This makes them especially vulnerable to spilled drinks, rain, and other forms of moisture.
Here are a few of the materials that are likely going to need to be sealed:
- Wood
- Stone
- Concrete
At D&B Tile, we never run out of reasons to sing the praises of porcelain tile. That said, its durability is one of the key advantages it provides. Most ceramic and porcelain tile does not need to be sealed.
There are a few products that may require a light application of sealer. If you’re wondering whether the product you’re working with needs to be sealed, you can speak with one of our tile experts or consult the product information.
What About Grout?
Most grouts these days are self-sealing. This means you won’t have to worry about sealing them yourself. That said, there are some grouts that require you to seal them. Unsealed grout is vulnerable to stains, and it can also cling to dirt.
It’s best to speak with a tile expert or check the sealant’s product information to determine whether it needs sealing.
What Happens If You Don’t Seal Your Flooring?
If you don’t seal a porous flooring material, it’s much more likely to absorb stains. In these situations, you won't be able to remove the stain without professional intervention.
It is also much more likely to absorb dirt and other contaminants, ultimately leading to a less healthy living space for you and your loved ones.
If you’re using a porous material, it is much more cost-effective to seal it than to take care of any problems after they occur. If you don’t want to worry about having to regularly seal your floor, we advise you to choose a non-porous flooring material.
How Often Should You Seal Your Flooring?
How often you need to seal your flooring depends on its material, as well as the amount of foot traffic it receives. Generally speaking, the timeframe can vary anywhere from one to four years. When sealing grout, you don’t need to seal it more than once a year.
Looking for Porcelain Tile in Palm Beach?
You’ve come to the right place. At D&B Tile, we’re committed to providing homeowners and contractors with the best tile available in the state. We also offer Omni sealers.
Have any questions about what we can do for you? Would you like to speak with a tile expert? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re excited to speak with you!