Do you have to seal bathroom tile grout?

Question

I heard that you don't have to seal the grout between the tiles in a bathroom, is this true?

Answer 1

It is absorbent. It will take on water and stains.

Answer 2

Good evening Colourme. If it is the wall tile grout than it is not nessary to seal so long as your application of the grout is done properly. Grout is a specially formulated mortar that when applied correctly fills completely the spaces between the set tiles. Seeing how the surfaces are virtical rather than flat like a floor tile layout, water does not build up and stay on it for long amounts of time.( to be sure just read the lable to see if it is the modifide variety) Most of the wall grout on the market is formulated with additional additives. Some have silicon ingrediences that help to thwart mold and mildew. You can however puchase a liquid additive to mix with the grout instead of water that give it a more resilient composition. But in most cases unless the shower is in high use with two or three showers a day and never gets a chance to thoughrouly dry in between, than an additive is probably recomended. Follow the application directions. Apply the grout with a rubber float that forces the mixture deep and evenly into the spaces between the tiles. Do not leave too much excess grout on the tile as it makes cleanup more difficult. Use a large good quality sponge to clean the excess grout from the tiles. Do not over wet as this will weaken the grout through dilution. Pass one way diagonally over the surface, flip the sponge over and make another pass. Rinse the sponge in a bucket of clean water. Squeeze out excess water and repeat. When the suface have dried and has a milky dull look, lightly buff the surface using a towel or something similar. That is the basics. But i'm sure you could get more info from your local tile company free of charge if you are un-sure. Very important to let the grout fully cure befor using the shower regularly. Eg; If you grouted it today do not use the shower for at least 24 hours. If at all possible at some point lets say 10 or so hours after the grout has dried. Re wet the grout with plain water and allow to re-dry. this will help to cure the grout befor use. The grout itself will strengthen and become as hard as concrete. If i can mix the grout with a mildew resitant additive I do. But if not and the tile and grout is toweled dry or dries fast after use so there is not moisture left to promote the growth of molds and mildew than that's great. If your grouting a floor sealing it can lessen the chance of staining due to spillage such as medicines hair dye coffee etc. Where as in a shower these things would rarely be a factor. . You can get some good info and i think free "how to do it video tapes" on tile and grout at Home Depot. The corners should be siliconed as well as around the tub rim where the tile meet the tub surface because of expansion and contraction cracks in these areas are inevitable. Hope this helps you out.

Answer 3

Sealing Grout In Shower

Answer 4

Should You Seal Grout

Answer 5

RE:
Do you have to seal bathroom tile grout?
I heard that you don't have to seal the grout between the tiles in a bathroom, is this true?

Answer 6

Well there is nothing that says that you absolutely have to, but if you want to protect your grout then you should. Bathroom floors are subject to getting wet from wet feet walking all over it.... the water will absorb into the grout because it is porous. Eventually, over time you will start to see your grout turning darker in certain high traffic areas. In order to prevent that from occuring, I would suggest you but a bottle of grout sealer and apply it asap so you have no worries down the road!!! Good luck!

Answer 7

Well I had one of my bathrooms tiled three months ago and the grout is starting to break, maybe because of the water, so I'm thinking to apply some seal to prevent any more decaying..☺

Answer 8

YES YOU DO HAVE TO SEAL IT!!!!! All grout HAS to be sealed....... You can purchase a sealer call STAND AND SEAL from Home Depot for about $10.00 and all you have to do is prep the area to be sealed..........Sweep and mop for prep.........then walk over the grout as you spray it with this sealer.There are other methods but this works the easiest and fastest.After the sealer has dried for 15 minutes just wipe the tile clean!

Answer 9

no u dont have to seal it.....if installed right and the correct sub flooring was installed and the floor joist where not over spanned and sized correctly, and the installer mixed the grout true, then no need.......

sealer is to stop discoloring yes......but doesnt stop racking...and the mastic used n floors is water proof......and so is the sub floor......

have seen 20 yr old grout lines not sealed still look as good as the day they were installed.......

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 10

It would make sense that you should seal it. I don't think sealing it can have any negative effect. So why not?

Answer 11

no it's not true always seal grout