Cleaning and resealing tile: Tile is a durable and aesthetic surfacing material with many options to choose from, making it one of the numerous flooring options Commercial Flooring Services offers. Many buildings that are hundreds of years old still have the original tile that was installed centuries ago, which speaks to the proven durability of tile. Cleaning and resealing tile is critical to prolonging its inherent durability.
As with anything, regular maintenance of a tile floor is necessary. Fortunately, the material itself is made to last decade after decade. According to a report from the National Association of Home Builders on the life expectancy of home components, tile can last 75-100 years or even longer when installed and maintained correctly. Appropriate care will increase the longevity of your tile and it will also help to mitigate potential water damage to other areas, keep mold and mildew at bay and preserve the color and luster of your original tile work. Read on to learn more about cleaning and resealing tile.
1: Routine Maintenance
So how, after a professional tile installation, can we ensure an extended life for our tile surfaces? The short answer is cleaning and resealing tile on a regular schedule.
The first step is to prevent water and other liquid from penetrating the grout, tile, or the subfloor beneath the tile. Regular cleaning with brooms and mops is sufficient for immediate spills. It is best practice to clean up any liquid, including water, from the tile and grout as soon as possible.
In areas such as a shower, a regular reapplication of the sealer is recommended. It is essential to avoid cleaners with bleach or ammonia as that can damage the original sealer and even the surfaces of some tile. Regular cleaning is important to keep the grout joints free of dirt and grease.
The type of tile used will also determine some of your maintenance as natural stone will often need to be resealed while most ceramics and porcelain will not. How much foot traffic the area sees and the potential for water exposure will help determine your maintenance schedule as well. A deeper clean and reseal should be performed every 12-24 months in most areas and 6-12 months in places with high water exposure, such as mudrooms and showers.
The most fundamental action for preserving these types of floors is to be proactive regarding cleaning and resealing tile. The less routine cleaning your tile sees the harder it will be to deep clean it for a new sealer application.
2: Grout Resealing
When it is time to reseal your grout and possibly your tile, it is vital to use more than soap and water, as this will not remove all of the accumulated dirt and grime before you reapply the sealer. It is critical to have the surfaces very clean as you can accidentally “seal in” dirt or discolorations and inhibit the sealant’s effectiveness during this step.
After a thorough cleaning, it is time to apply the sealer. Like the variety of cleaning agents available, there are many options when it comes to sealers. Selecting the right one will be crucial as it can vary based on tile material, among other factors. Be sure to choose a cleaner that’s appropriate for both your tile material and grout and when in doubt, follow professional and manufacturer advice. Remember, Commercial Flooring Services is always just a phone call or email away!
Regularly cleaning and resealing tile, can extend the life of your tile work for decades to come and maintain the beauty and practical advantages of this versatile material. If you’re interested in installing tile in your home, or have questions regarding cleaning and resealing tile, professional restoration services, or anything else don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Commercial Flooring Services!
