No tile installation is complete without grout sealer because it is an integral part of the tile laying process that provides support to the tiles from all sides. The most important reason why you should use grout sealer is that it prevents moisture absorption in grout as well as tiles.  Grout is the filler material that fills the seams between tiles. Grout that you see around are mostly sanded grout that has good strength. Unsanded grout is used selectively depending on the circumstances and needs. Sand is cheap and economical for use in filling voids which is why it is the ideal choice for use in the grout. Sand imparts its properties to grout, and because sand is porous, grout also becomes porous. After grout dries up its porous nature makes it susceptible to water absorption.  By sealing the grout, you can prevent water from going inside the grout material.

Sealing is a must but not always

Considering that grout, which is a mixture of cement and sand is porous, it is prone to absorbing any liquid especially water that can be quite damaging in the long run. Therefore, it is mandatory to seal grout, but there is an exception to this rule. Non-porous or epoxy grout does not need sealing because the threat of liquid absorption does not exist. Epoxy grout non-porous and corrosion resistant, excellent for use in harsh and acidic environments. However, for all domestic and commercial as well as industrial construction with a few exceptions, the norm is to use standard grout that requires sealing.

A tedious job

Just as installing grout is easy and you can do it yourself, applying sealer to grout is perhaps easier. However, the job is tedious, and you need to have enough patience to complete it with satisfaction. Large tiles need less grout and vice versa, meaning that if you have small tiles in your home, it would require more grout and therefore more sealing. Conversely, the work is much less if you install large tiles.  You can apply sealer with the help of roller seal applicators or brush, and if you have small tiles that would take a hell of a time for completing a room, it is better to try out the spray-on type of grout sealer that can speed up the work.

Reapplying grout sealer

You may have to re-apply grout sealers on existing floorings.  It depends on the amount of wear and tear that the floor experiences because in high traffic areas the need for sealer re-application will be more frequent than areas that have fewer footfalls. The need for re-applying sealer is the least on wall tiles. Similarly, kitchen top tiles need frequent resealing than bathroom counter tiles.

Brush and rollers are both equally effective when applying sealer on grout, but the difference is in the speed of work with rollers doing the job faster. The choice depends on the area that you must cover, and the time you can spend. However, for the fastest application process, you must use spray-on sealers that cover large areas in a short time.