Grout sealers near you

Following these steps will help you hire a reliable professional to apply grout sealant:

• Verify their license and insurance: Most pros will have a general contractor or handyman license, and it’s essential they carry general liability insurance to protect your home from accidental damage. Some may also have certifications from specific sealant manufacturers. Keep in mind that licensing requirements vary by region.

• Get several estimates: A detailed estimate should break down the costs for labor and materials. It should also clearly state the scope of work, including any necessary grout cleaning before sealing, the specific areas to be treated, and a project timeline.

• Read their reviews: Look for reviews that mention the pro’s attention to detail, cleanliness, and the durability of the sealant. Red flags include comments about messy application, sealer getting on the tiles, or the grout getting stained again shortly after the job was done.

• Look at their portfolios: Check out before-and-after photos of their past grout sealing projects. The finished work should show clean, uniform grout lines with no sealant haze left on the tile surfaces. Try to find examples similar to your project, like a shower or kitchen backsplash.

• Find out if they have warranties: Ask if they offer a workmanship guarantee, which would cover any issues with the application itself. The grout sealer product may also have a separate manufacturer's warranty, so be sure to ask about that, too.

• Ask important questions: What type of sealer do you recommend for my specific tile and grout? Does your quote include cleaning the grout before application? How long will the sealant need to cure?

Reason #1: They can help ensure the grout is perfectly clean and dry before application, which is essential for the sealer to adhere properly.

Reason #2: A pro can often select the correct type of sealer for your specific tile and grout, preventing damage and ensuring effectiveness.

Reason #3: They typically have the right tools and technique to apply the sealer neatly and evenly, avoiding a messy or hazy finish on your tiles.

Reason #4: It saves you from a tedious, time-consuming task that often involves hours of detailed work on your hands and knees.

Reason #5: Proper application and curing by a pro often leads to a more durable, long-lasting barrier against stains and moisture.

It usually takes a few hoursfor a professional to finish applying grout sealer. There are a few factors that may impact how long it takes. For example:

• Size of the area: Sealing a large kitchen floor will naturally take more time than sealing a small bathroom shower.

• Grout condition: If the grout is dirty or damaged, it will need to be thoroughly cleaned or repaired before the sealer can be applied.

• Type of sealer: Some sealers require multiple coats with specific drying times in between, which can extend the overall project duration.

• Curing time: The sealer needs time to cure and become fully effective, which can range from a few hours to over a day before the area can be used.

• Layout complexity: Intricate tile patterns or tight spaces with many corners require more precise application and can take longer to seal properly.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.

If you need tile and grout cleaning and don’t have the time or mobility for scrubbing your entire house on your hands and knees, it’s time to turn to the pros. Tile and grout cleaning professionals have industrial-grade machines designed for the sole task of cleaning the porous materials of grout and tile.

Typically, a cleaning pro will come out to assess the job and provide you with a quote. Often they charge per square foot (for example, 75 cents per square foot), with higher prices or an hourly rate for areas that will need hand cleaning. The national average cost for tile and grout cleaning ranges from $190 to $250.

Once onsite, the pros thoroughly clean the area by wiping or sweeping down and then vacuuming up any dry dirt. Next a chemical tile cleaner is sprayed over the surface, causing dirt to loosen and adhere to the spray; the industry term for this is “suspension.” The pros then clean the floor with professional-strength machines, which often use a combination of steam, brushes and vacuum to loosen, agitate and lift entrenched dirt. Your floor is then rinsed, removing all the spray.

Usually a small room can be cleaned in under an hour. Applying a sealant afterward is recommend and will also affect cost.

You can prepare for your grout sealing appointment by following these steps:

Step 1: Clear the area. Remove all personal items, furniture, rugs, and small appliances from the surfaces or floors being sealed. This gives your pro a clear space to work and protects your belongings.

Step 2: Deep clean the grout. Scrub the tile and grout at least twenty-four hours before the appointment to remove any dirt or grime. The sealer needs a clean surface to bond correctly, and this gives it ample time to dry.

Step 3: Keep the area dry. Avoid using the shower, mopping the floor, or getting the area wet for at least a full day before your pro arrives. Applying sealer to damp grout can trap moisture and lead to discoloration or failure.

Step 4: Plan for ventilation. Grout sealers can release strong fumes, so open windows and turn on fans to air out the space. Good ventilation is important for safety and helps the sealer cure properly.

Step 5: Secure pets and children. For their safety, keep children and pets away from the work area during and after the application until the sealer is fully cured. Your pro can tell you how long you’ll need to wait.

During your pro’s visit, you may expect them to start by thoroughly cleaning the grout lines to remove any dirt or grime. Once the surface is clean and dry, they’ll carefully apply the sealer directly onto the grout using a special applicator or brush. Your pro will then wipe away any excess sealer from the tile surfaces before it has a chance to dry. Finally, they’ll let you know how long the sealer needs to cure, which is typically between twenty-four to seventy-two hours, before you can get the area wet.

Yes — many professional grout sealing services also offer grout cleaning as part of their service package, but it depends on the company. Here’s how it typically works

• Combined services: Most grout sealing professionals will clean your grout beforesealing it, because sealing works best on clean grout. This cleaning can include removal of dirt, stains, mold, and old cleaning residues.

• Stand-alone options: Some companies offer grout cleaning only or sealing only if that’s what you need.

• Add-on services: In addition to cleaning and sealing, some providers may offer tile cleaning, stain protection treatments, or grout color sealing.

Tip: Always ask the provider exactly what’s included in the quote — whether cleaning is part of the sealing service and what methods/products they’ll use.