QUESTION

Are there Standards for Sealing Grout - Is there any "industry standard" which says that tile and grout should be sealed?

ANSWER

ANSWER - There are no standards that say that the tile or grout should be sealed. Although some manufacturers or suppliers of products recommend sealing depending on the type of tile or the nature of the products being used.

Sealers can be helpful in enhancing the look, in providing a degree of protection from staining, and in being benefical by helping the tile and grout be easier to maintain.

Non-breathing types of sealers are not recommended for natural stone, although some will choose to use non-breathing wax coatings. Sealers do need to be applied properly to perform properly, and they only have a limited life expectancy based on the degree of traffic and weather conditions it is subjected to.