The two essential services of tile cleaning include cleaning the grout lines and sealing them to ensure that your tiled floors appear as good as new. To London-based homeowners and business owners, the importance of its maintenance is therefore something that can make a great impact on the aesthetics and durability of tiled surfaces.
What Is a Grout and Why Its Cleaning is Important
Cement grout is a heavy substance that is used to fill joints in tile works. It is usually made from water, cement, and sand; thus, it is a permeable construction material. Though it is not as conspicuous as the other components of the marketing mix, it performs several important roles. It not only holds the tiles together, thus strengthening the tiled surface, but also acts as a barrier against water and moisture penetration between the tiles and the subfloor which, if not checked, results in the formation of mould and damage of the subfloor.
One of the main problems concerning this is that it is easily prone to staining, mould, and mildew. This happens because over time the floor gets dirty, there might be spilling of things on the floor and the formation of moisture between the tiles and the grout. To ensure that it retains its aesthetic appeal and functionality, grout cleaning and sealing services in necessary in London. When done rightly, this helps to back up a barrier against moisture and thus helps protect the tiled surfaces from wearing off and from losing their beauty.
Their Role in Maintaining the Beauty of Tiled Surfaces
Grout cleaning and sealing services in London have numerous benefits that a lot of people should embrace. For instance, it creates a good impression of the tiled surfaces because dirt and stains easily accumulate on the grout lines. In the kitchens, bathrooms, or dark commercial areas, they provide a touch of freshness and a polished appearance. To ensure that it does not get stained or compromised by moisture, sealing is done to ensure that the tiles are firmly held in place and do not develop any mold or mildew formation.
Besides, the presence of a well-cared one complements the durability of the tiled floorings. Tiles are known to have a very long life expectancy; in fact, it can be over a couple of decades if the mortar used in the grout is properly maintained. Sealing reduces the permeability of water that infiltrates into the gaps and the growth of dangerous bacteria that cause the deterioration of tiles and the subfloor. This not only protects your investment but also provides the required quality of air in the premises for living or carrying out business activities.
The Step-by-Step Process
Grout cleaning and sealing service in London is a meticulous process that requires attention to detail and the right tools and products. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how professionals typically handle this task:
- Inspection and Preparation
The first rock to roll in this process is a close assessment of the tiled surface. Some professionals make an evaluation of the state of the grout and tiles, which shows the zones that require further consideration. Preparation before actually painting includes removing furniture and other items that may be in the way, and covering up floors and any other surfaces that may be affected by paint.
- Cleaning
Washing begins with the use of a cleaner or a mild detergent which is then mixed with water. For cleaning the grout, a stiff bristle brush is used to clean the grout lines and washed to remove the dirt and other stains. If the dirt is still stuck and hard to remove, then a method such as the use of a steam cleaner may be employed to clean deeper into the pores. This step is important in washing away contaminants that may be on it before applying the sealer.
- Rinsing and Drying
After cleaning, the lines are washed with clean water to wash off all the remaining deposits. However, it is necessary to ensure that the surface is dry before applying the sealant on it. This is followed by another process of drying which may take anywhere from several hours to a day depending on the conditions in the room.
- Sealing
After it dries, a sealer is then added with much caution to ensure it does not mess up the grout. Sealers are of two main categories, namely, the absorbent sealers and the barrier sealers where the absorbent sealers penetrate it whereas the barrier sealers act as a protective shield on the surface of the grout. It is used with a brush, roller, or spray and should be installed uniformly and smoothly. It may be necessary to apply several layers to be adequately protected by the latex paint.
- Final inspection and cleanup
The final check is done once the sealants have dried to ensure the gaps in the wall are well sealed and no area is left unattended. All the tiles are coated with the sealant, and any extra sealant is removed, and the area is cleaned up, the tiled area looks fresh and is shielded.
Can You Put New Grout Over The Old One?
Another often asked question here is, would it be advisable to provide a new one over the existing grout? To answer this question, the following should be noted: although it can be done technically, it is not wise to do so for several reasons. Overlying new ones on the old ones, a process referred to as “grout overlay” may lead to poor adhesion between the tiles and the new dressing. This can lead to new grout to crack or flake off over time when this is done.
Additionally, if the current one that is in place is stained or simply has mould on it then merely placing a new layer over it is not sufficient. When that happens, the contaminants in the old one may penetrate the new layer, which would lead to discoloration of the tiles and may even threaten the tiled surface. In light of this, it is often preferable to scrape out the old grout so that the new one can be applied cleanly and more strongly by creating a good bond to the tiles.
In the end, grout cleaning and sealing services in London are vital for the longevity of the tiled floors and the overall appearance of the space. In a city like this, where tiled spaces are part of both homes and businesses, it is possible to make considerable improvements in terms of cleanliness if one decides to pay attention to its maintenance.
Feel free to contact Pro Build Renewal for these services as they are a pioneer in this field.
Important Links :
