To upgrade your existing bathroom into a more comfortable and luxurious one, you may consider adding a tile shower. They do make excellent additions to even small bathrooms. When tiling a shower is concerned, you may have one commonly asked question. It is whether or not to seal the tile! You need to first understand the different between a grout and a tile. The leading Bathroom installer Chelmsford can provide you knowledge on the same.

What is Grout?

It is considered to be a mixture used for filling up the gaps existing between the tiles. Sealing is essential as it helps fast cleaning while safeguarding it from mildew and mold. Grout requires setting for a day before sealing is done. Bathroom installer Chelmsford generally avoids sealing the grout. This is something that you are expected to perform. You are advised to re-seal the grout every few years. Otherwise, water may leak behind the tiles, thereby resulting in unwanted mold issues. This will only compel you to reinvest in retiling the entire shower.

Benefits

Tiling sealing however is not mandatory. It dispends upon the tile type being used. Natural stone, marble, limestone, slate, matte and terracotta tiles are to be sealed. This is to ensure they become waterproof and prevent formation of stains, mildew and mold. Stone being porous absorbs easily water that gets washed over it, thus encouraging mildew growth. It also stains quite easily.

But ceramic tiles do not require sealing. Sealing tiles helps avoid moisture absorption and also needs less cleaning and maintenance. This is why the experienced Bathroom installer Chelmsford suggests sealing the tiles to protect your investment.

Drawbacks

However, there are cons involved in sealing the entire tile. Some sealers might stain or darken the tiles, thereby altering its natural color. Besides this, sealing the whole shower besides the grout does take a lot of time. Tile re-sealing will be essential every few years. This will ensure maintain its quality. Again, past sealers will require annual re-applying. Currently, you can find a few professed ones that can last for over 15 years.

The Bathroom installer Chelmsford ensures that the shower is completely dry before it gets sealed. Old showers may take about 5 days since moisture present behind the tiles will have to evaporate completely before it gets locked in tightly. The professionals will guide you to make the right selection and help save precious money in the process.

Robert Spurr