Grout sealing an easy DIY job
Dear Angie: Is it standard to seal new grout after it’s placed? If so, is it reasonable to expect a quality construction place to do this automatically? They’ve said they don’t do that. The homeowner has to do it.
Andrew S. If you want the contractor to seal grout, make sure you say so in your initial conversations, before the job begins. Many companies don’t automatically include grout sealing in a job with new tile flooring for a few reasons.
First, companies can’t seal grout until at least 48 to 72 hours after applying grout. By that time, bathroom remodellers typically have already cleaned up from the job and left your home.
Secondly, some contractors use grout with additives that remove the necessity of grout sealer. Experts say grout sealing’s main function is to protect against stains and mould, but the grout additives do the same job.
However, if you use natural tiles, such as slate or travertine, make sure the contractor seals the grout, regardless of what type of grout they used. Experts recommend sealing cement-based grout, grout in areas where water will regularly sit on it or grouts in areas where staining might be a concern, such as kitchen backsplashes.
Expect to pay about $100 per coat of grout sealer if completed by a professional.
If your remodeller won’t seal grout as part of your contract, you can do it yourself.
You can purchase grout sealer at most home improvement stores. Grout sealers come in both spray and wipe-on varieties.
Expect to find six- to 15-ounce bottles of spray-on grout sealer for between $6 and $10.
Wipe-on sealers cost about $15 for 15 ounces. You can also purchase applicator bottles for this type of grout sealer for about $5.