Grout Sealing: What it Is and Why You Need it Part 1

Part one of a series on grout sealing explores the concept and why you should consider getting it done for your floor.

Why Should You Get Grout Sealing Done

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Why should you get grout sealing done?  Let's start with clear sealing first.  Whether you are using resin-based grout or concrete-based grout, both types have one thing in common:  They are extremely porous.  As a result of this, that means anything from spills to dirt tracked in from outside can leave stains on your grout.  Most grout lines are snow white when they are first laid down.  Over time, however, grout lines can darken to the point of being black.

Even mopping your floor with slightly dirty water can cause your grout to become stained.  Another problem that you will face without cleaning and sealing your grout is some stains are worse than others.  For example, anything corrosive can eat away at your grout and tile.  The worst types of grout damage are not just the gaps or cracks you can see, but the ones that are underneath the tile.

Grout is not just between the tile, it is also a bit under each tile as well.  As a result, it acts like a cushion for your tile and helps to strengthen it.  When there is a gap under the tile, it can cause pressure to be placed on the tile without any support.  This can lead to a cracked tile.  The key to stopping this from happening is a two pronged approach.

Grout Cleaning and Sealing: The Two Pronged Approach

First off, you want to clean your grout.  This will remove any dirt as well as bleaching out any stains.  Once it has been cleaned, then you want to make sure that you get clear coat sealant applied.  This sealer will fill the pores of not only your grout but your tile as well.  As a result, you will have a liquid proof barrier between your tile as well as your grout and anything that can stain it or otherwise mar it's appearance.  In addition, clear grout sealing lasts for a long time, sometimes as much as a decade.  One other benefit is that it makes your floor shine.

So let's recap shall we?  It protects your tile.  It also protects your grout.  It keeps your floor shiny and bright.  All of these are very good reasons to get grout sealing done.

This concludes part one of our series on grout sealing.  For more information on this topic, be sure to read part two and part three as well.

Lone Star Tile and Grout Cleaning
4019 Stahl Rd, Suite 202
San Antonio TX 78217
(210) 637-5050
http://www.lonestartileandgroutcleaning.com

How to Find a Professional Tile Cleaning Service in San Antonio

Knowing how to find a professional tile cleaning service in San Antonio isn't really too hard.  You just need to know what to look for.

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What to Look For in a Tile Cleaning Service

If you know what to look for in a tile cleaning service, as well as how to look, it is actually one of the easier things around.  To sum it up, however, you need expertise, good reputation, and compatible schedules.  First off, let's go over expertise.   First off, you can find this out by simply looking over the services they offer.

Do they just do tile cleaning, or do they offer other services such as grout color sealing, hardwood floors and more?  Why does this matter? Well, there is something to be said for consolidating service providers.  So instead of a wood floor guy, a tile guy, a grout guy, wouldn't it be good to have them all be the same guy? However, expertise is only part of what to look for.  Next you have to check out their reputation.

Online Reputation and Tile Cleaning Providers

Do they have reviews?  If so, what sort of reviews do they have?  Ironically, a big red flag is general, universally positive reviews.  Reviews like "They're Amazing" "Did a great job," or other such comments are usually a sign of fake accounts created by commercial Internet marketers.  You want to look for reviews that give details.  What did the reviewer like about the service?   However, don't just count on online reputation when you're wanting tile cleaning. Check with your friends and family.  Did any of them work with them before, and if so, how did they like the service? We know what you're thinking.  What about the price they charge?  Well, when you're finding out about the service you're looking at, sometimes, you can find out something about pricing simply by talking to someone.  If the reviewer, or your friends and family all say "they were way too expensive," probably a good idea to shop around some more.

The final thing to consider is schedule compatibility.  You work rotating 12 hour shifts, and the cleaning service is only open noon to four on every day you're working.  Obviously, you're in a bit of a scheduling issue.  You want someone who will have a good range of business hours so that you don't have to either be cut short of sleep or have to take the day off work. However, by working together, this is the least of the challenges in finding a tile cleaning service in San Antonio.

Lone Star Tile and Grout Cleaning
4019 Stahl Rd, Suite 202
San Antonio TX 78217
(210) 637-5050
http://www.lonestartileandgroutcleaning.com

Why Get Re-Grouting Done?

Why should you get re-grouting done?  Well it is all due to the nature of grout.

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What Grout Does and Why You May Need Re-Grouting

A lot of people just think that grout is the stuff between the tiles, and nothing more.  However, grout isn't just between your tiles, it is also underneath them as well.  And grout serves a protective purpose as well as a decorative one.  If grout is applied evenly, it helps to fill any pores or holes in the tile.  Grout helps to protect the tiles and strengthen them.  As you step on your tile, particularly ceramic tile such as porcelain, terra cotta, etc., you're putting pressure on the tile.  If you have grout that has gaps, or is even missing, the tile will be able to stand the stress and strain on it for just a little while until finally you will hear the last sound you want to hear: the sound of tile cracking.  It is hard to often repair tile well.  There will always be a raised crack.  However, if you choose to repair your grout, that is much easier.  While you may be able to do this yourself, you might be better off calling a grout service instead.

Why should you call a grout service for re-grouting?  Well, professional services have both the knowledge level you're going to need as well as the experience.  They are also going to have a lot of compounds and solutions that you just won't have access to, not to mention all of the equipment.  You also want to get a professional because they can color match your grout or if necessary color seal it so that your grout matches exactly.   What happens after re-grouting is also an important step

Grout Sealing:  Protect Your Tile AND Your Grout

Grout sealing is a very good idea.  It not only protects your ceramic tile, it protects the grout.  Why this matters is simple.  Grout is extremely porous, very easily stained, and in some cases, some stains can also eat away at the grout.   With sealant applied however, you can protect both the tile and the grout itself, in a nice stainproof, easy to clean shell that lasts for years or even decades.  

So remember, replacing tile can get expensive.  Why not go for an alternative that will keep your tile and improve it?  Get re-grouting done today.  

Lone Star Tile and Grout Cleaning
4019 Stahl Rd, Suite 202
San Antonio TX 78217
(210) 637-5050
Contact Us

Bathroom Remodeling in Cibolo, TX

When people think of giving their home a complete makeover, they usually think of things like new furniture and paint, not bathroom remodeling.  However, this article will explore why you might want to do it.

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Why Should You Remodel Your Bathroom?

Why should you remodel your bathroom?  Well for one, any sort of remodeling helps improve your morale.  Get rid of that tired old look.  If you think about it, when you add it most people spend a whopping 15 days a year in the bathroom, so why not make it a beautiful place to be.

First off, you want to pick your paint colors when you're thinking about remodeling your bathroom.  Are you going to go with blues and greens, or have a palette that includes more vibrant hues like reds, oranges,  and yellows?  What sort of bathroom fixtures are you going to go for?  Classic chrome and nickel finish, or something more exotic like bronze, copper, or even gold?  All of these are important considerations, however, you also don't want to forget your shower or bath area, especially your tile and grout.

Bathroom Remodeling in Cibolo and Beyond

You want to make sure you call in a service for help with bathroom remodeling in Cibolo, or wherever you call home.  Usually such services are experts in a lot of different areas from tile and grout cleaning, hardwood floors, and natural stone care, among other services.  They are almost always experienced, and have access to solutions and products that you wouldn't have at your local hardware store.  They can also  help save you a lot of money with something as simple as re-grouting and sealing, or even grout color sealing.

Remember, if you're clever enough, bathroom remodeling doesn't have to cost a fortune to get it done.  Something as simple as a grout color sealing job, like what we covered in our last article can make a huge difference in the way that bathroom tile looks.

Remember, it is your bathroom.  You want your home to be beautiful.  That includes your bathroom.  So make sure you have a nice bathtub or a shower.  Go out and buy new bath mats and towels too.  Put down some new paint and maybe get some new fixtures.  So, in short,  if you don't like your bathroom, then change it up.  Call in a professional service for bathroom remodeling.

Lone Star Tile and Grout Cleaning
4019 Stahl Rd, Suite 202
San Antonio TX 78217
(210) 637-5050
More Info

Grout Color Sealing in Cibolo, TX

Grout color sealing in Cibolo, TX is a good choice for this suburb of San Antonio.

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What is Grout Color Sealing?

What is grout color sealing? First off, though, what is grout? According to WIKIPEDIA.ORG: "Grout is a construction material used to embed rebars in masonry walls, connect sections of pre-cast concrete, fill voids, and seal joints (like those between tiles). Grout is generally a mixture of water, cement, sand, often color tint, and sometimes fine gravel (if it is being used to fill the cores of concrete blocks). It is applied as a thick emulsion and hardens over time, much like its close relative mortar.[1] Unlike other structural pastes such as plaster or joint compound, grout, when mixed and applied correctly, creates a waterproof seal. Main varieties include: tiling grout (either urethane, cement-based or epoxy), flooring grout, resin grout, non-shrink grout, structural grout and thixotropic grout. Tiling grout is often used to fill the spaces between tiles or mosaics, and to secure tile to its base. Although ungrouted mosaics do exist, most have grout between the tesserae. Tiling grout is also cement-based, and comes in sanded as well as unsanded varieties. The sanded variety contains finely ground silica sand; unsanded is finer and produces a non-gritty final surface. They are often enhanced with polymers and/ or latex. [READ MORE]

Since grout is so porous, you want to either get grout color sealing done on it, or get it clear coated, particularly if you have ceramic tile.  Sealing your tile and your grout will help to protect it from stains and spills.  If you get impregnating sealer put down, it will fill all of the pores up with a resin that hardens almost instantly, which means it will repel liquids. If you opt for color sealing, it will give your floor a new look without the new floor price.  This really can make a difference.

Why Get Grout Sealing Done?

Why get grout sealing done?  Well, if it's been a while since you priced new floor, let's just put it this way.  Unless you're going for something like acrylic flooring, new floor tile has taken a major price jump.  So you want to figure out an ingenious way of improving your floor without getting new floor put in.  The best way is to look at sealing.

So remember, you want to take care of your floor.  One of the best ways is to get grout color sealing done.

Be sure to read one of our other articles here.

Lone Star Tile and Grout Cleaning4019 Stahl Rd, Suite 202San Antonio TX 78217(210) 637-5050http://www.lonestartileandgroutcleaning.com

How to Clean a Hardwood Floor Part 3

Part three of our series on how to clean a hardwood floor focuses on when to clean as opposed to when to refinish.

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Is It Time For Hardwood Floor Refinishing?  

Is it time for hardwood floor refinishing?  The answer to that question depends on a lot of factors.  First off, what type of hardwood floor do you have?  Is it really hardwood or is it just wood laminate.  You don't want to try to refinish a wood laminate floor without knowing what you're doing, as you could end up stripping the wooden parts of your laminate off, and leave your floor a scarred wreck.  The laminate that covers the floor is remarkably thin, usually just slightly thicker than a piece of paper.

If your floor is hardwood, what type of wood is it?  Is it hickory, maple, or teak parquet?  Maybe you have walnut flooring.  If you don't know, make sure you call in a professional hardwood floor refinishing service in New Braunfels, TX.   However, if you are able to determine your flooring, then it is time to decide whether it just needs cleaning, sealing, refinishing, or some combination of all of them.  

How to Tell If You Need to Refinish Your Wood Floor

How can you that you need to refinish your hardwood floor?  Well the first thing you need to do is take a look at it.  IF you've been maintaining your floor, but for some reason you're still seeing dingy hardwood, that is usually a sign of fine scratches on your floor.  If you have big scratches or pits in the wood, you've only got two choices: put something on top of the marks, or call a hardwood floor refinishing service.  

A professional hardwood floor refinishing service can help in a lot of ways.  First off they'll clean your floor for you.  Sometimes something as simple as that can make all the difference.  If it doesn't, then they will go over the process with you.  Usually the floor is lightly sanded down, refinished, and then to protect it, sealing may be in order.  As to why you want to think about it, that's simple.

Good hardwood flooring is never cheap.  So any wood flooring you put in is an investment of your money.  As such, you want to keep it up.  One of the best ways is to contact a hardwood floor refinishing service in your area.  

This concludes part three of our  series.  For more information on hardwood floor cleaning, be sure to read part one and part two as well.   

Lone Star Tile and Grout Cleaning

4019 Stahl Rd, Suite 202
San Antonio TX 78217
(210) 637-5050
Contact Us

How to Clean a Hardwood Floor Part 2

Part two of our series on how to clean a hardwood floor explores what to look for in a cleaning service.

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Hardwood Floor Cleaning Services: Check Them Out

Whether or not you are looking for a hardwood floor cleaning service in New Braunfels, TX  or not, and no matter where you are in the world, there are certain things to look for in a service.  First off, before you arrange an appointment, write down some questions.

How much is it to clean a hardwood floor?  Do they charge by square footage, or do they charge a flat fee?  How much experience do they have?  Do they do other services in addition to wood floors?  This last one is important because sometimes it helps to find a cleaning service that can do other things too.

For example, in addition to hardwood floors, they may also do bathroom remodeling, or do work with tile and grout.  You may have a one stop service when you're done.  However, there is another thing you want to do when you're getting ready call a service in.  You want to check out their reputation.  There are several sources for this.  You want to read online reviews for the business, but use caution.  Overwhelmingly positive reviews could be fake, particularly if they are obviously written by someone who is using English as a second language.  You also want to take a hard look at universally negative reviews for a couple of reasons as well.  It is either that they are the victim of a negative smear campaign by one of their competitors or probably more likely, they really are bad at what they do.  But how do you know which one to pick?

Hardwood Floor Cleaning: Trust Your Feelings

How do you find a hardwood floor cleaning service?  Well, let's say you have found a service by searching online.  They have a nice mix of reviews, so it appears natural.  Don't blithely schedule an appointment though.  Call them.  You want to talk to the owner.  How does he respond to customers?  Is he friendly and professional or rude and hostile?  While phone etiquette isn't everything, sometimes it can be a telltale sign that something is wrong if he's rude.   Ultimately though, when in doubt, trust your feelings.  If you feel the price is too high, unless you live in a one horse town, you can go to someone else.

So remember, when you want to get cleaning done, ask some questions.  Do your homework by checking out their reviews, and ask your friends and family.  That way you know you've found the right hardwood floor cleaning service.

For more information on hardwood floor cleaning, be sure to read part one and part three as well.

Lone Star Tile and Grout Cleaning
4019 Stahl Rd, Suite 202
San Antonio TX 78217
(210) 637-5050
More Info on Wood Floor Cleaning