FAQ—Sealing
1. Why is it important to have my Stone, Tile & Grout floor sealed?
A. Sealing your Stone, Tile & Grout floor, is the only way to protect your floor investment from water-based and oil-based stains. A sealer prevents a spill from penetrating into the porous surface of the floor, and gives you time to clean it up. And clean-ups are a snap! Simply blot fresh spills with a clean cloth or paper towel. The sealer continues to protect, even after repeated cleanings.
2. How does a sealer protect my floor?
A. The penetrating sealer is absorbed by the pores of the Natural Stone or Ceramic Tile & Grout. It fills up the "nooks and crannies" so that wet stains cannot get below the surface, and soil sits on the surface until it is swept or wiped away.
3. What do sealers protect against?
A. A penetrating sealer repels water-based and oil-based liquids, prevents stains caused by most food and beverages; and protects the surface from dirt and impurities.
4. Does a sealer alter the appearance of a Stone Tile & Grout floor?
A. No. Our sealers protect without changing the original colour, texture, feel, or appearance of the surface. However, we also offer colour-enhancing sealers for interior natural stone, marble, granite, limestone, and masonry surfaces.
5. Is a sealer expensive?
A. Our sealing programs are affordably priced, and can actually SAVE you money in cleaning and replacement costs.
6. Why is it necessary for a professional to apply sealer? Can't I do it myself?
A. Our professionals have the training, experience, tools, and a wide variety of sealers for all types of natural stone, tiles, and grout. Professional application ensures complete protection for the entire surface of the floor. Improper sealing can leave a sticky residue on the surface of the floor that is difficult, if not impossible, to remove.
7. How should I maintain my sealed floor?
A. We will provide you with literature on maintenance, and precautions on choice of cleaning solutions. We offer an excellent line of suitable cleaning products through our company. It is important to use the right cleaning solution, as the wrong type can actually break down the sealer and render it useless.
8. Will my floor ever have to be professionally cleaned and sealed again?
A. Yes. We can provide periodic maintenance cleaning and re-sealing to keep your floors in top condition. The frequency will depend on the amount of traffic on them, frequency of spills, etc. Sealers make maintaining your floors much easier and more effective, yet not 100% maintenance free.
9. What do I need to do to prepare my home to have the stone floors finished?
A. We ask that the homeowner move all decorative items, valuables and small furniture to a safe, out of the way area. Our technical staffs will be able to move the larger furniture such as sofas, large chairs and tables. Items we will work around are: large appliances, entertainment centers, pool tables, full bookcases and hutches, excessively heavy furniture. All toys, laundry, books, etc need to be cleared from the floor. All cables for electronics and long drapes need to be pulled up off the floor. Pets should be secured since our guys will have a door propped open to run equipment inside.
