Pros and Cons of Sealing Bathroom Shower Tiles

A tiled shower can be a beautiful addition to any bathroom. A common question that is asked regarding tile in a shower is “should I seal the tile?” First, a distinction must be made between tile and grout.

Grout is the mixture used to fill the spaces between the tiles. The grout needs to be sealed. Sealing it will make it easier to clean, protect it from mold and mildew, and keep it looking new. Since grout needs to set for about a day before sealing, most installers do not seal grout; it is something you may have to do yourself. Grout generally needs to be resealed every few years. If you don’t seal the grout, water will seep behind the tiles, which can cause mold problems and then you might have to re-tile the entire shower.

Tile sealing is usually optional and depends on the type of tile being used. Marble, natural stone, slate, limestone, terracotta, and matte tiles should be sealed to protect them from water, mold, mildew, and stains. Since stone is naturally porous, it absorbs water that washes over it, causing mold to grow. Also, it stains quite easily. Ceramic tile usually does not need to be sealed. The benefit of sealing tile is that it will require less cleaning and will not absorb moisture.

Sealing the entire tile has its drawbacks. For example, some types of sealers can darken or stain the tiles, altering the natural color. It also takes a long time to seal the entire shower, rather than just the grout. Tiles also need to be resealed every few years to maintain quality. Previous sealants needed to be reapplied every year, but now you can find some that last up to fifteen years.

Before a shower can be sealed, it must be completely dry. If the shower isn’t new, this can take up to five days, as the moisture behind the tiles needs to completely evaporate before it’s locked in. If you decide to seal your new shower, be sure to do it before you use it, or you’ll have to find another way to shower while the shower dries. If you’re sealing your old shower for the first time, you may need to wait several weeks for the tiles to dry completely, in which case sealing the entire floor might not be the best option.