Although outdoor tiles are robust, they do require some maintenance and protection to guarantee their longevity and keep them looking they’re very best. And that is where tiles sealing professional comes in. .
Outdoor tiles can do wonders for your property aesthetic. They compliment the lines and curves of your architecture, while also providing some structure and definition to your garden beds and features, like swimming pools, entertaining areas and water features.
Tiles can be a significant financial investment and can add measurable value to your home or investment property.
Having your tiles sealed with a quality sealant, and performing routine cleaning is the best way to take care of your investment, and get the most out of your major outdoor utility.
Read on to learn more about outdoor tile cleaning and sealing, and why you should consider getting a professional tile company like the team here at Enviro Clean and Capture to provide effective, expert solutions for tile sealing and cleaning, Sydney and surrounding areas.
The benefits of sealing your tiles
Using a quality sealant on your outdoor tiles can provide a range of benefits aside from only sealing the small openings in the porous surface of your tiles.
There are many different types of outdoor tile, and depending on the tile manufacturer’s recommendations, you may need to use a specific kind of sealant, which we will discuss further ahead.
Some of the many benefits of sealing your outdoor tiles include:
Protection from marks and stains
Can provide a non-slip coating
Guards against UV degradation
Prevents fungus, mould and bacterial build-up
Creates a barrier against organic matter and pests
Guard against chemicals and contaminants
Organic and synthetic oil protection
Maintains and protects original appearance
Ease of cleaning and more
If your sealant is misapplied, applied in poor weather conditions, or the wrong sealant is used, it may negatively affect the finish of your tiles, or provide inconsistent protection.
These problems can be easily avoided by hiring tile sealing and cleaning specialists like the crew here at Enviro-Clean and Capture.
Hazards of unsealed outdoor tiles
The most common products used to fabricate outdoor tiles are concrete and stone. Because they are porous materials, fluids and contaminants can permeate the tile’s surface and can potentially compromise its structural integrity.
Deciding not to seal your tiles also has the potential to affect the longevity of your investment.
Below are some examples of issues that can arise when moisture, residues and biohazards infiltrate a tile’s surface.
Water
Water itself does not pose a significant threat to your outdoor tiles. It can, however, be an agent for other contaminants to make their way into the pores of your tiles, negatively affecting its structure.
Without regular maintenance, the water that washes into the pores of your pavers can bring with it:
Natural and synthetic oils
Organic matter and waste
Chemicals
Acids
Salts
Pollutants
Food and beverage spills
Debris and more
If water and moisture get trapped deep inside the tiles, it can also be a breeding ground for fungus, bacteria, mould and other contaminants.
These compounds can stain, permanently mark or compromise the structural integrity and life expectancy of your investment via erosion.
UV exposure
Although outdoor pavers are made to withstand the natural elements, they are not immune to Australia’s harsh and unforgiving climate.
The sun is a force to be reckoned with, and UV exposure will take its toll on your outdoor pavers, and without protection, will fade colours and finishes highlighting marks and imperfections.
A quality sealant acts as a sunscreen for your pavers, protecting them from harsh UV radiation. Our sealant experts can help you choose the best product to protect your outdoor tiles from the unforgiving sun.
Weather events
Average seasonal rainfall will have little effect on your outdoor pavers. However, in recent times we have seen more and more extreme weather events occurring globally, and this may put extra pressure on your outdoor areas.
The added pressure put on your tiles by more frequent extreme weather like heavy rain, hail, heavy winds and falling debris may be reduced by sealing your tiles as soon as possible after being laid.
Performing regularly scheduled maintenance like cleaning and resealing means you are taking all possible steps to protect your outdoor investment from the changing weather conditions we are witnessing in current times.
The team here at Enviro Clean and Capture can offer expert advice and total solution services for tile sealing and cleaning, Sydney, and the broader New South Wales communities, tailored to your regions unique elemental factors and typical weather conditions.
Different types of sealant
Depending on the type of tile in question, as well as the porousness of the fabrication material, a specialised sealant may be required to achieve the desired outcome.
Some treatments can make the tile slippery, and in certain conditions, a non-slip additive can be applied with your sealant to negate safety risks.
Using the wrong sealant type for your tiles may reduce their effectiveness and longevity, or even worse, ruin the aesthetic of your investment.
Below we will look at some of the most common types of sealant, and what sets them apart.
Water-based sealers
Water-based sealers work by having the sealant chemical, often a polymer, dispersed in a water mixture.
When applied, the water takes the polymer particles into the pores of the tile. The polymer particles move closer together as the water evaporates, forming a continuous clear coating when all the water has dissipated.
Penetrating sealers
A penetrating sealer permeates deep into the pores of a concrete or masonry tile. The sealer chemically reacts below the surface of the tile, effectively sealing the tile without any surface film.
Penetrating sealers offer an excellent solution for people who want to avoid any alteration of the tiles natural aesthetic while still providing optimal protection.
Solvent-based sealers
Solvent-based sealants are best for dense materials and surfaces like granite or porcelain. Solvents offer deep penetration into the tile and dry faster than water-based sealants.
Caution must be taken, however, as solvent sealers contain hazardous chemicals and fumes, and the utmost care must be taken when handling it.
You must avoid contact with solvent-based sealants at all cost, and ensure the correct PPE gear is worn; this includes:
Gloves
Long sleeves
Pants
Boots
Respirator
Don’t risk the health and safety of your family, pets and loved ones. Avoid being exposed to toxic chemicals by calling one of our helpful team members today via phone or email.
Our expert sealing and cleaning services can provide a safe and efficient solution, and keep you and your loved ones from unnecessary exposure to toxic fumes and materials.
Scheduled cleaning and resealing
The duration of time between routine cleaning and sealant reapplication may vary for different tiles and sealants based on manufactures recommendations and things like local environmental factors, and foot traffic.
It is often advised that your tiles receive a thorough clean and sealant reapplication once a year, with some sealant manufacturers suggesting reapplication every six months.
The team here at Enviro Clean and Capture can send you a reminder, or arrange scheduled maintenance, saving you time and reducing maintenance pressure.
How do I know when my tiles need resealing?
If you are unsure whether your tiles are due for a resealing, there is a simple test you do that will give you a good indication as to the condition of your tiles sealant.
Take a small glass of water and pour a little on the surface of your tiles in a high traffic area; level out the water with your finger and observe how the moisture reacts.
If the water beads on the surface of the tile, it is an indication that your tiles are sealed. If the water is drawn into the tiles quite rapidly, then your tiles are more than likely due for resealing.
If you are still undecided, consider booking a consultation with one of our highly trained cleaning and sealing experts. They can assess your tiles, provide trustworthy professional advice and offer affordable solutions.
Can I seal my tiles myself?
There are many DIY sealant kits on the market, each with their own individual application processes and tips; this can, however, leave you with mixed results and inconsistencies.
By utilising experienced, professional cleaning and sealing services, like the ones we offer here at Enviro Clean and Capture, you can be sure you are:
Providing a proper clean using the right tools for the job.
Are having the correct sealant applied for your type of tile.
Ensuring deep penetration and consistent application of your sealant.
Maximising the effectiveness and longevity of each application.
By making sure your tiles are professionally cared for, you are maximising the function, aesthetic and structural integrity of your investment for years to come.
By booking annual or bi-annual services tiles sealing and cleaning, you may also be helping to reduce depreciation of your most valuable commodity, your home.
Call one of our friendly staff today to arrange a no-obligation free quote for your property.
Performing regular maintenance
In between professional cleaning and resealing applications, the best way to take care of your tiles is by performing a regular clean or spot cleans, as required.
For an effective clean between scheduled resealing applications, follow these easy steps:
Use a broom to remove all debris and organic matter and dispose of the waste thoughtfully.
Wet or hose down your tiled area, focusing on soiled and marked areas.
Apply an environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaning solution or mild soap to a bucket of water and apply the site to be cleaned.
Use a scrubbing brush to clean the surface, applying extra pressure to soiled and marked areas
Hose down your tiles and allow to air dry.
These easy steps can help keep your tiles free from organic matter, contaminants, pollutants, oils and residues that can affect your tiles strength and appearance.
The benefits of using a professional cleaning service
If your property has a large amount of falling organic matter or is exposed to heavy foot traffic, you may need to perform an extensive clean more regularly.
The best way to keep your tiles looking their very best is to employ a professional tile sealing and cleaning service.
The team here at Enviro Clean and Capture use industry-leading high-pressure cleaning systems and environmentally friendly solutions to provide your tiles with the deepest clean possible in between scheduled sealant maintenance.
Our environmentally friendly cleaning products are also non-toxic, keeping your children, pets and loved ones safe, while also protecting plants and garden beds.
By utilising our services, you are not only ensuring your investment receives optimal professional care, but you will also save precious time to attend to the things in life that matter to you most.
Whether you decide to attempt a DIY job or choose to utilise a professional service like the crew here at Enviro Clean and Capture, it is vital that you seal your outdoor tiles to ensure they are kept looking their best.
The sooner your tiles are sealed after being laid, the better the chance you have of guaranteeing, you get the most out of your investment and maintain the aesthetic of your property.
Enviro Clean and Capture services
The highly-skilled team here at Enviro Clean and Capture receive regular training and re-skilling to remain at the forefront of outdoor tile cleaning technologies and techniques.
We offer a wide range of professional cleaning services to keep your property looking its very best, including:
We are driven by excellence in our field, and we are proud to provide environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions for all your outdoor flooring and surfaces.
Our team is on call to offer professional advice and are passionate about helping our clients get the most out of their outdoor tiles and paved spaces. For industry-leading tile sealing and cleaning, Sydney, contact our friendly staff today on 1300 415 213.
Send your enquiry via our online contact form, and one of our team members will respond promptly.
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