Replies

1. 
   pebble | Aug 09, 2006 09:45pm | #1

   I don't know either but I have heard of tilesetters handing the homeowner a bottle of sealer with instructions on how and when to apply it. It does seem like a follow up thing that an HO can easily handle. But if I was the tilesetter I would do it because I wouldn't rely on the HO to follow directions. It is a pretty important step. I have seen a grout job fail (ie crack and crumble) because it didn't get sealed while in the next room it held up beautifully because it was sealed.

   Handyman, painter, wood floor refinisher, property maintenance in Tulsa, OK

2. 
   DustyMan | Aug 09, 2006 09:49pm | #2

   I think it depends on the arrangement you, as the installer, have with the customer. In my case I usually step through the job with the customer to see if there is any portion they wish to do themselves. If there are portions that the customer wishes to do themselves then I identify that in the contract to eliminate any misunderstanding. If there ever is doubt then I would err on the side of applying the sealer - it is a small price to pay for a satisfied customer who will sing your praises to others.

    

   Hope this Helps

   Dusty

    

    

3. 
   davidmeiland | Aug 09, 2006 10:30pm | #3

   I always seal grout and it says so on my proposals. What were you sold? Truth is, if you have a small bottle of sealer and a couple of disposable brushes you can seal the grout on an average job in less than an hour. Either you do it or they do it, but get it done a few days after the grout is done. Maybe your tilesetter doesn't want to because it involves a short return trip, probably more driving than actual work.

1. 
   ovolo | Aug 09, 2006 10:46pm | #4

   Thanks to all. That helpsThats kinda what I thought. Its about 600 sqft of tile and the tiler I used to use always just did it but this gentleman is invoicing me in advance $300 additional to seal the grout on what I thought was a fix price job. He never mentioned it in his quote. I was just a little surprised.. and might just have one of my guys do it to save the guy the trip.thanks again. Arthurhttp://www.thesmallbuildingcompany.com

1. 
   Piffin | Aug 09, 2006 10:54pm | #5

   It depends a bit on the type of grout and of sealer used. Some say right away, some say three days, some require thirty days.When I do tile it is usually part of a larger job so I am there to do it anyway, but if I were tile guy, I might be fifty miles away on another job at just the time when things are ready in three days for the sealer. I would not want to return for such a small thing unless I was getting the pay for it. I talk it over and some customers pay for a return trip, but others are happy to just let me hand them the bottle of sealer with instructions.I would rather do it as the ionstaller, to be sure it does indeed get done. I've had maybe four customers accept the bottle and promise to seal it themselves, but i'm betting my last dollar that no more than two of those ever got sealed. 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

4. 
   CAGIV | Aug 09, 2006 11:19pm | #6

   With the two companies we use one includes sealing the grout and does not give an option to not do it, the other makes it an option.    If I'm installing tile on my own I include it and build it into my cost and it is noted as included in the proposal.

   If it's not clearly spelled out one way or another you may have trouble arguing for it.

    

   

5. 
   kayaker | Aug 10, 2006 04:13am | #7

   In our area sealing is something above and beyond what is normaly expected.

6. 
   basswood | Aug 10, 2006 04:20am | #8

   I just finished a tile job...45 min drive away. It would be silly to go back just to seal grout. Perfect job for a homeowner.

   I only seal grout for 87 year old widows...all others DIY.

7. 
   trout | Aug 10, 2006 04:45am | #9

   If a tile setter is not sealing grout I'd want to know what other short cuts he's using.  At least for our jobs not sealing the grout isn't an option.