In a commercial setting, sealing tile flooring is a critical part of maintaining a clean, durable surface that lasts. Without it, tile and grout porosity cause dirt and contaminants to become embedded in the tile surface, leading to foul odors and a dirty, dingy appearance. This can result in complaints, illness and even accidents.

The cost of tile installation can be quite expensive, and many businesses opt for low-budget tile products, like glazes and sealers, to help balance out the cost of the original installation. This is almost always a recipe for failure. Whether a company is sealing tile surfaces after installation or getting them restored, there are several reasons why choosing low-cost sealing and glazing products can lead to problems.

Differences in quality

Thanks to the internet, it’s possible to buy products from all over the world. Many low-budget products are manufactured outside of the United States and seem to offer significant savings, but the quality and safety of those products is often questionable. In addition, if issues arise, trying to get help from an overseas company can be challenging to say the least. When selecting tile sealers or glazes, it’s important to choose a reputable manufacturer with good customer service.

Low-budget products may seem to take a smaller bite out of the budget, but they often cost a business more in the long run. A Facilitiesnet article reports that too many managers select low-cost flooring products without looking at the big picture.

"We have tried to convince managers to look at the life-cycle costs for many years," says Melissa Quick of Flexco Floors. "While they can put a less expensive product on the floor during the initial installation, they need to consider the cost to maintain the floor over the years and then possibly consider a more durable and slightly more expensive product on the front end that will cost less money to maintain. The slightly higher costing product will probably last longer than the cheaper product."

Don’t get distracted by shiny objects

As more businesses realize the positive impact appealing design can have on customer satisfaction, unique and colorful tile sealers and glazes have risen in popularity. Although sparkling sealers or colorful glazes may update a tile surface’s eye appeal, it’s important to make sure the product performs as well as it looks. It’s a good idea to consult the facilities manager and those in charge of floor maintenance when selecting products in order to make sure those chosen are compatible with the installed flooring and a janitorial team can comply with product-specific maintenance.

Experience matters

It’s extremely important to choose a reliable, experienced contractor when sealing or glazing tile surfaces. A good company will be well-established, offer strong customer support and be willing to warranty its work. Beware of a company pushing low-budget products; it likely cuts corners in other areas to make up the cost difference. A reputable company will consider the type of flooring, level of foot traffic and maintenance goals before recommending a specific product.