Tile and Grout Cleaning (Huntsville, Madison: rental, new home, buying)

[autobahn]

Anyone know of any firms that specialize in Tile and Grout cleaning in the Huntsville/Madison area? Our grout was never sealed and is getting quite dirty from the foot traffic. It would be great if this person/company could also repair any grout that is damaged.

[Guntersville Boomer]

We have a house in Guntersville and Kissimmee, Fl., around the Orlando area Stanley Steamer is advertising grout and tile cleaning because so many houses have tile floors here, maybe call and see if they are doing it in Huntsville area too.

[zenjenn]

This is a good reminder for any of the folks buying one of the many new homes in the area. We were informed during the walkthrough that grout and stone is never sealed and it is the homeowner's responsibility to do so. I'm still completely unclear as to why, but I'm glad the guy running our walkthrough mentioned it, because I would have assumed that in a new home the stone and grout is sealed.

I arrived at the house the day we closed, with rags and sealant and sealed everything. One of the warranty guys was there fixing a blemish in the wood we had pointed out and saw me sealing the grout and commented that most homeowners don't bother.

We had unsealed grout in our old home and yeah, it shows. Don't forget to seal.

[flstatenolefan]

That is good to know, Zenjen. We are going to rent a new home. Do you think it's a renter's responsibility to do that, as well? I would hate to be cited when it comes time to move for grout that wasn't sealed.

[autobahn]

Originally Posted by Guntersville Boomer

We have a house in Guntersville and Kissimmee, Fl., around the Orlando area Stanley Steamer is advertising grout and tile cleaning because so many houses have tile floors here, maybe call and see if they are doing it in Huntsville area too.

Thanks for the tip on Stanley Steamers. They are the only one I have heard of in the area, but was hoping for someone more specialized in the whole job including repair. Buddy of mine used them about a year ago and they got overzelous with the steaming and put water down the ductwork. Left nice stains on the finished basement ceiling. If I use them, I will watch them like a hawk.

[jaymike59]

There's a new businsess called American Pride in town, and they do great work with tile and grout as well as carpets. I highly recommend them.

[autobahn]

Originally Posted by jaymike59

There's a new businsess called American Pride in town, and they do great work with tile and grout as well as carpets. I highly recommend them.

Thanks. I will check them out. If you got a phone number or web-site handy, that would help.

[skinem]

Originally Posted by flstatenolefan

That is good to know, Zenjen. We are going to rent a new home. Do you think it's a renter's responsibility to do that, as well? I would hate to be cited when it comes time to move for grout that wasn't sealed.

No, I wouldn't think so UNLESS it is specified in the rental contract.
Generally, that type of maintenance (most all maintenance in general) is the responsibility of the landlord. Of course, legal and right are often two different things, but it just wouldn't be right to spring that on you on the move-out walk-through.

[autobahn]

We ended up using Southern Tile and Stone Restoration. They are awesome!
Southern Tile and Stone Restoration - Home

[milledj]

Epoxy grout is the way to go... it doesn't stain. Of course, you would have to REMOVE old grout to take advantage of that...