Tile & Grout Services

Restoration Cleaning

#1 Customer Choice Cleaning Package

This is SDSC most effective, cost efficient, cleaning process that we will recommend 99% of the time. SDSC Guarantees, in writing, we can improve an area 85-90% better than current conditions with this “Restoration Cleaning” method. In most cases, we can charge $1.00 sq/ft or less for the most thorough cleaning package available to you. I tell people…”if we can not get it clean it can not be cleaned!”… when you choose our “Restoration Cleaning Package”. (Minimum 500 sq/ft required for $1.00 sq/ft price)

Restoration Cleaning Includes:

Free Estimate: Contact SDSC
Free Installation Consultation: Because of our Knowledge with Stone, Tile & Grout we offer this inspection to inform you of the condition of any of your installations. (We even provide this whether we clean that area or not.)
Pre-Inspect areas to be cleaned to determine what can be expected as well as which pre-cleaning solution will be the most effective, not all tile & grouts are created equal.
Provide necessary protection to surrounding areas with appropriate tapes, water-resistant paper or plastic.
Apply appropriate cleaning solution and allow standing for 10-15 minutes. This is an important step that many companies omit, however, this “dwell time” really assist in the most thorough deep cleaning possible.
Machine and / or hand scrub (detail work) areas to be cleaned. Again, this is another step many companies omit, however, this agitation will greatly loosen surface contaminates prior to the final Turbo Rinsing. It is this step… that assures us the ability to offer our above stated guarantee!
Next, we power wash with our Turbo Steam Pressure Washing System. This unit heats up clean water to over 240% and applies a pressure wash up to 1000 psi., while instantaneously vacuuming up all dirty water, sending it to our truck. A wet vacuum or a mop can not even come close to the effectiveness of this machine as it cleans & rinses your tile & grout.
Our technicians will Re-Inspect area, and repeat necessary process for any un-satisfactory areas. If area will not clean a second time, it is quite possible area has become stained and SDSC will make recommendation at that time. (IE. Mold in grout joints of showers)
Once area has been approved acceptable SDSC highly recommends apply the appropriate Sealer to assist with regular maintenance and longevity of the restoration cleaning performed. Not all sealers are created equal. SDSC uses only premium sealers to offer the greatest effectiveness with our client’s expectations in mind.
Due to variety of sealer recommendations sealing application is an extra charge which if desired will be shown as a separate price on your proposal.

Rejuvenation Cleaning

This cleaning process is the most economical, yet effective, cleaning system. It is similar to what carpet care companies usually offer with one big exception… our Knowledge of the materials we work on! We specialize in servicing Stone, Tile, & Grout which is why our results are so effective. These same companies’ are charging an average of $1.00 sq/ft or more to clean, floors only. SDSC cleaning packages start at .75 square/foot for floors (Min. 500 Sq/ft.) and yes we can clean all areas of your home; showers, counters, interior & exterior area.

Rejuvenation Cleaning Includes:

Free Estimate: Contact SDSC
Free Installation Consultation: Because of our Knowledge with Stone, Tile & Grout we offer this inspection to inform you of the condition of any of your installations. (We even provide this whether we clean that area or not.)
Pre-Inspect areas to be cleaned to determine what can be expected as well as which pre-cleaning solution will be the most effective, not all tile & grouts are created equal.
Provide necessary protection to surrounding areas with appropriate tapes, water-resistant paper or plastic.
Apply appropriate cleaning solution and allow to stand 10-15 minutes. This is an important step that many companies omit, however, this “dwell time” really assist in the most thorough deep cleaning possible.
Next, we power wash with our Turbo Steam Pressure Washing System. This unit heats up clean water to over 240% and applies a pressure wash up to 1000 psi., while instantaneously vacuuming up all dirty water, sending it to our truck. A wet vacuum or a mop can not even come close to the effectiveness of this machine as it cleans & rinses your tile & grout.
Our technicians will re-inspect whole area and re-clean any necessary areas not meeting our standards for this cleaning method.
Once area has been approved acceptable by client SDSC highly recommends applying the appropriate Sealer to assist with regular maintenance and longevity of the restoration cleaning performed. Not all sealers are created equal. SDSC uses only premium sealers to offer the greatest effectiveness with our client’s expectations in mind.
Due to variety of sealer recommendations sealing application is an extra charge which if desired will be shown as a separate price on your proposal.

Grout – Protective Sealers

Why should I seal my grout?

Answer: Simple…cement grout is very porous and will absorb liquids with the possibility of permanently staining your grout. By applying a high quality sealer, usually a Penetrating Sealer, and in some cases an Enhancing Sealer, you have now lessened your grouts porosity making it more difficult for liquids to be absorbed causing a possible permanent stain. Sealing your grout also assist in keeping your grout looking new when proper cleaning programs are applied.

Key points to keep in mind:

Sealers allow your grouts to be “stain resistant” NOT STAIN PROOF.
However, I do have greater success getting out a stain from a grout that has been sealed verses a grout that has never been sealed.
Sealers also buy you time to clean up spills…reducing the chance of staining.
If someone claims “stain proof” – get it in writing that they will replace more than a bottle of sealer if your grout does stain.
Some grout companies claim their grout alone is stain resistant or stain - proof... refer to warning in above bullet point. (They usually still, in fine print, tell you to seal your grout)
Avoid using acidic cleaners or those with harsh chemicals as these will break down your sealer in a very short period of time with continual use.
Consult SDSC technician for proper cleaning products and methods.

When is the best time to Seal my grout?

New Installations - Immediately after installation. (Most grout companies require 3-5 days after grout has been installed)
Tile & Grout – After Restoration Cleaning
All Natural Stone – After Restoration Cleaning

Are not all sealers equally effective regardless of the price?”

Answer: No!!! Here is what I have learned in the 22 plus years in the industry… you get what you pay for when it comes to sealers. (You will be able to find an excellent sealer probably find between $100.00 - $150.00 a gallon)

Key points to keep in mind:

$20.00 a gallon … $100.00 gallon…which one will protect the best?
What was the cost of you installation? $5.00 ft. $10.00 ft. more? Sealer Cost: .20 – .50 ft. a $1.00 ft for product and installation…seems like cheap insurance to me.
If you’re cleaning & sealing equals the cost of another companies cleaning alone… ask questions, tell them you want you want to know the sealer manufactures name.
There are very good sealers at big box stores … again, you will get what you pay for.

How long can I expect my sealer to last?

Answer: This is the number one question I get asked about sealers.

Key points to keep in mind:

Manufactures offer the “warranties” or longevity statements to their products not the installation. I have yet to hear of an installer fixing, replacing, or doing anything when it comes to sealer problems…
Ask questions… these warranty & longevity statements may not mean what you think they mean.

Basically it goes something like this:

Sealer bottle says 1-3-5-10-15-20 year warranty (20 years that’s incredible)
They will last this long…“Depending” on yad yad yad … yad yad yad… marketing, marketing, marketing…(This one is for my good friend Norm… I remember marketing is not a bad word, marketing is not a bad word.)
Don’t get me wrong … I am a big advocate of using proper sealers from reputable manufactures and applying a sealer to almost every project I am on!

Reality is:

Was the sealer applied properly?… if yes most high end sealers will last 1-3 years in high traffic areas with a proper maintenance program.
I do not believe one can expect a sealer to be very effective if it has been wiped on and wiped off immediately.
Same sealers may last 5-10 and yes even 20 years if it is in an area that has absolutely not exposure to life!
However, do not be put off because your sealer did not meet the bottle expected years of effectiveness…or because of a few sarcastic remarks… even re-sealing every 1-3 years is still a very economical process to invest in your Tile or Stone project.

Four Types of Sealers to Choose From:

Penetrating Sealer (Most common – Natural Look – Excellent Protection)
Enhancing Sealers (Penetrating Sealer that increases natural colors of material – Some limitations apply)
Topical Sealers (Matte & Gloss Coating with very limited application – Ask SDSC for details)
Color Seal (Applies to New or Restored Grout Only – Keep existing or change grout color while adding an excellent protective sealer)

Grout – Change Color

What is the process to change the color of my grout?

Answer: The process is to use a stain, coating, or combination of both to literally change your grout to another color. However, many clients will use this process to restore their current color when cleaning is no longer an effective option.

Key Points to Keep in Mind

In my opinion… I would always thoroughly clean grout prior to apply this product. Like many trades prep is a key to a products success and longevity.
Not all grout stains are created equal… nor are all applicators. Pick a manufacture and applicator that will stand behind this process, again, in writing.
Ask to have a test done for approval prior to completing whole project.
Do not be fearful of this process or swayed by those unfamiliar with current technologies. The colorants used today are very effective lasting longer and performing better than some of your typical penetrating sealers.
Some builders & designers are offering color sealing as an upgrade for brand new grout, why? One: takes care of any grout shading & Two: most are also a sealer so your getting a two for one.