Slate floors are all unique in design and the wide range of colours, textures and shapes offers a look that will only be found in your home – and a wonderful look it can be. This look, however, is only great if it lasts and too many people become complacent and let their floor deteriorate over time due to lack of proper cleaning and maintenance. Left alone, a slate floor can quickly become dull, uneven and acquire an unsatisfactory finish which can prove very difficult to rectify.
It is not difficult to understand why people fail to care for a slate floor. Slate is a durable, relatively stain resistant material, and people translate that durability to the concept of ‘low maintenance’. This is unwise as slate can become stained very quickly in two different ways – the surface of the slate itself and the grout used to seal the joints between the tiles. Grout is a construction material, consists of a mixture of sand, cement and water – and is a highly porous material. It is fundamental to care for both the surface of the tiles and the grout in order to keep your floor looking good for many years to come.
The first stage of looking after the floor actually begins with the installation. If the slate floor is being newly installed it is vital that this is done professionally. In the case of slate, cutting the tiles can be difficult while the application of the grout itself is notoriously difficult. If this is done professionally – it will make the subsequent stages all the easier. Assuming the floor has been correctly installed – the first proactive step is the application of a good quality commercial sealant to offer additional protection to the surface.
The application of a sealant is not, in itself, difficult but it is very important that the sealant is applied to a clean floor (sealants are equally effective at trapping dirt beneath it) and to make sure that the sealant chosen is the correct one. One of the qualities of a slate floor is that a smooth, slightly rough surface offers a certain slip-resistant quality which can be nullified if an incorrect (for example a wax based sealer) is chosen. If you have any doubts as to which sealant to use, and how to apply it – you would be well advised to consult a company which specializes in cleaning slate floors and which will be able to recommend one for you.
Applying a sealant, a grout sealant is also highly recommended, adds an additional layer of protection and greatly reduces the porosity of the surface of the tiles or grout – aiding your cleaning efforts. Spillages will, as a result, cause less marking and staining than they would to an un-sealed floor. It is also very important to look after the sealant as any surface scratching or abrasions would actually cause the surface to become exposed. Regular sweeping, vacuuming and mopping are recommended to keep the floor clean. Doormats should be used as much as possible and care should be taken when moving heavy objects such as furniture.
A sealant should be re-applied regularly, annually for example, and with these steps your slate floor should stay looking good for many years to come. If you do notice any surface changes due to staining which your regular cleaning efforts cannot remedy, you should consult a company which deals with cleaning slate floors – and which will be able to take advantage of modern techniques and technology to restore your floor to its original condition.
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