How to repair and maintain slate flooring?

[Thierry]

Hi team

I have grout coming out from the slate flooring. See photo

 

1. Can you please suggest which grout to buy? Grey colour.

2. I never maintain the slate floor. Is it really necessary  to seal the slate?

Any suggestions appreciated

Thanks

Thierry

[MitchellMc]

I'd suggest taking one of the loose pieces into your nearest store and matching it to the closest grout colour @Thierry. There are a few different brands and several colours in grey tones. I'm sure you'll find a suitable match. Make sure to remove any loose grout before applying the new.

How long have you been in the house? When your slate coating shows signs of wearing through, loses its gloss or begins to flake off, you'd be wise to address the issue. However, if it doesn't show any of those signs and you're happy with the appearance, it's unnecessary to seal it again.

Mitchell

[Thierry]

Hi Mitchell

Thanks for your help.

Been in the house over 5 years now. The slate doesn't look shinny.. should it be shinny? 

I have slates in kitchen, corridor, laundry, bathroom..

If sealing, what do i need, thanks

[MitchellMc]

Your slate looks reasonably shiny from your picture as the light is reflecting from them @Thierry.  

Place a few droplets of water on the slate and wait 30 minutes before wiping the water away. If the slate did not darken from the moisture, your sealer is acceptable and does not need to be re-applied. If the slate darkens, the water has penetrated, and a re-coat is required.

To re-coat a slate floor, you need to work out what type of sealer was used originally so you can apply a compatible product. It will either be a water or solvent-based product. If it was a water-based sealer, you can safely reseal using either a solvent-based or water-based sealer. If a solvent-based sealer was originally used, you'd want to reseal using a solvent-based sealer. A water-based sealer cannot be applied on top of a solvent-based sealer.

Select an inconspicuous area and pour a little bit of Xylene onto a tile to test your coating. Wait about 15 seconds, wipe off the Xylene, and touch the area. If it feels tacky, it means a solvent-based sealer was used. If it's not tacky, a water-based sealer was used.

Here's our range of slate sealers to choose from.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell