Slate is a great option to choose when deciding what flooring to install in your home. Slate is a fine grained gray, green or bluish metamorphic rock that can easily be split into smooth flat pieces or tiles for your floor. Slate makes beautiful flooring. Proper care of your slate tiles will keep it looking great for years to come.

Slate Spalling

There are specific steps you can take to ensure your new floor is properly cared for. It is normal during the first three months after installation that your slate tiles may flake off in certain areas. When these small pieces break off, it is called spalling. It is a natural occurrence that may cause a little extra dust in the rooms it is installed in. It is important that you sweep the slate tiles daily to assist in bringing up the chips and dust. If you have a vacuum that has a bare floor setting, you can also vacuum daily to help reduce the buildup of dust. Once the slate has settled, the process of spalling eventually stop on its own.

Cleaning Slate Surfaces

Slate has a natural stone surface, so it is important to clean it using non-abrasive chemicals. Anything containing lemon or vinegar will cause your slate to etch and is not good for the longevity of your floor. A slate floor can be cleaned properly using mild cleaners, warm water or a light detergent. Using harsh chemicals on your slate tiles regularly can ultimately ruin your flooring, costing you in expensive repairs or even the replacement of the majority of your tiles.

Slate Surface Sealing

Some types of slate are more porous than others, making them more vulnerable to stains. It is important to have your slate sealed at least once a year to prevent the chance of unsightly stains. High traffic areas in your home can produce scratches on your slate flooring. The scratches may appear to be light or chalky looking in appearance. The scratches can be disguised by the application of mineral oil to the tile. The mineral oil also has the ability to seal the slate tile if it is porous.

Professional Natural Stone Cleaning and Restoration in Aliante, Desert Shores, Centennial, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada

To properly treat your slate floor and keep it looking new, it is essential to have a professional come in and apply the best and most effective treatments available. Silver State Floor Restoration is skilled and experienced in treating slate floors and giving them a look that is clean and makes your home look beautiful. Call us for a free in-home estimate today!