What Happens if You Don't Seal Slate in Eldorado, NV? Sealing Makes it Easier to Clean, Extends Life & More

Are you getting ready to install state stone tile in your home? If so you are most likely looking into the needs and care of slate stone tile. One of the many questions concerning slate stone, is if it needs to be sealed and if so when? Slate stone is a great material that is used for floors, countertops and even for wall siding. When you decide to have slate stone installed in your home, you will want to know how to care for the stone and what the stone needs. Silver State Floor Restoration will share more about slate stone tile and how you should seal this amazing stone.

If Stone Isn’t Sealed, it Will Break Down

Most people are aware that stone, like granite and marble, need to be kept sealed, but what about slate? Slate is a durable stone that is not very porous. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need to be sealed. Slate stone should be sealed for a number of different reasons. Slate is treated with a finish which enriches the stone’s color. However within a year of the stone being installed, the finish will wear down and the stone will appear very dull. Not only will the stone look dull, but exposure to moisture and other elements can even cause the stone to erode. Slate stone is used both outdoors and inside the home. When outside it is exposed to rain, dirt and bird droppings which can lead to rapid erosion. Inside the home slate is exposed to spills, cleaning chemicals, and other household products. If the stone isn’t protected, it will begin breaking down.

Sealing Slate Makes it Easier to Clean

When sealing slate stone, you help preserve the stone’s rich coloring. The sealer used also helps to make the floor more stable and less slippery. The sealer will help protect the stone against moisture and other contaminants that can lead to stains and erosion. Another major benefit of sealing your slate stone, is that it is also easier to clean the stone. The sealer provide a unique surface that stops dirt and stains from penetrating the stone. You can easily wipe up the stone and keep it clean. The sealer will prevent mold and mildew from developing. The list of benefits to sealing your slate can go on and on.

When to Seal Slate Stone

The next major question is when to seal slate stone tile. If you have just installed the slate stone tile, you will want to seal the stone before you add the grout. When grouting the floor you can allow leaks to ruin and stain the tile’s original finish. To preserve the stone’s finish, seal the stone before grouting. Sealing the slate stone is very important when you are installing the tiles. After the stone has been sealed and grouted, you can also reseal the entire floor, including the grout after this point. Depending on the quality of the sealer, you may need to reseal your slate about every 6 to 12 months. It is important to maintain the sealer so the slate stone doesn’t lose its finish and is always protected.