SLATE FLOOR RESTORATION

Houston Slate Cleaning:

Due to the texture and graininess of this particular stone, a good amount of dirt can build up in its crevices. Generally, we will clean slate with an alkaline cleaning solution because it is the best at emulsifying dirt. We give the solution approximately 20 minutes of dwell time. This gives the cleaner time to depolarize the dirt that is embedded into the stone. We then use an industry accepted spinner tool which provides pressure coupled with vacuum for extraction.

Houston Slate Sealing:

Generally speaking, slate has a low porosity rate. This means that it does not really absorb liquid. Unfortunately, not all mercantile slate is actually slate. For this reason, we recommend sealing your mercantile slate. We generally use a premium repellent with color enhancing properties on slate. This leaves the stone with a wet look, but not glossy. There are other sealers that we can use on this stone also, depending on the finish that the customer is looking for. Slate in a shower or around a pool must be sealed. Call for details on any of our services or fill out the contact form on this page.

Maintaining Slate Floors in Houston

Shale is often sold as slate by lower quality flooring retailers and some big box home improvement stores. When wet, shale will smell like clay, and actually lose some of its color when wiped with a rag. It will also make a dull “thud” when tapped with a hammer. Slate will not smell like clay when wet, and will “ting” when tapped with a hammer. True slate is one of the least absorbent stones on earth while shale will have a high porosity.