Widely considered to be a durable floor covering option, slate, like many other materials, can become worn, torn and damaged over a period of time. The good thing is that any damage can usually be repaired with reasonable ease; here are two tips to consider when repairing your slate flooring:
Tip 1 - Replace damaged slabs: There are a number of occasions on which you can simply get away with gluing or grouting slate flooring tiles back to good health; however, there are some cases where this just isn't possible.
Although it is advisable to seek the services of a professional, it is possible to removed the damaged slab yourself. When doing this you should remember that the slate should not be forced away from the subfloor - taking a heavy-handed approach will only cause more damage to neighbouring tiles or slabs.
If you chip the damaged tile with a chisel and hammer beforehand, the removal process can become considerably smoother.
Tip 2 - Cover up epoxy glue or grout with nail polish: Grout and epoxy glue are substances common in flooring repair. Despite this they don't blend well with the colour of slate and can become something of an eyesore.
Nail polish can help to tone down the colour of both substances; simply choose a colour that is relatively near to the colour of the grout or epoxy.
You should then test the nail varnish on a small area to check that the colours are close. When applying the nail varnish, remember to use small amounts - this will improve the chances of achieving a good colour consistency.
The latest flooring news, courtesy of Floors Online.
Date : 14/12/2011
Category: Flooring Industry News