Slate Cleaning & Sealing

Slate is found in different varieties with differing levels of density or porosity and those with a higher moisture absorption rate are not recommended for external use or in colder areas. Slate also comes in a variety of colures such as black, shades of blue, green or brown. Slate has an uneven surface with cleft planes, and a low to medium rate of liquid absorption. Slate is a strong and gorgeous material used to great effect indoors and certainly makes an exceptional exterior paving stone. Slate is a foliated metamorphic rock, which in geology terms means it is made up of many thin sheets consisting of a derivative of shale and created under relatively low pressure and temperature conditions

Slate floors are a durable material and will last decades with proper care and maintenance however the surface of a sealed slate can become dull looking after years of normal use. slate restoration is carried out in a variety of ways using a collection of methods. Each of the methods for polishing stone surfaces happens at a different time and for a different purpose.

Specialized slate cleaning solution or pH neutral cleaning agent is then used, depending on the condition of the tiles. We know first-hand that slate fractures easily, so even if we use professional cleaning equipment (we do so only if the tiles are found to be in good condition), we see to it that the pressure is never more than 800 psi.

Sometimes, white-coloured salt deposits are found on the surface of slate tiles In Perth, these could have come from the Swan River if the slate tiles have been installed outdoors. Even if they have been installed indoors and in a non-wet environment where they had no exposure to water or a moist environment, this could have been caused by the salts making their way to the surface from within, for slate is highly porous. But not to worry, Drytec’s tile cleaning specialists take care of this too.

Because slate does not score high on scratch resistance, it is likely that your slate tiles have already been sealed at the time of installation, if they are old. Prior to cleaning, Drytec’s slate cleaning and sealing experts inspect the tiles to see if acid-based cleaners have already been used that stripped away the sealant and damaged the stone.

An environment-friendly penetrating sealer that reacts with the stone and lets moisture out is what would be recommended by Drytec. An alternate option would be to use a colour enhancing sealant which offers the same level of protection and also highlights the natural colours of your slate tiles. We know how expensive it is to replace damaged tiles, so we ensure that only high-quality products that do not damage your slate floor.

-Penetrating sealers:

Penetrating sealers seep into the surface leaving the external appearance virtually unchanged. Penetrating sealers do not form a thin film on the surface of the tile and they do not flake or peel off.

– Enhancing Sealers:

These sealers enhance the natural colour of the stone without the glossy effect. They offer good protection against beverages spills and the premium quality sealer provide protection against oil-born contaminants.

-Topical Coating sealers:

As the name implies these sealers sit on the surface of the stone and give it a glossy appearance. They have one major drawback that they wear off from the surface over a period of time and have to be applied frequently especially for surfaces with high traffic. For adequate protection more than 2 coats of topical sealers is required.