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Slate is a very dense, but soft and easily scratched material which can be used effectively outdoors as well as indoors. Slate is a foliated metamorphic rock derived from shale and consisting mainly of grains of mica and quartz. Most slate is grey to black, but the rock may be red or purple, depending on its mineral content. The surface of slate is generally uneven with cleft planes which can spall or flake due to the cleaving of the stone along its layers. Slate has a low to medium absorption rate of oils and other liquids and should be sealed with an oil-repellent penetrating sealer to prevent staining, reduce soiling and decrease the effects of foot traffic.
Slate Tile Cleaning Sealing Shellharbour City Centre - Wollongong
We provide specialised cleaning services for slate floor tiles.
Save yourself time, effort and money and let our team of professionals bring your slate back to its best possible condition.
To schedule your appointment or to obtain a free estimate, please Call 1300 771 201 or use our online enquiry form.
We cover all Wollongong suburbs and all Shellharbour City Centre area
Slate tiles are durable and forgiving materials. Aggressive cleaning can remove accumulated soil, but professional striping is necessary to remove old coatings and wax.
What is Slate?
Cleaning Slate Floors
Cleaning slate tiles can present some difficult challenges due to the many varieties of slate and the fact that slate tiles are often sealed with topical water or solvent based sealing products.
There are many types of slate tiles originating from various places around the world and the slate tile cleaning process can vary depending on the type of slate tile being cleaned. Before cleaning slate you should test the slate surface to understand what type of sealers were used on the slate and to be sure that the cleaning product will not damage or create any discolouration. Alkaline cleaning products are generally safe for cleaning slate but cleaning slate with acidic based cleaning products could potentially damage the slate tile surface.
If the slate tile appears to have a topical sealer, this will need to be stripped before any cleaning process can begin. It is also helpful to find out the type of sealer or wax that the floor was previously sealed with to be able to use the right product when stripping.
Because of slates cleft planes and strong possibility of spalling, slate should never be cleaned at very high pressures, and if so only when the grout is in good condition.
Slate is fairly dense, but still highly porous - You can easily test how porous your natural slate is by applying a drop of water to the surface and watching how it is absorbed. You can then see how any type of water based stain can be absorbed by the slate tile surface and grout.
As slate tiles sometimes can naturally appear lacklustre, various sealing solutions have been designed to enhance the colour or create a glossy finish.
Sealing your slate will keep most stains suspended at the surface, creating a barrier that provides protection against chemical attack, deterioration and contamination. Sealing is the first important step towards protecting your investment against stains.
Two main sealing options exist for slate tiles
- Deep Penetrating Impregnating Sealer
- Topical Sealer
(Transparent Finish/Colour Enhancing Finish)
(Gloss/Satin/Matte Finish)
A deep penetrating impregnating sealer protects slate and grout from water and oil based stains by chemically reacting with the surface pores using nano-technology to create a breathable protective barrier. An impregnating sealer protects the slate surface and grout from absorbing stains while also resulting in cleaning and maintenance becoming much easier.
Australia's Deepshield™ range of impregnating water based sealer's, offer long term benefits, lasting for up to 10 years while Deepshield™ Gold, based on the latest fluoro-bond technology lasts for up to 15 years. A penetrating impregnating transparent sealer enters the pores of your stone and, once cured will not change the look of the tile or stone. A penetrating colour enhancing sealer is designed to enhance and enrich the natural look of stone surfaces.
Wollongong/Shellharbour City Centre's Tile Cleaners® are the experts at applying all types of sealer and will ensure your slate looks its absolute best. Tile Cleaners® experienced technicians can apply a topical sealer when especially required to create a high gloss, satin sheen or matte finish to your surfaces. Topical sealer is also helpful in situations where the old solvent based sealer can not be completely removed or when required to hide certain types of damage. Topical sealer's have a life expectancy of around 3 years.
We provide specialised cleaning solutions for slate tiles
Our equipment is ideal for both domestic and commercial cleaning jobs, leaving your slate tiles spotless and hygienic
To schedule your appointment or to obtain a free estimate, please Call 1300 771 201 or use our online enquiry form.
We cover all Wollongong suburbs and all Shellharbour City Centre area
Types of sealers used on slate tiles
It is very important to ensure that tiles achieve their cleanest possible condition prior to being sealed. This will protect the appearance of the tile, and importantly ensure that there won't be any dirt, stains or other debris caught under the layer of sealant.
To provide the best possible protection from oil and water-based stains; to maintain the look and slip resistance of your slate and to prevent damaging moisture from being trapped within the stone, it is recommended to seal your slate with a high quality, invisible, fully breathable impregnating sealer.
Our Slate Floor Restoration service will bring back your slate tiles & grout to its best possible condition, and protect them for years to come.
Slate Floors Maintenance
Slate can be well preserved if a proper maintenance cycle is put in place from the point of installation. Due to the lack of calcite in its composition, slate is resistant to acid, however problems can still arise if the slate is very porous as some can be in which case the application of a high quality penetrative sealer is an absolute must.
After you have cleaned your slate tiles you may notice that the grout is still not as clean as you had hoped for. It may be necessary to do some extra scrubbing along the grout lines with a scrub pad. Test the cleaner first on the slate to be sure it will not damage or discolour the slate tile surface.
We provide specialised cleaning solutions for slate tiles.
Our equipment can handle both domestic and commercial cleaning jobs, leaving your slate tiles spotless and hygienic.
To schedule your appointment or to obtain a free estimate, please Call 1300 771 201 or use our online enquiry form.
We cover all Wollongong suburbs and all Shellharbour City Centre area
Tile Cleaners® Slate Services
Slate Tile and Grout Cleaning
Cleaning tile & grout takes a combination of specialised industrial equipment and heavy duty cleaning products. By using specially developed cleaning solutions & high pressure van mounted cleaning equipment we are able to clean your tiles & grout to the highest standards.
Slate Tile Sealing
All porous tiles should be sealed, sealing your tiles helps prevent & reduce staining. Sealing your slate will keep most stains suspended at the surface, creating a barrier that provides protection against chemical attack, deterioration and contamination. Sealing is the first important step towards protecting your surfaces against stains.
Slate Stripping
Stripping, scrubbing and cleaning to remove old sealant and its residue, restoring the original appearance of the floor. Our technicians are equipped with all necessary equipment and possess all skills and experience needed to provide your slate tiles with an extensive floor stripping service. We can strip and reseal any hard surface flooring as well as wall tiles.
Efflorescence Treatment
Efflorescence is the formation of salt deposits on or near the surface of the tile and grout. Tile Cleaners® technicians have a variety of equipment for the effective removal of efflorescence. We also carry all the required treatments, agitation tools as well as chemical solutions to safely and effectively removed efflorescence deposits internally and externally.
Minor Tile Repair
Do you have cracked tiles, chipped tiles, loose tiles or discoloured tiles in your walls, floors, stairs or around the swimming pool. Do you have spare tiles left over from installation? Tile Cleaners® have professional & experienced tilers in our team that can assist you with repairing your indoor & outdoor tiles and replacing the broken/damaged tiles.
Grout Colour Sealing
Tile Cleaners® technicians are able to re-colour badly stained grout or change the colour of existing and/or stained grout. Tile Cleaners® Grout Colour Sealing service is specifically designed and developed to rejuvenate your dirty old grout and make it look BRAND NEW once again!
You can once again enjoy your slate tiles in their best possible condition
Give us a call today on 1300 771 201, our knowledgeable and friendly customer service can assist you with all your questions and bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When your slate surfaces start to lose their natural luster and appear dull or matte, even after regular cleaning, it's a clear sign that they are due for cleaning, stripping, and resealing. Additionally, if you notice that your slate tiles are becoming more prone to staining, it's a strong indication that the previous sealer has worn off and immediate resealing is necessary to prevent permanent staining. By addressing these signs promptly, you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your slate floors.
Yes, the slate tile cleaning services provided by Tile Cleaners® are safe. They utilize high-quality water-based products and state-of-the-art cleaning machinery to ensure the best cleaning solution without causing any harm to your slate tiles. Since stone tiles, including slate, are porous and require special care, it is essential to use the appropriate products and equipment to achieve optimal results without compromising the integrity of the tiles. Tile Cleaners® takes pride in their ability to cater to the specific needs of each tile variety, including slate, ensuring a safe and effective cleaning process.
Tile Cleaning prioritizes the use of high-quality non-solvent based stripping and sealing products during their process. These products are designed to be clean and not cause any damage to your slate tiles or other surfaces in your home. The advanced non-solvent based strippers and techniques utilized by Tile Cleaning are highly effective. In certain specific situations, where necessary, Tile Cleaning technicians may apply solvent-based strippers. However, this process would require you to vacate the premises for up to 48 hours to ensure the highest level of safety and protection for everyone involved. Rest assured that Tile Cleaning takes precautions to minimize mess and prevent any damage to your walls or skirting boards during the stripping, cleaning, and sealing process.
Tile Cleaning places great importance on the safety of your family throughout the cleaning process and guarantees the use of non-toxic finishing agents. Our commitment to safety is rooted in protecting your loved ones by avoiding any potentially harmful substances or ingredients. When selecting cleaning products, Tile Cleaning exercises utmost care to exclude any ingredients that could pose health risks. This approach not only helps preserve the condition of your stone tiles but also exemplifies our dedication to prioritizing the overall health and safety of your household.
When Tile Cleaning arrive to reseal your slate floors, you can expect a professional team that will guide you through the entire process, ensuring transparency and clarity. The process begins with the removal of any previous sealer, if applied, followed by a thorough cleaning and neutralization of the slate to eliminate dust, residue, and any other substances that could impact the new sealer's effectiveness. Once the slate floor is dry, a new sealer will be carefully applied and allowed to set. This resealing process will not only rejuvenate the appearance of your slate floor, making it look new again, but it will also provide protection and make maintenance easier in the long run. Rest assured that Tile Cleaning follows a systematic approach to deliver quality results and ensure your satisfaction.
To maintain the appearance and keep your slate tiles looking new, Tile Cleaners® suggests cleaning them on a weekly basis using a mild detergent. This regular cleaning routine helps remove dirt and grime from the surface of the slate. It is important to avoid using strong detergents that contain strong acids or alkalis as they can potentially affect the sealer. Instead, opt for mild detergents and pH-neutral substances, which are highly recommended for cleaning slate tiles and preserving the integrity of the sealer. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your slate tiles retain their fresh and attractive appearance over time.
When it comes to slate restoration services, Tile Cleaning follows a pricing structure based on the square meterage of each separate room. You can find a price list on the Tile Cleaning website for your reference. Additionally, you can reach out to Tile Cleaning at 1300 771 201 to obtain a free estimate. Prior to commencing the work, Tile Cleaning will measure each room individually, discuss the scope of the work to be carried out, and confirm all costs with you. This ensures transparency and allows you to have a clear understanding of the pricing involved before any restoration work begins.
To measure the size of a slate area, it is recommended to measure each room individually. Begin by measuring the width and length of the room. Multiply the width by the length to calculate the total square meterage. For example, if a room is 3 meters long and 2 meters wide, the calculation would be 3 meters * 2 meters = 6 square meters in total. By measuring each room separately and using the width * length method, you can accurately determine the size of the slate area you wish to assess or have restored.
Tile Cleaning provides assistance with moving furniture during the floor sealing process. Their team of dedicated technicians is available to help with the relocation of furniture items that can be reasonably managed by one person, such as those with wheels or lightweight furniture like tables and chairs. However, it is important to keep in mind that while Tile Cleaning takes precautions to protect your belongings, they cannot be held responsible for any damages that may occur during the furniture moving process. To ensure the safety of valuable or fragile items, it is recommended to either relocate them to a secure area or properly secure them before the technicians arrive. By taking these necessary precautions, you can help ensure the safety of your furniture and minimize the risk of potential damage while the floor sealing process is being carried out.
To prepare your slate floors for cleaning, it is recommended to move all furniture and items off the floor. This allows the cleaning process to be carried out efficiently and effectively. By removing furniture and items from the slate floor, you create a clear space for the cleaning team to work on, ensuring that the entire surface can be properly cleaned. This preparation step helps to facilitate the cleaning process and ensures that your slate floors receive the attention they need.
The frequency of sealing slate floors depends on several factors such as the type of sealer used and the amount of foot traffic the tiles are subjected to. Australia's Deepshield™ range of deep impregnating water-based sealers, for example, offers long-term benefits, with Deepshield™ Gold having a potential lifespan of up to 15 years. On the other hand, topical sealers typically last around 3 years. However, the actual lifespan can vary based on factors like high foot traffic or severe weather conditions for outdoor tiles. It's important to assess the condition of your slate tiles as well. If you notice patchy areas or they are staining easily, it may indicate the need for resealing. For specific inquiries and assistance, feel free to contact us, and our team will be happy to help.
If slate floors are not sealed, they can be susceptible to damage. Any spills that contain oil or harsh substances have the potential to penetrate the pores of the slate tiles, resulting in permanent stains that cannot be easily removed using regular domestic cleaning methods. To preserve the natural look and feel of your slate tiles, and to safeguard them against permanent staining and accidental damage, it is highly recommended to seal them. Sealing the slate floors not only helps them maintain their pristine appearance for a longer period but also makes them easier to maintain and clean, providing convenience and peace of mind.
The ideal time to seal slate floors is right after installation to provide immediate protection against accidental staining or damage. As for determining if your slate floors currently require sealing, keep an eye out for patchy areas on the floor where the sealant may have worn off. Additionally, if you notice that your slate tiles are staining more easily than before, it is a clear indication that the existing sealant has deteriorated and resealing is necessary. Monitoring the condition of your slate tiles and being attentive to any changes in their appearance and stain resistance will help you determine when it is time to seal them.
Yes, Tile Cleaning is able to remove efflorescence buildup from slate tiles. Efflorescence, which is the accumulation of salts, can be effectively eliminated using efflorescence removers and other specialized cleaning techniques. It is worth noting that efflorescence is commonly caused by issues such as water leakage behind the slate tiles or through damaged grout lines. While the efflorescence can be removed, it is crucial to address and resolve the underlying cause to prevent its recurrence. By tackling both the efflorescence buildup and addressing the root cause, Tile Cleaners® can help restore the appearance and integrity of your slate tiles.
Client Range
We clean and restore a
huge range of tiles and surfaces in all locations including:
Kitchen,
Balcony,
Bathroom,
Shower,
Swimming pool,
Pool pavers,
Restaurant,
Café,
Bar,
Home,
School,
Clinic,
Hospital,
Companie,
Office
huge range of tiles and surfaces in all locations including:
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We provide tile & grout cleaning solutions
for all types of floor & wall tiles
estimate, give us a call by clicking the link below
To schedule your appointment or to obtain a free estimate, please Call 1300 771 201 or use the online enquiry form at the top of the page.
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