Terracotta Restoration Humbug Scrub - Playford

Terracotta is a ceramic material that has been used for building construction and decorative arts since ancient times in cultures around the world. Terracotta, which literally means "baked earth," is made from natural clay, which gives it a characteristic reddish-brown colour. The colour varies slightly depending on the clay used. Terracotta is hard-baked, brownish red earthen ware, often glazed and coloured may be glazed for extra durability or to provide colour. Usually hand-made and varies in colour, texture and appearance. The colours range from natural earthtones such as grey and brownish yellow to various shades of red. It is a waterproof and very sturdy material.

When used indoors, terracotta tile floors can be left raw, but more often, terracotta is finished with a top coat sealer. Some terra-cotta tiles are purported to be waterproof. To the contrary, all raw clay tiles are like sponges when it comes to soaking up water.

Terracotta may come pre-finished or require application of various types of sealers or coatings on site to provide a wearing surface. May crumble or show wear quickly unless sealed and laid on water proof layer. Terra Cotta should never be installed in a high-traffic area, and should never be cleaned at pressures above 1100 PSI and then only if the grout is in good condition.

Effloresence problems usually occur when salts are in contact with the tile from an outside source. This is most evident in porous tiles where the effloresence can seap through. For example we have come across a number of jobs where the contractor has used a sand and cement mix with terracotta tiles and over a short period of time the salts that are evident in the sand and cement crystalize into the tile and a whitish bloom develops on the surface of the tile often cracking the sealer. If a cement based adhesive was used this problem would never have occurred.

We know the importance of taking care of your terracotta tile floor. Terracotta tile restoration and cleaning is an important aspect of maintaining the natural shine of your floors. If treated properly, terracotta tile will provide for a beautiful floor which will be hard wearing, warm, stain resistant and extremely easy to maintain. Terracotta tile restoration and cleaning provides a holistic solution for floor maintenance.

We offer a complete terracotta tile restoration and cleaning for both Commercial and Domestic Premises. In most cases we will be able to chemically remove your existing floor finish and treat any staining and marks that will have occurred due to the ineffectiveness of your floor seal. When we are satisfied that we have achieved the best results possible- preferably by returning the terracotta to its natural state, then we allow a sufficient drying time before applying 3/4 coats of our specialist terracotta floor tile seal.

You can count on our expertise, professionalism and experience to give you satisfaction in the condition of your terracotta floor.

Terra cotta tiles are beautiful, and they lend an informal and somewhat rustic or even southwestern air to residential floors. As a raw product, it is always recommended that this type of flooring be sealed after installation. A professional tile cleaner having a thorough knowledge of the different sealers available as well as their application instructions should be used.

If you've chosen terracotta, it's likely that you're looking for an old looking rustic design, so a natural old sealant will be the way to go.

We offer a complete terracotta cleaning and sealing for both Commercial and Domestic Premises. In most cases we will be able to chemically remove your existing floor finish and treat any staining and marks that will have occurred due to the ineffectiveness of your floor seal. When we are satisfied that we have achieved the best results possible- preferably by returning the terracotta tiles to its natural state, then we allow a sufficient drying time before applying between 2-4 coats of our specialist terracotta tile sealer.

We have years of experience in restoring and refurbishing terracotta flooring. Even the most neglected terracotta can very often be restored with remarkable results. There is only one real way to restore terracotta that is by returning the terracotta to its natural state, let it dry, then seal it with between 2-4 coats of impregnating penetrating sealer and then apply the surface coating finish. Only this process is able to create a long lasting finish and stain proof of your terracotta.

You can count on our expertise, professionalism and experience to give you 100% satisfaction.

We have many years of experience in restoring and refurbishing terracotta flooring. Even the most neglected terracotta can very often be restored with remarkable results

We cover all Adelaide suburbs, all Playford area and all surrounding suburbs to Humbug Scrub

To schedule your appointment or to obtain a free estimate, please Call 1300 771 201 or use our online enquiry form.

Considerations

• Terracotta tile has to be installed in a more careful manner due to its tendency to stain easily. We have seen permanent stains from an installers shoe and a plain water drop.
• Prevent grout smears, surface scratching and keep grout residue out of surface texture by coating it before grouting. Use a water soluble coating that comes off easily while grout is being cleaned up with water and a sponge.
• Do not soak the tile before setting.
• Some of these tile will stain so easily that a water drop will leave a permanent mark. If this is the case with your tile, the above recommendation does not apply because even the product might stain a sensitive tile. Therefore, the only choice is to pre-seal the tile instead. However, be sure to see the section on pre-sealing so you can determine how to pre-seal well enough to offset its risks.
• Efflorescence (subsurface originating white powdery stains) is common with Terracotta Tile. This can occur even before installation. However, this is easily cleaned. Because of the stain risk, if efflorescence occurs, it can be treated with Efflorescence Treatment, but the treatment will darken the tile and must be done very evenly over the entire floor.
• Grout colors can "fade". Actually the iron oxide pigments used in concrete products do not fade. Nor do the colored clays in clay products. The appearance of fading is actually from light efflorescence and can be stopped by sealing with the appropriate sealer.