Providing a look of luxury and wealth, slate is one of the most favorite stone choices for both indoor and outdoor needs. A silky black that can also range in color from blue-grey to rust and even purple depending upon the stone type, slate is a strong stone that is loved by homeowners and commercial properties alike.
The Chemical Components of Slate
Slate is a combination of the minerals quartz, muscovite, chlorite, hematite, pyrite, and biotite. Formed from clay or volcanic ash, this stone is considered a metamorphic rock that’s characterized by its perpendicular planes and harsh angles, known as stone cleavage. Smooth and flat, and often shiny and colorful, slate is used for roofing, countertops, patio tiles, and more.
Can slate be damaged?
Slate is a much more durable stone than other common patio tiles, like limestone or travertine. Slate is very stain resistant, meaning that minor spills are typically not a major issue. However, it’s not immune to all damages; in fact, slate is a very vulnerable stone and, while not easily stained, can be easily scratched. If cleaned at a pressure above 800 PSI, slate can spall, and deterioration will be evident. When you clean slate flooring or move furniture around, make sure you are extremely careful not to scratch it. Additionally, when exposed to certain chemicals – like salt from ponds or chlorine from pools – or when exposed to harsh weather conditions, slate can damaged. As such, taking proper care of slate by getting it sealed and cleaning it regularly is important.
Cleaning Instructions for Slate
To clean slate, sweeping up lose dirt and debris is the first step in the process. Then, use a low-pressure cleaner, or a soft sponge or cloth, to wipe down the slate and remove any dirt. If the slate has been stained, more heavy duty cleaning may be necessary. However, you can prevent against stains by getting your slate sealed.
Choosing the Right Sealant for Your Slate
The sealant that you choose for your slate should be dependent upon where your slate is located and the elements that it is exposed to, as well as your preference. You can choose between an enhanced sheen (glossy) finish, or a more natural-looking sealant finish for your slate tiles. We recommend you have a professional seal slate flooring tiles for maximum coverage and protection.
Our natural stone sealant finish comes with a 4 year guarantee and the enhanced sheen (glossy) finish comes with a 3 year written guarantee. If for any reason the sealant on your slate stone needs attention, we’ll come out to your home and re-seal it one time.
After you have sealed your slate tiles, then maintenance and cleaning will be easy; instead of having to worry about deterioration and staining, you will simply need to use soap and water on your slate floors on a regular basis to keep them in tip-top shape.
The natural finish comes with a 4 year guarantee and the enhanced sheen finish comes with a 3 year written guarantee. If for any reason the sealant on your travertine stone needs attention, we’ll come out to your home and re-seal it one time.
Have more questions about Slate Sealing or Cleaning? Contact a Professional Today
At Texas Stone Sealers, we understand that you probably have a lot of questions concerning how to care for your slate tiles, floor, or patio. To help you understand how to best preserve the slate stone in your home or on your property, and to protect your slate with the sealant it needs for longevity, call us today. We’ll provide you with a free quote, and help you understand everything you need to know about caring for slate. You can reach us today at 888-275-5354.
