Mamas & Papas -
The prior owners of our apartment had redone the bathroom, and used real slate tiles for the floor. 6 years after their renovation, and 2 years into our ownership, the floor is flaking apart, especially near the toilet and the sink. Any ideas on what to do to preserve the floor? is there some sort of sealer that can be appled? do we need to use a special cleaner first?
I'm concerned, because when I sweep it up, I just cause more to flake off and crumble, this will get worse not better if simply "left alone."
Thanks in advance,
F. B.
It needs to be sealed.
On stone flooring, it often has to be sealed, and then maintenance wise, it needs to be re-sealed occasionally.
It is flaking off in those locations, probably due to moisture or it being wet. And it is not protected with a sealer.
Call a Professional.
They can seal it with commercial grade, sealers.
Go into (or call) a tile and stone store and ask them!
There could be a few things going on. It has not been sealed. There is too much moisture underneath and it causing the tile to weaken, which causes other problems...mold, etc. Or, they simply did not lay the tile correctly. If the floor was not clean and even, the tiles will begin to crack and come apart. In our house, we would have to put sub-floor down to put tile in, because the floor is uneven. Either way, I think you should bring out a professional. They will know whether it needs to be sealed, or if there is another issue going on.
You might try Ultra Fast Drying poyurethane by MiniWax. It has a very low odor, but be sure the area is ventilated. Use at least two coats.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Flooring-Carpeting-1621/2008/1...
Google "crumbling slate floor"
According to the link above, water (moisture) can be a culprit, as can improper grouting and combing of the corners......
Since it's happening near the sink and toilet, seems that water might be the logical explanation.
You can replace a single piece of slate, and when you do, you'll be able to see if moisture is the issue.
