How to repair and maintain slate flooring?

[Thierry]

Hi team

I have grout coming out from the slate flooring. See photo

 

1. Can you please suggest which grout to buy? Grey colour.

2. I never maintain the slate floor. Is it really necessary  to seal the slate?

Any suggestions appreciated

Thanks

Thierry

[jilly54]

@EricL,

Can you tell me, how to clean the cement grout?

[EricL]

Hello @jilly54

Unfortunately, the grout on your current slate flooring is sealed as well. No amount of cleaning fluid will bring back its original finish. The common reaction of cement grout is to absorb fluids and what often happens is that when bare cement is exposed to water it turns dark. You'll notice this on some of the grout lines that have cracks in them and when it is chipped off it exposes the light grey colour of the grout. 

You could remove the sealer on the grout with a rotary wire brush, but the same reaction will occur when you brush the sealer over it. The fluids will turn the grout a darker grey. Using stronger chemicals on the current sealer might not provide ideal results. My only recommendation is to use dishwashing fluid and a bristle brush to scrub away the embedded dirt in the sealer. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[jilly54]

Hi Eric, I will try and clean it if I can. It looks really grubby.

I know the slate was sealed 35 years ago, sadly, they were not looked after, by the previous owner.

Many thanks for your kind help.