Cleaning after installation:

Before undertaking any cleaning operation whatsoever, it is essential to allow freshly laid tilesto dry thoroughly. Three to six months is required for the water contained in the mortar and the humidity of the tiles to evaporate. the tiles are rarely dry when they are laid. The more waterused in constructing the flooring complex, the longer the drying time will be. During this drying-period, the floor should only be cleaned with a mop and clear water in order to prevent the efflorescence ( blooming) due to rising damp from accumulating which may eventually plug the pores of the material.

 

Routine maintenance:

Routine maintenace consists in sweeping or vaccuuming dust and washing the tiles. The floor is cleaned with a mop and clear water. If a detergent is necessary ( to remove greasy stains), a neutral general purpose soap such as flaked " savon de Marseille" is used: 30 cubic cm of soap flakes ( a handful) per litres of water. Any excess soap will form an unattractive film on the surface of the flooring. Machine with very low water output may also be used ( floor scrubbers, for example). To maintain a semi-gloss or gloss finish, a small amount of white liquid floor polish may be applied from time to time.

 

Precautionary measures:

It is strongly inadvisable to use detergents containing free alkali, products containing acid ( even diluted), chlorine, bleach, abrasive or scouring agents, grease, silicone, varnish or solvents. Such products may cause irreversible damage to the stone and even their occasional use, without our prior written approval would release us from any liability.

 

Surface treatment and protection:

Smoothed and polished natural stone flooring subjected to wear will progressively loose its initial gloss. It will, however, develop a patina.

Avoid gravel, sand, dirt, and unfinished concrete immediately surrounding the home. Such materials are abrasive and may scratch and soil the stone. Place doormats in areas having direct acces to the outside to avoid abrasive elements from being brought into your residence.

For flooring subject to frequent foot traffic, or when a stain repellent treatment is recommended, floor protection must be considered.

Product selection is very important as it will determine characteristics of the tiling, such as its finish ( flat, semi-gloos, gloss) and its case of maintenance. Prior testing on a small surface area is indispensable.

In all cases, it is imperative that the floor be perfectly dry and free of rising damp when the product is applied. Otherwise, the humidity will stagnate under the protective film and may cause a variety of stone -related pathologies ( scalling, browning...)

 

Important note:

These protective and surface treatments require a thorought understanding of the nature of the stone, the equipment used and the products to be applied. Such operations must be performed by a professional and repeated regularly.