When choosing slate for an interior or exterior project is sure to know and understand the climate in which the project will be set in. Slate can handle many climates but without proper sealing and care it can become damaged. Damp weather should never be a consideration factor as slate is naturally a non-slip surface. If using larger tile slate in an exterior project check for varying thickness issues. This issue can cause problems when trying to keep a floor level. Before a project is started everyone should lay the tile out checking for color variations, thickness, damage and other factors including spacing.
As with any tile flooring project, everyone should take the time to properly prepare the surface. Having a flat smooth surface to start with will help with the ending results. One issue with slate is the weight factor when it comes to installing slab tiles. These heavy natural stone must have a good underlayment. Installing slate to an exterior cement slab will require a good bonding agent. Be sure to check that the slab is flat or a self-leveling mortar will be required. When installing slate in an interior project the substrate should be checked to whether it can support not only the weight but also the foot traffic in which the tile will be set. To find out more on this take a look in for a San Diego Tile outlet or any other tile outlet in your area.
As with most tile projects of any nature everyone should purchase additional slate tiles for damage issues. Not only are the overage amounts for breakage or chipping but also for transportation as slate can become damaged before it’s installed. When preparing the surface to install slate always be sure the surface is clean, clear and level. Another important issue with tile projects is to be sure there’s no moisture in the substrate before starting the installation. Slate will easily deteriorate from trapped moisture as well as cause issues with the bonding agent and grout. When laying the slate in place everyone should wait at least 24 hours before installing the grout. This will allow for the mortar or bonding agent to properly set.
Regardless of where slate is installed it should always have a sealer applied. This allows for moisture protection issues no matter how much. Because slate is a natural element the surface can change due to the type of sealant chosen. High gloss sealer gives slate a wet lustrous appearance. Low sheen sealer still can be reflective but not in the manner that pertains to using high gloss. The last choice is no sheen which gives slate a very natural look. Choosing which one is right for the project at hand is a personal choice but be sure that the sealant being used is for natural stone or slate in particular.
If wanting to install slate flooring in an unusual way try laying it diagonal. This will require buying or renting a wet saw as slate cannot be cut properly with a normal tile saw. Also needed is a speed square. Start by placing it in the corner in which the project will begin in and snap a chalk line. This will give the overall pattern of the entire space. Cut tiles in half from corner to corner and also be prepared with spacers as these will be needed to get a proper fit. When using this pattern or design be sure to mix the tiles from the box due in part to their color and texture variations. To get more information on this and many other aspects of slate tile for the home take a look in for a San Diego tile outlet and find answers to the next home project on the list.
Slate is a beautiful natural product used often in homes around the world. Even in early times slate has been used for roofing and for exterior siding on building in and around Europe. Finding the right slate for a project can be easy once chosen be sure to buy enough to complete the project and still have enough for the many years that everyone can enjoy this stone. Color variations are often from certain regions. Be sure to choose from the same batch or mine as buying from several sources can be a problem when trying to match certain colors.
James Hunter has been spending years on the roof laying Slate tile. Now he prefers to spend time writing about them.
The Beauty Of Slate Tile Flooring
