How To Replace Slate Flooring Grout
Materials Needed
While slate tile is quite hard and can be made nearly impervious to stains and damage, the thin lines in between them can be vulnerable elements, that are susceptible to liquid penetration, discoloration, and even the growth of mold and mildew. These can be cleansed thoroughly using a variety of disinfecting agents, however over time the buildup of negative particles can take its toll, leading to darkened grout that turns an otherwise attractive slate installation into an unsightly mess.
One way to solve this problem is to completely remove the grout lines in between existing tiles, and replace them with brand new materials. This is a relatively simple process that can completely revitalize the look and feel of the entire environment. It can also help to get rid of any harmful microorganisms that may have developed over the years.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Time To Complete: 1-2 hours work, with an additional 4 hours drying time.
Materials Required:
Grout saw or Dremel
Tile Grout
Grout Float
Sponge
Marble Sealer
Foam Brush
Breathing Mask
Sealing The Slate
The process of removing and replacing grout lines can be very messy. Slate is a porous material, and if not properly cared for the dust and debris from this process can seep into the surface of the stone causing permanent dimensional damage. That’s why it is important to start out by sealing the tiles with a quality stone protective coat before you begin.
There are two different types of sealant that you will want to use to protect your floors.
The first is a penetrating below surface chemical, that will slip down into the tiny invisible holes in the surface of each piece, clogging them up so that nothing else can penetrate its way in. Then you should add a second coat of above surface barrier sealer to create a protective layer over the top of everything.
When applying the two different sealants, do them one at a time, allowing 30 - 60 minutes for drying between each application. The below surface protectant should go on first, and can be applied with a foam brush, using very soft, even strokes that run along the surface of every tile. Do not allow it to bubble up or puddle, and if it does use a dry brush to wipe that down. The second barrier coat can be applied in the same way, with only a light spread to create a clear protective cover.
More About Natural Stone
Natural Stone - An Overview
Sandstone Pros and Cons
Marble Flooring Problems
Removing The Old Grout
Allow the sealant coats to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Using a grout saw, or an electric tool such as a dremel with a special grout removal attachment, begin to run the blade along the lines of the grout. It will often be easiest to start in the middle, working towards first one wall, then back towards the other. As you continue, be very careful not to do any damage to the edges of the surrounding slate tiles.
Continue this processes running down the room horizontally, and then again vertically until the entire space is clear.
Use particular caution when you get to walls, and if necessary apply a shop knife to get the grout out from side pieces that intersect at difficult angles.
One trick you can use to dramatically speed up the process is to just remove the grout in the exact middle of each line. This will leave some of the dirty waste material behind, but can still lead to a nice, new, relatively clean looking finished product. However the more thorough you are about removing all of the grout, the better the final result will be.
Cleaning The Grout Mess
Once you have finished the process of removing the old grout from the lines between the slate tiles, you will probably be left with a very messy floor. The leftover dirt, dust, and debris can be mopped or sponge dried clean at this point. However you want to be careful not to use too much water in this process. Without the grout in place the subfloor is vulnerable, and moisture that gets down into it can cause insidious problems after the project is complete.
Make sure that any tool you use is completely wrung dry, and that caution is taken to clean only the surface of the individual slate pieces.
More About Cleaning Floors
Linoleum Floor Cleaning
Cleaning Mildew From Brick Floors
Tile Grout Cleaning Instructions
Replacing The Grout
Allow the slate floor tiles to dry thoroughly from any cleaning efforts before moving on. If necessary, take a clean dry towel and pat the area down to remove excess moisture or lingering dust have that might be left behind.
At this point you can choose the grout color that will fill the area between your slate tiles. This can be the same as the one used before, or a completely new hue to change the look of the room.
Just be aware that there may be trace amounts of the original, lingering on the edges of the tiles, so try not to create a clashing situation when making a decision.
Mix the grout with water in a plastic bucket, using the exact proportions recommended by the manufacturer’s literature or packaging. Then dip your grout float into the mix, and begin applying the substance to the lines between the tiles. Try to ensure that it slips down into the appropriate holes, without getting too much on the surface of the installed slate pieces. While this can be a messy and imperfect process, do your best as it will make the subsequent steps of clean up much easier.
Once you are done, and before the grout has a chance to fully dry, take a slightly damp sponge and use it to clean the surface of each individual piece of slate in the floor. You want to try and get as much grout up off the tiles as possible, without stripping it from the lines in between them, or filling them with moisture that can cause a soupy mess.
Do the best that you can for this initial process.
Then you can wait an hour or two for the grout to set and dry somewhat, before going over the tiles again, making sure to once more only remove the materials that are blemishes on the slate pieces themselves.
When everything is complete, give the grout at least 4 hours to completely dry, set, and harden. Check the manufacturer's instructions and follow their guidelines if they suggest that you need to wait longer before proceeding.
Your new grout is going to be just as susceptible to stains, water penetration, and the growth of mold as the original ones were. That is why the final step is to take a quality grout sealing agent, and apply it to every criss crossing intersection in the floor in order to protect them from future damage.
At this point you can also give the entire floor including the slate tiles an application coat of seal to create a fully protected and integrated look.
While slate tile is quite hard and can be made nearly impervious to stains and damage, the thin lines in between them can be vulnerable elements, that are susceptible to liquid penetration, discoloration, and even the growth of mold and mildew. These can be cleansed thoroughly using a variety of disinfecting agents, however over time the buildup of negative particles can take its toll, leading to darkened grout that turns an otherwise attractive slate installation into an unsightly mess.
One way to solve this problem is to completely remove the grout lines in between existing tiles, and replace them with brand new materials. This is a relatively simple process that can completely revitalize the look and feel of the entire environment. It can also help to get rid of any harmful microorganisms that may have developed over the years.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Time To Complete: 1-2 hours work, with an additional 4 hours drying time.
Materials Required:
Grout saw or Dremel
Tile Grout
Grout Float
Sponge
Marble Sealer
Foam Brush
Breathing Mask
Sealing The Slate
The process of removing and replacing grout lines can be very messy. Slate is a porous material, and if not properly cared for the dust and debris from this process can seep into the surface of the stone causing permanent dimensional damage. That’s why it is important to start out by sealing the tiles with a quality stone protective coat before you begin.
There are two different types of sealant that you will want to use to protect your floors.
The first is a penetrating below surface chemical, that will slip down into the tiny invisible holes in the surface of each piece, clogging them up so that nothing else can penetrate its way in. Then you should add a second coat of above surface barrier sealer to create a protective layer over the top of everything.
When applying the two different sealants, do them one at a time, allowing 30 - 60 minutes for drying between each application. The below surface protectant should go on first, and can be applied with a foam brush, using very soft, even strokes that run along the surface of every tile. Do not allow it to bubble up or puddle, and if it does use a dry brush to wipe that down. The second barrier coat can be applied in the same way, with only a light spread to create a clear protective cover.
More About Natural Stone
Natural Stone - An Overview
Sandstone Pros and Cons
Marble Flooring Problems
Removing The Old Grout
Allow the sealant coats to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Using a grout saw, or an electric tool such as a dremel with a special grout removal attachment, begin to run the blade along the lines of the grout. It will often be easiest to start in the middle, working towards first one wall, then back towards the other. As you continue, be very careful not to do any damage to the edges of the surrounding slate tiles.
Continue this processes running down the room horizontally, and then again vertically until the entire space is clear.
Use particular caution when you get to walls, and if necessary apply a shop knife to get the grout out from side pieces that intersect at difficult angles.
One trick you can use to dramatically speed up the process is to just remove the grout in the exact middle of each line. This will leave some of the dirty waste material behind, but can still lead to a nice, new, relatively clean looking finished product. However the more thorough you are about removing all of the grout, the better the final result will be.
Cleaning The Grout Mess
Once you have finished the process of removing the old grout from the lines between the slate tiles, you will probably be left with a very messy floor. The leftover dirt, dust, and debris can be mopped or sponge dried clean at this point. However you want to be careful not to use too much water in this process. Without the grout in place the subfloor is vulnerable, and moisture that gets down into it can cause insidious problems after the project is complete.
Make sure that any tool you use is completely wrung dry, and that caution is taken to clean only the surface of the individual slate pieces.
More About Cleaning Floors
Linoleum Floor Cleaning
Cleaning Mildew From Brick Floors
Tile Grout Cleaning Instructions
Replacing The Grout
Allow the slate floor tiles to dry thoroughly from any cleaning efforts before moving on. If necessary, take a clean dry towel and pat the area down to remove excess moisture or lingering dust have that might be left behind.
At this point you can choose the grout color that will fill the area between your slate tiles. This can be the same as the one used before, or a completely new hue to change the look of the room.
Just be aware that there may be trace amounts of the original, lingering on the edges of the tiles, so try not to create a clashing situation when making a decision.
Mix the grout with water in a plastic bucket, using the exact proportions recommended by the manufacturer’s literature or packaging. Then dip your grout float into the mix, and begin applying the substance to the lines between the tiles. Try to ensure that it slips down into the appropriate holes, without getting too much on the surface of the installed slate pieces. While this can be a messy and imperfect process, do your best as it will make the subsequent steps of clean up much easier.
Once you are done, and before the grout has a chance to fully dry, take a slightly damp sponge and use it to clean the surface of each individual piece of slate in the floor. You want to try and get as much grout up off the tiles as possible, without stripping it from the lines in between them, or filling them with moisture that can cause a soupy mess.
Do the best that you can for this initial process.
Then you can wait an hour or two for the grout to set and dry somewhat, before going over the tiles again, making sure to once more only remove the materials that are blemishes on the slate pieces themselves.
When everything is complete, give the grout at least 4 hours to completely dry, set, and harden. Check the manufacturer's instructions and follow their guidelines if they suggest that you need to wait longer before proceeding.
Your new grout is going to be just as susceptible to stains, water penetration, and the growth of mold as the original ones were. That is why the final step is to take a quality grout sealing agent, and apply it to every criss crossing intersection in the floor in order to protect them from future damage.
At this point you can also give the entire floor including the slate tiles an application coat of seal to create a fully protected and integrated look.
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