Restore the surface and maintain longevity
Stone flooring comes in such a variance dependant on whether it is an interior or exterior installation. The stone type determines the appearance and performance of the floor. Typical interior stone types are marble, granite, limestone, travertine, slate, terrazzo, sandstone, terracotta, quartz, onyx, basalt and Minton tiles. Each stone type has a rating on the Mohs scale of hardness, this will dictate how the surface will wear with regular abrasion from footfall or traffic. Exterior stone types will be on the higher end of the Mohs scale and will be more resistant to the elements and abrasion, these will typically be slate, granite, sandstone, and concrete based materials.
Stone floor restoration techniques differ between stone and installation types. A high quality marble within a hotel entrance will require higher grade of diamonds to polish the stone whereas a terrazzo floor will require a slightly lower grade of diamond to achieve a highly polished finish. When polishing stone floors we take into account the different densities of stone and use different types of diamond abrasives to cope with the hardness or softness of the stone. The identification of stone types is a vital part of stone refurbishment process and allows us to polish stone floors without causing damage.
When we are working on natural stone floors which are badly pitted, scratched, dull or damaged from poor maintenance, we use diamond grinding machinery. The microscopic top surface layer of the stone will be removed using metal bonded or resin diamonds. These can remove stock of 5mm if required, the following stages of grinding involves using numerous grades of fine resin diamonds to achieve the desired polished or matt finish.
Grits of diamond range from a coarse 16 grit all the way through to 3500 grit which is a very fine grade to obtain an ultra-gloss finish. When we are wet or dry grinding, it is important to mask the surrounding areas to protect against dust or slurry affecting any adjacent materials, the dry grinding process requires us to use industrial fine dust vacuums to contain the dust.
If a floor has become dull and dirty but is in need of a slight appearance lift, we can use abrasive cutting pastes that lightly remove the top surface. This is a cheaper stone honing that will deep clean the stone but are also beneficial towards cost savings over resin diamond polishing. We use the correct stone polishing techniques and chemicals for the particular stone type thereafter. The results are not always as impacting as a full resin diamond cut but the transformations in appearance are always dramatically improved.
Stone floor restoration near you
While we’re based in the West Midlands, at Beaver Floorcare we work with clients all over the UK and provide them with professional and effective stone floor restoration services. With over 30 years of industry experience we’re the go to choice for hotels, building managers, architects, schools, public buildings and other prestigious clients. Contact us today for a survey and no obligation quotation.
Key Stone Restoration Services:
- Grinding and lippage removal
- Honing
- Polishing
- Stain removal
- Application of protective sealants
- Anti slip treatments in problem areas
- Regular maintenance services
- Repairs (grout/tile removal and replacement)
If you require any further information, advice or would like to book a FREE site survey please contact us – 01564 742 095