How to renovate a Victorian Tiled Hallway

The owner of this beautiful Victorian tiled hallway floor in Dinnington had wanted the floor restored for quite some time. The property had many Victorian features, but this floor had an unusual design which made it very special. The owners had researched how to clean it themselves but hadn’t managed to achieve the result they were hoping for. The main problem was that the floor had been spotted with small paint splashes from decades of decorating.


Dinnington officially forms part of in Rotherham and is the same distance from Rotherham as it is from Sheffield. The area was a big coal mining and steel producing area and unfortunately suffered huge job losses throughout the 80’s and 90’s so its not surprising that the local housing stock suffered for many years as a result.

Cleaning/Repairing a Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor

We first treated the floor with Tile Doctor Remove and Go, this acts quickly to break down any old sealers still present on the tiles and softens the old paint splashes. After a ten-minute dwell time a coarse 200-grit burnishing pad fitted to rotary floor buffer was applied to the tiles. More water was applied where required to help lubricate the process and make the pad really work its magic. The slurry generated was extracted using a wet vacuum and the floor inspected. The process was the repeated to ensure all the dirt was removed and the floor was as clean as possible.


Once happy the Victorian tiles were as clean as the could be it was time to give the floor an acid wash which would remove any old mineral deposits including grout smears. We also recommended this for old Victorian floors which do not have a damp-proof membrane installed and can suffer from white efflorescent salt deposits as moisture rises through the tile. To do this Tile Doctor Acid Gel was scrubbed into the to the floor using a 200-grit burnishing pad to make the acid gel work hard. Afterwards we rinsed the floor several times removing the slurry with a wet vacuum. This kept the mess to a minimum and the floor was already looking great.


The floor was left to dry over the weekend, and we would return the following week to carry out the sealing process.

Sealing a Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor

The following Monday we returned to seal the floor. First, we used the moisture meter to test the floor, we needed to ensure it was as dry as possible before sealing it. The client wanted a traditional look, so we opted for Tile Doctor Colour Grow which is a colour enhancing sealer that leaves matt finish. This product is perfect for this type of floor as it is fully breathable allowing moisture to pass through the tile and sealer and not become trapped under the floor where it could spread to the walls and cause rising damp.

Four coats of Colour Grow were applied in total allowing each to dry before applying the next. The sealer works by occupying the pores in the tile thereby protecting the floor and preventing dirt from becoming trapped making it much easier to clean.

I was very happy with the result; the floor was now in great condition and was one of the more dramatic in colour and pattern that I had come across. My customer also felt the same and left the following feedback for me.

"Matt did a professional and thorough job: our Victorian hall tiles really 'pop' with colour. Highly recommend. Karen T, Dinnington"




Source: Victorian Tile Cleaning and Sealing Service in South Yorkshire

How to Build a Flagstone Wall

A flagstone wall is very easy to build and helps demarcate areas within your garden, enhancing the beauty of the landscape. Made from light flagstones, this type of wall resembles stacked slate and does not require any drainage system. A flagstone retaining wall is usually no more than 3 to 4 feet high and is used to retain soil in the garden.

Building a flagstone wall for your garden can be completed in a few hours. However, make sure you have adequate protection from the sun if the weather is hot, since you will be working outdoors.

What you’ll need

• Flagstone
• Shovel
• Hat
• Drinking water
• Sunscreen lotion
• Gravel
• Gloves
• Sticks
• Thread or rope
• Rake
• Cement
• Mortar

Step 1 – Select Area and Insert Sticks

Select the area for your flagstone retaining wall. Insert two sticks in the soil, at both ends of the wall. Make sure the sticks are as high as your wall will be and tie a rope or string at both ends of the sticks. This will give you a general idea of how you wall will look, and will help keep it even.

Step 2 – Dig the Base for the Flagstone Wall

For a retaining stonewall, use a shovel that is roughly a foot wider than the height of your wall. Flagstones come in very large pieces, so one rock for the depth measurement will suffice. Dig the trench at least 10 to 12 inches in the soil.

Make sure the hill you want to retain slopes back gradually about an inch per rising foot, and add or remove dirt to it accordingly. Try to maintain the slope throughout the length of the flagstone wall.

Step 3 – Add Gravel to the Trench

Add gravel to the trench and rake it so it is aligned with the ground. The gravel will help secure the base of the flagstone wall.

Step 4 – Lay the Stones

Begin laying the stones, using the largest ones first, and cover the area of the gravel underneath. Make sure the stones are placed securely and do not wobble. Save some large stones for the top layer.

Step 5 – Cover the Joints

Step back to review the wall and make sure it does not wobble. You can leave the joints bare or insert small chips of the stone into them. You can also mix soil and water to achieve a mortar-like consistency and insert it into the gaps. This will allow small plants or grass to eventually grow there, thus enhancing the charm of your flagstone wall.

Step 6 – Finish the Top

You can leave your wall as it is, or add large stones to the top layer to make it sturdy and give it a finished look. Apply a layer of concrete or mortar to the next to last layer of stone and gently place the top stones on it. Insert small stones or soil into the gaps, or insert broken chips of flagstones. This will make your wall more secure along with giving it a more rustic look. Remove the sticks and thread or rope.

Your flagstone retaining wall is now complete.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Seal Flagstone Pavers

A patio made from flagstone pavers is a very sought after look because a flagstone patio is beautiful and timeless. Flagstone pavers are not inexpensive so it is important that you take proper care of them. Flagstone pavers come in rich earthy colors which can fade over time as the pavers are exposed to the elements. This is an unfortunate chemical reaction due to the flagstone pavers not yet acclimating to the surroundings. Sealing the flagstone pavers can help to prevent this fading. The following article will explain how this is done.

What you’ll need

• Paint tray
• Broom
• Bucket
• Water
• Hose
• Oil-free dish detergent
• Stiff-bristled scrub brush
• Flagstone sealant

Step 1 – Remove Debris and Materials

Prior to sealing the flagstone pavers you will first need to remove debris and materials that are resting on top of them. Start by removing any furniture that may be present which would include patio chairs and tables as well as grills. You will also want to remove any planters or other smaller objects. Anything that can hinder the process has to be removed.

Step 2 – Clean the Flagstone Patio

Applying sealer to flagstone pavers is like painting a wall or staining wood. This can only successfully be done if the area to seal is clean. This means that the flagstone pavers need to free of all dirt, rubbish and oil. Either of these materials can create a bad seal. Use the broom to first brush away any loose dirt or leaves that may have accumulated on the patio. Once his is achieved you can then put a few drops of the dish detergent into a bucket of warm water. You want it to be somewhat sudsy but not completely foamy. Dip the scrub brush in the bucket and begin scrubbing the flagstone pavers clean. Once finished, you can then rinse the pavers clean with the hose. Allow the flagstone pavers to dry completely before moving forward.

Step 3 – Seal the Flagstone Pavers

Once the pavers have had time to fully dry you can then begin the job of sealing them. Choose a far corner to begin working so that when you are finished you will not have to walk over sealed flagstone pavers. Open the can of flagstone sealer you purchased and pour some of it in to the paint tray. Use the paint roller to apply the sealer to the flagstone pavers. Make certain that the flagstone pavers are fully painted. Continue to paint the pavers with the sealant until all of them are sufficiently and generously covered.

Step 4 – Finishing Up

Allow the sealant to dry completely. You will need to consult the can of sealant to determine how long that may be for the one that you used. Once the sealant is dry you can then apply a second coat of the sealant. Two coats of the sealant are enough to properly protect the flagstone pavers. If you happen to live in a climate that is warm more times out of the year than it is cool then a third coat is warranted. The sealer must be completely dry before replacing the furniture.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How To Repair and Restore an Old Victorian Tiled Floor

This detailed Victorian tiled hallway at a property in Camden was overdue some much-needed repair and maintenance. The owners of the property appreciated that original period features like this add a lot of value to a property and asked me to visit the property to quote for renovating it. The property was in a terrace of similar properties most of which appeared to have retained their Victorian character.


I inspected the floor and found there were a couple of loose, cracked, worn and broken tiles that needed to be replaced. In addition, the floor tiles needed a deep clean and then seal to bring back the wow factor. I was confident we could renovate the floor but at that point unsure if we would be able to find exact match replacements for the damaged tiles. Fortunately, Victorian tiles are still in demand and I knew of several companies I could check with so I was confident they could be found.


We discussed how long the work would take and assuming I could source the replacements agreed a price for the full restoration of the floor. After doing some research I managed to find suitable replacements with a company called Original Style and the work was scheduled for the following month.

Cleaning/Repairing a Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor

Firstly, we prepared all areas with protective tapes to threshold edges and skirting. This was followed by spaying the tiles with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove & Go which is product designed to remove old sealers and coatings. After about ten minutes the tiles were scrubbed with black scrubbing pads and scrubbing brushes. Fresh water was used to rinse the floor and the slurry was extracted using a wet vacuum.

The floor was inspected and then a second clean carried out, this time using Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which is a Tile and Grout cleaning agent. The same process of application was used and after rinsing and extracting the dirt the tiles were given a steam clean. This ensured all the dirt was lifted out of the pores of the tile and the floor was now as clean as it possible could be.

The next step was the remove the loose and cracked tiles using the reclaimed tiles we had sourced earlier. Some cuts were necessary to get the replacements to match the originals but overall the plan worked. A quick drying adhesive was used to secure the tiles so we could apply the grout shortly after. The whole floor was then re-grouted and cleaned off to ensure a good match. The floor was left to dry off overnight, and you could already see it was now looking considerably improved.

Sealing a Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor

Returning the next morning we checked the floor was dry using a moisture meter, this is important as to apply a sealer to damp tiles will lead to a patchy experience. All was well so we were ready to apply the sealer.

To start a single base coat of Tile Doctor Colour Grow sealer was applied to the floor and left to dry. This sealer is an impregnator that protects from within by occupying the pores in the clay tile improving colour in the process. This sealer does leave a matt finish however and the client wanted a subtle shine so one dry it was followed by four coats of Tile Doctor Seal & Go. The combination of the two sealers works really well to add long lasting protection to the tiles and provide the desired finish to the floor.


The floor was much improved, and the client was delighted. The detailed pattern and colours were now much more prominent, and the hallway looked much more inviting for both the owner and their guests. For the aftercare of Victorian tiles, I recommended the use of Tile Doctor Neutral Cleaner which is pH neutral and won’t prematurely erode the life of the sealer.


Source Victorian Tile Cleaning and Restoration Service in North London

How to Weather Proof Your Flagstone Patio

A flagstone patio is a beautiful and expensive place where you can enjoy many hours of free time with friends and family. The flagstone patio is able to house anything from deck furniture and a fire pit to a grill. Flagstone is a natural stone and because it has not acclimated to its surroundings the color of it can fade instead of remaining vibrant. This is not necessarily your fault but that of the environment and the elements. If you were to install flagstone to a kitchen floor or on a mantle the color of the flagstone will remain consistent. This is because the environmental conditions are standard. With a flagstone patio it will be bombarded with wind, rain, snow, ice and then of course heat. The flagstone does not have time to adjust to any one particular circumstance and so they become discolored. The solution is to weatherproof your flagstone patio and the following article will show you how it is done.

What you’ll need

• Weatherproof membrane
• Scissors
• Paintbrush
• Flagstone sealer
• Broom
• Quick-set sand

Step 1 – Weatherproof Membrane

If you are installing your flagstone patio from scratch then you most likely used landscaper’s fabric to prevent weeds from growing between or through the flagstones. This is one key step to weatherproofing a flagstone patio. For this you will also want use a weatherproof membrane which resembles rubber with little pockets throughout the surface. The membrane prevents water from entering the site and is instead absorbed by the surrounding ground. The membrane is cut to fit the site and is then placed directly on top of the sand.

Step 2 – Sand

Using mortar to seal the edges of the flagstone patio stones will ruin the overall look of the patio. The traditional way is to use sand to do the job for you because once dry it is compacted and very hard. If you are in an area that gets a lot of rain this may not be practical. The solution is to use a product that is known as a quick-set or mortar sand. It is still sand but is treated with certain additives that when wet it is just like typical sand but when it dries it dries as hard as concrete. You can still work with it in the same manner as typical sand. You pour it over the patio and then broom it into the gaps. You then wet it down and repeat with more sand until the gaps are completely full and dry.

Step 3 – Sealer

To prevent the color of the flagstone from fading you will want to seal it with a special weather coating. It resembles polyurethane but is formulated specifically for flagstones. You can purchase stone sealer with special color enhancing additives added to it. Application of the sealant is as simple as painting a wall. Simply pour the sealant into a paint tray and then use a paintbrush or paint roller to apply at least two layers of sealant to the flagstone patio.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Renovate a Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor

This beautiful Geometric Victorian Tiled Hallway at a property in the small Cumbrian town of Sedbergh had been covered by carpet and then Vinyl beneath the carpet. Far from causing an issue with the floor however it had protected the beautiful old tiles, but they needed a deep clean and seal. The client really wanted to make the most of the character features of the property and the hall floor was their first priority.


I discussed with the client the process of cleaning and we agreed a quote for the work, arranging a date for the work to be carried out later in the month. If you have never been Sedbergh is well worth a visit, it sits just within the Yorkshire Dales National Park at the foot of the Howgill Fells making it very popular with walkers.

Cleaning a Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor

The floor had a lovely decorative tile border that ran along the perimeter of the hallway however some damage had occurred when fitting central heating pipers many years earlier. There were also small holes around the edges that I suspect were used to secure the carpet gripper. To resolve this my first task was to replace the damaged tiles and fill the small holes with grout in a matching colour. 

Once the repairs had set, I started the cleaning process with a coarse 200-grit Diamond pad followed by a 400-grit pad which were run over the floor using a weighed buffing machine. Only water is used during this process to add lubrication, no chemicals are needed and once done the floor is rinsed with water and the slurry removed with a wet vacuum.

The corners and edges which were are not accessible with the machine had to be done by hand, so we used small burnishing blocks for these. The Green block is great at getting the dirt off the tiles, but leaves the pores of the clay open, so this needs to be finished with the Black 100, Red 200 and Yellow 400 Diamond Block used in sequence which then matches the pores of the clay tiles in the rest of the floor.

We finished the clean, with a light acid rinse using Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up, left on the surface for no more than 5 minutes before rinsing and extracting. This process further cleans the floor and counters any potential efflorescence issues by neutralising alkaline salts in the floor. This is a common problem with old Victorian tiles which don't have a damp-proof membrane.

Sealing a Victorian Tiled Hallway Floor

The floor was left to dry out overnight and the next day I came back to inspect the floor and make sure it was dry so it could be sealed. Usually one night to dry is fine during the summer although in the winter sometimes it takes two or even three days. Sealers don’t cure well on damp floors resulting in a patchy appearance so before sealing we always check the floor is fully dry with a damp meter in several areas. Only once we are happy that the moisture readings in the floor are below a certain level do go ahead and apply a sealer.


To seal and protect the Victorian tile, a couple of coats of Tile Doctor Colour Grow were applied to the floor. Colour Grow is a fully breathable, colour enhancing sealer which ticks a lot of boxes for this type of floor as old floors don’t have a damp-proof membrane fitted. This is an important consideration as moisture will be also to rise through the tile from the subfloor and not get trapped underneath where it could spread to the walls. Other types of sealer such as acrylic, wax, polishes etc don’t last long if there is dampness in the floor. Tile Doctor Colour Grow copes well in these conditions and can be used in wet rooms, shower cubicles and external patio areas so its’s more than suitable for a slightly damp floor which is often the case with a Victorian base.




Source: Victorian Tiled Floor Cleaning, Renovation and Sealing service in Cumbria

Laying a Flagstone Path: Mistakes to Avoid

A flagstone path can be an attractive asset to any home and. With the variety of shapes and sizes of flagstone pavers, no two paths are ever the same. They generally provide a walkway through a yard to the front door, preventing muddy footprints on your carpet and stopping guests from having to walk directly on the driveway. Laying a flagstone path is a relatively easy DIY job but there are several things to be aware of before attempting to install it.

Lack of Preparation

One of the most common errors when laying a flagstone walkway is not preparing properly. Many homeowners jump straight into the project without taking time out to think about how much material they will need or how they want it to look. Before you begin, lay the flagstone pavers in a pattern that you find pleasing and varied. This will not only help you visualise the final flagstone path but ensure you don’t wind up with too many or too few pavers.

Poorly Made Base for Flagstone Pavers

It is essential that you properly prepare the base in which you plan to set your flagstone pavers. Keep in mind that it will need to support weight and constant traffic. A poorly made base could see your flagstone walkway start to sink and slowly spread out in different directions.

An Unlevel Flagstone Walkway

When it comes to a flagstone walkway, safety is of utmost importance, so use large pieces and lay them close together to avoid gaps where guests could trip. Once you have set them down, walk up and down the path to find any stones that have shifted or tipped underfoot and adjust them accordingly.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Easy Ways to Spruce Up Old Ceramic Tile Patterns

Ceramic tile patterns, intricate or basic, break up the monotony of standard tile. Many tile jobs consist of white tile that is very uniform. Old ceramic tile patterns are not bad but are outdated and very basic. The article below will share with you some ways of updating old ceramic tile patterns.

Stenciled Designs

Upgrade ceramic tile patterns by using stencils to paint on some of them. Try such things as fruit, vegetables, herbs and even phrases or quotations. Stenciled designs can go on with several kinds of paint, such as watercolors, and then a sealer applied to protect them. The stencils stick to the tile, and you simply fill them in with the paint of your choice.

Tile Color Change

Changing individual ceramic tiles seems as if it would be a very difficult job, but it is easier to remove one tile than it is to remove an entire set. Select the tiles you want to change and pick a new solid color for those tiles. You will then cut the grout and chisel out the ceramic tile. Clean the site and the surrounding tiles. Apply adhesive to the new tile and press it in place. You can then add new grout.

Tile Border

One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into ceramic tile patterns is to add a border around the current pattern. The tile can be larger or smaller than the current tiles in the pattern. The tile used in the border can also be glass or different colors. You will either remove the original outer edge of tile or place the new tile on the existing exposed wall.

Wall Paint

Instead of going out of your way to replace sections of ceramic tile, you can enhance ceramic tiles patterns by simply painting the adjoining wall. The color is up to you, but it should be complementary to the color of the current ceramic tile. Use a paint that is impervious to moisture in order to preserve it for a long time.

Wallpaper Border

The same idea that goes in to using wall paint also applies to using wallpaper. Do not wallpaper the entire wall but just add a border around the tile pattern. Use colors that complement the colors of the tiles. Also use wallpaper with a pattern that reflects the pattern of the ceramic tiles.

Tile Stain

This is an easy way to change ceramic tile patterns. You can use watercolor paints to paint the tiles and then wipe it off. After several applications, the color will darken and remain opaque. Use a good sealer to keep the color intact.

Grout

Not many people know it, but you can stain grout to be any color you like. After you’ve stained the new grout, remove the old by scraping it off. Apply the new grout, which can set off the color of the current pattern.

Glass Accents

This is similar to removing old patterned tiles and replacing them with solid-colored ones. Use glass tile instead of ceramic. Depending upon size, the empty space left after you remove a ceramic tile might accommodate and look good filled by up to four glass tiles.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Clean and Seal Mexican Terracotta Flooring

I have lost count of how many Terracotta tiled floors we have cleaned and sealed over the years and the one thing it has taught me is to wary of Mexican Terracotta. This type of Terracotta is extremely hard to work with, its porous and made of soft clay which has usually been badly fired. Even if you do have all the equipment, experience and the right products it can be a challenge.


If you look at these pictures of this Mexican Terracotta floor, we recently worked on in Penrith you will see the tiles looked very dull before we cleaned them. Testing indicated there was still a sealer present however we didn’t know what type it was. Knowing what your dealing with really helps narrow down the best cleaning products to use which for Terracotta tiles tends to fall into one of three different categories.

• To remove wax-based sealers, we use Tile Doctor Wax Away
• To remove acrylic based sealers, we use either Tile Doctor Pro Clean for light sealer coatings or Tile Doctor Oxy-Gel for heavier coatings.
• To remove solvent based matt sealers we use Tile Doctor Remove and Go for light coatings or Tile Doctor Nanotech HBU for thicker coatings.

If you have the misfortune of having had Varnish laid on top of these tiles, then the job becomes significantly harder. Because of this we have to be flexible when pricing for the work, naturally if we give a quote and we use the wrong system then not only will we be out of product but also the extra labour time to get the job right for the customer.

Cleaning a Mexican Terracotta Tiled Kitchen Floor

On this occasion the sealer at this property in Penrith was of the more common acrylic type, so we used a combination of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean and some Tile Doctor Oxy-Gel for the stubborn areas. The products are applied to the floor and then scrubbed in using a black pad fitted to a rotary buffing machine. This releases the old sealer and dirt from the tile resulting in a slurry that is then extracted off the floor using a wet vacuum. The floor is then rinsed with water and extracted again to make sure all the soil has been removed.

Last step the cleaning is to treat the tiles to an Acid Rinse to further clean the tiles and equalise the floors pH level after the use of alkaline cleaners. We used Tile Doctor Acid Gel for this which was first scrubbed in, then rinsed with water and finally extracted as before. The floor is then rinsed down again with water to remove any trace of product and the wet vacuum used to extract as much moisture from the floor as possible so it can have a better chance of drying out overnight.

Sealing a Mexican Terracotta Tiled Kitchen Floor

We called back the next day to seal the Terracotta first checking in several areas with a damp meter that the floor was nice and dry. All was well so several coats of a Tile Doctor Seal and Go were applied to the floor for a nice mid satin finish.


The finished floor looked fantastic and was doubly improved by the grout cleaning which had responded well to the Pro-Clean. The customer was over the moon with the transformation in their floor which now looked clean and bright.

Before leaving we left the customer with a bottle of Tile Doctor Neutral cleaner for aftercare. To get the best from their Terracotta tiles it’s important that customers use the correct product for regular maintenance cleaning from the start.




Source: Terracotta Tile and Grout Cleaning and Sealing Service in Cumbria

Caring for Marble and Natural Stone Floors

During extensive remodels, many home owners will opt for the use of natural stone floors, such as marble, to finish off their main foyer, or entryway. These natural stone floors look incredibly regal, but can be tough to maintain and keep clean.

Natural Stone Floors Cleaning Tips
When cleaning natural stone floors it is important to keep in mind that are some things you should do to ensure that it is cleaned correctly.

• Clean the stone floors with a specific stone cleaner. Some soaps, and detergents, can cause some staining and damage to the floor.
• Always use a clean mop when cleaning a large area. Do not use an old mop that has been used several times before. It could contain dirt and small rocks that can scratch the floor and finish.
• More is not always best. Try to stay within the recommended amount of cleaning solution as too much can cause a film to be on the floor and streaks.
• If covering a lot of floor, then make it a point to change the water several times during mopping.

General Care Tips
Natural stone flooring can scratch easily through dirt, and small rocks. Minimize this by:

• Dry mopping of sweeping the area frequently
• Use rugs to keep sand and dirt off the floor
• Do not use a vacuum to clean the floor

You will enjoy your natural stone floor for a lifetime by following these simple tips.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com