[Max Campbell]

We've been asked to quote on stripping & re-sealing (and re-grouting) an old terracotta floor. The tiles are at least 2" thick, and laid on loose sand (we lifted a loose one to have a look). Most of the grout (ordinary cementous grey stuff) seems OK, but there are a few tiles with no grout (hence we could lift one), and significant bits of grout missing elsewhere.

We know we've got to be careful about getting water (and sealer-stripper solvent, comes to that) under the tiles down these gaps, but how careful, and what other precautions?

The job's being done because apart from being just plain dirty, the tiles currently have patches of flaky topical sealer. Also they appear to have been stained red in some parts (you can see the stripy pattern of the rag in the red) - we've already said we can't say whether we'll be able to affect this red striping.

We had thought we should clean, then seal, then grout (to prevent picture framing). It would be nice to grout before cleaning, but I'm sure we're going to find more grout gaps when we clean (even if we don't knock more out ourselves.)

Any thoughts?

[StoneSealersHQ]

Hi Max,

We've done quite a few of these floors over the years, you'll find a few examples on my site: www.floorer.co.uk

We have found the best way to work with them is to use a couple of guys. One with a rotary machine, one with the wet vacuum and not dwell the chemical unless absolutely necessary.

If the topical sealer is very flaky and possibly a varnish, we often scrape the majority off with a razor scraper. Takes a little time but in the long run it pays dividends.

With potentially problematic floors like this we tend to scrub the topical sealers away with coarse pads, alkaline chemicals and extra weight. Working over small areas and vacuuming the slurry away as often as possible to help prevent moisture soaking too deep into the tile and/or the substrate.

Once clean, I would seal really well with a breathable sealer and allow to cure before grouting.

If I can be of further help, please let me know.

[Kev Martin]

We've been asked to quote on stripping & re-sealing (and re-grouting) an old terracotta floor. The tiles are at least 2" thick, and laid on loose sand (we lifted a loose one to have a look). Most of the grout (ordinary cementous grey stuff) seems OK, but there are a few tiles with no grout (hence we could lift one), and significant bits of grout missing elsewhere.

We know we've got to be careful about getting water (and sealer-stripper solvent, comes to that) under the tiles down these gaps, but how careful, and what other precautions?

The job's being done because apart from being just plain dirty, the tiles currently have patches of flaky topical sealer. Also they appear to have been stained red in some parts (you can see the stripy pattern of the rag in the red) - we've already said we can't say whether we'll be able to affect this red striping.

We had thought we should clean, then seal, then grout (to prevent picture framing). It would be nice to grout before cleaning, but I'm sure we're going to find more grout gaps when we clean (even if we don't knock more out ourselves.)

Any thoughts?

Max

I have replied to your e mail!  The tiles you describe could possibly be old quarry tiles and not Terracotta!  How old is the property?  Do you have any photos you can post on here or e mail to me?

Kev Martin
Marblelife Ltd
Tiling Logistics