How to install flooring slate

PLEASE NOTE:
Before you begin grouting slate tiles & only when the adhesive is fully dried should you consider the next phase, if you do not let the adhesive dry fully you may experience lifting of your slate floor tiles after installation, they must fully bed & the adhesive must cure/dry properly.
Before Grouting
Clean The Slate First
It is advisable at this stage to remove any debris or adhesive that may have oozed up between the grout joints or been left on the surface.
You are now ready for the next phase of the installation but before you can begin grouting slate tiles, you must first clean the floor & seal it. To do this you will need your bucket & large sponge
Begin by ¾ filling the bucket with clean luke warm water, then start from one end of the room wiping the surface of the tiles with a rinsed sponge, DO NOT saturate the floor. Depending on how dirty the slate tiles are I recommend that you wash out your bucket & get fresh clean water when it begins becoming dirty. Doing this enables you to have a nice fresh clean floor when the water has dried off the surface ready for you to seal your slate tiles.
You must now let the floor fully dry & I would recommend that you leave it overnight to dry at room temperature.
AN IMPORTANT TIP FOR YOU
If you have purchased Indian or Chinese Slate & especially Chinese Slate, make 100% sure that these tiles are fully dried before you seal them.
Ready For The First Seal
Your now need to get your small sponge roller & painters tray. Before grouting slate tiles you must seal them. So pour some sealer that you have been supplied with in to the painters tray & then lightly seal your slate tiles.
DO NOT over apply the sealer, try to spread it well with the roller, you should easily get 12 – 15m2 coverage for every 1 litre of sealer that you have, if it is over applied you will be left with blotches, so spread it evenly over the tiles but not to thick.
By sealing your slate tiles you are blocking the pours of the stone, this will then enable the grout to float over the pin head sized holes on the stone & not stick within the pours, the grout should now be easily removed when it is applied & you are now ready for grouting slate tiles.
A Tip For You
All natural slate or stone needs to be sealed, do not try to save a few pounds/dollars by cutting corners & not sealing your slate tiles prior to grouting slate tiles, you will be left with a hazy mist on the surface & you will find it practically impossible to remove, (TRUST ME, I HAVE SEEN IT HAPPEN).
Grouting Slate Tiles
Now the sealer has dried you are ready to grout your slate floor, you will need a clean bucket, fresh water & your chosen device for mixing. Read the grout manufacturers label prior to mixing any grout.
Mix a small amount of grout in the bucket for your first attempt, it is better to mix to little than to much on the first attempt as you will get a feel for how much water you will need for your second attempt at grouting slate tiles.
A Tip For You
I am assuming you are a beginner at this so I would suggest that you aim to work on 8 – 10m2 at a time, between grouting & cleaning.
“Why? I want to do the whole floor in one go”, you say.
Because if you are grouting slate tiles by yourself, you will need to clean/wipe off as you go along, you cannot grout a whole floor in one pass, by the time you get to the opposite end your starting area will be drying & the grout is a pig to remove if you leave it on the surface for to long.
How To Grout
Apply the grout with your rubber float (as shown in Part 1 “Slate Flooring Installation”) along the grout lines, it is best to grout across the grout lines on a diagonal ensuring that the grout is well pushed in to the grout joints. By pushing the grout in to the grout joints you are removing any air that may be trapped, the air can cause hollows that can render the grout lines weak in places & may over time pop out if the grout is not applied correctly.
Remove as much excess grout as possible with your rubber float as you go, you will find it much easier to clean if you do this.
Now you have grouted 8 – 10m2, get a clean bucket of luke warm water & a clean sponge & start as soon as possible to clean the grout off the tiles, ring out the sponge before you wipe, do not saturate the tiles with water, it is best to wipe once then turn your sponge over to wipe with the other side, then rinse.
Use clean water for every 8 – 10m2 you grout, if your water becomes to contaminated with excess grout you will be forever cleaning.
A Tip For You
When cleaning the tiles, wipe over the grout joints on a diagonal, do not follow the grout lines with your sponge, you will remove grout from within your grout joints, lightly wiping the slate tiles on a diagonal causes you to keep almost level with the top of the tile.
Make sure you have removed all grout & stubborn clumps on the first clean, when you have cleaned the floor once this way, clean out your bucket & sponge ready for the next pass.
Repeat the grouting process until all the floor is grouted & cleaned as described above.
I now suggest you clean the whole floor again with fresh clean water & a clean sponge, I know it is hard work & you are tired but you will thank me if you do, the cleaner the floor the better it will look on the next phase of the installation process.
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Granite versus Radon

This information was prepared for you to distribute to your customers and others who have questions or concerns about the radon and granite issue. It is copyrighted by the Marble Institute of America, but may be reproduced, with credit given to the Marble Institute of America.

Solid Surface, The Journal of the Solid Surface Industry (Volume 1 Number 1) that was published several weeks ago, included an article entitled "Granite & Radon". The introduction to the article stated "Scientific research poses disturbing questions about the safety of granite countertops" and copies of this article have circulated around the stone industry raising questions about radon gas emissions from granite countertops. The key advertisers in this journal were Corian and Formica.
The MIA has called upon several of the country's leading scientists in geology and geochemistry to assist in preparing a response to the allegations in this article that radon gas emissions from granite countertops may be hazardous. On reading the article, our consultants reacted with such comments as "ludicrous", "a fabulous collage of nonsense", "politically motivated", "unethical", and "bizarre".
Donald Langmuir, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Geochemistry at the Colorado School of Mines and President of Hydrochemical Systems Corp., both in Golden, Colorado, has prepared a response on behalf of the Marble Institute of America that evaluates and refutes these allegations. His report appears in full in this Special Bulletin. Dr. Langmuir received his BA (with honors), and his MA and PhD degrees in geochemistry from Harvard University. He served as a geochemist with the Ground Water Branch of the U.S. Geological Survey's Water Resources Division and subsequently taught and conducted research for 11 years at Pennsylvania State University, with temporary appointments at Rutgers University, the Nevada Desert Research Institute, and the University of Sidney, Australia. Dr. Langmuir has been a full professor at the Colorado School of Mines since 1978.
In addition to working with Dr. Langmuir and other scientists, the MIA staff also talked with the major U.S. granite quarriers and producers about the issue of radon emissions from granite. These companies have certainly not ignored the issue and several have had radon testing performed on their granites. The research done for these companies have shown that actual levels of radon gas emissions from granites are so low as to be insignificant and generally represent no threat to the health and well-being of people who live or work in buildings with granite countertops, floor or wall tiles, furniture or any other furnishings made from granite.
Marbles, limestones and stones other than granites are of such mineral composition that they generally do not contain measurable quantities of radon-producing material. In terms of building materials, radon emissions from concrete, cement and gypsum could be of greater concern.

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas generated by the decay of trace amounts of uranium found in the earth's crust throughout the world. It is an unstable gas that quickly breaks down and dissipates in the air.
Radon is measured in units called picocuries per liter (pCi/L). A picocurie is one trillionth (10 -12) of a curie, which is the amount of radioactivity emitted by a gram of radium. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established 4 pCi/L as the standard for indoor air; 20 pCi/L represents the maximum amount of exposure to radium that is now allowed by U.S. regulations.
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Natural Stone Floor Warming Systems

One common occurrence with natural stone flooring is that it may feel a little cold to bare feet. While this may be a desirable feature on a sultry summer afternoon, it can be a slightly jarring wake up on a chilly winter morning.

Some easy solutions to this for many natural stone flooring owners include wearing a warm pair of socks or house slippers, or strategically placing about several throw rugs.

However, some homeowners with stone flooring are taking it a further step by installing a radiant sub floor heating system. Such a system consists of a series of “warming blanket” mats which are set just beneath the tile, resting on the sub floor. These mats contain electric resistance wires, which are hooked up to a 120 volt GFCI circuit.

Using an attendant thermostat, homeowners can adjust the amount of heat that is radiated throughout the floor.

Installation of a sub floor warming system is easiest if performed during the initial tile installation. This is because often the tile is adhered directly to the warming mats, to ensure that the system is as efficient at heat distribution as possible.

The heating pads should be installed directly onto a concrete subfloor. If the home has a wooden sub floor, it may be necessary to install cement board over this before installing the sub floor warming system.

Often, a small heating system can be wired directly into an existing GFCI circuit. However, if the total area being warmed is large or if the particular tile thickness requires more warming heat output, it may be necessary to install a dedicated circuit for the sub floor heating element.

A very important safety aspect for these systems is to be sure that the installer performs resistance checks on all of the wires to ensure these wires were manufactured properly and were not damaged during shipping. Installers should also follow any manufacturers instructions regarding power limits, installation, and use.

Some summary notes on the sub floor heating system for natural stone floors:

- sub floor heating system is not used as sole source of heat in rooms
- usually made up of a series of flat mats with electric resistance wires; mats warm up, and send heat through the stone floor tiles
- mats usually wired to a 120 volt GFCI circuit
- adjustable thermostat controls the heat
- mats laid over a concrete sub floor, do not install heating mats directly on wood sub floor
- adhesive added to mats to adhere to cement sub floor, then these are thinset to the tile placed on top
- perform a resistance check on the heating wires to ensure that they were properly manufactured, and weren’t damaged during shipping
- the size of the installation determines whether the system needs to be hooked to a dedicated GFCI circuit, or if it can patch into an existing one.
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Slate Flooring - A Popular Flooring Choice

Slate tile flooring is a popular choice for homeowners because it can be used in nearly every room of the house, as well as outside. It also offers a natural slip-resistant surface in areas that are expected to get wet such as a kitchen or bathroom. Besides being a safe surface, slate tile flooring is also beautiful. It's no wonder this medium is so popular.

What is it?

Slate tile floors are a great choice for homeowners who are trying to make their homes more environmentally friendly. They are a natural stone product that is durable and will provide beauty for years to come. Add in the fact that they help reduce slipping and are stain resistant, and they may be the perfect choice.

Choosing the Right Flooring

Choosing the right flooring can be a fun activity, if you let it. When you start looking at local do-it-yourself stores, go prepared with swatches or photographs. This will enable you to choose tiles that match your decor. If possible, go to the home improvement or flooring store to visually see and compare tiles.

How Much Does it Cost?

As with any other type of flooring you may be considering, the prices will vary. You can expect to spend at least $2 per square foot. If you're having the tile professionally installed, you'll probably need to add $5 or more per square foot to the price.

What are the Pros and Cons of Slate Flooring?

Slate tiles are similar to ceramic tiles in many ways. The advantages include being durable, naturally slip-resistant, and having a distinctive finish. The disadvantages include difficulty in maintaining grout between the tiles, and the grout not being as stain-resistant as the tiles. Another disadvantage is that it doesn't have any padding like carpet or rubber flooring.

Can I Install It Myself?

Choosing to install this flooring can reduce the cost of your new floor dramatically. Start with a level, solid under-flooring. Get any tools you may need and then follow the manufacturer's instructions. You'll have a beautiful tile floor before you know it!

Caring for your floor

One of the easiest things you can do to keep your slate flooring beautiful is to take your shoes off at the door; shoes can grind in dirt. Dust mop the floors often and then clean the floor with a damp mop, using warm water. Be sure to follow manufacturer's instructions if you choose to seal the flooring.

Choosing a new floor after remodeling a room is a big step. Your floors are an important design element, and slate tile flooring may be the right choice for your home. With the variety of tiles available, a beautiful slate tile floor is something you'll love.

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Every month we feature natural stone flooring at deep discounts.
Featuring: Vermont Shadow grey Slate
We offer the absolute best prices for high quality natural stone flooring for
kitchens and baths. The featured stone is only available while supplies last.
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Slate Atlanta

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From Granite Countertop Atlanta: New Home Sales Rise 4.7% in February

Sales of new one-family houses in February 2009 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 337,000, according to estimates released jointly today by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is 4.7% above the revised January rate of 322,000, but is 41.1% below the February 2008 estimate of 572,000. The following is the unedited transcript of the news release from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Sales of new one-family houses in February 2009 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 337,000, according to estimates released jointly today by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is 4.7 percent (±18.3%)* above the revised January rate of 322,000, but is 41.1 percent (±7.9%) below the February 2008 estimate of 572,000.
The median sales price of new houses sold in February 2009 was $200,900; the average sales price was $251,000. The seasonally adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of February was 330,000. This represents a supply of 12.2 months at the current sales rate.
(article from 123jump.com)

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Granite Countertop Atlanta: THE ALLURE OF NATURAL STONE

Natural stone is ancient. Throughout generations it has been used to build cities, roads, skyscrapers, hotels and churches. We have relaxed in front of stone fireplaces, cooked on stone countertops, bathed in stone tubs, and sang in stone showers. We admire the sculptures that are carved in stone and show respect to our lost loved ones whose names are etched in stone.
Natural stone in whatever form we see it is an expression of art, of life, of history, and of progress. When we design or imagine a space or environment, we can utilize natural stone to create a combination of beauty, strength, endurance, and treasure. Stone allows us to share our passions, our history, and our innovation.
As a stone supplier, Granite Countertop Atlanta by G&L Marble is excited to be a part of an industry that is rich in demand and rapidly changing and progressing. The depth and size of our inventory represent only a portion of the available stones in the world.

[G&L Marble] has been fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to different areas of the world to select unique stones and determine which ones would be the most appealing to our diverse customer base. Some of these areas are remote. In the villages reside families that have worked the stone quarries for generations. Their homes are built into the sides of the mountain and the stone is as much a part of their lives as the clothes on their backs. Spectacular views and humble beginnings, a feeling as if time stood still.
In Namibia the quarries are under sand. A desert that stretches so far, that the eerie somber feeling whispers of a biblical overtone. The thought of these formations laying dormant under the sand for millions of years before being discovered is like unveiling a treasure.
This is a challenging and rewarding venture. The experience enriches the appreciation and understanding of how this incredible natural resource that transforms history, geography, and it’s alluring presence into our hearts and our homes. The experience of traveling is a lesson of cultures, regions, people and history, from the past and the present. The transformation from an earth formation to a block to a factory to our showroom to whatever kind of use that you can imagine is amazing. The stunning colors combined with whimsical movement entice us to keep searching and continue to discover even more of the exciting and wonderful treasures that nature has to offer.

Granite Countertop Atlanta by G & L Marble delivers the finest in natural stone for granite kitchen counters through out Atlanta and Georgia. With over two-hundred varieties of granites alone in stock, there is a color appealing to any discriminating taste. Showrooms are conveniently located in Midtown Atlanta and Alpharetta.

Visit: Granite Countertop Atlanta to see a complete selection of our Products

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MAP 129 Armour Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30324 404-261-7444

MAP 8186 Industrial Place, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004 678-317-0230

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Natural Stone

A natural stone floor or entryway makes a powerful statement. It is the floor that establishes the tone of a room, where the mood is set. And for thousands of years, that mood has been set with stone.
More and more homes are featuring honed travertine and limestone floors as the main flooring material. Stone is replacing hardwoods specifically in the kitchen, as homeowners realize that stone is often easier to maintain. The variations and patterns tend to camouflage dirt and debris. The honed stone gives a warm look and the soft variations in the stone add texture to each room. Natural stone can also be brushed, tumbled or chiseled to add even more texture to the surface.
Polished marbles and granites add glamour and elegance to any space. The use of polished marble helps to replicate the classic beauty and grandeur of the past, and can make a bathroom feel like a five-star hotel. Entryways and foyers sparkle with formality when polished stones are on the floor. Patterns can be formed using varied sizes of the same material, accents and borders can be created using contrasting stones, or stone medallions can be set into the field of marble or granite, making the floor a true work of art.
Because it has been used for thousands of years, people often overlook the many possibilities of natural stone in a modern setting. Large scale natural stones, whether polished or honed laid in a simple pattern throughout a home provide a clean canvas for contemporary design. When honed or flamed, granite can be the perfect backdrop for an industrial design or loft space and can provide unmatched durability.
Like with stone countertops, natural stone floors need to be sealed periodically. This is a simple process and does not require a professional. Natural stone sealers and cleaners are widely available. Maintenance can always be made easier by selecting the right stone for a space. It is always a good idea to consult with a stone professional to best determine which stone to use. They can also help navigate through the many sizes, textures and thicknesses that are a part selecting the right stone. Although there are many imposters on the market, there is nothing that truly replicates the look and feel of natural stone flooring. Stone can be neutral and warm, or bright and decorative. Stone not only adds to the beauty of the home, it adds to its value. The options are endless, and the beauty is timeless.

It Pays to Have Granite

It Pays To Have Granite
You can’t help but feel amazed with your granite countertop in your kitchen and bathrooms. You smiled as you praise the majestic coolness it contributes to your once bland interior. You’re amazed on the beauty and warmth of granite, as it contributes not only the aesthetic appeal of your house but also on its intense durability. And now you're considering transforming into granite your fireplace surrounds, bath surrounds, tabletops and some of your furniture pieces.For everyone’s information, granite is a common and widely occurring type of igneous rock, a rocks that formed from magma, which are usually medium to coarsely crystalline, Granites can be pink to dark gray or even black, depending on their chemistry and mineralogy. Granite, like marble and other popular stones, are as old as the earth. They are found all over the world and have been used in the construction of temples and other public buildings in ancient societies. In the recent past, many builders continued to use granite for pillars and exterior finishes.World Class Cabinetry in Atlanta
Being the most durable of all stones, granite makes an excellent medium for countertops. The durability and versatility of blue pearl granite makes it a favorite material for kitchens. Granite has the ability to withstand the placement of a hot pot and serves as an excellent surface for handling dough and confectionery. Aside from its strength, granite's natural beauty matches perfectly with wood, adds color and warmth to any room.As mentioned earlier, granite is a beautiful stone that adds color and warmth to a room. Though the cost to add granite countertops to any new kitchen or remodel can be quite high, they remain the premiere choice in many new and remodeled homes. Granite tile countertops have now become popular with the public. Granite suppliers typically group granite to tiers. The first tier will consist of the premium products that sell for the highest price. Stones are grouped based on several criteria. This includes the following: country of origin, colors, veins or patterns, thickness of the slab, amount of soft minerals in the stone, and current fashion trends.Some granite colors exhibit movement, or a distinctive pattern within the color. The combination of color and movement also affect the final price of granite countertops. Hundreds of colors of granite: white through browns, reds, greens, blues, and black are some of the numerous options to choose from. The most popular tones are brown and beige, as they can easily blend in with most kitchen color scheme, which allows more flexibility for redecoration.Despite the strength of granite, sheets must be precisely cut to fit counters and are very delicate when transported. Special care must be taken to set each granite sheets to be set and leveled perfectly. One granite countertop misplaced can cause for it to break through regular use.Looking for the most suitable granite countertops deosn't have to be frustrating. Look for a reputable supplier and installer who are very willing to attend your questions. It is an irrefutable fact that the largest expense goes to the labor, since this project is based most likely on the experience of professionals. It would mean greater cost for a homeowner who will attempt to do everything on his own, then failed on the task.
By: Sheryll Cross
For more information, check out this site on www.floridagranite.com”> a granite countertop.