Forum

The Brownstoner Forum is for the site's users to ask and answer questions of local concern. You must be registered member to post, please refrain from self-promotional postings.

Flooring Restoration and Repair

8:08 PM 02/18/2013

 

I'm looking for a good, reasonable flooring expert for a "small-ish" job; consisting of cleaning and re-sealing a slate floor in my bathroom...particularly the stall shower which is showing signs of wear. Have tried commercially available cleaners and sealants without success.  Any recommendations for local handymen or specialists working in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

 

3 answers
  • vote



    I would be glad to speak with you about this and since I am recommending myself, I would be glad to introduce you to my clients.
    Slate is a rather porous material, as is cement based grout.  If you have a traditional shower system, it is designed to recapture the water seeping through your floor and porous substrate in a pan (also called pan liner) and redirect it through weep holes back in to your waste pipe.  This is called a “two stage” drain. 
    Applying penetrant (sealer), or non-cement based grout, are popular solutions to the problems you mentioned, but when you think about it, they are not the way the system was designed to work.  Some water doesn’t flow down the grate you see at your feet, the primary stage.  This water soaks through the surface and find its way back in to your waste line through the secondary stage.  It doesn’t matter that you have slate or porcelain mosaic or another sort of tile.  You can’t really apply a magic liquid to permanently fix this, though it might seem to help for a while. 
    I can’t be your handyman and hope.  But, I can show you examples of parts and methods, which work.  A lot has changed since lead pans were invented. 
    You can find me in the Brownstone directory under Shower Stalls – Green Mountain.

    9:18 PM 02/18/2013 | 0 Votes

     

     

    Comments (1)

    • Thank you for your answer, greenmt. It all makes perfect sense, even to a "lay" DIY'er like me! I will be happy to contact you for your professional services. - David

      2:15 PM 02/19/2013

          
  • vote





    Winter season leads to roof leaks and EPDM is a ultimate repair for it

    After every winter season, all roofs needs inspection for leaks. Winter season always leads to roof leaks and the solution for it is to repair or replace roof. There are a number of factors that may lead to roof leaks so there is not a simple answer.
    http://epdmcoatings.com/elasto...

    1:25 AM 02/19/2013 | 0 Votes

     

     

  • vote

    Happened to see your post and thought of sharing my experience. I live in Toronto and we wanted our roof to get repaired. We were desperately on the lookout for quality roofing service providing company and then we heard about Roof Lines East Inc, the roofing company in Toronto. They did a pretty good job and we are very satisfied with the work they have done for us! 

    1:38 AM 02/25/2013 | 0 Votes

     

     

Answer