STONE FLOOR TILE LIPPAGE

Are the edges of your stone floor tiles uneven and need levelling?

Stone floor repairs are required when natural marble, limestone or travertine floor tiles have been laid incorrectly or on an uneven base, causing a small ledge between the tiles. The tiles and grout look uneven.

This small raised edge between the tiles and the grout is called ‘lippage’ and can change the look of an entire room. Lippage can be removed through the process of resurfacing the stone tiles. This process is similar to polishing or honing.

Using the latest diamond abrasive technology and floor resurfacing equipment, The Marble Man will grind the stone surface to make the tiles and grout flush and the overall surface of the area more even. This will enhance the look of the area and make the tiles easier to clean.

Once the tiles are flush with the grout and the desired finish is achieved, the excess liquid from wet grinding is removed and the floor thoroughly cleaned then dried. A wet vacuum cleaner and towels are used to leave the stone floor looking clean and bright.

Sealing is recommended the day after the floor has been resurfaced to ensure it is protected from future staining and discolouration.

STONE FLOOR CHIPS & CRACKS

Are you stone floor tiles scratched, chipped or cracked and need repair?

Scratches, chips and cracks in natural stone floor tiles can occur as a result of everyday foot traffic, heavy items being dropped on the stone or dragged over it, furniture catching the edge of a tile, or movement in the slab.

The exposed broken edges or scratched areas can be rough and sharp and also compromise the surface of the stone, allowing moisture to penetrate into the tiles. This can cause staining and discolouration and long term damage.

The Marble Man specialises in stone floor repairs and can restore the look of a floor either through polishing or fixing the chip or crack using UV technology. Prior to carrying out stone floor repairs the scratched, chipped or cracked stone floor will be thoroughly cleaned with a special detergent and an anti-bacterial cleaner. An epoxy resin will be used to fill the chip  or crack and is colour matched to the stone by adding a pigment. Once the damaged area has been filled and dried, the repaired area will be sanded smooth. Depending on the size of the stone floor repairs the whole floor may need to be polished or honed.

STONE FLOOR GROUT RE-COLOURING

Is the grout on your stone floor aged and stained and need re-colouring?

Grout re-colouring is one of the most common stone floor repairs. It is carried out when the grout is intact and in good condition, but is stained or dirty despite heavy duty cleaning. The tiles are also in good condition and don’t need to be replaced or require polishing or honing.

Often grout re-colouring is required in high traffic floor areas in kitchens, corridors, bathrooms, dining rooms and foyers where there is constant, daily exposure to dirt from shoes, oil and drink spills, make up, toiletries and damaging cleaning products.

The Marble Man Technicians are trained to carefully match the grout colour to existing grout that is not damaged. If the grout is not broken or loose, the whole floor is cleaned to remove soap scum, excess products, oils and dirt. One to two coats of coloured epoxy glue is applied to the damaged area with a brush applicator to match the colour of the existing grout. The excess is washed off and the area dried with towels. The grout must be left untouched for 24 hours to cure. Sealing  is recommended after any grout repairs.

STONE FLOOR GROUT REPLACEMENT

Is the grout on your stone floor broken or loose and needs replacing?

Grout replacement is one of the many stone floor repairs that The Marble Man carries out on marble, limestone, travertine, slate, granite, and engineered Terrazzo floor tiles. Damaged grout can ruin the look of a beautiful marble or stone floor, which is otherwise in good condition. It can also allow moisture to penetrate under the tiles, causing them to lift.

Grout repair, when carried out correctly and professionally by The Marble man, will restore the magnificent look of your natural or engineered stone floors. It will also protect your tiles from further damage.  The entire area will appear clean and fresh, and the tiles will remain in place.

The Technician will clean the floor and remove any damaged grout. The new grout, which comes pre-coloured is matched to the existing grout and inserted with a brush tool.  It is left for 12 hours to cure.

If polishing or honing is also required to enhance the restoration, this will be completed the next day. Sealing to protect the floor, will occur on the following day to allow moisture in the tiles from polishing to dry.