Tiling question

smallclone · Post by **smallclone** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:48 am

Hi guys,

Just moved into a new property and am trying to refurbish some victorian tiles in the hallway. They are made from teracotta and a harder substance maybe granite?

The whole flooring is covered in a layer of bitumen and cement I believe. I have 2 questions:

1) Is it best to cover it in a softening solution and remove it? Or is it ok to chip away at the bitumen with a chizzle?

2) How much, approx, will it cost to polish and remove the excess cement and markings left once the job is done?

The hallway tiles are similar in size to this photograph here:

Many Thanks

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 6:15 pm

You might be able to get a chemical cleaner here- http://tinyurl.com/6xj9l3z

smallclone · Post by **smallclone** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 8:21 am

ultimatehandyman wrote:You might be able to get a chemical cleaner here- http://tinyurl.com/6xj9l3z

Thanks for that.

Opus Romano · Post by **Opus Romano** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 9:25 pm

I would assume it is a traditional victorian / geometric floor which has been tiled with quarry tiles.

I would attempt to clean it with a heavy duty tile cleaner, in the first instance. Your local tile shop will be able to recommend a product.

Make sure that you test an inconspicuous area first and always wear gloves, such as "Marigolds" etc, as you will be working with a form of caustic soda.

If that doesn't work I would recommend that you invite a professional tiler to inspect the floor as it may require some aggresive chemicals and specialist equipment to restore it.

Good luck.