Commercial floors will generally be exposed to more 'traffic' than floors in domestic environments, and the type of flooring will vary greatly depending on the type of business. Stone and slate have become increasingly popular choices in commercial environments due to a variety of factors:
-A wide variety of designs and colours which offer a certain touch of style and individuality
-Slip resistant surface, due to a slightly rough surface
-Durability, as a material - stone or slate scores very highly in terms of cost durability
Some types of flooring such as ceramic tiles offer the perception that they are simple to clean and maintain, but slate isn't so simple. Slate can stain if not sealed correctly, and over time any sealer applied to the floor can wear off over time leaving the surface exposed.
It is generally recommended to try to maintain the floor and clean it as often as possible. Maintenance tips involve periodic, daily if possible, sweeping and any cleaning should be done with water only or a small amount of detergent. Care should be taken while moving heavy objects such as furniture.
It is recommended that a professional install the slate or stone flooring and apply the grout. If the floor and grout (the construction material used to seal joints and fill gaps) isn't sealed, it will stain very easily as they are generally porous substances. Surface scratching and abrasions caused by furniture or walk in dirt and grit can give a place for bacteria to build up over time, and will only become visible after a certain period after which general cleaning methods will probably cease to function.
Grout can also be problematic as it is usually recessed at a slightly lower level than the tiles, so if there is a spillage it will invariably affect the grout first. Stained grout and tile is notoriously difficult to clean, and the uneven colouring that results can often leave an unsatisfactory finish compared to how it was originally. When the floor reaches this state it may be worth considering contacting a company which specializes in commercial floor cleaning.
Once a floor has been cleaned a good sealer is recommended to protect the floor, make it less permeable and aid cleaning efforts. Some types of sealer are wax based and are not usually recommended as they can affect the appearance and the slip resistant quality of the material. If a floor has not been treated for some time it may still be wise to be proactive and strip and re seal the floor before it becomes marked.
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