Restoring a 19th-Century Victorian ‘Diamond-Patterned’ Tile Floor in Narborough, Leicestershire
Our Approach for a 100-Year-Old Tiled Floor
We recently carried out an on-site survey in Narborough to assess the condition of a 19th-century Victorian floor. During the inspection, we identified a topical sealer on the surface. This type of sealer traps moisture within the tiles, preventing proper ventilation.
Originally, these terracotta tiles would have been laid onto either a lime mortar or ash base, with soil directly beneath. They were designed to allow the sub-base to breathe naturally, so using the correct sealer is essential to prevent stains and moisture damage while maintaining their historical integrity.
Day 1: Preparation, Stripping, and Deep Cleaning
To begin the restoration, we:
🔷 Masked the skirting boards to protect surrounding areas
🔷 Swept up all debris
🔷 Conducted a final pre-cleaning inspection
Following our Faber-certified training, we used a double-stripping method to remove the old topical sealer. First, we applied a solvent stripper in sections and allowed it to dwell. Once the dwell time was complete, we agitated the stripper before applying an alkaline cleaner, which was also left to dwell. We then agitated again and extracted the slurry using a wet vacuum.
This process was repeated until all soiling and previous coatings were eliminated. Finally, we applied an acid cleaner for a deep clean and then neutralised the surface to restore its natural state. The floor was then left to dry for 48 hours.
Day 2: Inspection and Edge Detailing
On the second day, we focused on refining the edges by hand, carefully removing paint splatters. A final drying inspection ensured the floor was evenly dried and ready for sealing.
Day 3: Sealing and Protecting
Once fully dry, we applied two coats of a water-based impregnating colour-enhancing sealer from the Faber range. This advanced sealer is both dirt and oil repellent, providing long-term protection while enhancing the natural tones of the terracotta tiles.
Since terracotta tiles are extremely porous, choosing the correct sealer is essential to preserve its longevity. The previous topical sealer, which we removed at the start, had trapped moisture within the tiles. By using a breathable sealer, we’ve now restored the floor to its original condition, just as it was when first installed over a century ago.
Victorian Floors: A Timeless Feature
Victorian tiled floors have seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly among homeowners uncovering these historic treasures during DIY projects. There are many different designs, some more intricate than others. At BC Stone and Floor Care, we specialise in restoring these floors to their former glory, bringing back their elegance and durability for years to come. We also source replacement tiles for repair work through our trusted partners, ensuring a seamless restoration process.
Call: 07945 544 588
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