Why Slate Flakes in a Shower—and What You Can Do About It
Frederick M Hueston StoneForensics.com
Have you ever stepped into your shower and noticed bits of your slate tile flaking off? It’s a common issue for people with slate showers, and it’s something that can leave you feeling frustrated, especially after investing in what should be a durable, beautiful stone. So, why does this happen? Let’s dive into a few of the reasons why slate flakes and, most importantly, how you can stop it from happening.
Hard Water Deposits: The Silent Culprit
One of the leading causes of slate flaking in a shower is hard water. If you live in an area with hard water, you’re probably familiar with the mineral buildup on faucets and showerheads. That same buildup can happen on your slate tiles, too. Hard water is full of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, as these minerals settle on the surface of your slate, they can seep into the stone’s natural pores, causing the slate to break down and eventually flake off.
The minerals in hard water are rough on slate because slate is a metamorphic rock, made up of thin layers of mineral deposits. When those extra minerals from the water get involved, it can cause the layers to separate and peel away.
Poor Installation or Quality Issues
Another reason your slate might be flaking is due to poor installation. Slate is a layered stone, and if it’s not installed correctly, water can seep into those layers and cause them to separate. Additionally, not all slate is created equal. Lower-quality slate, often referred to as “soft” slate, has more natural imperfections and is more prone to flaking. So, if your slate tiles came from a cheaper source or weren’t properly treated and sealed during installation, they are much more likely to start peeling away after constant exposure to water.
Improper Sealing or Maintenance
Speaking of sealing, another big reason slate might flake is due to improper maintenance. Slate, especially in a high-moisture environment like a shower, needs to be properly sealed. A good sealer helps keep water from penetrating the stone. Without it, water can seep in, weaken the layers, and cause flaking. The sealer also helps protect the stone from soap scum, shampoo, and other shower products that can build up over time and contribute to the breakdown of the stone.
How to Stop Slate From Flaking
Now that we know why slate flakes in a shower, let’s talk about what you can do to prevent it.
Install a Water Softener: Since hard water is such a big culprit, one of the best things you can do is install a water softener. A water softener removes those extra minerals from your water before they reach your shower, reducing the buildup on your tiles and helping keep them intact.
Use the Right Sealant: Sealing your slate is essential. If your shower hasn’t been sealed or if the sealant is old, it’s time to fix that. Look for a good-quality penetrating sealer made specifically for natural stone. Apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and remember, sealing isn’t a one-time job. You’ll need to reseal your slate every year or two, depending on how much use your shower gets.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Keep your slate shower clean and dry. Wipe it down after use to prevent water and soap scum from building up. Use a pH-neutral cleaner that’s safe for natural stone, as harsh chemicals can weaken the slate and cause flaking.
Fix Leaks Promptly: If you notice any leaks in your shower, fix them immediately. Constant water exposure can erode the layers of slate, making it more susceptible to flaking.
Call in a Stone Inspector: If you’re not sure what’s causing the flaking, it’s best to call in a professional stone inspector. A stone inspector can do a thorough inspection and run tests to pinpoint the exact cause of the flaking. They can determine if it’s due to hard water deposits, poor installation, or other factors. This ensures that you can take the right steps to fix the problem and prevent further damage.
Upgrade If Necessary: If you have soft slate that’s consistently flaking, it might be worth upgrading to a higher-quality stone. While this is an investment, the difference in durability can be significant, and it can save you the headache of constant repairs in the long run.
Why Slate Flakes in a Shower—and What You Can Do About It
Why Slate Flakes in a Shower—and What You Can Do About It
Frederick M Hueston StoneForensics.com
Have you ever stepped into your shower and noticed bits of your slate tile flaking off? It’s a common issue for people with slate showers, and it’s something that can leave you feeling frustrated, especially after investing in what should be a durable, beautiful stone. So, why does this happen? Let’s dive into a few of the reasons why slate flakes and, most importantly, how you can stop it from happening.
Hard Water Deposits: The Silent Culprit
One of the leading causes of slate flaking in a shower is hard water. If you live in an area with hard water, you’re probably familiar with the mineral buildup on faucets and showerheads. That same buildup can happen on your slate tiles, too. Hard water is full of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, as these minerals settle on the surface of your slate, they can seep into the stone’s natural pores, causing the slate to break down and eventually flake off.
The minerals in hard water are rough on slate because slate is a metamorphic rock, made up of thin layers of mineral deposits. When those extra minerals from the water get involved, it can cause the layers to separate and peel away.
Poor Installation or Quality Issues
Another reason your slate might be flaking is due to poor installation. Slate is a layered stone, and if it’s not installed correctly, water can seep into those layers and cause them to separate. Additionally, not all slate is created equal. Lower-quality slate, often referred to as “soft” slate, has more natural imperfections and is more prone to flaking. So, if your slate tiles came from a cheaper source or weren’t properly treated and sealed during installation, they are much more likely to start peeling away after constant exposure to water.
Improper Sealing or Maintenance
Speaking of sealing, another big reason slate might flake is due to improper maintenance. Slate, especially in a high-moisture environment like a shower, needs to be properly sealed. A good sealer helps keep water from penetrating the stone. Without it, water can seep in, weaken the layers, and cause flaking. The sealer also helps protect the stone from soap scum, shampoo, and other shower products that can build up over time and contribute to the breakdown of the stone.
How to Stop Slate From Flaking
Now that we know why slate flakes in a shower, let’s talk about what you can do to prevent it.
Install a Water Softener: Since hard water is such a big culprit, one of the best things you can do is install a water softener. A water softener removes those extra minerals from your water before they reach your shower, reducing the buildup on your tiles and helping keep them intact.
Use the Right Sealant: Sealing your slate is essential. If your shower hasn’t been sealed or if the sealant is old, it’s time to fix that. Look for a good-quality penetrating sealer made specifically for natural stone. Apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and remember, sealing isn’t a one-time job. You’ll need to reseal your slate every year or two, depending on how much use your shower gets.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Keep your slate shower clean and dry. Wipe it down after use to prevent water and soap scum from building up. Use a pH-neutral cleaner that’s safe for natural stone, as harsh chemicals can weaken the slate and cause flaking.
Fix Leaks Promptly: If you notice any leaks in your shower, fix them immediately. Constant water exposure can erode the layers of slate, making it more susceptible to flaking.
Call in a Stone Inspector: If you’re not sure what’s causing the flaking, it’s best to call in a professional stone inspector. A stone inspector can do a thorough inspection and run tests to pinpoint the exact cause of the flaking. They can determine if it’s due to hard water deposits, poor installation, or other factors. This ensures that you can take the right steps to fix the problem and prevent further damage.
Upgrade If Necessary: If you have soft slate that’s consistently flaking, it might be worth upgrading to a higher-quality stone. While this is an investment, the difference in durability can be significant, and it can save you the headache of constant repairs in the long run.
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