September 2017 - Regatta Universal Exports

Restoring the Slate Tile Flooring

Basically a metamorphic rock, slate is a natural stone, which is extensively used in the construction industry and architectural designing all over the world. slate flooring, roofing, and wall cladding are its most common applications as dimension stone.

India is a major producer and supplier of slate in different colors like black, pink, red, gold, yellow and green. In case you are looking for high-quality slate for home or office renovation, you can contact Regatta Universal Exports – a 17-year-old manufacturer and exporter of slate from India – which ensures lowest price, hassle-free proceedings, dedicated customer support, safe packing and transportation, and on-time delivery of slate products in any corner of the world.

Slate flooring is very popular around the globe and imparts a unique look to any interior space; be it the living room or kitchen. It is quite rigid and performs well for years. Nevertheless, over time, installed slate flooring it loses its finish and appears to be dull and bland after constant use and hence, needs to be restored after regular intervals.

Fortunately, restoration of the slate floor is not a tedious task and can be easily performed by its owners themselves. Several things that are required for its restoration are given below:

Tile cleaner and stripper
Warm water
Soap
Applicator
Stone enhancer

Without any professional help, you can easily perform this task by following the below-discussed steps:

Cleaning the Floor: Prior to the actual slate floor restoration work, the floor has to be thoroughly cleaned. Remove everything from the floor; and using a soft broom, sweep out all the debris and dust from the slate floor. Thereafter, vacuum cleans the floor by focusing on corners and edges of slate tiles to suck in dirt particles that have settled deep inside the spaces between the tiles. This will make the floor completely free of dust particles and prepares the slate tiles ready for the next step.

Stripping Off the Sealant: If your slate floor had been previously sealed, you may observe that it is now slightly worn out due to continuous footfalls. In such cases, you would require to completely strip off the entire sealant. A tough cleaner and stripper are needed to serve this purpose. To take off the sealant, use a soft scrub brush. This process is a bit time taking and should be repeated many times; if required. One should cover the entire floor with special attention to the edges and corners. Once you are done with this, rinse the complete floor with water and allow it to dry overnight.

Using an Enhancer and Sealer: To re-seal the slate tile floor, a slate-specific sealer or enhancer is needed that you can easily get from a nearby hardware store. A special applicator like lamb’s wool is required to apply the enhancer on the slate tile floor. You can also use a mop to apply the enhancer. Apply it gently and wait for some time so that it holds the tile surface. Now use a soft cloth to remove extra enhancer from the floor before it dries on the surface.

Applying the Second Coat: A second coat of the sealer should be applied immediately after the first one. Gently rub it on the entire floor and wait for a few minutes before removing anything in excess. Thereafter, before re-using the floor, it should be left untouched overnight. The slate flooring is now completely sealed and ready to be used for at least the next six months.

By following such simple steps, you can easily and affordably restore the good looks and finish of your slate tile floor. Nevertheless, it is always recommended to be a little careful while performing the above-discussed steps as this would prevent you from causing any unexpected damage to the slate floor.

Repairing Marble Floor Chips and Cracks

Marble is a globally preferred construction and interior designing material and known to be used for ages. Extensive use of marble in numerous edifices, monuments, and historical buildings worldwide testifies its popularity in almost every phase of history. Incidentally, marble tiles are relatively a porous and soft stone and may get damaged if not handled properly. Flooring is a popular application of marble and chances are pretty high that it might get chipped or cracked if anything heavy falls on it. But, this should not be a major concern as any crack or chip on marble tiles floors can be easily repaired without spending much.

A marble floor is a pricey stuff and complete marble tile or slab replacement due to a minor crack or chip is never a great idea. In case of damage, patching the detached fraction or chip back to its place on the marble floor is something that you can afford. This is also easy to perform just with the help of a few kinds of the stuff mentioned below:

Two-part clear epoxy
Plastic spoon
Putty knife
Soft brush
Metal nail file
2 plastic bowls
Water
Clean rags
Tack cloth
Handheld vacuum
Stone adhesive
Polyurethane
Micro brush

Marble tiles used for floor may need timely or unexpected repairs. Same can be done by following the below-given steps:

1. Preparing the Surface for Repair: Unlike scratch removal, this doesn’t require much preparation like finish removal and thorough cleaning. Instead, it needs very minimal surface preparation. The hole or gap in the damaged marble floor tiles is likely to have small, loose marble particles that should be removed for the better adherence of the patch. A brush is recommended to remove dirt and tiny marble chunks from the hole or gap. You can also use a handheld vacuum to pull out particles that are sitting deep in the crack and out of the reach of the brush. Now remove dust particles from the area surrounding the crack or chip.

2. Replacing the Chunk: If you have the detached chunk of the marble then this will ease out your work. In fact, marble does not split into tiny pieces and repairing the crack becomes easy when you know how exactly it has been caused. For this kind of repair, a marble or stone-specific adhesive is needed. The process is also quite simple and requires applying adhesive to both the chunk and hole, and then placing the former inside the latter. Gently press it inside and wipe off excess adhesive.

3. Filling the Gap or Hole: It is probably the most uncomplicated method of repairing a marble floor with a detached chunk or even without it. The hole is required to be filled with epoxy and so, the hole should be well cleaned and prepared for the same. An epoxy with two parts should be used and both the parts should be thoroughly mixed in a clean bowl as per the instructional manual provided with the same. Keep in mind that you need to be a little quick as the epoxy mix will soon start to solidify. Fill the mix into the hole or gap until it starts overflowing through the edges of the hole. You can make use of a putty knife to evenly spread the epoxy mix and push it deep inside the hole. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the area around the hole. This helps in removing the excess epoxy mix and also evenly levels the epoxy with a marble surface.

4. Final Finishing: Sealing the spot of crack or chip with polyurethane can be done after the epoxy sets. Put some polyurethane in a small bowl and apply it on the epoxy surface with a micro-brush.

Being easily repaired for minor damages is an advantage of natural stones, which is not the case with many other flooring materials, especially engineered marble tiles. However, it is always suggested that proper care and maintenance measures should be taken to keep your stone floors good enough to last for decades like new.

For a range of marble products like tiles, slabs, and articles, you can contact Regatta Universal Exports, a 20-year-old manufacturer and supplier of marble from India. With high product quality, dedicated service and time-bound deliveries, Regatta Universal Exports have been successful in establishing a highly satisfied global customer base in the last few years.

Slate Roof Maintenance

Roofing is one of the most preferred applications of slate across the globe. Nevertheless, wall cladding and flooring are its other major applications that are also very popular across the globe. Indian has large deposits of export-quality slate and nothing can be better than contacting the 20-year-old Regatta Universal Exports for all your slate-based roofing, wall coverings, and flooring solutions. With Regatta Universal Exports, a leading manufacturer and exporter of slate from India, you can be assured of high product quality, dedicated customer service as well as safe and timely deliveries of finished slate roof tiles and products.

Slate offers a long-lasting and durable roofing solution and is preferred by many homeowners and designers all over the world. Apart from being strong enough to resist environmental elements, it imparts a natural look to the exterior of any property. In fact, slate shingling is so enduring that slate roofing tiles are often regarded as “the hundred-year roof.” Nevertheless, the use of appropriate tools for installation, proper techniques to repair and good maintenance is necessary to keep it as lasting as it has been marketed.

Though not all tools are required every time to repair a slate roof, it is still expected form a slate roof’s owner to be skilled in handling all such tools to keep the roof in good condition all the time. For general or periodic maintenance, you would require some of these tools that are given below:

Slate nails
Slate ripper
Flashing: Copper, Iron, Steel or Lead
Slater’s hammer

Further, we discuss ways to proceed for minor repairs and general maintenance of slate roof tiles:

1. Checking the Shingles:

In case slate shingles need to be repaired, you can easily mend them by yourself without thinking about the entire roof replacement. Nevertheless, many quick repair methods that work well on other materials don’t work in case of slate roofing. This is because such quick fixes not just deteriorate the appearance of your slate roof, but also expose it to more damages. Hence, it is always better to replace the damaged shingle.

For shingles that need to be replaced should be looked for prominent cracks or worn-out status. Further, you should tap the rest of the shingles. If you hear a sharp sound, it means the shingle is in good condition. However, if you hear a dull sound upon tapping, the shingle requires a replacement.

2. Replacement of Shingles:

For replacement, you would require a slate ripper, which is a 2-foot-long, cast steel tool with a blade and hook to remove nails and broken pieces of shingles. With the help of ripper, remove the nail and broken shingle. Now adjust the replacement shingle into the place.

Make a hole in the shingle from the backside, so as to properly hold the inserted nail from the front side. Now, put the nail into the hole and allow it to perfectly fit in place.

With the help of a hammer, tap the claw of the nail to let the pointed end go down in the hole. Only use a slate-specific hammer, usually a foot long and made from a single piece of stainless steel, for the task. A similar heavy hammer can also be used if you are unable to get the slate-specific one. Flashing should also be placed over the shingle but below the nail.

3. Replacement of Flashing:

Flashing cannot be as long-lasting and durable as slate but have to be replaced, if required, to keep the slate shingle leak proof. For flashing replacement, you have to follow the above-described procedure, except one thing that this time you would have to reattach the same shingle after placing the replacement flashing.

By taking such simple measures, you can easily repair your slate roof and can rest assured of its good looks as well as the property for a longer duration.

Reinforcing Sandstone Walls

Sandstone is not the just a popular construction or architectural designing material, but a highly versatile natural stone when it comes to interior applications. Mostly used in exterior designing, sandstone is used to make pavements, walkways, decorative articles, statutes and as feature walls and exterior wall covering. A sandstone wall is quite strong and functional. Easy to carve and cut, it can be given any desired shape and design with utmost ease. Apart from its availability in numerous rustic shades that become more eye-pleasing with natural aging and weathering, sandstone’s ability to absorb water and naturally anti-skid surface make it apt for outdoor use.

Since India is a world leader in sandstone extraction, processing and global supply, it is currently one of the best markets to get quality sandstone products at affordable prices. While searching for a sandstone exporter from India, it is highly recommended to put a thorough check on the background and current status of the same in the international sandstone export market. Regatta Universal Exports, a leading manufacturer and exporter of sandstone from India, has a rich experience of more than 17 years in supplying quality sandstone products in various countries across the globe. In multiple colors, these products are not just available in desired size, design and finish, but offered at very competitive prices. With Regatta Universal Exports, you can be further assured of highly responsive customer service, timely deliveries along with safe packing and transportation.

Like many other natural stones, sandstone too wears down with aging. Although aging and weathering has a relatively low impact on sandstone, it still needs to be maintained from time to time. On vertical structures like stone walls in gardens, weathered sandstone tends to become weak after some time. The best way to make sure that sandstone wall doesn’t fall or warp is to build a concrete section and placing the sandstone around it. In case you don’t have such wall setting, you may need to reinforce your solid sandstone walls, so as to increase their life and keep them strong for a longer duration.

1. Support the Backfill: This is one of the best ways to support your sandstone wall by covering one of its sides with soil. This will give an impression of a hill, which can be further used to grow a range of flowering and decorative plants. For this, you would require to dig a hole at the base of sandstone wall that has to be covered with soil. At the bottom of this hole, you can use gravel stone or large rocks. Use the soil removed while digging the hole to place them on the top of the rock or gravel and press it against the sandstone wall. Use more soil from some external source to the backfill up to the top of the wall.

2. Using a Concrete Support: This can be performed in three phases that are described below:

a. Creating a Concrete Frame:

A concrete support can also be used to support the sandstone wall. Begin by digging the hole as described in the above and then filling its base with rock or gravel. A frame has to be constructed to support the concrete until it dries. You can make use of some lumber to build the supporting frame. Nail it wherever required to develop a three-sided frame structure. Make sure that one side of the frame should be of the length of the wall you want to support, while the rest two sides should be of nearly similar size that will hold the concrete against the wall. Insert one of the open ends inside the hole and force the shorter ends against the sandstone wall. With the help of a spirit level, you can confirm the flatness of the frame.

b. Pouring the Concrete:

Now prepare a concrete mixture and pour it into the hole up to the top of the frame. Using a pallet knife, level off the excess mixture and then allow it to dry. Once the concrete is dry, it should strongly attach to the sandstone wall, thereby creating a solid support for the same. You can now remove the frame, which can be kept further to create concrete support for other sandstone walls in your garden.

c. Finishing the Solid Concrete Support:

After removing the frame, you can use a sander to polish the edges of the concrete support. Pottery and colored stone pieces can be further used to add a decorative element to your garden.

By following either of the above two methods, you can ensure longevity and stability of your sandstone wall. Nevertheless, for better stability, rigidity and durability, it is always recommended to create a concrete structure and then covering it completely with sandstone pieces.

Tips to Maintain Sandstone Fireplaces

A sandstone fireplace is an amazing addition to your interior space. Whether it is a contemporary or classic setting, sandstone fireplace can be effectively used in both the decors in various colors, designs, finishes, and styles. Though natural sandstone is mostly used for outdoor applications as pavers, stepping stones, and ornamental articles, it is still a popular choice for creating fireplaces inside homes around the world. Natural stone fireplaces made of sandstone is easy to work upon, thus can be given desired shape, design and finish with ease to produce a range of natural stone products.

To buy quality sandstone products for making natural stone fireplaces, both in standard and customized size, design and finish, you can contact the globally reputed Regatta Universal Exports, a major manufacturer and exporter of sandstone from India. With numerous products being processed at its very own sandstone factory in Rajasthan, Regatta Universal Exports offers a variety of sandstone products at very competitive prices.

Sandstone fireplace maintenance

Sandstone is lightweight and easy to install. Moreover, its natural look allows it to seamlessly blend with any style of furniture and other elements in living rooms. Like other natural stone products, a natural stone fireplaces can last for many years after installation if properly cared and maintained. Below discussed are six important tips to easily maintain your exquisite sandstone fireplace:

1. Sealant: Natural sandstone is a soft rock and also porous. So, it is suggested to seal your sandstone fireplace with a good-quality and sandstone-specific sealant annually or biannually. Sealants usually wear away after a certain period of time; hence need to re-be applied after regular intervals. A sealed sandstone fireplace would not allow fluids to penetrate deep inside the stone and also remains stain resistant.

2. Regular Cleaning: Considering the cleaning of your natural stone fireplaces as part of your daily household chores is always a great idea. This keeps it good looking and spotless. You can use a dry mob with soft fibers to dust away dirt and debris. Occasional brushing can also be done to make it look new all the time.

3. Rigorous Cleaning: A deep cleaning exercise should be performed once a week to remove smudge and grime. For this, you can use a sandstone cleanser with water to clear away grime and dust from its surface. For effective dirt cleaning, a brush with soft bristles can be a decent option. A thoroughly clean fireplace ensures safety and high performance.

Note: Any soap solution should be avoided for cleaning as its residue might dull the appearance of your stone fireplace. Alkaline, acidic and ammonia-based cleaning agents are also to be avoided as these might damage your stone fireplace and cause mildew to develop.

4. Soot Removal: To clean off soot, you can use a stiff brush. While doing this, wearing a mask and gloves is a good practice. Prepare a solution of lukewarm water and natural stone cleanser. Use a paintbrush dipped in the cleaning solution to clean off the soot from the fireplace surface. After 30 minutes of applying the solution, rinse the sandstone surface with light warm water.

5. Stain Removal: Make a solution of one-fourth cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and nearly half-a-gallon water. Using this solution, thoroughly clean the sand stone fireplace using a soft brush. Scrub a little while applying the solution, and then allow the solution to rest for 15 minutes. After this, rinse the surface with water and dry it with an old towel. It is highly recommended to wear gloves and mask while working with TSP to protect your skin and prevent hazardous fume inhalation, respectively.

6. Scratch Removal: Though not completely, sealer might wear away from some areas even within a short span of time. This could occur due to surface impact or by using a harsh/abrasive cleaning product. The unsealed areas easily get scratched. A polishing stone is a good option to get rid of such minor scratches. Surface stains over natural stone fireplaces can also be effectively removed using a polishing stone.

We can now conclude that by following these six tips can effectively help you to keep your sandstone fireplace immaculate, beautiful and long-lasting.

Refinishing Marble Tiles

Marble tiles are a great material to decorate any home and can be tastefully used to adorn your interior spaces like bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces. It is a durable natural stone and can last for decades after installation with proper care and maintenance. It requires cleaning as well as buffing on a regular basis, so as to maintain its natural beauty and finish. Similar to other flooring materials, marble is prone to discoloration and scratches that could hamper its finish after prolonged use. However, bringing back the marble finish is an easy task and can be performed using simple cleaning products and tools that are mentioned below:

Variable speed angle grinder
Buffing compound and polyester buffing pad
Water
Detergent
Sponge
Tile or marble stone sealer
Terry cloth towel

It is suggested that one should wear suitable clothing and use safety equipment like goggles and gloves while refinishing the marble. The refinishing process includes several steps that are discussed below:
1. Cleaning the Marble Tiles: Make a solution of water and mild detergent. Dip a soft sponge into the solution and squeeze out excess solution. Now gently wipe the entire marble surface with the sponge to remove dirt, stains and oil marks. Let it dry for some time before moving on to the next step.

2. Buffing the Surface: A marble-specific refinish compound or buffing compound is required for this step. Apply a suitable amount of the compound on the buffing pad and with the help of an angle grinder, buff the entire surface of the marble tile. To bring the desired lubrication for the rubbing pad, make use of plenty of water. Proceed by covering small areas at a time and go as per the instructions given on the buffing compound container. This will also help you to know the exact amount of compound required for buffing.

Place the grinder for a minimum of 30 minutes on every tile to completely remove scratches and stains off the marble surface. Use as much as required and keep polishing the marble tile with the grinder constantly in circular motions.

3. Cleaning the Buffed Area: Pour some generous amount of water on the buffed marble surface to wash off excess compound. Thereafter, wipe the whole area with a dry terry cloth towel. Since grinding or buffing process causes a lot of compound and water to spatter all across the marble installation area, it is suggested to thoroughly check the fixtures and surrounding area. Excess compound should be removed from such spaces using a wet towel. Let everything dry before heading to the final step.

4. Applying the Sealer: Once the refinishing is done, seal the marble by using a soft paint brush. This will make the marble surface less porous and provide resistance to minor stains and scratches. In case you are opting for a chemical compound, make sure that you are buying a genuine product, which is exclusive meant for sealing marble. Reading the instructional manual of the sealing compound is also important to avoid any unexpected damage to marble tiles. Though single coat is more than enough, it is still recommended to apply two coats. Apply the second coat only when the first coat dries out completely.

If the sealing has to be done on marble tiles in an enclosed area, it is suggested to all open windows and doors surrounding the area for effective ventilation. This prevents inhalation of harmful fumes or vapors from the sealing compound that otherwise might cause allergies and other health hazards. As mentioned above, it is always necessary to wear mask, gloves, and protective eyewear and clothing while dealing with any chemical compound.

By following the above easy-to-perform steps, you can bring back the new look of your marble tiles. This further confirms long life of marble floors and keeps marble installation spaces appear more appealing.

Indian marble is globally admired for its bewitching beauty with respect to shades and wavy surface patterns. The 17-year-old Regatta Universal Exports, a reputed name in the international marble export sector, offers quality marble products at highly competitive prices. Being a leading marble exporter from India, Regatta Universal Exports ensures customers of high product quality, safe packaging and transportation, and timely deliveries.

Sandstone fireplace maintenance

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