[garyj]

Anyone got any ideas as to the best way to clean an old rough brink floor?

Cheers

[sherco]

I would use a rotary with a scrub brush. Apply Aqua mix heavy duty tile & grout cleaner as per instructions, leave to dwell for 10-15 Min's then remove with a wet vac, then rinse with clean water and leave for 24hrs to dry before sealing. Depends on the finish the customer wants regarding the sealer. You have to explain that cleaning old brick floors you could get efflorescence (salt) coming out of the bricks and going white, this doesn't always happen but warn them if it does this will need to be removed before and sealer is applied.

[Phild]

 Great answer Andrew but you've got me thinking and your're more of an expert than me on this subject but if the brick flooring doesn't have a damp proof layer underneath it of some sort surely the bricks will have to breathe. By that I mean let moisture through otherwise the seal will 'trap' water and eventually lift? I only ask because I once went on a course (nothing to do with cleaning directly) that was about preparing lime mortar for old buildings and the trainer was explaining the problems that modern cements cause because they don't allow moisture through. My impression was that most seals are exactly that, they seal to stop dirt going in therefore must stop moisture getting out? I'm not being argumentative just interested in learning. Phil D

[garyj]

Thanks for that. It has been cleaned before, doesn't look sealed to me, it is in a house and the ladyy just wants it cleaned up.

So could I.......

Apply aqua mix ( where do I get that?)
Scrub it using red pad
Rinse/extract using a spinner

Job done?

[sherco]

Great answer Andrew but you've got me thinking and your're more of an expert than me on this subject but if the brick flooring doesn't have a damp proof layer underneath it of some sort surely the bricks will have to breathe. By that I mean let moisture through otherwise the seal will 'trap' water and eventually lift? I only ask because I once went on a course (nothing to do with cleaning directly) that was about preparing lime mortar for old buildings and the trainer was explaining the problems that modern cements cause because they don't allow moisture through. My impression was that most seals are exactly that, they seal to stop dirt going in therefore must stop moisture getting out? I'm not being argumentative just interested in learning. Phil D

You are correct that's why i recommended Aqua mix.
As they allow natural stone to breathe.

Aqua Mix Sealer Advantages
Water-based
Emit low or no VOCs Volitive Organic Compounds)
Prevent oil-based and water-based stains
Allow MVT (Moisture Vapor Transmission)
Apply easily

[sherco]

Thanks for that. It has been cleaned before, doesn't look sealed to me, it is in a house and the ladyy just wants it cleaned up.

So could I.......

Apply aqua mix ( where do I get that?)
Scrub it using red pad
Rinse/extract using a spinner

Job done?

Give this guy a call, he will supply you with alll you need and advise on sealers.
Kevin 07770598855

[Phild]

I appreciate the advice and contact details. Thanks. Phil D

[garyj]

AH Cheers, spoke to Kevin about another job, very helpful. Thanks a lot