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Restoration & Refurbishment

How should I remove a concrete slab that’s been laid over a 370 year old slate floor?

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.53 PM

Hi I’m slowly restoring our 370 year old cob home. I’ve discovered that the builder who owned this place back in the 80’s made lots of odd choices. Today I discovered that he had poured a 2” slab of cement over a delabole slate floor, dating back to when the house was built (around 1650’s). I’m managing to chisel and lift quite good chunks of cement up off the slate, but in some places it’s being a bit stubborn and leaving snots of cement stuck to the slate. I can chisel these off, but I was wondering if anyone out there has an ingenious solution or product to help loosen those more stubborn spots of cement, without damaging the slate. Also, when I’m done, what’s the best way to clean and polish the slate so that it can look fabulous again - all in it’s about 30 square meters, so something other than oil and wire wool would be great to help with the speed! But maybe that’s the best solution? All helpful hints and tips gratefully received :-)

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3 Answers

Anonymous user

To be honest I would try soaking them in coca cola full fat to see if that is acidic enough to loosen the snots and also gently clean the slate.

Answered18 September 2023

MultiTradeMasters

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Slough

hi soak wet with damp water&cocacola cloth, cover up with conteiner and make sure its on wet for long time , you have to create damp :( this make it loose all debrits of concrete/cement ! hope this will help

Answered21 September 2023

KDL Builders LTD

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

Christchurch

WD40 is always good at removing cement and mortar stains aswell.

Answered24 September 2023