Delaminating stone flags

[masochists-r-us]

I am in the process of cleaning our reclaimed stone flags in preparation for sealing and finishing and it has become clear that a number of them are delaminating which I expect is due to historic exposure to damp. Should we lift and replace them with good flags, use some kind of abrasive technique to remove the 'blown' layer of stone, accept them and assume that it will flake off by itself eventually or something else ? Suggestions much appreciated.

 

[skier-hughes]

Lichfield City Council laid thousands of new flags around the city centre, I complained because they were delaminating, they told me it was a natural shaling process, and once worn in and the initial shaling had taken place all would be good.
It was.
I'd leave them be.

 

[ChrisD]

My experience of limestone flags suggests that you let nature take its course and sweep up regularly. You never know what might show up!

Sealing and finishing does bad, bad things to this kind of floor - best to leave well alone. I've got some areas that were sealed previously and the damage looks horrible now.

Good luck!
Chris.

 

[Flyfisher]

That's a lovely talking point when people ask you how old the floor is . . . .

'We're not really sure but that particular flag is probably a few hundred million years old' :lol:

 

[MatthewC]

Sealing and finishing does bad, bad things to this kind of floor - best to leave well alone.

Seconded - much better to have the natural look, which is also breathable.