Stone Floor

[Geoffrey]

Sorry - have been saving up questions the last few weeks.

The old stone floor I exposed last year has dried out and improved a lot over the last 12 months, but just recently we have noticed a few spots where algae is growing. Only in a two low points where the surface of the stone is particularly damaged, and in one joint between flags - also at a low lying point (the floor is not particularly level).
I was just wondering if anybody else had encountered a similar problem and how they dealt with it, as I know otheres here have released stone floors from a concrete/dpc smothering.

 

[Nemesis]

I have released a floor, but I admit no algae has grown on it!

I can only suggest an algae killer (we use one outside based on strong citric acid).

 

[Penners]

An algae killer yes, but if it's acid-based, and if your floor is limestone, make sure you wash it off thoroughly afterwards.

 

[Geoffrey]

Yes - floor is Cotswold Stone so I'll see what I can find that's ok for limestone.
Thankyou both.

 

[Penners]

Cotswold stone is definitely limestone.

 

[Moo]

What would happen if you were repeatedly to wash it off (and dry it thoroughly, of course) ?

 

[worms]

I would have thought that algae should be fairly susceptible to all manner of lethal solutions. How about sprinkling salt on the affected area from time to time?

 

[Nemesis]

A mild disinfectant should do the trick really - or a weak bleach solution.

It's surprising how long it takes to dry out stone flooring. when it has got very wet.

We had a kitchen flood several months ago when the pipe split on the washing machine. Many gallons of water vanished between the (sandstone) flags which are as yet unpointed.

Although the room is warm and well ventilated, it's only now that the flags are showing any sign of lightening in colour in patches and drying.