One of the great things about travertine tiles is the fact that they have a much longer lifespan than other alternative flooring options. However, getting the most value out of your Travertine tiles requires proper installation and regular maintenance, neglecting them once they have been installed could make them start to look old and tired way before their time.
Proper Installation
First thing is first; ensuring you do a proper job from the outset can ensure that you give your Travertine tiles the best chance of a long life. Before you even think of picking up tools and hacking away you need to be sure that the job is something you are comfortable and capable of doing, get online and do a little research, speak to the sales guys at your local supplier and have in your mind exactly what the job involves before jumping in feet first and making a poor job.
If you are completely happy with the process of installing the Travertine flooring you then need to make sure you have the correct tools for the job. Essential tools would include a tape measure, a spacing tool, grout, strong and recommended adhesive and a tool for cutting the tiles when needed. Also make sure you are 100% confident in using a cutting saw before turning it on and make sure you are wearing protective eyewear.
Proper Maintenance
Unlike a standard lino or Vinyl flooring in your kitchen or bathroom, Travertine tiles need a bit more loving and care to ensure they keep their natural beauty and last as long as they are designed to last.
The first thing you should be aware of is that Travertine does not like anything containing acid. So when you spill something on the floor, such as ketchup or Fizzy Pop it is essential that you immediately grab some kitchen towel and soak up the liquid as quickly as possible.
You also need to ensure that your floor cleaning detergent is a non-acidic solution; again this is important to prevent un-necessary damage to your
Travertine tiles.
Whether you prefer to get on your hands and knees and scrub or dance along to pop music with a mop in hand, make sure you don’t apply any kind of pressure from a solid instrument to the tiles surface. For example, don’t use a stiff scrubbing brush, use a soft sponge and don’t press so hard with the mop that the solid stem comes into contact with the surface.
Lastly, like any tiles, Travertine floor tiles are separated by a small area of grout, this can often turn from white to a stained yellow in a matter of weeks without the proper care and attention it need. It is even more important that you keep on top of cleaning the grout on floor tiles as it collects dirt and bacteria a lot faster that wall tiles. Again take care not to use a stiff scrubbing brush as this will damage the protective layer or finish on the top of the Travertine tiles, reducing their lifespan.
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