Flaking Victorian Flags

[K Eyles]

I have just removed a layer of concrete from my living room floor (in a late Victorian terrace in Lancashire) to reveal the original stone flags underneath. The concrete has come away cleanly but the top surface of some of the flags is flaking, revealing a silver-grey powdery surface. I would be most grateful if someone could offer some advice on the best way to deal with this. Should I remove the flaking surface (it looks as if it will come off anyway in time) and if I do, will the 'new' surface take long to 'mature' to the same patina as the undamaged flags?

Many Thanks

Kevin

[84-1093879891]

This delamination is common with stone flags that have been trapped in a damp environment - beneath a concrete floor - and there's nowt you can do to rectify it.

If you peel off the delaminated sections, you may end up with an unven surface and it will take many, many years for the newly exposed surface to develop the worn characteristics of flags seen outdoors. If you want an authentic-looking stone flag floor, then you either put up with what you have and accept it will take time to develop a worn look, or you rip it out, sell it off and buy in 'worn' reclaimed flags from a local supplier.

[K Eyles]

Depressing news, but thank you for such a prompt and efficient reply. I've rescued a couple of flags from under the stairs and another from underneath a built-in cupboard which had escaped the dreaded concrete, so I think I'll cut them to size and use them to replace some of the worst ones. The rest I'll have to live with.
Once again, Many Thanks.
Kevin