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A) WHY PURCHASE FROM BLANCHETTE SLATE LTD?
The advantage you receive is extensive: Edmonton stock held in our rear building means no wait time for product to arrive, higher accuracy in quantity ordering, approved returns can be handled with less hassle, and purchases are done per piece so you receive only what you need or can come back for extra pieces if you decide to extend the area. Blanchette Slate Ltd. does the purchasing and importing of Export Grade slate, quartzite, limestone, travertine, marble, and granite it stocks which means we offer a consistency in both coloration and quality. Our emphasis is on buying better quality. Our Export Grade is better gauged which means it will have less tolerance in thickness from piece to piece (0-3mm) as opposed to a less quality slate that can vary from 1-10mm. This translates into an easier installation. Gauge is determined by the integrity of the stone, quality of factory equipment, and operating standards. Our Export Grade will come from deeper within the quarries, as opposed to the upper layers which is termed as overburden. This material will have a denser, more compact composition, due to minerals found deeper in the quarries and will not be prone to flaking or chipping. Our Export Grade means a better calibration of stone, which means how square each piece is cut. Export Grade will have a cut that is truer due to being precisely saw cut as opposed to the guillotine cut. Some factories will guillotine cut 4-5 pieces at one time resulting in more chips, cracks, and less accuracy. Our Export Grade is pre-sorted for a more even distribution within the color range in a deposit, meaning we are receiving the same range of color each time we order. What's more, our showroom product displays are current and match what we have in stock. You should receive and expect what you are paying for at Blanchette Slate Ltd.
B) WHAT DOES BLANCHETTE SLATE LTD HAVE AVAILABLE?
Export Grade Natural Stone including over 75 different types of slate, quartzite, limestone, travertine, marble and granite. We stock a wide variety of sizes from 2"x2" to 18"x36", slabs, mosaics, flagstone, ledge stone, cladding, trims, sinks, and fireplaces. We can also custom order for your individualized project. We are a full stocking Flextile dealer carrying thin set/mortar, grout, waterproofer, etc... We are a full stocking Fila dealer carrying sealers and cleaners and other maintenance/application products. We stock and rent top quality tools for any project. We have extensive product knowledge as natural stone is our specialty. We can also offer technical help and advice with literature, installation, as well as with sealing and maintenance procedures. Shipping can be arranged in and around the Edmonton area or across Canada and the United States. Please call us directly for quotes.
C) ARE THERE DIFFERENT QUALITIES/GRADES OF SLATE AND HOW CAN I TELL?
It is a common misconception that stone is stone no matter where you go. Quarry choice, production standards & distributer credibility are all things to keep in mind.
Most quarries will yield different percentages of 3 varying grades (Premium or export, standard, and overburden)
The best way to determine quality is to ask to look at stone right out of the boxes/crates you will be receiving. Look at the gauging (thickness from one piece to the next), the more uniform the gauge is, the easier it is to install. Look at the cleft (the ridges found on the top surface of some slates) Some producers will sort out excessive cleft whereas others may not and will sell everything. Look at the calibration (how square each piece is cut), this will again relate to how easy the product will be to install. Lastly, ask to see random pieces laid out from the crates, or ask how often sample boards are changed, to check for color consistency. One piece samples/displays that are not changed to reflect new stock cannot possibly give an accurate description of the color variations some stone has.
Unfortunately there are no national quality standards set for stone companies to govern themselves on what they wish to sell, therefore consumers must look to their instincts when deciding whom they wish to purchase from. Most importantly, they must trust who they are dealing with regarding any given product. We invite you to check around regarding reputation and referrals.
D) WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE BLANCHETTE SLATE NATURAL STONE FLOORING AS OPPOSED TO OTHER FLOORING CHOICES?
Many people are drawn to the natural beauty of the real look that stone provides and that cannot be duplicated by man made products. Natural stone does not date, and creates a unique atmosphere by taking on all the surrounding colors in your home giving it a warm, enduring feel. Because stone, such as slate, is a natural product, its beauty is molded by age and constant use. This is a sharp contrast to most floor coverings which have a limited life, especially in high traffic areas. Man-made products are esthetically repetitive and have an artificial look. Over time, they can wear easily and quickly loose their original appeal. Many commercial and residential projects have our Export Grade supplied with the realization that natural stone is a solid long- term investment.
We know that in every industry, misconceptions about products or services always exists. These misconceptions may result from poor communication, misunderstood information, incorrect information shared by other industry members in an attempt to compete unfairly, or simply a lack of knowledge on a particular subject. We at Blanchette Slate are extremely knowledgeable in our industry and are not afraid to share any information which may help you in making the right decision for your project, whether it be the suitability of a certain material, design tips, or installation and sealing information.
E) IS BLANCHETTE SLATE COLD ON THE FEET LIKE CERAMIC AND PORCELAIN?
Blanchette Slate natural stone is in fact one of the warmest hard surface floors. It's foliated interior creates pores where air has been entrapped. This air helps conduct warmth and helps the stone maintain the ambient temperature of the surrounding air. The result is a floor that is warmer to the touch than other hard surface flooring choices such as ceramic and porcelain.
F) IS BLANCHETTE SLATE HARD TO WALK AND STAND ON?
Blanchette Slate natural stone is one of the most comfortable floor coverings available. It's undulating surface gives tired feet a comfortable massage. The hardest floor to stand on for long periods is always a hard smooth floor. You will find our slate more comfortable to stand on than ceramic, porcelain and hardwood. Some flat surfaces can fatigue your feet and body after standing on them for extended time periods. (The inside of your favorite, most comfortable pair of shoes is definitely not flat!)
G) IS BLANCHETTE SLATE EXPENSIVE?
Blanchette Slate is the best value in export grade when considering a flooring choice that will last a lifetime. You will find Blanchette Slate comparable in price to any other of the better quality choices in the marketplace. The timeless beauty and longevity of our natural stone product makes it priceless.
H) IS IT DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN THE BEAUTY OF MY NATURAL STONE FLOOR?
All natural stone(slate, quartzite, limestone, travertine, marble, and granite) and all grout must be sealed after installation and resealed periodically for ease of maintenance and protection from stains, spills, and normal wear. It is imperative that a good quality sealer is used in order to allow the surface to breathe, extend the life of the beauty of the stone, and to make cleaning easier. Our top quality Fila brand sealers can be applied and reapplied easily (on average every 3-5 years indoors) by anyone, making your floor look as new and vibrant as the day it was installed. Regular maintenance is as simple as vacuuming and/or damp mopping with warm water and our Fila brand neutral cleaner. A scrubbing deep clean can be done periodically in high traffic areas by using a deck brush and a wet vac instead of a household mop. Popular general purpose chemical cleaners are not recommended due to their ability to deteriorate the protection of your sealer. Using Fila neutral cleaner/ Fila Brio Spray cleaner as part of your regular cleaning maintenance program will not only keep your stone looking great, but help in prolonging the life of your sealer as well.
I) ARE DIFFERENT SEALERS I USE GOING TO CHANGE/ALTER THE APPEARANCE OF MY NATURAL STONE FLOORING?
Depending on the type of stone you have selected, we have 4 main Fila brand sealers that will protect your stone yet offer varying looks. FilaFob is a natural look penetrating sealer that will not change the appearance of the stone's natural colorings and can be used for unpolished surfaces. Fila MP/90 is a natural look penetrating sealer that will not change the appearance of the stone's natural colorings and can be used for polished surfaces. FilaStonePlus is a matte enhancing penetrating sealer that will darken the stone's appearance and enhance some of the less prominent colors and leave the stone with a flat/matte final look. FilaWet is a shiny enhancing sealer that will darken the stone's appearance and enhance some of the less prominent colors and leave the stone with a wet/glossy final look.
J) CAN I USE NATURAL STONE LIKE BLANCHETTE SLATE OUTDOORS FOR LANDSCAPING OR SIDING?
Only certain stones are dense enough to be freeze-thaw stable in a winter climate. We have a variety of stone available to be used for walkways, patios, siding, retaining walls, etc... in the form of tiles, slabs, ledge stone, flagstone, pavers, and cladding. Exterior applications also need to be resealed more frequently to keep the elements out.
K) IS WEIGHT SOMETHING I MUST CONSIDER IN CHOOSING A NATURAL STONE FLOOR?
Any properly built home is engineered to take the weight of all common flooring, stone, tile, or wood, as well as the appliances and furniture that will be on the floor. The only possible concern with tile and stone is not the weight but the amount of movement or deflection between the joists. Extra preparation required is usually quite minimal, most often consisting of an addition of a layer of plywood to your sub floor, a bond coat over existing linoleum or tile, or in the case of large square footage a crack isolation membrane. A good installation will create a floor that will last you a lifetime.
L) WHY IS BLANCHETTE SLATE EXPORT GRADE SELLING SO WELL?
People are attracted to the natural beauty of our slates colors and textures as well as our incredible selection. When they live on our natural stone and find out for themselves the characteristics as mentioned; warmth, comfort, ease of maintenance, longevity, they spread the word to neighbors and friends. With the wide variety of colors and textures available in our stone, it is a product that will fit any color scheme or room decor.
M) WHAT KIND OF COLOR VARIATION CAN I EXPECT?
Depending on the type of stone selected, variations in color, veining, etc.. should be expected and considered. In this situation, each piece, when viewed on a larger scale overall will look like it belongs with the other pieces of the area. Our showroom presents large displays that reflect the variance you can expect to receive from our available stock at any given time. Our recommendation is to view these displays before making a firm decision. One piece samples cannot accurately reflect the beauty and patterning of an entire area. While Blanchette Slate exports the best quality product available, it is recommended to view showroom display samples of the stone, as they are adjusted to reflect what is currently available.
N) HOW MUCH EXTRA SQUARE FOOTAGE SHOULD I PURCHASE?
Our recommendation is to take 3-5 percent extra for waste. This extra should be taken into account to make certain there will be enough material to complete the project in case of breakage. Measurement errors, as well as pattern layout of the stone can also affect the amount of extra stone necessary for cutting. While in some cases, cut pieces can be used elsewhere, sometimes they must be disposed of because of their shape and size.
O) WHAT IF I AM PLANNING TO EXTEND THE AREA OF STONE I AM INSTALLING AT A LATER DATE?
Sometimes when stone is purchased at different times, slight variations can occur. As quarrying continues, materials from different sections of the quarry can possibly vary. For these reasons, it is our suggestion to purchase sufficient quantities at one time. Being a natural stone, variations from year to year cannot be controlled or predicted. It is our recommendation to view showroom display samples of the stone before purchase, as they are adjusted to reflect what is currently available.
P) I HAVE HEARD THAT SOME STONE, SUCH AS LIMESTONE, IS TOO “SOFT” AND TOO “POROUS” TO BE USED FOR FLOORING OR IN A BATHROOM. IS THIS TRUE?
Unfortunately this myth has no merit. Some limestones are extremely dense and are even therefore capable of being polished. The assumption that “hard” rocks are better suited for building purposes than “soft” rocks is completely untrue. Many other factors determine the suitability of any one stone for a certain purpose. The compressive strength, density, durability, compactness, and ability to resist abrasion are much more desirable qualities when choosing a stone, especially for flooring. The word porous is defined as permeable; having the ability to absorb liquid or allow the passage of air. All natural stones; slate, quartzite, limestone, travertine, marble, and granite, as well as grout, have some degree of porosity and therefore need to be sealed properly. The benefit of these pores within the stone allow it to be able to take on surrounding air temperature and keep it warm to the touch. Our knowledgeable team can help you to select the right stone for your project and ease any concerns you may have or dispell any myths you may have heard.
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