Tile Doctor SA Group
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What does Tile Doctor SA Group do?
Tile Doctor SA specialises in the cleaning, restoration, sealing, polishing, anti-slip treatment, and maintenance of Natural Stone, Ceramic, Porcelain, and other tiled surfaces.
How long has the Tile Doctor SA Group been operating?
Tile Doctor SA has over 50 years of experience in the tile and flooring industry.
What areas do you service?
We primarily service Cape Town and the Western Cape, although we are available to undertake projects elsewhere when required.
Do you work on residential, commercial, and industrial projects?
Yes. We handle projects of all sizes, from residential homes to large commercial and industrial facilities.
Tile cleaning & restoration
Can dirty or stained tiles be restored?
In most cases, yes. Many tiles that appear permanently stained, dull, or damaged can be professionally cleaned, stripped, restored, and resealed.
Do you remove grout haze and cement residue from newly installed tiles?
Yes. We specialise in the removal of grout haze, cement residue, efflorescence, and construction contamination.
Can old Natural Stone floors be restored?
Absolutely. Many Natural Stone surfaces can be restored through specialised cleaning, honing, grinding, polishing, and sealing processes.
Tile sealing
Why should tiles be sealed?
Sealing helps reduce absorption of water, oils, dirt, and staining contaminants while making maintenance easier.
Do all tiles need sealing?
No. Natural stone products generally require sealing, while Ceramic and Porcelain tiles do not.
Does sealing make tiles stain-proof?
No. A sealer provides protection and reaction time but does not make surfaces completely stain-proof.
How often should tiles be resealed?
Typically every 2–5 years depending on the surface, traffic levels, and type of sealer used.
Why Choose Tile Doctor SA?
Key Benefits
Over 50 years of experience, owner-managed projects, specialist Natural Stone expertise, anti-slip solutions, premium sealing systems, and professional support.
Maintenance & Aftercare
How should sealed tiles be cleaned?
Use pH-neutral cleaning products specifically designed for tiled and Natural Stone surfaces.
Can incorrect cleaning products damage my floor?
Yes. Acidic or harsh cleaners can permanently damage many Natural Stone surfaces.
Marble, Travertine & Natural Stone
Can scratched Marble be repaired?
Yes. Scratches, etching, dullness, and wear patterns can often be removed through restoration processes.
What Natural Stones do you work on?
Marble, Travertine, Granite, Sandstone, Slate, Quartzite, Terracotta, and Limestone among others.
Anti-Slip Treatment
HOW DOES THE ANTI-SLIP TREATMENT WORK?
This anti-slip treatment works by altering the molecular structure of the surface of a ceramic tile or other surface containing silica. It is a unique product using two different chemicals, ( an activator and a fixative ), and it represents a major advance on any other known product available nationally and internationally!!. Once applied, the treatment gives both an anti-slip effect and a hardening of the surface of the tile to give increased tile life – see the s.a.b.s report.
When applying the products, the activator is sprayed onto the floor area, then at a pre-determined interval – ascertained by actually testing the tile surface to be treated. Once the required anti-slip effect has been achieved, the fixative is applied to the same area.
This combination is then left on the treated area for a few minutes. The excess is then removed and the entire area is thoroughly washed with clean water. The treated area is then available for immediate use – no waiting or curing period required!!
HOW LONG DOES THIS TREATMENT LAST?
It is a permanent finish to the surface of the tile. It is not a coating, but is an integral part of the tile glaze. In the majority of cases it does not change the colour or the appearance of the tile. The treatment cannot be washed away and is not affected by sunlight or detergents – it will last as long as the top surface of the tile!
A basic cleaning regime is to be followed to ensure that the treated surface is kept clean and free from surface soiling at all times – this will ensure optimum effectiveness of the treated area.
GUARANTEES
HOW WAS THIS UNIQUE PRODUCT DEVELOPED?
This anti-slip method was developed by an English chemist in cape town, South Africa. This product is still manufactured in south Africa and is distributed throughout the world. The product carries a patent in south Africa and the united states of America.
HOW WELL IS THE ANTI-SLIP TREATMENT ACCEPTED?
This method has been used to treat thousands of square metres of tiling and other hard floors, and has made an outstanding and well-respected name for itself in the market throughout South Africa and various other countries.
Some major client references include:
- SA Navy
- Cape Town station
- Eskom Koeberg nuclear power station
- Virgin Active health clubs
- Cape Town International Airport
- V & A Waterfront
- Parliament
- Cape Grace Hotel
- Century City Shopping Centre
- Medi Clinics
DOES THE TREATMENT CONFORM TO ANY SAFETY REGULATIONS?
We supply the equivalent of the British Coshh approved form with each of our products – and this is accepted internationally.
HAS THIS PRODUCT BEEN THOROUGHLY TESTED?
It has been thoroughly tested by the South African bureau of standards and their reports are available together with a technical appraisal of the results.
The product has also been tested by Sotter Corporation California, and Curtin Chemical Consultants Western Australia.
What is anti-slip treatment?
A specialised process that improves slip resistance, particularly when surfaces are wet.
Does anti-slip treatment change the appearance of my tiles?
In most cases there is little to no visible change but also depends on the colour of the tile.
Where is anti-slip treatment commonly used?
Pool surrounds, hotels, shopping centres, hospitals, schools, bathrooms, and commercial entrances.
Quotations & Project Process
Do you provide free quotations?
Yes. Professional assessments and quotations are available within the Cape Peninsula. Areas out of town will be charged accordingly.
What information do you need for a quotation?
Photographs, tile type, approx. square meterage, project location, and a description of the issue.
