Flooring Tile - Slate Tile - Cleaning and Resealing

I just bought a 1000 sqft. condo with (4-5 year old) slate tile throughout the whole place.

The home inspector suggested that I clean and reseal it before I move in.
Is this actually necessary?

I was considering hiring someone, but I think I can manage it myself.

Does this look like the right stuff? (http://www.custombuildingproducts.com/ProductCatalog/TileStoneCare/PenetratingSealers/GroutTile.aspx?user=diy&lang=en)
What's the best way to apply it?
Any techniques or anything else I should know about?

How about cleaning? How much should I worry about that before I reseal?
I was planning on sweeping, then mopping with warm water... will that be enough?


Any help is appreciated... I've been having trouble finding solid info about this.

Thanks!

I personaly wouldn't use that sealer you linked too. It's on the low end of quality.

And yes, resealing is vital to any natural stone application.

A good quality sealer will cost $$, but it's well worth it. I would look into 511 Imprenator

Product Information Error Page (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?jspStoreDir=hdus&catalogId=10053&productId=100076375&navFlow=3&keyword=511%2Bimprenator&langId=-1&searchRedirect=511+imprenator&storeId=10051&endecaDataBean=com.homedepot.sa.el.wc.catalog.beans.EndecaDataBean%401f1083a3&ddkey=Search)

or a AquaMix sealer

Aqua Mix - For Home Use - Product Detail - Sealers - Penetrating Sealer (http://www.aquamix.com/products/pg_detail.asp?pdid=5579&pgid=37155)

Aquamix also has cleaners that are safe for slate.

The inspector told you this AFTER you bought the place? :confused:

Great advice - thanks so much for the reply!
I'll see where I can get one of those products locally.

Any tips on application?
Do I just pour it down and push it around with a mop?

I had the place inspected before I 'lifted my conditions'. I could have backed out, but I had no reason to. I take possession of the place next week, and I want to do this before I move any furniture in.

Oh yea, you don't want that yellow bottle, they have a decent sealer in the green bottle, but I recommend AquaMix brand or http://www.miraclesealants.com/pbs_slate_textured.htmlMiracle sealants.

I would use a stone sealer/enhancer not penetrating sealer.

Follow directions to the "T". You may as well get some knee-pads too. Floors are not washed or sealed the way you think. You gotta get down, so to speak. :D

Jaz