Install and Properly Maintain Natural Stone without Believing in Myths

The uses and abuses of natural stones are not unknown. While uses are manifold, the only disadvantage with natural stone is the difficulty in maintenance. There are some common problems of maintenance associated with all types of natural stones which we have discussed in the previous articles. 

The problems related to stone restoration are inevitable but can be prevented to some extent or completely resolved if proper maintenance procedures are followed. Besides, there are certain myths relating to installation and maintenance of natural stones which deter us from using them in our houses or workplaces. While few regarding specific stones have already been discussed, here are the rest regarding stone installation and stone maintenance you need to know before choosing the perfect stone to suit your purpose.

Sealing, needless to say, is the most important part of stone restoration work. However, people believe that stone installation and maintenance gets expensive as sealers need to be applied after every few months. To be precise, the frequency of application of sealers depends on the type of stone, the purpose for which it is used, the level of traffic and how often the stone is cleaned. Sealers which cost less are generally thin and therefore needs to be reapplied frequently. But if good quality sealer is applied, it provides 2-3 years of superior protection. So, professional natural stone restoration companies recommend application of high quality sealer during installation to save the cost of frequent application in the long run.

Vinegar is considered an effective cleaner and is believed to disinfect any and every surface. But stones such as marble, travertine and limestone etch on coming in contact with vinegar. Application of acid such as vinegar makes the marble look dull and needs marble floor restoration to restore the previous shine.

Another harmful cleaning technique includes mopping the floor when it looks dirty. People often avoid sweeping the floor regularly and do away with mopping until the surface becomes visibly dirty. But sweeping tile surfaces is as important as mopping. Dirt accumulates within the grout lines daily which is not visible to naked eyes. Therefore, tile surfaces must be swept daily so as to prevent the surface from losing its color and finish.

Power washing is considered an excellent technique for removing dirt embedded deep into the stone surface. However, what most of us don’t know that power washing, if not used by professional stone cleaning company, is way too powerful for our stone. It can erode the surface of granite and remove fills in travertine. It pays to get sensible advice on what method of cleaning would work for your natural stone surface.

It is quite evident as to why choosing a stone or its maintenance technique is difficult. A number of things are to be considered to ensure the best result. The Marble Man, Australia’s most specialized stone restoration company, offers expert advice on choosing the perfect stone, applying the best cleaning technique and delivering a superior stone repair and restoration service.