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Care & Maintenance of Marble & Natural Stone
Top 10 Potential Stone Problems
Marble, granite, limestone and other decorative stone are durable materials that will last a lifetime. However, if not installed correctly or properly cared for, problems may result that will shorten the life of your investment.
The following are the most common problems that may occur:
Loss of shine The loss of the high polish on certain marble and granite can be attributed to wear. This is especially true of marble since it is much softer than granite. When shoes track in dirt and sand, the bottoms of the shoes can act like sandpaper on a stone floor surface and over time will wear the polish off. A stone restoration professional can restore the polish.
Etching The dull, whitish spot created when liquids containing acids are pilled on marble is called etching. Marble and limestone etch very easily. Granite is very acid-resistant and will rarely etch. To prevent etching, avoid using cleaners and chemicals that contain acids. Light etching can be removed with a little marble polishing powder. Deep etching or large areas will require the services of a restoration professional.
Stains Some stone surfaces can become easily stained if they are not properly sealed. Many foods, drinks, ink, oil and rust can cause stains. Most stains on stone can be removed. For more difficult stains, professional techniques by a stone restoration provider may be the only hope. Permanent stains can occur but not often.
Efflorescence Efflorescence appears as a white powdery residue on the surface of the stone. It is a common condition on new stone installations or when the stone is exposed to a large quantity of water, such as flooding. This powder is a mineral salt from the setting bed. To remove efflorescence, do not use water. Buff the stone with a clean polishing pad or #0000 steel wool pad. The stone will continue to effloresce until it is completely dry. This drying process can take several days to as long as one year. Do not seal the stone until any efflorescence is gone.
Spalling, Flaking and Pitting If your stone is developing small pits or small pieces of stone are popping off the surface (spalling) then you have a problem. This condition is common on stone exposed to large amounts of water or when de-icing salts are used for ice removal. Like efflorescence, mineral salts are the cause for spalling and pitting. Instead of the salts depositing on the surface (efflorescence) they deposit below the surface of the stone, causing pressure within the stone, causing stone spalls, flakes or pits. Unfortunately, once a stone begins to spall it is almost impossible to repair. It is recommended that the stone be replaced.
Yellowing There are several reasons why a stone will turn yellow. Embedded dirt and grime can give the stone a yellow, dingy look. Waxes and other coatings can yellow with age. Certain stones will naturally yellow with age as a result of oxidation of the iron within the stone. This is especially problematic with white marbles.
If yellowing is caused by dirt of wax build up, have the stone cleaned with an alkaline cleaner or wax stripper. This is a job best left to professionals. If the yellowing is a result of aged stone or iron oxidation, it will not come out.
Uneven Tile (Lippage) Lippage is the term given to tiles that are set unevenly. In other words, the edge of one tile is higher than the next and is the result of a poor installation. If the lippage is higher than the thickness of a nickel, it is considered excessive and the tile will have to be ground by a restoration contactor to flatten the floor.
Crack and Chips Cracks in stone can be caused by settling, poor installation, inadequate underlying support or excessive vibration. Chips can result from bad installation or when a heavy object falls on a vulnerable corner. Repairs can be done by a professional stone restoration contactor by filling with a colour matched polyester or epoxy.
White Stun Mark Stun marks appear as white marks on the surface of the stone and are common in certain types of marble. These stuns are a result of tiny explosions inside the crystal of the stone. Pin point pressures places on the marble can cause these marks. Women’s high heels or blunt pointed instruments are common reasons for stuns marks. Stun marks can be difficult to remove. Grinding and/or honing can reduce the number of stuns, but some travel through the entire thickness of the stone.
Water Rings/Spots Water rings and spots are very common on marble and other natural stone surfaces. They are either areas that have become etched or are from hard water minerals such as calcium and magnesium that are left behind when water evaporates, leaving a ring or a spot. To remove either type of these spots, use a marble polishing power. Moderate to severe etching or larger damaged areas will require professional honing by a stone restoration contactor.
Toronto Marble Restoration is a professional natural stone and marble restoration contractor serving Toronto and the GTA. Get your free Natural Stone Care & Maintenance Guide today at http://torontomarblerestoration.com
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