How Commercial Stone Care Services Can Enhance the Lifespan of Your Stone Surfaces

Natural stone surfaces see a lot of action daily. They’re used for food preparation, dropped on by kids and pets, and come into contact with items that leave behind bacteria and contaminants. Regular cleaning prevents staining, etching and other damage. 

Sealing

While all stone surfaces succumb to natural degradation over time, many things can be done to mitigate this, such as using a sealant. Sealants can help prevent stains from becoming ingrained in the stone, making cleaning much easier. This is particularly important for commercial stone surfaces with high footfall, as grease and oil staining risk can be higher. It is important that the correct type of sealer is used and the proper application process is followed. Coating-type sealers are not a good choice for natural stone as they can form a film on the surface of the rock, and this will restrict the ability to remove contaminates from the interior of the stone. A penetrating sealer is a better option for natural stone as it allows the stone’s pores and capillaries to remain clear while providing a barrier against stain penetration. It is also worth noting that although a sealant will provide protection, it does not last forever and must be reapplied regularly. This is due to the abrasion of foot traffic, which can open up and expose new pores and capillaries requiring sealing.

Cleaning

Professional cleaning removes dirt, grime and other substances from stone surfaces that can cause damage. Commercial stone care manhattan NY professionals can safely clean and restore your stone surfaces to their original appearance using solutions designed specifically for stone. Keeping stone surfaces clean helps prevent the need for costly repairs or replacements. It also extends the lifespan of your stone floors, counters, walls and other surfaces.

Ensuring that spills are promptly wiped up, and regular dust mopping helps protect the stone from damage. Adding a protective sealant after cleaning can also help prevent future damage. Sealing provides an invisible force field that reduces penetration by liquids, reducing staining and etching. It can also help reduce the risk of mold and mildew, promoting a healthy home environment. Offering natural cleaning products for your stone cleaning and sealing services can appeal to health-conscious consumers while minimizing the environmental impact of conventional cleaners. The fewer chemical products used, the more efficient your cleaning processes can be.

Polishing

While durable, natural stone surfaces can wear down with regular use. They’re exposed to freeze/thaw cycles, rain, snow and UV sunlight, whether outdoors or indoors. They also undergo normal wear and tear from foot traffic, spills and other abrasions. Polishing makes stone shiny, lustrous and more reflective. It also helps eliminate light scratches, acid etch marks, and smudges from greasy fingerprints. It also improves the color of your natural stone, enhancing dark colors and making them appear more pronounced. Polishing also makes your stone countertops more stain-resistant, saving you the cost of a costly remodel. It’s important to prevent stains as much as possible by using coasters and mats under glasses, trivets under hot pans and placing doormats at entryways to minimize dirt and grit that can damage your stone surfaces. It would help if you were prompt about cleaning up spills and avoiding acidic cleaners that can etch the surface.

Repairing

Regular maintenance is the best way to maintain the beauty of natural stone surfaces. It protects the stone from damage and staining, makes cleaning easier, minimizes dusting, enhances color and can prolong the stone’s lifespan.

Staining is the biggest threat to natural stone surfaces and occurs when untreated stone absorbs a liquid that changes its appearance or color. Sealing prevents this, creating a protective barrier against water, food, pollutants and other drinks that could alter the stone’s appearance. The frequency of resealing is determined by the amount of traffic an area receives and the type of stone (soft or hard). A drop of water test is an easy way to see if your surface needs resealing. A damp spot soaking wet for 30 minutes indicates that your character needs to be resealed.