Many modern home designs make use of the beauty of natural stone to add an element of class to the design theme. The durability and elegance that natural stone delivers is unparalleled, and summons an intuitive nostalgia of ancient times. As a building material, marble, travertine, and limestone have been used extensively throughout history, creating some of the longest lasting monuments to human ingenuity available. Modern manufacturing processes make the beauty of stone more readily available for the consumer to enjoy the same luxurious environments that kings and emperors did centuries ago, and the same processes make these materials available in a manner that is easily installed. Before a homeowner makes the commitment to install natural stone into the home, they should be aware of the best ways to protect and maintain their investment through the use of an appropriate sealer.
Many stone materials are porous. Travertine and marble are two popular stones that are used in tiles and cabinet tops. Both are highly porous and risk the potential for dirt, grime and other foreign substances to penetrate their surface. After installation of the stone, a sealer is used to create a thin layer on the surface of the material, which acts as a barrier to keep foreign contaminates out. This is particularly important on surfaces where microorganisms may flourish, such as kitchen and bathrooms surfaces. Germs that penetrate deep into a porous material may be nearly impossible to clean. Sealer prevents this.
Natural stone tile is highly valued for its durable nature. Although the many varieties are resistant to wear and tear, they still are not entirely invulnerable. Stone from the limestone family, including marble and travertine, are extremely stout but soluble by acid based substances. Surfaces that come in contact with materials such as fruit juice, soda pop, or red wine risk being etched or stained. Sealer helps prevent such staining with the layer of protection that it provides to natural stone surfaces.
Also even the most durable surfaces, such as granite, can still be chipped or damaged from everyday wear and tear. The best way to protect these surfaces is through the use of a sealer. Consumers can purchase a sealer to protect from almost any type of abuse that the surface may be subjected to. Not only can a sealer provide a waterproof surface, but it can also create an extra layer of protection that can help resist scuffs and other impact marks.
Sealers for natural stone are most commonly water based, allowing for the sealer to penetrate deep into the stone and create the most beneficial barrier. Consumers with natural stone surfaces can find a sealer for indoor and outdoor protection. Also, floors, countertops, and wall tiles will require different strengths of sealants due to the use of the area. Obviously, floors will receive more abuse than a wall tile, so a floor sealer will often come with a hardener to help resist surface damage from impacts.
Homeowners should also familiarize themselves with the lifetime of any sealer that they consider. It should have a rating that will state the amount of time that it will protect the surface under typical conditions. Many can be found that will protect for up to 15 years before the sealer needs to be reapplied.
Anyone who has natural stone surfaces, or is planning on installing them, should take time to learn about different sealers available on the market. A good place to start is by locating a supplier with experience and education in this matter. Finding a knowledgeable supplier can help consumers choose the right sealer to protect the beauty and the value of their natural stone surfaces.
Published Thursday, January 06, 2011
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