When to consider Professional Maintenance

When to consider Professional Maintenance

 

Not only is natural stone beautiful, but it is also an incredibly durable choice for flooring. When cared for appropriately, it will stands the test of time. 

As soon as you install natural stone, it is important to follow correct guidance on how to clean and maintain it. You can read more about this here. There’s also lots of benefits to investing in a professional maintenance programme. At Artisans, we are often asked how often a stone floor will need professional maintenance so have collaborated with stone maintenance company Athena Stonecare to offer ongoing advice and support to keep your stone looking its very best for years to come.

 

 

Although there’s no set rules on how often to professionally treat a natural stone floor, there are a few cues to look out for. It is important to be aware of signs that the sealant originally applied to your floor is no longer doing its job. Both impregnators and surface sealants are designed to prevent liquid spills from penetrating the stone and causing deep-set staining. Over time, however abrasion caused by foot traffic will open up new pores in the stone which are not protected in this way. Surface sealants and waxes can also be impacted by cleaning regimes. It is easy to spot when the sealant is becoming less effective by simply dropping water onto your stone and observing how it is absorbed. You may also start to see staining on your floor which is a good indicator that it is time for a professional maintenance visit.

 

The treatment will depend on the stone type, but will usually include an element of resurfacing of the stone. This will use either abrasive powders or diamond grinding technology to gently buff away the very top layer of the stone. The process will remove any etch marks, scratches, remaining sealant and dirt, revealing a fresh layer of stone. This will then be sealed to protect it, leaving your floor transformed back to its original condition both on beauty and resilience.

For pitted stone types, you may also spot that the filler has started to become loose and dirt is gathering in the pores. As part of a professional maintenance programme, these pits will be cleaned and filled along with any cracks that may have appeared in the stone too. For many clients, the first indicator that the stone needs a professional clean is when the grout lines are becoming difficult to clean domestically – the equipment used to professionally treat stone gets deep into the grout lines too.

Most clients consider a professional treatment every 18 months. A regular visit will ensure that your stone is always kept in good condition. Over time, a programme can be devise that focusses a deeper resurfacing on the higher traffic areas and a lighter treatment for the areas that are less impacted by people and pets in the property. This ensures that your natural stone floor will elegantly endure.

 

With thanks to Athena Stonecare.

October 14, 2022