A+ Touchstone Services 

WHY DOSE MARBLE REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL MAINTENANCE?

Marble, with its stunning colours and distinctive veining, is the most sought-after natural stone.  It is commonly used for floors, and other architectural features, and can last for generations without needing to be replaced, provided it is properly cared for.  Since marble is a soft and porous stone that quickly scratches, stains and etches, preservation is essential for its protection and upkeep.  It is also susceptible to cracking and chipping. Implementing preventive measures together with a basic maintenance programme, significantly increases the attractiveness and longevity of marble surfaces by reducing the risk of damage.

To conserve and maintain marble, several basic conditions must be met.  These guidelines include cleaning marble with pH neutral cleaning solutions, preserving the stone from moisture, promptly cleaning any spills, and ensuring that dust and grime do not accumulate on the surface of this gorgeous natural stone. These regular practices should be performed daily for marble maintenance. However, preserving marble necessitates professional intervention. This is a specialized sector that necessitates the expertise of a stone specialist, who is skilled in appraising natural stones to identify flaws and analyze potential damage.

Marble maintenance is recommended for both old and new stone installations.  If the installed marble is old and severely damaged, it is best to have the stone restored by a qualified professional.  Marble restoration is a one-time procedure that repairs the damage and corrects severe flaws in the stone. The result is a sparkling stone that appears new. However, to keep the stone in good condition, it should be sealed and polished on a regular basis. Marble requires regular maintenance, even if it is newly installed. Marble restoration is a time consuming and expensive process, and a newly installed stone should not be allowed to reach the stage of deterioration that it requires to be restored.

As previously stated, marble is a porous stone, and this makes it susceptible to liquids. These easily seep into the stone, causing an unattractive discoloration that is difficult to remove. In addition to stains, marble is notorious for frequently getting etch marks, which are a discoloured imprints left by acidic food items as well as tea and coffee.  There is also concern of mold or mildew developing as fluid seeps into the stone.

Everyday activities such as walking, moving furniture, and even spilling food items, damage marble flooring, resulting in scratches and stains that result in a dull looking stone. Marble used in bathrooms as flooring or washbasins loses its lustre over time due to soap suds and cleaning chemicals. Furthermore, areas with high foot traffic on the marble floor, such as the lobby or lift, are particularly vulnerable to damage. Outdoor locations with marble installations, such as the portico, pool area, or marble top tables, are subject to harsh weather fluctuations, which are detrimental to natural stone. 

Regular maintenance consists of sealing and polishing the stone at regular intervals.  Sealing entails applying a protective material to the surface of the stone.  As the sealant compounds enter the pores of the stone, they dry to form a protective layer. This layer acts as a barrier, safeguarding the stone from potential damage, by preventing liquids and other contaminants from penetrating the marble. Sealants are also used to extend the life of marble by protecting it from environmental factors such as humidity, temperature variations, and UV radiation, which can cause cracking or fading over time.

We want to underline that sealants will only postpone the absorption of liquids into the stone, not totally stop it. This delay, however, is adequate to prevent major injury if the liquid or contaminant is removed soon. Another factor to consider is that sealants tend to wear off over time and must be reapplied. The frequency of sealing the stone is determined by the maintenance requirement and the type of sealant application.

To restore the marble’s brilliance, sealing should be followed by polishing.  Marble polishing is a technical process that necessitates deep knowledge of the stone. The procedure involves grinding with specially formulated chemicals and diamond grits. These are specifically formulated chemicals and polishing compounds designed for use on sensitive stones, such as marble.  All marble surfaces, including the floor, kitchen counters, countertops, tabletops, sinks, and even the marble scalding and walls, should be polished.

The marble polishing procedure also includes repairing all minor scratches and cracks as well as the removal of stains. The polish not only imparts a glow to the stone but also forms a protective layer on the surface.

This is a specialized field of work and requires a stone professional to assure not only quality but also long-lasting results without harming the stone.  Marble is a complex stone, and its’ preservation necessitates expertise acquired through operational experience and observation of these stunning stones.  It is therefore recommended to contact a firm that specializes in the field.  We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver the level of excellence that you expect from your professional stone expert.

For more information, visit us at  https://www.aplustouchstoneservices.com or write to us with all your concerns at info@aplustouchstoneservices.com