How often should you do stone sealing on your floors? Why do stone floors need to be sealed in the first place and when is the best time to do it? In this blog post, we will explore the answers to all these questions so that you can enjoy the beauty of your stone floors for longer before they need to be restored. Keep reading to learn more!
Why Do Stone Floors Need To Be Sealed?
All stone surfaces should be sealed for maximum protection against damage. If left unsealed, water and dirt can slowly erode the natural stone’s surface, causing permanent stains and even cracks that are hard to remove if left untreated. All natural stone is porous to varying degrees and should be sealed with a penetrating sealant to repel moisture from within and prevent stains, while at the same time allowing vapours to escape.
Unsealed stone floors will soak up moisture and spilled liquids causing dirt and other debris to become embedded in small cracks. This will result in dull, unattractive floors. Sealing will preserve the natural glow and beautiful appearance of natural stone floors for longer.
Properly sealed stone floors are a great way to protect your investment as they will keep your home looking great for years to come. It also adds to the value of your home and is a great selling point when the time comes to sell.
When Is The Best Time To Seal Stone Floors?
Stone floors should be sealed before applying grouting to prevent the grouting material from sticking to the surface of the stone tiles. Sealing natural stone floors before grouting helps to cover up the pores of the stone adding an extra layer of protection between the stone and the grouting.
After a stone floor has been restored to an ‘as-new’ condition, it should be sealed to protect it from stains, spillages, and dirt all of which can deteriorate the condition and appearance of stone floors.
While the floors are being cleaned by a professional company is a good time to have the seal inspected to ensure it is still performing its purpose of keeping moisture and dirt out. If not, it should be resealed.
How Often Do Stone Floors Need To Be Sealed?
Because there are so many variables to be taken into consideration, it is hard to estimate the exact lifespan of a floor sealant. Factors such as how often you clean your floors, whether you have pets or children, and whether the floor is in a high or low-traffic area of the home will all have a bearing on how long a seal will last. For example, if you do not have children or pets, you keep your floors clean, and perform regular maintenance on the surfaces, the sealant will last longer. Therefore, how often your stone floors need to be sealed depends on all the factors mentioned.
How Do I Know My Floors Are Properly Sealed?
Regular maintenance, for example, if you are polishing your stone floor tiles, is the best time to have the floors inspected to ensure the sealant is strong and still performing its task of keeping out moisture and dirt.
You can do a DIY test to determine whether your floors are protected by pouring a puddle of water onto the surface and checking back every four hours or so. If the wet spot has dried up or has left droplets on the surface the seal is strong. However, if the water has penetrated the surface leaving a wet stain, it is time to have it resealed.
What Type Of Sealant Is Best?
Nowadays, seals and waxes are far superior to what they were ten or so years ago. With better protection levels they look better and last longer, but not forever.
A wide range of water and solvent-based seals are available for different types of stone. Stones that are not quite that absorbent will need solvent-based seals while honed stones like unpolished slate or travertine are much more porous and need a thicker, water-based seal. If the sealant is rapidly absorbed it may need a second coating.
Properly protected stone floors can remain protected for many years and keep their natural beauty and glow that is so attractive to homeowners.
Final Thoughts
If you want your floors properly protected you should have the sealant checked annually. A professional stone cleaning company like The Stone Restorer can inspect, deep clean, polish, and seal your natural stone floors and repair any damage like chips and remove stains.
If you are looking for a trusted cleaning and restoration company to care for your valuable stone floors, please give us a call. We will gladly send out one of our expert stone cleaning and restoration consultants to discuss your requirements and offer you the best solution.
Give us a call today at 0414 469 301 or ask us for a fast free quote on your tile cleaning or restoration project.
