Natural stone flooring materials like Granite are susceptible to staining and various other forms of damage. To protect the appearance and integrity of the flooring it is important to administer professional granite floor sealing in Hawthorn. This would help prevent damage and further the lifespan of the granite flooring. There are various other beneficial reasons to have granite flooring sealed.
This blog enlists the reasons why homeowners should administer sealing as well as other crucial information.
Reasons to Apply Sealer to Granite
All natural stone materials like marble and granite need sealing for the following reasons :-
Protection: When it comes to choosing the right type of sealer for natural stone flooring is an impregnating stone sealer. Its composition is such that it can penetrate the surface of the stone far deeper than most sealants. Such high-quality sealers help safeguard the stone for a long lifespan of 10 to 15 years. There are of course less expensive sealing products but only last as long as 3 to 5 years. It offers more peace of mind to opt for proven products that may be a little expensive but offers effective natural stone protection.
Stain Resistance: The ideal sealant can make granite surfaces impervious to both water and oil-based damages. Such sealants are also able to protect the granite against the accumulation of various types of regular dirt and spills. Stain-resistant sealants offer an additional benefit in extending the lifespan of the Granite.
Easy Maintenance: Sealed granite surfaces are much easier to clean and maintain long-term. The homeowner can conveniently use a soft paper towel or wet cloth to remove any spills from the surface. Sealing makes using natural household ingredients a much better alternative to buying expensive toxic chemicals to clean Granite. Despite the multiple benefits of sealing Granite floors, experts still emphasize exercising caution when cleaning Granite. Place coasters under wine glasses and clean spills instantly as they occur to avoid long-term damage.
Protection Against Bacteria: Natural stones, especially Granite is primarily porous. This means that it is particularly vulnerable to settling particles that can cause harm over time, for instance, microbes and bacteria that exist in dust. These not only cause damage as they settle into granite pores but become potential health risks as they accumulate. This is crucial to prevent them from piling up by sealing the pores in the granite. This renders it easy to clean and safe for those who come in contact with it.
How is Granite Sealed?
Granite is a highly sought out flooring material for its beauty. When considering whether to seal or not seal granite floors, one needs to confirm whether they need to and when they should do so. To answer such questions it is important to seek the opinion of an expert. Professional floor sealers conduct an initial inspection to assess the condition of the Granite before taking any steps. Timing is the most essential factor when it comes to sealing Granite surfaces. Consider the following aspects.
How often should Granite be Sealed?
To discern the perfect timing for sealing granite flooring there are a few factors that need consideration.
The grade of the Granite: The grade quality of the granite slab directly impacts the timing of when the granite needs to be sealed. Some grades of granite are more porous than others. It is the porosity of the granite that determines how often its surface needs to be sealed as well as the amount of sealer that can be absorbed.
The last time it was sealed: Right after a sealant has been applied to the granite’s surface it starts getting worn out by the effects of daily activities. Furthermore, household liquids with acidic composition can break down the sealant even more easily. Thus, how often the granite is sealed and the liquids it is exposed to are a crucial determinant.
The type of sealer being used: The type of sealer being used come with instruction as to how long the sealant is likely to last.
A general rule of thumb is to have the granite resealed every 6 to 12 months. The factors mentioned above continue to have a pertinent role to play in the timing of applying the sealant. A little knowledge about the nature of the specific stone can provide further assistance.
How to know if Granite Needs Sealing?
Each grade of granite varies in quality, resistance, and porosity. Besides observing the factors that determine the timing of when sealing is necessary, there is an even easier way of understanding the ideal sealing timing of specific types of granite.
The technique is known as the ‘water test’ and it involves pouring plain water on the surface of the granite. If the water starts getting absorbed by the granite almost instantaneously, it means it is time to have it resealed. Water bounces off the surface of sealed granite, however, the sealant can get damaged when exposed to acidic liquids. In this case, sealing may become necessary even after having the granite sealed recently.
How sealing Granite helps
Once again let's recall that granite is a natural stone and they are quite absorbent. To prevent it from absorbing various types of liquids and forming stain marks, it is best to seal it. There are primarily two types of natural stone sealants:
Topical Sealers
Impregnating Sealers
The latter is most effective when it comes to granite surfaces.
Some of the most common types of liquids that have been known to stain granite are as follows :-
Wine
Soda
Coffee
Mustard
Olive Oil
Fruit Juice
Toothpaste
Salad Dressings
Conclusion
Several variations of impregnating natural stone sealers can effectively inhibit granite from absorbing liquid. Such sealers are often applied for various other purposes as well, for instance, Bluestone Honing in Bayside or sealing granite countertops.
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