Natural stones and maintenance - an often neglected chapter

In order to stay healthy, man is requested to see his doctor regularly, to participate in sports and to take his medicine at the recommended intervals if necessary. If someone likes a smooth running car, regular inspections together with a change of oil and filter is a necessity. But how about our facades of Natural Stones? Or the flooring in a frequently used hall such as a bank, a supermarket? Can wet cleaning be considered sufficient?

Strong sunshine heats up surfaces, tiny cracks may thus be created. UV-rays can further weaken  the surface and the structure of the stone. Heavy rainfall can leach out  essential elements and nutrients. In combination with air pollution,  carbonic acid and sulfuric acid may further weaken  the stone structure.  Sometimes graffiti - be it lacquer or other paint- is sprayed  on Natural Stone surfaces and gradually seeping into the stone cells.

Not to mentioned the normal aging of stones and the wear and tear caused by shoes and tires respectively. With regular treatment, special cleaning and maintenance not only the life-span of Natural Stones can be greatly extended but also the appearance and luster of the stone surface is always maintained.

Before any special treatment is recommended, the stone-type is always identified first. Suitable liquids out of a list of not less then 48 are carefully chosen. Depending on the aim of the treatment this may be  anti-stain treatment for marble and floors, satin finish treatment for natural  stones,  water repellent impregnation for granite, anti-graffiti treatment, detergents for marble and granite, polish and finish treatment for Natural Stones.

In any case, the recommended treatment is applied to a small area in a not so prominent location to demonstrate the results of the treatment,  allowing to compare the before and after situation. The client is thus given a fair choice to accept or to decline any further treatment. The vast knowledge of more than 15 years of experience in Natural Stones  combined  with deep insights into the detergent and chemical liquid market has always lead to a great client satisfaction.  Such results  can only be achieved through intensive knowledge of Natural Stones; simply selling cleaning detergents and commissioning a cleaning company  with the application can do more harm than good. The most successful way  however, would be to impregnate Natural Stones immediately after  they have been layed out.

More and more owners of Natural Stone buildings are following our recommendations. The subsequent list clearly demonstrates the increasing importance of maintaining Natural Stone facades and floorings.  

II Reference projects for carried out impregnating works

Year

Project

Owner

Material

Area (m ²)

2000

Floor area and exterior

German Embassy in
Washington DC

Inside:Limestone
Outside: Basalt Limestone

1500

1999

Floor area and exterior

Private mansion, in Dachau

White marble and Granite

440

1998

Floor area and exterior

Private mansion, owner of Rhode shoe factory

White marble and Granite

600

1997

Reception Hall and Staircase, Bungalow Munich

Publisher Family (VIP´s)

Marble and Sandstone

180

1997

Penthouse with round staircase Munich

Baron VIP

Marble and Granite

350

1997

Exterior Facade and Banking Hall, Munich

Saving Bank

Marble and Granite

1300

1997

Condominiums in Berlin

Private
(Antigraffiti treatment)

Granite

240

1996

Banking Hall

People.s Bank Dachau

Flamed Granite

150

1996

Bathroom and Wintergarden

VIP´s (Publisher Family)

Estremoz Marble and Granite

160

1995

Private Mansion Maryland / USA

VIP´s(Publisher Family)

Marble, Lasa pure white and vena oro

400