The Importance of Regular Commercial Stone Maintenance

Commercial buildings have much higher foot traffic than homes and need more attention. People walk in and out of the garage, through lobbies, and in elevator cabs. This extra traffic and grit can cause the stone’s surface to become worn and may require polishing. Dust mopping the floor regularly can minimize the need for polishing and extend the life of the stone.

Sealing

Often overlooked as part of regular commercial stone maintenance NY, sealing is the key to extending the life and appearance of natural stone surfaces. Sealing prevents damage and wears from dirt, stains, chemicals, and other elements that can diminish the beauty of your commercial stone countertops, floors, patios, and more. A few different types of sealers are available, including topical (sealant that sits on top of the surface) and impregnators (sealants that penetrate the stone). Coaters are much cheaper than penetrating sealers, but they are not as durable. Penetrating stone sealers, or impregnators, are the best choice for natural stone. They essentially line the stone’s pores, preventing liquids from entering them. There are many different types of sealers, so choosing the one that is right for your stone’s needs is essential. Some sealers are water-based, while others are solvent based. If you are still determining which type of sealer is best for your project, consult a professional.

Dust Mopping

Dust mopping is essential to routine floor care to keep hard surfaces looking great and prevent grit from scratching or damaging the floors. It also helps to remove specks of dirt and dust that can contribute to allergens. Using a dust mop in high-traffic areas can help reduce the need for more thorough cleaning procedures, such as wet mopping or scrubber driers. They are instrumental in removing surface dirt and grit before they become embedded in the floor, requiring a deeper cleaning. If dust is mopping large areas, start at the doorway and work to the center. Occasionally, stop and shake out debris during long straight passes to keep it in front of the mop instead of loading up its strands. When sweeping aisles, make a broad turn at the end of each pass and overlap your path by 6 to 8 inches. This allows for easy pick-up of accumulated piles, which can be scattered by people walking through the aisle.

Polishing

Commercial stone surfaces are under a lot of abuse. From daily foot traffic to damage from abrasions and collisions, these materials need professional maintenance to keep them in good condition. In this process, abrasive materials polish a surface to achieve a mirror-like appearance. The process is typically wet and involves a pad containing abrasive particles. The abrasive is chosen according to the material’s grain size for this step. The polishing agent is then applied with a pad under a buffing machine. This is a vital part of regular stone maintenance because it helps repair worn areas, remove lippage, and restore the luster to your stone floors, walls, counters, and pillars. It also prevents unsightly scratches and cracks from developing and protects the stone from water marks and acidic substances.

Restoration

Stone surfaces, including marble, travertine, granite, limestone, slate, and other types of natural stone, can last for years if properly maintained. A professional cleaning can keep stone floors, countertops, walls, showers, and fountains looking clean and fresh. A regular maintenance schedule also ensures that the stone surface is protected from common contaminants like dirt, oils, salts, and other environmental pollutants that can dull its luster and shorten its lifespan. Sealers also help prevent water stains from being absorbed into the stone. Etching, caused by acidic substances, can damage the surface of a calcium-based stone such as marble or travertine. A qualified stone restoration contractor can apply a sealer to protect the surface from etching. It is also a good idea to apply sealers on accessible stone surfaces like steps, stairs, walkways, and fountains. These areas tend to get a lot of abuse from people walking in and out of the building.