Seasonal Stone Care Tips: Keep Your Stone Surfaces Looking Their Best Year-Round

Stone surfaces like marble, granite, and quartzite add elegance and durability to any home, but they require proper care to maintain their beauty. As the seasons change, so do the needs of your stone surfaces. At NOVA Stone Care, we understand the importance of protecting and preserving your investment. Here are some seasonal stone care tips to help you keep your stone surfaces looking their best throughout the year.

Spring: Refresh and Renew

1. Deep Clean:
Spring is the perfect time for a thorough cleaning. Dust, grime, and moisture can accumulate on stone surfaces during the winter months. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner to remove any dirt and restore the natural shine of your stone. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface.

2. Inspect for Damage:
Winter weather can take a toll on stone surfaces, especially if they are exposed to the elements. Check for any cracks, chips, or stains that may have developed over the winter. If you notice any damage, it’s best to address it promptly to prevent further deterioration.

3. Reseal:
Spring is an excellent time to reseal your stone surfaces. Sealing helps protect the stone from stains, moisture, and other environmental factors. Depending on the type of stone, sealing may be needed every 6 to 12 months. NOVA Stone Care offers professional sealing services to ensure your stone surfaces are well-protected.

Summer: Protect and Maintain

1. Prevent Sun Damage:
Direct sunlight can cause some types of stone to fade or discolor. If your stone surfaces are exposed to sunlight, consider using window coverings or UV-protective films to minimize the impact. Regularly check for any signs of fading and take action if necessary.

2. Manage Outdoor Surfaces:
If you have outdoor stone surfaces like patios or walkways, summer is the time to pay extra attention to them. Sweep regularly to remove debris and prevent scratches. If the surface gets wet, make sure to dry it to avoid water stains or mold growth.

3. Be Mindful of Spills:
Summer gatherings can lead to more spills on your stone surfaces. Whether it’s a splash of lemonade or a drop of barbecue sauce, clean spills immediately to prevent staining. Use a soft cloth and a gentle cleaner to blot, not rub, the spill away.

Fall: Prepare for Cooler Weather

1. Clear and Clean:
As leaves start to fall, make sure to keep your outdoor stone surfaces clear. Leaves and other organic matter can stain stone if left to decompose on the surface. A quick sweep every few days will prevent buildup.

2. Check Seals and Edges:
Before the colder months set in, inspect the seals around your stone surfaces. Cold weather can cause seals to contract and crack, leading to moisture penetration. Ensure that the edges of countertops, especially around sinks and bathrooms, are well-sealed.

3. Address Stains:
Fall is a great time to tackle any lingering stains before the holiday season begins. Whether it’s an oil stain in the kitchen or a water mark in the bathroom, NOVA Stone Care can help you remove stubborn stains and restore your stone to its original beauty.

Winter: Protect and Preserve

1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
During winter, it’s tempting to use de-icers or harsh chemicals on stone surfaces to combat ice and snow. However, these can damage the stone. Instead, use a plastic shovel to remove snow and ice, and consider using sand or kitty litter for traction.

2. Monitor Moisture Levels:
Indoor stone surfaces can be affected by the dry indoor air of winter. Use a humidifier to maintain a balanced moisture level, which will help prevent the stone from drying out and cracking.

3. Schedule Professional Maintenance:
Winter is an ideal time to schedule professional stone maintenance. NOVA Stone Care offers a range of services, including polishing, honing, and restoration, to keep your stone surfaces in top condition throughout the colder months.

Year-Round Care: Trust the Experts at NOVA Stone Care

No matter the season, proper care is essential to preserving the beauty and longevity of your stone surfaces. At NOVA Stone Care, we dedicate ourselves to providing expert care and maintenance services tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need routine cleaning, sealing, or more extensive restoration, our team is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and we’ll ensure your stone surfaces receive top care year-round.. With NOVA Stone Care, your stone surfaces will continue to enhance your home’s elegance for years to come.

Are you looking for a Natural stone restoration services in Northern Virginia? NOVA Stone Care has you covered. Our experienced team of expert stone workers has the know-how and skills to revive your weathered surfaces. Visit our website to learn more about who we are and what we can do for you.

Marble is a natural stone that is a popular choice for flooring and counters in homes for many reasons. Not only is marble a natural insulator that radiates with proper lighting, but it is also durable and easily maintained. 

The nature of the stone itself lends to its ability to withstand the test of time. Remarkably, marble floors can be sealed with specialized sealer for stain and water resistance. Caring for your marble floors properly will help them keep looking new.

Marble Floor Polishing

Marble is a porous, soft stone vulnerable to etching (The etch mark is a surface damage in the form of a dull mark on natural stone that contains calcium carbonate) and scratching. For this reason, it is important to maintain the integrity of the marble flooring in your home with a little tender loving care.

Luckily, it is easy for professionals with experience working with natural stone to work out any scuffs and imperfections on your marble surfaces. These experts are trained in different techniques to address the level of wear these surfaces may have seen.

How Often Should You Hire Out for Marble Polishing Services

It is recommended that marble flooring be polished professionally every year or once every two years. Why? Doing so regularly will ensure that the marble retains its luster and shines like it did the day the floor was laid down.

A regular cleaning schedule will prevent the buildup of dirt and other particulate matter. This range is because marble floor maintenance is contingent on factors like use and traffic. This can vary from household to household.

Basic Care and Quick Tips

Some basic care tips to help you maintain your marble floor is a smart move. Be sure to avoid using abrasive cleaning material—caustic household cleaners like bleach and anything with citric acid or vinegar should be avoided.

You will also want to avoid using harsh cleaning tools like steel wool, straw brooms, etc., as these can do more harm than good. Address any spills immediately and remove shoes that might track in dirt and other materials when you enter the home.

Marble Floor Polishing Services in Northern Virginia and the Greater DC Area

NOVA Stone Care has got you covered. We specialize in natural stone; our skilled experts can get that luster and sparkle back for you. I you are interested in learning more, Visit our website and check out our portfolio of work and list of services.

Does your home have granite or marble countertops in the kitchen or bathroom? If so, you may notice that over time, these surfaces tend to lose their former luster. That is because natural stone wears over time—whether chipping or scratching when abraded.

Countertop restoration and maintenance is especially important for kitchen surfaces since the porous nature of rock can allow for bacteria and other harmful contaminants as an avenue for harm. Fortunately, there are professionals who specialize in working with marble and granite countertops and resealing them for you if needed.

Why Hire Out for Countertop Restoration?

DIY solutions are often one of those things that seem like a promising idea at the time. Any professional would advise against it—especially in the kitchen where there are health considerations surrounding food and the well-being of your family. Choosing to restore your countertops is not a simple undertaking.These things can be complicated, and granite and marble materials are expensive. Buffing out deep scratches might not be as simple of a process as one might hope. Botching a DIY job on your stone countertops could end up costing you more if professionals need to be called in to restore or completely replace your countertop surfaces.

Finding a Good Granite or Marble Countertop Restoration Specialist

If you are looking for granite and marble countertop restoration, you will want to have some confidence in the professionals that you choose to work with. You will also want to make sure that the companies you are considering have a good history of providing quality services—both in caliber of work and customer service.

It is a clever idea to put some time into researching your local options before committing. Here are some tips to help guide the process of finding the right marble or granite countertop restoration specialists to work with.

Looking for a Stone Repair Specialist in the Great DC Area?

If you are searching for natural stone countertop restoration services in the Greater DC area, the specialists at NOVA Stone Care have you covered. We specialize in natural stone, and our team of professionals are experts at what they do.

Interested in learning more? Visit our website to see who we are and check out our portfolio of work and list of services.

What is Efflorescence

Natural Stone Damage: Efflorescence: Efflorescence is a common issue that can occur with natural stone surfaces, such as marble, granite, travertine and limestone. It. appears as a white, powdery substance on the surface of the stone and can be unsightly and difficult to remove. Efflorescence is caused by the presence of water-soluble salts in the stone, which are brought to the surface through the process of evaporation. The water evaporates, leaving behind the salt crystals, which form the white, powdery substance.

What you can do

There are several ways to prevent efflorescence from occurring in natural stone surfaces. One of the most effective ways is to have a company like NOVA Stone Care seal the stone for you, as this will prevent water from penetrating the surface and causing the salts to rise to the surface. Additionally, it is important to clean up any spills or stains as soon as they occur, as these can also contribute to the formation of efflorescence.

If efflorescence does occur, it is important to call a professional company like NOVA Stone Care. NOVA Stone Care professionals will remove it as soon as possible and prevent it from becoming ingrained in the stone. There are several ways to remove efflorescence, including using specialized efflorescence remover.

Efflorescence is a common issue that occurs with natural stone surfaces. However, we at NOVA Stone Care can  prevent or remove it with proper care and maintenance that we offer. Our experts in natural floor restoration services have the knowledge, tools, and experience to properly care for your stone surfaces. Check out our blog section for more helpful tips. Natural Stone Damage: Efflorescence.

Stripping, cleaning, and sealing slate floors is a process that can breathe new life into an old or tired floor. The process involves removing any existing sealer or wax, cleaning the slate to remove dirt and grime, and then applying a new sealer to protect the slate and enhance its natural beauty.

Before starting the process, it’s important to assess the condition of the slate floor. If it is heavily worn or damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced before proceeding. If the floor is in good condition, then the stripping, cleaning, and sealing process can begin.

Stripping slate floors

To strip the floor, a chemical stripper is applied to the surface of the slate. The stripper is left on the floor for a specific period of time, usually around 20 minutes, before being scrubbed off with a stiff brush. This process removes any existing sealer or wax from the slate.

Cleaning slate floors

Next, the slate is cleaned to remove dirt and grime. A neutral pH cleaner is typically used for this step, as it is gentle on the slate but still effective at removing dirt and stains. The cleaner is applied to the floor and scrubbed in with a stiff brush before being rinsed off with water.

Sealing slate floors

After the slate is clean and dry, a new sealer is applied. This step is important as it helps to protect the slate from future stains and damage. The sealer is typically a water-based product that is easy to apply and dries quickly.

The stripped, cleaned, and sealed floor will have a brighter, more uniform color and a natural shine. The sealer also protects the slate from future stains and damage, making it easier to maintain and keep looking like new.

Overall, stripping, cleaning, and sealing slate floors is a great way to rejuvenate an old or tired floor. It not only improves the appearance of the floor but also extends its lifespan by protecting it from future damage. Our experts in natural floor polishing services have the knowledge, tools, and experience to properly care for your stone surfaces. Check out our blog section for more helpful tips.

Tumbled travertine deep cleaning and sealing

Tumbled travertine is a popular natural stone that is often used for flooring, countertops, and other surfaces in homes and businesses. It is known for its unique, textured appearance and durability. However,  it does require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking its best.

Tumbled Travertine Deep cleaning

Deep cleaning tumbled travertine involves removing any dirt, grime, and stains that have accumulated on the surface. NOVA Stone Care specializes in this type of restoration. After we clean the surface thoroughly, we rinse it off with clean water and dry it completely to prevent water spots from forming. Refinishing tumbled travertine involves restoring the surface to its original shine and smoothness. This can be done by honing, polishing and sealing the stone.

Work in progress

Tumbled Travertine Honing, Polishing And Sealing

Honing is a process that removes small surface imperfections and light scratches. Polishing is the process of smoothing the surface with increasingly finer diamond abrasives until it reaches a desired finish. Sealing is the process of applying a protective barrier to the stone surface to protect it from stains and damage.

Before and after results

It’s important to note that tumbled travertine requires more maintenance than other types of natural stones because of its porous nature. Tumbled travertine deep cleaning and sealing should be a part of your regular maintenance plan. We at NOVA Stone Care offer full restoration and maintenance plans.

Before and after results

Conclusion

As a general rule, it’s best to hire a professional company like NOVA Stone Care to deep clean and refinish tumbled travertine to ensure the best results. Our experts in natural floor polishing services have the knowledge, tools, and experience to properly care for your stone surfaces. Check out our blog section for more helpful tips.

Deep cleaned and restored tumbled travertine flooring

“Should I replace or refinish my stone flooring?” is a common question we hear from our customers. When it comes to stone flooring, homeowners often have the choice to either replace or refinish their existing floors. Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to do research on floor polishing services when considering which option is best for your specific situation. 

Replacing your stone flooring is a good option if your floors are severely damaged or worn. Additionally, if your floors have been installed improperly or are showing signs of settling or shifting replacement may be necessary. It would ensure the stability and safety of your floors.

Before and after results of marble floor restoration and etch removal

On the other hand, refinishing your stone flooring is a good option if your floors are in good condition but simply need a facelift. Even if your floors are chipped, or have deep scratches, refinishing still may be the best choice. Refinishing involves honing, polishing and resealing the stone. This process can remove scratches and stains, and bring back the original shine and luster of the stone. This option is also a more cost-effective alternative to replacement, as it does not require the removal and disposal of existing flooring. 

Before and after results of tumbled travertine restoration

When deciding whether to replace or refinish your stone flooring, it is important to consult with a professional stone restoration company like NOVA Stone Care. Our technicians will assess the condition of your floors free of charge. We’ll provide you with a recommendation based on our expertise and experience.

Conclusion

The decision to replace or refinish your stone flooring will depend on the condition of your floors, the type of stone, and your personal preferences. NOVA Stone Care experts can help you make the best decision for your specific situation. 

Looking for a marble floor restoration services in Northern Virginia? NOVA Stone Care has you covered. Visit the company website to learn more. Also, check out our blog section for more helpful articles and tips.