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    NOVA-Stone-Care-Marble-Restoration-Services

    Discovering Marble

    Discovering Marble: A Timeless Natural Stone. Marble is a metamorphic rock that has been prized for its beauty and versatility for thousands of years. Its unique characteristics and patterns make it one of the most sought-after materials for architectural design, sculptures, and everyday household items. The discovery of marble has played a significant role in shaping the art, architecture, and culture of civilizations throughout history.

    The History

    The earliest known use of marble dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans, who valued it for its beauty and durability. The Greeks used marble for sculptures and architectural elements. The Romans used it for building monumental structures such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon.

    The Creation Of Marble

    Marble is created when heat and pressure are applied to limestone, causing the minerals to recrystallize and form a new rock. This process can take millions of years, and the resulting stone is prized for its unique patterns and veining, as well as its durability. The different mineral compositions and impurities present in the original limestone result in a wide range of colors and patterns in the marble, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

    The Most Famous Examples

    One of the most famous examples of marble use is the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. The white marble used in the construction of this 17th-century mausoleum was brought from the nearby town of Makrana. The intricate carvings and inlaid precious stones add to its beauty.

    Marble has also been used for sculptures and other works of art for centuries. Michelangelo’s David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world, was carved from a single block of Carrara marble. Marble sculptures have been an important part of art history. It can be found in museums and galleries around the world. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, marble is also practical and durable. It is resistant to heat, moisture, and stains, making it a popular choice for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and flooring. It’s natural beauty and durability make it a timeless material that can add value and style to any home or building.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the discovery of marble has had a profound impact on the world. Shaping the art, architecture, and culture of civilizations throughout history. Its unique beauty, versatility, and durability make it a timeless material that continues to be prized and sought after. Whether used for monumental structures, works of art, or everyday household items, marble remains a popular choice for those looking to add beauty and durability to their homes and lives. To find out more about natural stone industry, visit Natural Stone Institute website. Check out our project gallery section for more info and pictures. 

    We breathe life into your stone. 

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    NOVA-Stone-Care-Granite-Restoration-Services

    Discovering Granite

    The Beauty and Versatility of this Natural Stone

    Discovering granite. Granite is a natural stone that has been prized for its beauty and durability for thousands of years. It is formed from molten magma that has cooled and solidified deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Over time, the natural forces of heat and pressure cause the minerals within the magma to separate and form large, visible crystals. This gives granite its characteristic speckled appearance and makes each piece unique.

    Granite has a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest natural stones available. This makes it ideal for use in a variety of applications, including countertops, flooring, and wall cladding. The high density of granite also gives it excellent resistance to scratches, chips, and cracks. Making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas in the home.

    In addition to its practical qualities, granite is also aesthetically pleasing. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Starting from classic black and white to vibrant shades of red, blue, and green. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern look or a classic, timeless feel, there is a granite option that will suit your needs.

    Maintenance

    One of the best things about granite is that it is easy to maintain. Unlike some other natural stones, it is resistant to staining and etching, so you can enjoy its beauty without worrying about the upkeep. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals, and your granite will look beautiful for years to come.

    If you’re thinking about incorporating granite into your home, there are a few things to consider. First, it is a heavy material, so it is important to make sure your surfaces are strong enough to support it. Additionally, because granite is a natural stone, each piece is unique, so it is important to select your granite in person to ensure you are getting the right color and pattern for your space.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, granite is a natural stone that offers a winning combination of beauty and practicality. Its durability, resistance to scratches, and easy maintenance make it an excellent choice for a variety of applications in the home. Whether you’re looking for a sleek and modern look or a classic, timeless feel, there is a granite option that will suit your needs. To find out more about natural stone industry, visit Natural Stone Institute website. Check out our project gallery section for more info and pictures. We breathe life into your stone. 

     

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    marble cleaning and sealing

    3 Reasons to Use Marble Cleaning and Sealing Services

    Marble is a popular material for countertops in both the kitchen and the bathrooms in homes across America. If you are a homeowner that splurged on marble counters, you know that the stone is expensive. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of marble (slab) countertops is around $60 per square foot. So you might want to consider whether to replace or refinish these surfaces.

    The cost of marble countertop materials can range based on the type of marble that you are sourcing for the counters and the size of the surface area. Pink marble can cost $25 per square foot while Calacatta can be upwards of $180 a square foot. This is all before the installation cost (labor costs). You are probably more familiar with the installation costs than if they were already factored into the cost of the property.

    Why Consider Hiring Out for Marble Cleaning and Sealing

    Caring for your marble countertops ensures their longevity. Not only will the stone keep its luster and shine, but marble restoration professionals can also repair cracks and chips as well as refinishing (they can do this for marble flooring as well!).

    Beyond normal wear from use, cleaning products that are too acidic (i.e.: vinegar) can erode your marble surfaces. So, if you are seeing dulling or discoloration, it is likely that you are damaging your marble with caustic cleaning chemicals. Luckily, this is something that professional marble cleaning services can restore for you.

    Why Reseal Your Marble Surfaces?

    Marble is calcium-based, making it quite soft and porous. For this reason, marble can absorb liquids. This can lead to unsightly staining of these surfaces. To minimize damage to the stone, the surfaces should be properly sealed.

    HomeAdvisor recommends re-sealing marble surfaces annually in your kitchen or bath (depending on traffic and use) and other surfaces like floors every other year. Some feel that you should re-seal the kitchen countertops every six months if use is high. Consult the experts before you make a decision, but generally there are two types of sealers—water based and solvent based.

    Looking for Marble and Cleaning Services in the D.C. Area

    If you are looking for a reputable stone restoration company for marble cleaning and other stone care related surfaces in the Greater D.C. area and Northern Virginia, NOVA Stone Care is locally owned and operated and our stone care technicians specialize in restoring all-types of natural stone—including marble.

    With a reputation for quality work and customer service, we are committed to quality care. Visit our website to learn more about who we are and what we do.

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    countertop restoration

    Marble and Granite Countertop Restoration 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?

    granite countertop

    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.

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    NOVA-Stone-Care-Blog-Post-Natural Stone Damage-Efflorescence

    Natural Stone Damage: Efflorescence

    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.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Blog-Post-Natural Stone Damage-Efflorescence

    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.

    NOVA-Stone-Care-Blog-Post-Natural Stone Damage-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.

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    NOVA-Stone-Care-Natural-Stone-Restoration-Services-rotated

    A Comprehensive Guide to Natural Stone Maintenance and Restoration

    If you have marble or granite countertops, floors, or fixtures in your home, you may have noticed these natural stones can crack, chip, dull, and start to unseal over time. But how can you get those surfaces looking like new and back to their previous luster? In this guide, we will cover natural stone maintenance and restoration practices that will help you restore the stone in your home to its original glory. 

     

    Cleaning Stone Tiles, Counters, and Other Fixtures


    In terms of basic maintenance of the natural stone in your home, this is something you can do to keep your stone countertops and floors looking good. What most folks do not realize is that natural stone can be damaged by everyday cleaning solutions and the tools that we commonly use to clean floors and countertops in our homes.

    Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals on your stone floors and countertops and do not use cleaning tools—mops, sponges, rags, etc. that may have color dyes that can transfer and embed into natural stone. And it goes without saying but we are going to say it anyway—no steel wool or abrasive materials that could seriously scratch and scuff things up.

     

    What to Use Instead: pH Neutral Cleaning Products


    It is recommended that you clean natural stone surfaces with pH neutral cleaning solutions. Not only is it best to avoid using bleach on these surfaces, but you should also avoid using vinegar-based products as well? Why? These cleaners are high in acidity and too harsh. Using these cleaners can damage and weaken the stone.

     

    Repairing the Damage After its Done


    If your floors are already scratched and your countertops are looking rough, DIY solutions may seem like an innovative idea. However, you can do more damage than good trying to tackle that project and doing it improperly. Professionals working at natural stone maintenance and restoration companies have years of experience in crack and chip repair, countertop resealing, shower restoration, and polishing.

    A word of caution with your natural stone countertops. Because natural stone is porous, it is very important to maintain the sealing on your kitchen surfaces. Why? Because bacteria can embed itself on these surfaces and lie-in-wait. This can pose health concerns and put you and your family at-risk.

     

    Looking for a Natural Stone Care Maintenance Company in Northern Virginia?


    If you are looking for a reputable company to breathe life back into the natural stone surfaces in your home, NOVA Stone Care is owned and operated in Northern Virginia. With a reputation for excellent customer service and an expertise in the restoration of marble, granite, limestone, travertine, and other types of stones, our stone technicians have the experience to get the job done right. Interested in learning more? Visit our website for a list of our services and check out our portfolio of work, which speaks for itself. 

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    NOVA-Stone-Care-Natural-Stone-Restoration-Services

    The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Natural Stone Restoration Company

    stone restoration countertop - company

    If you have a lot of natural stone incorporated in your home décor, you may have noticed that its luster has faded over time. Wear over time can dull your natural stone surfaces and chips and cracks can form as well.

    Fortunately, there are professionals out there who specialize in restoring natural stone and getting it back to new. Start with a Localized Search

    With the internet in the palm of your hand, finding the services that you need has never been easier. The aggregate websites like Yelp have done all the heavy lifting. However, it is important to be specific when it comes to your keyword choices when searching for services in your area.

    If you are looking for granite restoration professionals in the Greater DC area, include your location in your search. This will help narrow down your search to local businesses that serve your area.

    Get Specific About the Services You are Searching

    Maybe you are looking for someone to reseal your granite countertops or need the chips and cracks worked out of some marble. Whatever service you are searching for, you should make sure to include these specifics among your keywords.

    Why? Because not every stone care company out there specializes in the same work. If you have multiple stone care needs, you will want to find a company that can manage everything so that you do not end up piecemealing services.

    Visit Natural Stone Restoration Company Websites

    Once you have identified a list of local stone care companies that provide the services that you are looking for, it is a smart idea to visit company websites. Business websites often include things like a portfolio of work, a breakdown of services, customer testimonials, and more. You will also get an idea of who they are and what they do and be able to better determine whether collaborating with them will be a good fit or not.

    Read the Customer Reviews

    It is also a great idea to see what other customers have to say about the quality of work a company provides. Browsing through customer reviews is a fantastic way to get a sense of the level of customer service a company provides as well as find out if people were happy with the work. Looking to have the natural stone in your home restored?  From shower restoration to floor polishing and everything in between, We at NOVA Stone Care have the expertise to get the job done right. Locally owned and operated in the Greater DC area, our stone care experts are ready to tackle your project. Interested in learning more? Visit our website and contact us for a quote.

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    NOVA_Stone_Care_Travertine_Floor_Restoration

    Travertine Floor Polishing Service: DIY vs Professional Services

    travertine Floor

    Travertine Floor Polishing Service: DIY vs Professional Services. If the flooring in your home has been looking like it has lost its luster, you might be thinking about ways you can breathe a little more life into them and get them looking like new again. Maybe you consider yourself savvy when it comes to DIY hacks and think you’ve found the perfect YouTube DIY floor polishing video that recommends a particular brand of lemon-based cleaner (spoiler alert – this is how you get ants!).

    So, do you tackle that DIY home floor polishing project armed with Home Depot equipment rentals and pull up your bootstraps. On one hand, scoring those type of points with your significant other can be priceless but on the other, a botched DIY floor polishing project will end up costing you more than hiring a professional to do the job.

    1. DIY Hacks: Expectation vs. Reality

    Insert every classic expectation vs. reality meme here. The best way to illustrate this point is with a good analogy. If you’re an adult over thirty and have no idea who Bob Ross is, then you need to go watch some PBS reruns because this reference will go right over your head (and honestly, your life is a little emptier without ever having experienced ‘The Joy of Painting’).

    The show featured artist Bob Ross narrating painting techniques as he would create beautiful landscape art in an instructional fashion. The idea was for the audience to gain skills and (while most of us didn’t) join in painting along. A simple Google search of Bob Ross painting attempts will yield a slew of results. While admittedly, there are folks that shine in the world of amateur painters…most folks do not walk away with a masterpiece or a painting that looks like it was done by a skilled professional.

    2. You Could End Up Damaging the Stone

    There are many mistakes that can be made by amateurs who rent diamond cut (this is a big no-no!) polishing equipment and think that they have the skills and knowledge to get the job done and save the cost of hiring an expert. However, there are a number of ways that you can jack up your floors.

    From over-polishing that results in overly slippery hazardous surfaces to a job that actually weakens the seals (granite and other stone surfaces are porous). It is easy to misstep when you aren’t a professional. Unfortunately, these types of missteps can cost you more money than you would have spent for a simple polishing job—especially if you need to do any resealing.

    3. Looking for Floor Polishing Services in Northern Virginia?

    If you’re searching for a good floor polishing service in the Greater Fairfax or DC area? Consider hiring NOVA Stone Care for travertine polishing and sealing. Hiring a professional to polish your floors for you will ensure that the job is done right the first time.

    The experts at NOVA Stone Care can handle your travertine floor polishing service. Locally owned and operated, we’ll get your floors looking new with little fuss. Interested in learning more about who we are and what we do. Visit our website.

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    chip and crack repair

    Benefits of Using Chip and Crack Repair Services

    NOVA Stone Care Chip Repair On the Granite Countertop

     

    Benefits of using chip and crack repair services. Do you have marble or granite countertops in your bathroom or kitchen that over time, have seen their share of use? It is natural for stone to lose the luster it had when you first moved in and before the countertops had years of use.

     

    Fortunately, restoring your stone countertops to their original glory isn’t an improbable feat. Natural stone is easily workable due to its porous nature. But what are the benefits of hiring professional stone chip and crack repair services and is it worth it?

     

    Is Contracting Chip and Crack Repair Services Worth It? 

     

    The short answer is yes, hiring professionals to repair the chips and cracks in your stone countertops and any other stone surfaces you want buffed out within your home is worth it. From countertop refinishing to shower restoration, a good stone care expert can get marble or granite surfaces looking like new.

     

    From a cost perspective, hiring a chip and crack repair specialist is totally worth it because the alternative is full installation of new stone or gutting it out completely for a complete remodel with new materials. Unless you’re a maverick or specialize in home renovation or construction in general, major home renovation projects usually involve hiring out for a contractor and cause some amount of disruption at home.

     

    But are the Savings Significant?

     

    Sourcing natural stone is not cheap (marble and granite work is usually quite pricey unless you have an inside deal), it doesn’t take a bunch of complicated math to add up the fact that hiring professionals to repair rather than replace your home’s stone surfaces is more cost effective and will save you a pretty penny in the long run.

     

    Why Should You Care About Chips and Cracks in Countertop Surfaces?

     

    A good stone worker will be able to easily color match and spot buff stone surfaces in over to fix any cracks, fractures or chips that have compromised the stone surfaces in your home. While there are some aesthetic reasons for repairing your granite or marble countertops (and other stone surfaces in your home), there is also some concern around health considerations in your kitchen.

     

    As mentioned above, natural stone materials are quite porous. When scratches and later bigger cracks and chips begin to form on stone kitchen countertops, they can become hotbeds for bacteria. You can probably guess why this is problematic for an area where the food your family consumes is prepped and cooked. In fact, granite and marble countertops need to be sealed properly to prevent foods and liquids from compromising more weathered countertops. 

     

    Looking for Chip Repair Services Near You?

     

    If you’re in search of expert stone care professionals in Northern Virginia and the Greater DC area, NOVA Stone Care is based out of Northern Virginia. Our stone care professionals can help you breathe new life into the stone surfaces in your home. Our chip and crack repair services are next level—interested in learning more? Give us a call, and we’ll answer any questions you may have.

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    NOVA Stone Care Slate Floor Restoration

    Stripping, Cleaning and Sealing Slate Floors

    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.

    NOVA Stone Care Slate Floor Restoration

    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.

    NOVA Stone Care Slate Floor Restoration

    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.

    NOVA Stone Care Slate Floor Restoration

    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.

    NOVA Stone Care Slate Floor Restoration

    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.

    NOVA Stone Care Slate Floor Restoration

    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.

    NOVA Stone Care Slate Floor Restoration

    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.

     

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