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.

Are you looking for a reliable natural stone restoration and maintenance company owned and operated in Northern Virginia? You might be wondering how to find the right folks for the job.

When hiring any professional service, it is important to dig below the surface before committing. Just like squeezing fruit in the supermarket to determine its ripeness, you want to ensure that you do not end up with anything rotten when purchasing any product or service.

A Localized Search Will Help Narrow Down Your List

The Internet is an excellent tool for consumers because it offers a wealth of knowledge and information at your fingertips. Because of this, however, it is essential to be ultra-specific when entering search terms into your preferred web search browser.

When searching for a reliable natural stone maintenance company in your area, including your location and the exact services you are searching for is crucial. This way, your search will exclude companies that do not provide the specific services you are hiring out for and will only include the businesses operating in your area.

Make Sure to See What Those Who Have Worked with the Company Have to Say

Today, customer reviews reign supreme. It is now easier than ever to get an accurate idea of the quality of work and level of customer satisfaction that a business provides. There are a few tricks when browsing customer reviews with a discerning eye.

One bad review does not indicate poor service, but if there are many bad customer reviews, this should be a huge red flag for you. Remember that if there is a small pool of reviews to consider, you may not have a good enough sampling of reviews to form a solid opinion.

Visit Company Websites and Look at Their Work

It is wise to comb the websites of the companies you are considering. Most companies will provide more detailed information about who they are and what they do on their websites. Often, a company will also showcase its portfolio of work and might even include testimonials from satisfied customers.

If you like what you see, chances are you will be happy with their services. A company’s lack of web presence and effort in creating an online presence could most definitely be considered a dealbreaker to many modern consumers.

Reliable Natural Stone Restoration Services in Northern Virginia 

Located in the Greater DC area? If you are searching for reliable natural stone maintenance professionals in your area, NOVA Stone Care has a sterling reputation for quality work and exceptional customer service.

Owned and operated in Northern Virginia, our stone care experts are skilled at working with a variety of stone materials. From dealing with etching and scratches to making big chips disappear, we pride ourselves on our quality of work and customer care and stand by that. Visit our website for a list of services, or call us for an estimate.

Discovering Travertine: A Guide to This Stunning Natural Stone. Travertine is a natural stone that has been used for building and architectural purposes for thousands of years. From ancient Roman structures to modern-day homes and commercial buildings, travertine has proven to be a durable and beautiful material. In this guide, we will explore the history and characteristics of travertine and its uses in construction and design.

What is Travertine?

Travertine is a type of limestone that is formed from the precipitation of calcium carbonate. It is commonly found near hot springs, where the mineral-rich water deposits the calcium carbonate on the surrounding rock formations. This results in a unique stone with unique veining patterns, holes, and ridges, making each piece of travertine completely unique.

History of Travertine

Travertine has been used for building and architectural purposes for thousands of years. The ancient Romans were known for using travertine for their monumental structures, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. These buildings have stood the test of time, showcasing the durability and longevity of travertine as a building material.

In modern times, travertine has become a popular choice for interior and exterior surfaces, including flooring, countertops, walls, and facades. Its unique veining patterns and textures add warmth and character to any space, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial buildings.

Characteristics of Travertine

Travertine is known for its unique texture, veining patterns, and holes, which are formed as the stone is deposited in layers. This creates a unique look that is not found in other natural stones. The colors of travertine range from light beige to rich, warm golden hues, making it a versatile material that can complement a variety of design styles.

Travertine is also known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. It is a strong and long-lasting material that can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas. Additionally, travertine is easy to maintain and can be polished or honed to restore its original shine.

Polished travertine floor

Uses of Travertine

Travertine is commonly used in construction and design for a variety of purposes. Some of the most popular uses include:

• Flooring – Travertine is a popular choice for flooring due to its durability and unique textures and patterns. It is a great option for high-traffic areas, such as entryways and kitchens.
• Countertops – Travertine is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops due to its beauty and durability. It is a great option for those who are looking for a natural stone surface that is both functional and attractive.
• Walls and Facades – Travertine can be used to add character and warmth to any space, making it a popular choice for walls and facades. Its natural beauty and durability make it a great option for both residential and commercial buildings.

Conclusion

Travertine is a beautiful and versatile natural stone that has been used for building and architectural purposes for thousands of years. Its unique texture, veining patterns, and durability make it a popular choice for a variety of construction and design projects. Whether you’re looking to add character to your home or create a stunning commercial building, travertine is a great option to consider. 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. 

Discovering Limestone: A Journey Through Time and Science. Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. It is a very versatile rock that has been used for thousands of years for a variety of purposes, including construction, agriculture, and industry. But where did this rock come from, and how did humans first discover it?

The History 

The story of limestone begins deep in the earth’s history, over hundreds of millions of years ago. Limestone is formed from the accumulation of shells, coral, and other organic material that has been compressed and cemented over time. This process takes place in shallow seas and oceans, where the calcium-rich sediment is deposited on the seafloor. Over time, the sediment becomes compacted and cemented together to form a rock.

The earliest known use of limestone dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, who used it as a building material for their pyramids and temples. Limestone was also used by the Greeks and Romans, who carved it into sculptures and used it for building construction. In the Middle Ages, limestone was used to build Gothic cathedrals and castles, and it remains a popular building material today.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that scientists began to understand the true nature of limestone and how it was formed. Geologists such as William Smith and James Hutton were some of the first to study the rock and understand its origins. They discovered that limestone was formed from the accumulation of sediment over millions of years and that it could provide valuable insights into the earth’s history.

Today, limestone is still widely used for construction, agriculture, and industry. It is also an important resource for geologists, who continue to study the rock to gain a better understanding of the earth’s history. Limestone has also been used as a source of lime, which is used in a variety of products, including mortar, cement, and sugar refining.

Tumbled Limestone Floors

Conclusion

Limestone is a fascinating rock that has played a significant role in human history and continues to be an important resource today. From its humble origins as sediment in ancient oceans, to its use in building some of the world’s most iconic structures, limestone has proven to be a versatile and enduring rock that continues to capture the imagination of scientists and the public alike. 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. 

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. 

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.