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CHARACTERISTICS OF LIMESTONE
Limestone tile is a beautiful, natural stone used in homes and businesses. It is installed not only on flooring but also in showers, countertops, backsplashes, and other decorative surfaces. Formed by accumulation of sediment, limestone is a sedimentary rock. It often contains shells, corals, and fossils from the sea. Limestone commonly forms in shallow marine waters and is made up of calcium carbonate, a common substance found in rocks. Since it is a calcium-based stone, limestone is sensitive to acidic products and can become dulled or etched by food, drink and certain cleaning products. Avoid any cleaning products that you would not use on your hands or are not specifically made for natural stone tile.
Limestone varies in hardness and comes in a variety of finishes, from tumbled to honed and polished. It usually comes in a honed finish and can be polished after installation for a higher shine. Limestone is more porous, softer, and sensitive to chemicals than granite. With its durability and ease of maintenance, limestone is exceptionally popular today in both residential and commercial installations.
Since limestone, marble and travertine are porous stones and sensitive to acidic products including food and drink, special care should be taken when these stones are installed as countertops. If needed, we are able to remove etches by mechanically polishing them out.
OUR PROFESSIONAL LIMESTONE CLEANING
Our process for cleaning limestone consists of using appropriate equipment and machinery, as well as hand washing the corners, edges and hard-to-reach areas. We use a combination of neutral pH cleaners and degreasers that are safe for your stone, your family and the environment.
Our process ensures the most thorough and detailed clean possible. Improper or aggressive cleaning can cause damage by opening the pores of the stone, making it more susceptible to staining from pet accidents, dirty mop water, spills, and grime/asphalt from shoe traffic. Our 18+ years of experience with limestone and knowledge of the stone itself will avoid these issues.
As with all of our work, our technicians move most furniture excluding breakable and smaller items. We pay close attention to detail and ensure there is no dust and no mess created. We are extremely careful not to cause any damage to adjacent surfaces such as walls, baseboards, cabinets, appliances and carpets.
OUR LIMESTONE SEALING PROCESS
Sealing limestone after a professional cleaning helps prevent staining and makes routine cleanings easier. Our process starts by applying a high quality penetrating sealant with a specialized applicator designed to work the seal into the pores of the stone. Once dry, and depending on the texture of the stone, we finish the limestone sealing process by buffing out the seal with a floor machine equipped with a soft brush or pad attachment.
There are several types of sealants on the market. Some of the sealants are not designed for limestone. For example, topical seals are not a good choice, due to poor adhesion, and will eventually peel, delaminate, scratch, and scuff. When we find this type of sealant on limestone, we have to remove it very carefully in order to restore the stone’s finish.
If you are not sure what type of sealant is on your stone, call Arizona Tile & Grout Care Inc. at 520-909-1413 for a free evaluation and estimate.
OUR LIMESTONE POLISHING PROCESS
If you want a high-polished shine or a more finished look on your limestone surface, we can polish your stone with our diamond polishing pads together with marble compound solutions. This process creates tighter pores in the stone, resulting in an outstanding reflection and beautiful shine.
OUR PROFESSIONAL LIMESTONE REPAIRS
There are different types of finishes in limestone including filled, unfilled, polished, and honed finishes. Whether it is flooring, showers or countertops, we repair holes, cracks and other blemishes. When it comes to the repair of limestone, we offer a variety of services.
Etch removal
Limestone is sensitive to acidic products, causing “dull” spots or marks known as etches. Food, drink, and certain cleaning agents will etch limestone. We use our stone polishing process to remove these etches and restore the stone’s finish.
Cracks in stone or grout
Limestone sometimes cracks or buckles with expansion and contraction of the substrate (surface underneath). This is usually caused by temperature change. Depending on the severity of the damage, we can repair it or arrange to replace the tile.
Contact us at 520-909-1413 to get a no-obligation evaluation on limestone tile cleaning, sealing and repair.
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR LIMESTONE FLOORS
Limestone should be maintained through frequent sweeping and mopping, using appropriate cleaners and fresh water. Be sure to change mop bucket water multiple times. This keeps the water clean and ensures the stone will continue to look great for years to come. Depending on traffic and usage, professional cleaning and sealing is recommended on average, every 3-5 years. When properly maintained and cared for, limestone will stay beautiful and functional for generations.
CONTACT US
Arizona Tile & Grout Care protects, restores and beautifies the floors and surfaces of people’s most important assets- their homes and businesses. We have specialized in tile, stone and grout restoration since 1998 with over 14,400 jobs completed. We have 5 Angie’s List Super Service Awards and no complaints with the Registrar of Contractors and the Better Business Bureau. We strive to maintain our stellar reputation. We want every customer to have a great experience with our service and feel good about recommending us to their family, friends and neighbors.
Contact us at 520-909-1413 to get a quote on Limestone tile cleaning, sealing and repair. We are happy to schedule an appointment to discuss your limestone needs and provide a free estimate.