The Process of Installing & Sealing Natural Stone

While re-sealing your natural stone flooring can count as do-it-yourself home maintenance, the initial installation and sealing is another story.

Installing Natural Stone

A talented amateur may be able to handle an inside job like installing tiling in a bathroom. But for outdoor natural stone projects such as fireplaces, floors, patios, stairways or walkways, you’ll benefit from the specialized expertise of an experienced pro. They should be able to:

  • Accurately estimate the natural stone and other materials you’ll need — minimizing costly material overages or inconvenient shortfalls
  • Prepare the site, which may include moving grass, shrubbery or even trees
  • Excavate the location and prepare the bedding for the natural stone, if necessary
  • Move large and extremely heavy natural stone slabs safely — and without breakage
  • Measure, cut, fit and grout your floor and stone tiling
  • Level your outdoor natural stone flooring, walkways and more
  • Adhere to plans so that your finished project looks like the approved design

Sealing Natural Stone

Inside, sealing stone tiles offers protection against moisture or staining. But, it’s important outdoors, too. And, not just on flat surfaces.

Stone on the outside of your house should still be sealed to help repel water. Why? Natural stone absorbs moisture. It’s constantly expanding and contracting depending upon the amount of water it soaks up. This expansion and contraction can stress the mortar joints over time. The result? Cracking or shifting of the joints.

As with installations, a do-it-yourselfer should be able to handle sealing on smaller, inside natural stone projects. Outside, rely on your natural stone contractor to take care of sealing at time of installation.

Re-Sealing Natural Stone

With high-quality sealers, the average application lasts three to five years. However, in high-traffic areas, you may need to reseal natural stone more often. One simple test? Put a drop of water on the stone. If it beads off, then your stone is sealed and does not need to be re-sealed at this time.

Specializing in exterior natural stone additions and repairs, Cirigliano Masonry serves home and business owners throughout the Pittsburgh area. From design to build and extending to your full satisfaction, rely on us for brick masonry, pointing and repair as well as indoor and outdoor fireplaces, stone masonry, stone wall repairs and more.  

Cleaning Natural Stone Do’s and Don’ts

There’s no denying the incredible beauty of natural stone. Of course, the fact that marble and other stone offers a unique look and delivers years of enjoyment adds to its attractiveness in the eye of many home and business owners!

Natural Stone StepsIt’s a popular material for fireplaces, floors, patios, stairways, walkways and other outdoor applications — which means it’s exposed to the elements, likely to receive a lot of traffic … and needs occasional cleaning to keep its beauty at its best.

The good news? For all the toughness associated with natural stone, it’s remarkably easy to clean and maintain! Some tips:

  • Do dust-mop stone floors or sweep regularly; sand and small stones can mar a good finish!
  • Do clean stone surfaces with stone soap or a mild detergent.
  • Do completely rinse with clean water after washing and dry stone surfaces.
  • Do blot up spills immediately; time enables them to sink in and become stains.
  • Don’t use cleaners that contain acids such as bathroom or grout cleaners or tub-and-tile products.
  • Don’t use abrasives such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers on natural stone.
  • Do use pH-neutral cleaners to remove mold and mildew. Conduct an internet search for the many commercial products available, or ask your natural stone contractor for a recommendation.
  • Do flush outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas with clear water and a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.
  • Don’t ever mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas!
  • Do use plain white vinegar or lemon juice (which are mild and natural cleaners) to remove hard water stains. Remove any stains regularly as the longer they are allowed to sit, the more difficult they are to remove. For older stains, larger areas or heavier concentrations, contact your natural stone contractor for help. And, be aware that stronger substances including acid can do much more harm than good!
  • Do apply a weather sealer and water repellent on your natural stone after cleaning, to help it last in the summer sun and the long winter snow and ice.

Natural Stone WallA final tip? Periodically inspect your exterior natural stone for structural defects, deterioration or staining — perhaps in the company of your natural stone contractor. With the right cleaning and care, you’ll enjoy your natural stone for years, if not decades, to come!

Specializing in exterior natural stone additions and repairs, Cirigliano Masonry serves home and business owners throughout the Pittsburgh area. From design to build and extending to your full satisfaction, rely on us for brick masonry, pointing and repair as well as indoor and outdoor fireplaces, stone masonry, stone wall repairs and more.