CARING FOR MARBLE FLOORS
Marble is one of the most popular options in natural stone flooring solutions for residential and commercial settings. It has been treasured for centuries for its beautiful colours and distinctive veining. Marble floors are rarely replaced once installed, provided they are properly cared for and maintained.
Before
discussing the fundamentals of marble care, it is important to understand its
composition and formation. Marble is formed when a combination of rocks
undergoes metamorphosis due to extreme temperature and pressure within the
earth’s surface. It is primarily
composed of minerals such as calcite, dolomite, silica, and alumina. These minerals make marble a soft and porous
stone that is susceptible to scratches, stains, chipping, and cracking. In addition to a standard maintenance
programme, employing preventive measures significantly extends the life of
marble floors and reduces the risk of damage.
DAILY
CARE
To
avoid damage to the marble, the daily cleaning practice should adhere to the
following guidelines:
· Marble should only be cleaned with pH
neutral cleaning products. These
products are designed specifically for marble and other sensitive stones. Household cleaning chemicals are highly
acidic and cause the stone to discolour and appear dull.
·
When cleaning or scrubbing the marble
floor, remove any excess water and allow it to dry completely. Due to the porosity of the stone, moisture
can seep in and react with the minerals present in the stone. This impacts the structural integrity of
marble, resulting in fracture and efflorescence in addition to stains.
· Immediately clean any spills of any kind,
such as juice, coffee or oil, to prevent staining.
· Remove dirt and dust from the marble
surface to prevent scratches and dull appearance.
REGULAR
MAINTENANCE
Despite several safeguards and precautions, caring for and protecting
marble flooring, necessitates professional intervention. This is a specialized field that requires the
expertise of a natural stone specialist.
These experts are skilled in evaluating natural stones to identify flaws,
assess potential damage, and provide a solution.
Regular
marble maintenance includes sealing and polishing the stone on a regular basis. Sealing is an application of a chemical
compound to the stone that serves as a protective layer to prevent liquids and
other contaminants from permeating the marble. Sealants have also proved to enhance the life
span of marble by preserving it from environmental variables such as humidity,
temperature changes, and UV radiation, which can cause cracking and fading over
time.
To restore the marble’s sheen,
it must be polished. Marble polishing is
a technical and sophisticated process that requires in-depth knowledge of the
stone. The procedure involves grinding with specially formulated chemicals and
diamond grits. These are specially developed chemicals and polishing compounds
intended for use on delicate stones like marble. All marble surfaces, including the floor,
kitchen counters, countertops, tabletops, sinks, and even the marble scalding
and walls, must be polished.
A+ Touchstone
Services, a one-stop solution for all your natural stone-related issues, is a
Mumbai-based company with a nationwide presence. Write to us at info@aplustouchstoneservices.com with your queries or
visit us at https://www.aplustouchstoneservices.com
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