Ahjar Sinai

Limestone looks beautiful and is very durable when properly protected and maintained. Limestone (including travertine and marble) is more porous than slate and some other stone, due to this high porosity; it is more susceptible to the absorption of water, oils, grease and dirt. With proper initial installation and sealing, and an ongoing care and maintenance programme, the natural beauty of all stone will endure for generations. All sealing and maintenance products should be initially tested on an inconspicuous area of the installation to assure suitability with the stone, grout, etc.

Natural stone tiles must be installed by a qualified tile setter or stone mason with experience in setting limestones, marbles and slates. Since these are natural products, it is essential that the client and the installer use appropriate materials, regarding the tile and the setting materials, for the specific use, material and application conditions.

Since each stone is essentially unique with respect to colour, veining, structure, etc., any samples that are submitted are intended to be merely suggestive of the final product. Variations in the colour and structure of the material are due to nature.

Although all are our materials are grouped and named by colour, finish, size, number of pieces; often the range of colour and figuring of a particular product will be somewhat broad. Since tiles are cut from blocks, the colour/veining may be consistent within one crate but vary from crate to crate. Prior to beginning an installation, it is recommended that tiles be selected from several boxes or crates or from different locations within a crate so that the range can be seen. Mix the tiles to obtain the desired effect. Continue to take tiles from the various boxes or crates throughout the job to obtain the desired overall, uniform effect.

Most natural stones are either directional (with the grain running in one direction across the tile), figured (with veins and markings running in swirls or a number of directions), or multi-coloured (with sometimes subtle and sometimes dramatic colour variations). Directional tiles may be laid end-to-end. Figured and multi-coloured stones should be arranged like an abstract painting, with the owner, designer an installer rearranging the individual tiles, in a sample area, until the desired effect is obtained.

Stone must be dry and free of contaminants, including previously applied sealers, dirt and grout residue before proceeding with the sealing process. Remove all existing solvent-based floor coatings and/or waxes with a floor stripper to return the stone to its natural finish. Proceed with the sealing as per a new installation.

Although this type of stone surface will not show wear as readily as other materials, it should be kept as clean as possible. Any grit on the surface will tend to scratch and break down the surface pores of the stone faster and hence cause the installation to require more frequent resealing. Whenever possible, light sweeping or vacuuming should be undertaken rather than wet mopping since mopping will tend to leave a residue on the surface.

When sweeping will not clean the surface then light damp mopping will be required. Light cleaning should be carried out using a mild, non-oil based, neutral detergent and a clean mop. Rinse the mop frequently. Rinse the area with clean water and a thoroughly wrung-out mop after cleaning to eliminate any streaks or residue buildup on the surface. If mop marks or water spots are left on the surface, these may be buffed out using a dry, clean, white floor pad on a floor machine. This pad should only be used for the stone floor areas and only buff those areas affected.

In addition, any acid-based foreign material (wine, orange juice, etc.), if allowed to sit on limestone/marble for a prolonged period, may slightly etch the surface. This will be less noticeable on honed, saw cut or textured materials than on polished and can be repaired using a fine grit of emery paper and water to bring back the original look. Ensure that the area is then resealed.

Depending upon the amount and type of use (residential, commercial, etc.) and the frequency and type of maintenance carried out, all stone surfaces must be resealed periodically. Most commercial installations should be resealed every 1 to 3 years and lighter or residential uses every 3 to 5 years. One indicator that resealing is required is if the installation begins to absorb water or stains. Strip off all existing surface sealers or enhancers, clean any specific stain areas and reseal as per a new installation.

Occasionally a stone may require repair or replacement due to site conditions, installation problems or a hidden fault in the stone. Removal and replacement can be carried out with particular care being taken to match the existing grout and to thoroughly seal the repair after installation.