Any exterior
surface needs maintenance and cleaning periodically. Harsh Rocky Mountain
winters leave grime and debris that can dull the finish of any stone or painted
surface. And, like anything else, regular preventative maintenance and cleaning
will preserve that like-new appearance and lengthen the life of the exterior.
Natural stone
veneers are certainly tough and long-lasting. In
order to keep the exterior surfaces from appearing dull and worn, a
regular maintenance program is an important process.
Regular Maintenance
Natural
or manufactured stone veneer is usually applied to the exterior of a home or building to
impart a more elegant and natural look. Whether the veneer completely covers
the structure or is a prominent decorative feature with columns or wainscoting,
keeping the stone clean and free of matter that can stain or degrade the product
is essential. A dull appearance will noticeably reduce
the overall visual impact of the veneer.
Setting up a
simple, regular program of inspecting, cleaning, de-icing, and sealing the
exterior veneer will retain the highlights and the impressive features that
were intended.
Cleaning
Over the
harsh winters and even during other seasons, the stone veneers will collect grime
and soot. A close-up inspection can reveal what might not be obvious from a
distance. But neglecting to clean the veneer will, over time, degrade the
appearance and reduce the best features of the stone material. The longer the
dirt remains, the more difficult the cleaning process becomes.
If the
accumulation is not severe, the surface should
should be cleaned with a whisk broom or
soft brush and scrubbed with water only.
Efflorescence Removal
Because the
stone is a veneer, water moving through the material to the exterior surface
can cause the presence of “efflorescence” or a white chalky substance that
results from the presence of underlying salts and minerals. Without using harsh
methods, the white material should be gently removed by using a solution of 25%
vinegar with water and gently scrubbing the surface with a soft brush.
De-Icing
In the Rocky
Moungtain States, ice buildup can be a common occurrence. Manufactured stone
veneer should not be exposed to harsh chemicals to remove accumulated ice. Salts
and other products can negatively affect the veneers, so using only products
that are designed for use on lightweight concrete products are acceptable.
Sealing the Stone Veneer
Before sealing the cleaned and de-iced stone veneers, owners should be careful in
choosing which sealants to use. Only
breathable, water-based sealers should be used since many products can dull the
finish of the veneer. Check with ProCoat for questions about sealants for stone
veneers.
Contact ProCoat Systems
For
information about maintaining and sealing natural and cultured stone veneers,
contact the experts at ProCoat Systems at 303.322.9009.
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