How to Clean and Maintain Natural Stone Veneer

Natural stone veneer is a popular solution for new home construction and remodeling projects. Drive through any newly developed neighborhood and natural stone claddings are featured on the exterior of ost homes. Stone projects permanence and class.

Inside, as well, natural stone is the cladding of choice for family rooms and fireplaces, accent walls, and even bathrooms. Back outside, family entertainment areas and patios feature stone fireplaces, walls, walkways, and seating areas, made from natural stone.

While we think of stone as eternal, even natural stone veneer products accumulate dirt and grime, particularly on outside surfaces, and benefit from periodic cleaning.

What are Natural Stone Veneers?

Natural stone veneers are produced from real quarried stone and cut into thin easy-to-apply veneer panels, tiles, and accessories that dramatically reduce labor and on-site waste. ProCoat Systems, a distributor of quality building materials in the Rocky Mountain Region, is a partner of several world-class companies. One standout company is RealStone Systems™ , a producer of the highest quality natural stone veneer products.

RealStone products are available in a wide variety of color tones, styles, finishes, stone types, uses, formats, and sizes. Stone veneers may be quartzite, marble, sandstone, ledgestone, slate, granite, limestone, and travertine,

Maintaining Natural Stone

Over time, stone attracts soot and dirt particularly on exterior surfaces and specifically in joints and junctions. Natural stone can be porous and absorb dirt, rain, or other moisture that eventually causes staining.  If not periodically cleaned, the appearance of the exterior wall or fireplace surround can take on a dingy appearance and may become more difficult to clean.

Care should be taken to not overly scrub, but to gently clean the surface of the stone cladding.

Begin by rinsing the stone with water to remove any loose debris and dirt.

There is no need to use acids nor harsh chemicals. These can stain the surface of the natural stone and forever alter its appearance. Simply brush the dirty areas with a soft brush and mild detergent with water, and the exterior surface of the stone should return to a like-new appearance.

After brushing, rinse away any detergent that may linger since this also can leave a residue that could compromise the color of the stone. Allow the wall to dry, making sure that all soot and grime have been removed.

Contact ProCoat Systems

The experts at ProCoat Sytems understand the installation and maintenance of many types of interior and exterior cladding, whether manufactured or natural. As a partner to several world-class producers of quality construction and remodeling products, the ProCoat professionals are available to discuss your project.

Phone ProCoat Systems at (303)-322-9009.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/clean-maintain-natural-stone-veneer/