Limestone Maintenance Service in New York

Preventive Limestone Maintenance

Limestone can be difficult to maintain if a proper maintenance cycle is not put in place from the point of installation. As it is usually not polished, the problem of scratching is not as big an issue as it is with marble, however if proper barrier matting is not introduced even a honed surface will lose its attractiveness. The most important factor to consider with the limestone maintenance process is the possibility of staining. Its calcite composition makes it susceptible to acid attack from spilt food and drink. Its high porosity can also mean oil will permeate the surface and leave staining if it is not properly sealed with a penetrative sealer.

Regular Limestone Maintenance

Any stone needs a good planned maintenance schedule in place to preserve it and to delay restoration procedures for as long as possible.

Daily maintenance will consist of dry dust mopping using a clean rayon mop. Regular damp mopping will also be required. This must be carried out using a good quality stone soap alternated with just fresh water. It is important that soap residue doesn’t build up on the surface of the stone. Spills should be wiped promptly to prevent staining or etching. Acid based chemicals used for household cleaning can damage the surface of limestone and other calcite stones on contact. Similar damage from acid based foods and beverages can be avoided if not left to dwell.

Professional regular maintenance will be required to maintain its honed or polished appearance. Our opinion is that limestone looks best with a honed or low/medium sheen appearance however many people insist on a high shine finish. Some low calcite limestone can be extremely difficult to polish and therefore vitrification would be required. Vitrification however is only a short term solution and can give the stone an unnatural plastic appearance if repeated too often.