How to Care for Natural Stone at Home?
NATURAL STONE is characterized by its unique beauty due to the variability in texture and grain as well as fluctuations in color and diversity in hue.
A sample is merely a fragment of a large stone slab. The pattern of the stone may differ significantly from a small sample.
Stones differ in physical properties depending on their type.
STONE FOR OUTDOOR USE
Elements made of granite are fully resistant to changing weather conditions, such as frost.
STAIRS – Outdoor stairs are an important element of a house. Stairs can be perceived as a business card or an invitation to the home. Granite or quartzite is a good solution because they feature low water absorption and high abrasion resistance.
Granite made using flaming technology has anti-slip properties. This facilitates usage in winter.
FLOORS – Provided that the substrate is well-compacted, stone floors serve as both pedestrian paths and roads for passenger vehicles.
WINDOW SILLS – They are hard, scratch-resistant, do not deform, and do not lose their polish or color.
FAÇADE – As a vertical surface (less exposed to dirt), it can be covered not only with granite but also with travertine, sandstone, or limestone.
STONE FOR INDOOR USE
STAIRS – Indoor stairs can be made of both marble and granite, they are very practical and do not squeak.
FLOORS – In our offer, we have over 100 types of stones, practically every type is suitable for flooring. Stones require different maintenance methods depending on the processing, application, and type of material.
WINDOW SILLS – Granite ones are scratch-resistant, while marble reacts with water left on the edges of pots, creating difficult-to-remove rings.
Caring for the kitchen countertop – A granite countertop is a very durable material, allowing cutting directly on the surface and placing hot dishes, as temperatures achieved in home conditions will not damage the surface. On the other hand, quartz conglomerate is not resistant to high temperatures.
Marble is not resistant to substances containing acids. Acid causes a chemical reaction leaving difficult-to-remove stains.
Crystalline materials like granite are porous in structure, always having tiny holes. They are not always visible to the naked eye. There may also be scratches that do not result from the structure of the stones but from high temperature and pressure during the forming process.
BEFORE ORDERING
We advise that measurements of the elements be taken by the person who will install them.
Before measuring, the area should be prepared. In the case of a kitchen or bathroom countertop mounted on cabinets, the furniture should be set and leveled, and appliances installed in their final positions. Other items like the sink, cooktop, or basin should be purchased in advance for accurate measurements.
LARGE QUANTITIES – In some cases, importing several dozen or hundreds of square meters of material, such as floor tiles, may require a longer delivery time, so it is advisable to inquire about availability even four months in advance.
INSTALLATION
We advise clients that stone elements should be installed by a professional company.
We have a stock of tools and installation materials and will gladly provide all necessary assistance.
TRANSPORT – Granite elements require special handling during transport. It should be remembered that it is a brittle material with low elasticity. We recommend that loading, transport, and unloading be done under the supervision of someone experienced with stone.
CUTTING – Cutting elements on-site at the client's location is particularly dangerous. This task should be performed by a properly trained person.
GLUE – There are several simple rules to follow when choosing glue.
Glue for indoor use has different properties than that for outdoor use. Always follow the instructions and mixing ratios on the packaging of the particular glue.
Glue should be selected for tiles based on color. Install light stones on light glue, dark ones on dark glue. Installing stone on cement may cause discoloration. We recommend using mortar, grout, or joint filler that additionally provides protection against stains and moisture.
JOINTS – Tiles are cut with a tolerance that allows for joint-free installation.
EXPANSION JOINTS – Use expansion joints in the form of mesh at intervals of about 5 meters and additionally at the location of expansion joints in concrete pours. The absence of expansion joints can cause stresses, resulting in permanent damage to the surface.
UNDERFLOOR HEATING – Stone is an excellent material for underfloor heating. It should be remembered that one of the properties of stone is thermal expansion, and to avoid damage to the floor, appropriate joint width must be maintained, and elastic glue should be used for installation.
OGRZEWANIE PODŁOGOWE – kamień jest świetnym materiałem na ogrzewanie podłogowe. Należy pamiętać, że jedną z cech kamienia jest rozszerzalność cieplna i aby uniknąć uszkodzeń na posadzce, należy zachować odpowiednią szerokość spoin, a do montażu zastosować klej elastyczny.
With proper installation and normal use, the stone should not crack. The stone is susceptible to cracking during transport or installation.
HOW TO CLEAN?
AFTER INSTALLATION:
"Dry" – vacuum, remove glue or silicone residue.
"Wet" cleaning with stone works best with clean water and soap. Use a soft brush or clean cloth, or possibly a polisher with a soft pad.
Remove excess liquid from the surface; you can use a cloth or a wet vacuum, then dry.
If necessary, repeat the process.
IMPORTANT!! Never use corrosive agents, those containing alcohol, or products for removing limescale and deposits.
IMPREGNATION
Chemical impregnating agents help reduce the likelihood of permanent staining and damage to the stone.
APPLICATION
Impregnators can be used on both internal and external stone elements. These products are dedicated to different types of stones depending on the type and treatment; some for polished, others for matte and sanded surfaces.
HOW TO USE
Spread a thin layer of impregnator on the surface, do not rub in, but allow it to absorb freely. Leave for a few hours and remove the residue with a clean material.
IMPORTANT
The usage method and dilution ratios are provided on the packaging of individual impregnators and should be strictly followed.
DAILY MAINTENANCE
STONE INSIDE
Nature does not like chemical agents. The best way to clean it is with soap and water. In the case of chemical cleaning, use products designed for the care and maintenance of natural stone with a neutral pH. These agents can serve various purposes depending on the degree of dilution.
HOW TO USE:
- remove dust and dirt
- dilute the agent in appropriate proportions
- spread with a cloth or soft brush
- collect residues with a cloth or wet vacuum
- rinse with water.
Do not use corrosive agents such as "removes limescale and deposits," as they may remove the polish.
In the case of intense stains and marks like wine or oil, choose an appropriate "stain remover" depending on the type of stone.
STONE OUTSIDE
Stone on facades, floors, and outdoor stairs is best cleaned using a high-pressure washer. The frequency of cleaning the stone does not affect its quality or properties.
RECOMMEND US TO OTHERS
HAVE QUESTIONS?
murkam@murkam.com.pl
tel 058 685 13 32
Data for transfer
PL 03 1440 1013 0000 0000 0082 7215
MURKAM LEON CZERWIŃSKI
UL.RZEMIEŚLNICZA 87 83-304 KAWLE DOLNE
General Savings Bank of Poland SA
BPKOPLPW
GDAŃSK Office
Gdańsk, Łostowicka St. 27c