Different Types of Damage That Can Occur To Travertine Flooring

Your travertine flooring adds an elegant touch to your home. Unfortunately, there are different types of damage that can take away from its natural beauty. As a homeowner, it’s essential to educate yourself about these potential damages so you can prevent them and learn how to look after your travertine stone.

Physical Damage to Travertine Flooring

Chips and Cracks

Chips and cracks are common types of damage and can be caused by heavy objects, such as furniture or appliances, dropping onto the floor. They can also be caused by impact from hard objects, such as tools or equipment.

To repair chips and cracks in travertine flooring, it’s vital to hire professionals like us. We need to first clean the damaged area before filling the chip or crack with color-matching epoxy or resin. We’ll then allow the epoxy or resin to dry completely before sanding the area smoothly. Finally, we’ll polish the area to restore the shine and luster of the travertine.

Scratches

Scratches can be caused by heavy foot traffic, dragging furniture, or sharp objects. These scratches can be unsightly and can dull the shine of the travertine. To repair scratches in travertine flooring, our restoration experts will first clean the damaged area. Then, we’ll use a diamond abrasive pad to smooth out the scratch. Finally, we’ll polish the area to restore the shine and luster of the travertine.

Erosion

Erosion is a type of physical damage that occurs over time and it’s caused by wear and tear from foot traffic, spills, and cleaning agents. Erosion can cause the surface of the travertine to become rough and uneven.

To repair erosion in travertine flooring, our restoration experts will first clean the damaged area. Then, we’ll use a diamond abrasive pad to smooth out the surface. Finally, we’ll apply a sealer to the area to protect the travertine from future damage.

Chemical Damage to Travertine Flooring

Stains

Travertine is a porous stone, which means it can easily absorb liquids and chemicals. This can lead to staining if spills are not cleaned up promptly. Common household chemicals that can cause stains on travertine include wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and more. To prevent stains, it’s vital to clean up spills as soon as possible. Use a soft cloth or mop to absorb the liquid, and then clean the area with a pH-neutral cleaner.

Etching

Etching occurs when acidic substances come into contact with travertine. The acid reacts with the calcium carbonate in the stone, causing it to dissolve. This creates a dull, whitish mark on the surface of the stone. Common household substances that can cause etching include vinegar, lemon juice, wine, and more. To prevent etching, avoid using acidic cleaners on travertine. Instead, use a pH-neutral cleaner to clean the surface of the stone. If etching does occur, it may be possible to remove the mark with a marble polishing powder or by honing the surface of the stone.

Protect and Restore Your Travertine Flooring with Clean Image of Orlando

While travertine flooring is durable, it’s not indestructible. Regular wear and tear can cause scratches, chipping, stains, and dullness. However, with proper care and maintenance, these issues can be minimized, and your flooring can continue to look beautiful for years to come. Call our team today to learn more about how you can prevent these common damages or fix them.