Is It Really Worth Having My Limestone Sealed?
Limestone is a beautiful flooring material that comes in several different colors and can be styled exactly to your liking. However, it requires a bit of maintenance if you want to ensure that it keeps its original beauty.
You’ve probably already noticed that limestone is very porous, which means that it absorbs liquids easily. If it isn’t protected, your limestone will start to wear down quickly and show excessive signs of use. Fortunately, you can prevent a lot of problems from arising simply through limestone resealing when it is first installed.
Why Sealing Your Limestone Is Worth It
Weather Protection
No matter where you live, limestone that’s installed outdoors needs to be sealed to be protected from the weather. Rainwater, snow and harsh sunlight can all damage limestone over time. As the seasons change and storms are more frequent, mud and dirt will run in between the cracks of your limestone and damage it. If you have your limestone sealed right away, though, this won’t be a problem.
Avoid Erosion
Limestone that’s installed indoors and outdoors can still fall victim to erosion if it isn’t cared for and sealed. Most people use limestone around pools, in bathrooms and showers, or outdoors for a beautiful garden pathway. While the limestone will look gorgeous for a while, it will quickly start to erode if left unprotected.
A sealant protects limestone from the effects of water. The more water limestone is exposed to, the more quickly it will erode. This means that unless you want to replace your limestone frequently, you’ll need to have it sealed.
Weed and Mildew Protection
Again, limestone that’s installed outdoors will be forced to withstand a lot of different weather. If water, mud, and bacteria are allowed to build up between the stones or the pores of the stone aren’t sealed, then weeds and mildew are likely to grow on and around the stones.
Even indoors, limestone is at risk of attracting mold and mildew when regularly exposed to moisture. Limestone in the bathroom or shower must be sealed unless you want it to start growing mold.
Sealing limestone may not prevent weed and mildew growth entirely, but your stone won’t be as easily damaged. You’ll be able to remove it without hurting your limestone, and it will be much easier to clean.
Prevent Stains
Although limestone is a pretty hardy material, it can stain. Sealing your limestone can help prevent long-lasting stains and make stain removal safer and more efficient. With a sealant on your limestone, you won’t have to worry about stain-removing cleaners damaging the stone or bleaching it. Instead, you can simply wipe up the stain and rest assured that your limestone is protected.
Minimize Scratches, Dents, and Marks
Limestone is strong, but it can be scratched, dented, and marked over time. You may drag chairs over the top of it, or a bottle of shampoo may fall one too many times. In any case, it’s important that you protect your limestone.
Sealing your limestone will not prevent marks from appearing, but it will prevent them from damaging the stone itself. Rather than the stone being scratched or dented, the sealant will take the hit. This can easily be repaired, and your limestone will not be as easily damaged in the long run.
Conclusion
After the investment you make in your limestone, it’s essential to take care of it and ensure that it’s protected. If you don’t, your limestone will suffer, and it won’t look good for very long after installation. If you wait to seal your limestone, you won’t be able to reverse any damage it has already sustained. Ultimately, after the money you’ve spent on your limestone, it is well worth having it sealed.