Solving Common Problems: Fixing Cracks and Holes in Travertine
If you see cracks and holes in your travertine, there’s no need to panic because they can be easily repaired to restore your stone’s appearance. Whether on floors or other surfaces, fixing these imperfections will enhance the overall aesthetic of your stone. The most crucial factor here is not to fix travertine floors yourself, as you may cause more damage to the stone. Instead, hiring our professionals, who use the proper techniques and equipment, will ensure that your travertine gets restored safely and correctly.
Repairing Small Cracks
Cleaning the Crack
Before we start any repair work, the crack needs to be cleaned thoroughly. This is because dust, dirt, and debris can prevent fillers from adhering properly.
We’ll also use an alcohol-based cleaner to clean the area, ensuring no oil or grease remains. The area is allowed to dry completely before starting the next step.
Applying the Filler
Selecting the right filler is crucial. When it comes to cracks, epoxy or a specially formulated stone filler works well. We mix the filler accordingly and use a small putty knife to apply it to the crack.
Our technique includes applying the filler in thin layers, which allows each layer to set before adding more. This technique is crucial to prevent air bubbles and ensure a strong bond. Afterward, we smooth the surface with a putty knife, removing any excess material to maintain a level finish.
Finishing Touches
Once the filler is completely dry and set, it’s time to Diamond hone it down. We’ll gently smooth the surface using fine-grit diamond pads until it’s flush with the surrounding stone. Our travertine repair professionals take extra care not to scratch the surrounding travertine during the repair. This is considered our Level 5 repair.
To achieve a polished look for your travertine stone, We can Diamond Hone and Polish your floors. We finish by applying an impregnating stone sealer.
Fixing Larger Holes
Evaluating the Damage
Before starting any repair, it’s important to assess the extent of the damage to decide the best approach. Identifying the size and depth of the hole will help us determine the amount of filler required and any additional tools needed. Also, larger holes might actually indicate underlying issues that need attention to prevent further damage, so we may have to look further into that.
If there are any cracks radiating from the hole, they might also require additional reinforcement. Moreover, if the hole is the result of structural damage, further professional assessment may be necessary.
Preparation of the Area
Again, we always start by cleaning the area around the hole to remove dirt and debris so the filler adheres properly. If the edges of the hole are jagged, we may smooth them out with a Diamond Bit Dremel or Diamond pads to get a better finish.
We then tape off the area around the hole to protect the surrounding travertine from excess filler.
Filling the Holes
It’s crucial for us to select an appropriate travertine filler that matches your stone’s hardness and texture. Epoxy or a ready-made travertine filler is generally recommended for larger holes. We use the same technique here of applying the filler in layers, ensuring each layer is slightly overfilled to accommodate shrinkage during drying.
Using a putty knife to press the filler into the hole, it’s vital to work quickly before it sets. We then smooth the surface with the putty knife or, sometimes, a trowel to match the surrounding stone. The filler must be allowed to dry completely.
Don’t Let Cracks and Holes Ruin the Beauty of Your Travertine
If you have noticed any cracks and holes in your travertine, there’s no need to put up with them. Our professional repair services can help fix them with our specialized tools, materials, and extensive experience, which will give you great results every time. We’ll ensure that the repairs are durable and seamless, successfully restoring your stone to its natural beauty again. Don’t hesitate to call us today!