CHARACTERISTICS OF MARBLE
Marble tile is a natural stone that gives homes and business a timeless and elegant appeal. It is used on flooring, showers, countertops, backsplashes and other decorative surfaces. It is a metamorphic rock that begins as limestone and changes as a result of intense pressure from the heat and chemical fluids below the earth’s crust. These extreme conditions alter the texture and composition of the stone, resulting in the limestone-to-marble transition. The stone never leaves its solid form throughout this process.
Most of today’s marble is found in many parts of the world. In the United States, it is mined in Alabama, Colorado, Montana, Tennessee, Texas, and Vermont.
Being calcium-based stones, marble, travertine, and limestone are sensitive to acidic products and can become dulled or etched by food, drink, and certain cleaning products. Avoid cleaning products you would not use on your hands or are not specifically made for natural stone.
Marble comes in many different color variations and its veining patterns make it very unique. Marble has a high-polished finish from the factory and also comes in tumbled form, giving it a more rustic look. Marble is a porous stone and should be sealed properly to help prevent staining.
OUR PROFESSIONAL MARBLE CLEANING
Our process for cleaning marble consists of using appropriate equipment and machinery, as well as hand washing the corners, edges, and hard-to-reach areas. We use a combination of neutral ph cleaners and degreasers that are safe for your stone, your family and the environment.
We ensure the most thorough and detailed cleaning possible. Improper or aggressive cleaning can cause damage by opening the pores of the stone, making it more susceptible to staining from pet accidents, dirty mop water, spills, and grime/asphalt from shoe traffic. Our 18+ years of experience with marble and knowledge of the stone itself will avoid these issues.
As with all of our work, our technicians move most furniture, excluding breakable and smaller items. We pay close attention to detail and ensure there is no dust and no mess created. We are extremely careful not to cause any damage to adjacent surfaces such as walls, baseboards, cabinets, appliances and carpets.
OUR MARBLE SEALING PROCESS
Sealing your marble surface after a professional cleaning helps prevent staining and makes routine cleanings easier.
Our process starts with applying a high quality, penetrating sealant using a specialized applicator designed to work the seal into the pores of the stone. Once dry and depending on the texture of the stone, we finish the marble sealing process by buffing out the seal with a floor machine equipped with a soft brush or pad attachment.
There are several types of sealants on the market, yet some are not designed for marble. For example, topical seals are not a good choice because they have poor adhesion and will eventually peel, delaminate, scratch, and scuff. When we find this type of sealant on marble, we remove it very carefully in order to restore the stone’s finish.
If you are not sure what type of sealant is on your marble, call Arizona Tile & Grout Care at (520) 909-1413 for a no-obligation evaluation and estimate.