Without the use of granite sealers or stone sealing, your masonry surfaces may develop efflorescence. Efflorescence is a white, powdery substance consisting of minerals and salts, which can accumulate on brick, cement, granite, and stone surfaces. It is primarily caused by excess water in the masonry, which can lead to more serious structural problems. Here is a closer look at the efflorescent and stone restoration services that are available for your home.
Preventing Efflorescent Buildup
You can prevent efflorescence from developing in your home by working closely with a professional stone sealing and stone restoration expert. For efflorescence to form, your stone or granite surfaces must contain salt, and be exposed to water. In order to prevent efflorescence from occurring, you must ensure that no water can penetrate your stone or granite surfaces. A granite restoration or stone restoration expert can apply granite sealer or stone sealer that will prevent water from entering the stone through cracks or pores.
Determining the Underlying Cause of Efflorescence
The underlying cause of efflorescence is typically a water leak or flooding. You should inspect your home carefully, particularly in your basement and around your home’s foundation, to find the source of the water. Rainwater and groundwater can push its way into your foundation. Water leaks, burst pipes, and broken water appliances like water heaters or washing machines can also contribute to the buildup of efflorescence. Before your stone restoration or granite restoration expert can begin stone tile cleaning and granite cleaning services, you will need to eliminate the underlying cause of the efflorescence.
Removing Efflorescence from Masonry
In order to remove efflorescence from your stone or granite surfaces, you will need the help of a stone restoration expert. This expert will thoroughly remove the efflorescent buildup from your walls using specialized stone tile cleaning and granite cleaning products. He can then use granite restoration and stone restoration techniques, as well as granite and stone polishing, to return your walls to their previous condition. Finally, he will apply a heavy duty granite sealer or stone sealer to prevent future efflorescent buildup.
