Sealing Natural Stone FAQ in Rhodes Ranch, NV; Does Outdoor Tile Need to Be Sealed & More

Natural stone has been used as a flooring material for centuries. Stone floors are beautiful and have a very pleasing and natural aesthetic impact that brings one close to nature. Natural stones like slate and granite is very strong. It can stand up to high traffic and wear and tear. Natural stone is also an eco-friendly material.
Stone flooring instantly increases the value of your home. Most buyers know that stone floors are somewhat costly. This is beneficial when you go to sell your home. Perhaps the best thing about stone floors is that they are relatively easy to maintain. Most of the dirt and debris will sit on the surface until it is mopped or swept away. If it happens to become scratched, it can be polished away. Sealing stone flooring is another step you can take to keep your floors looking great.

1. What happens if I don’t seal my stone floors?

Some stone floors are more porous than others. For example, if your stone is marble, it will absorb liquids more readily. If it’s subject to freeze-thaw cycles the liquid that gets into the stone can become a problem. It can destroy the surface of stone that is not sealed. There are also chemicals in household cleaners that can discolor and/or damage stone that is not sealed.

2. Does outdoor tile need to be sealed?

Any surface that is subject to freezing and thawing should be sealed. Even portions of California go through a freeze-thaw cycle. Stone that is sealed also repels stains, reduces dust, resists chemicals and maintains an attractive appearance.

3. How much does it cost to seal stone?

The type of stone you have and the type of sealant you use will determine the cost of the job. Higher-performance sealers will cost more to use than lower-performance ones. You will also have to keep in mind that the quality of the sealer will affect how long it will last. So, spending a little more might be worth it!

4. How will my floors look after they are sealed?

The type of sealer you use will determine how it ends up looking. Sealers that are chemically reactive are virtually invisible because they actually penetrate into the stone. If a solvent-based acrylic resin or epoxy is used, you can get significant color improvements. Then there are urethane sealers that come in different finishes. You can choose finishes from matte to glossy.

5. Can I seal my floors myself?

While there are many projects you can take on yourself. Sealing your stone floors isn’t one of them. You will find products that can be used by anyone but if you choose to go this route you will not have a warranty. You will also need to buy specialized equipment that you may only use once or twice. There are also health problems that can occur if you use the products the wrong way.