Travertine is a natural rock used in the construction industry. It can be described as untouched limestone. This means it has maintained its natural status and properties, making it unique. Being a sedimentary rock full of calcium, its hardness varies and is easily etched by acid. It is not advisable to clean travertine surfaces with acidic cleaners. The stone may also appear to have holes, which is why some builders add epoxy to it, in which case high-pressure washing is not recommended.
But where exactly is travertine used in homes? This stone is perfect for both interior and external use. It can be used to pave patios and garden paths for outdoor use. Internally, the travertine stone can be used in diverse ways.
It works well in the kitchen as countertops and is perfect for bathroom walls and floors. Some people use it as a backsplash because f the bright color it brings into the house. This versatile stone can be played to achieve a unique look that many other stone materials can never beat.
Care and Maintenance
While travertine is excellent and has multiple uses, it is highly vulnerable to acids. It doesn’t matter how small the acidic amounts are in a fluid. Something as simple as fruit juice can etch the travertine surface. Since accidents and spillage are impossible to avoid, always wipe down surfaces quickly.
Avoid using acid-based cleaners, no matter how effective they seem to be. The promise of a clean surface is excellent, but destroying the surfaces around the home is not worth it. After all, it is more expensive to fix a deteriorating surface when you could have avoided etching it in the first place.
If you must clean the surface yourself, use mild alkaline cleaners, or better still, opt for neutral cleaners. Also, have professional travertine cleaners come in once a while to give the floors and surfaces a professional deep clean. Due to the delicate nature of the travertine material, they have the right skills and tools to clean and restore surfaces without causing any harm.
These experts can also tell if your surfaces require professional intervention before they get out of hand. Their expertise will save you the pressure of handling major and costly repairs. Note that travertine is available in floor-fix sizes. Do it right if you choose to install it on countertops or walls.
Hiring professionals with the know-how and experience installing travertine walls and floors is the best move. They will also advise you on the right finish to pick for the different surfaces. The experts may also discourage you from using travertine in heavily used bathrooms and kitchens. In most cases, such walls and floors end up stained despite proper maintenance.
The porous nature of travertine makes it absorb everything with ease. It doesn’t matter if it has been filled with epoxy or if the grout is sealed. The deterioration that happens over time takes a toll on the stone.
For more details on travertine installation and maintenance, call us today. We will be happy to help you make an informed decision.