To protect a natural stone patio from harsh elements and chemicals, it's important that the patio is sealed as soon as possible. Once a patio has been sealed, other types of maintenance, such as regular cleanings, are very easy.
Because they are porous, natural stone tiles should be sealed with a penetrating sealer. Penetrating sealers, like Miracle Plus 511 Porous Plus, penetrate tiles to repel moisture from within, and prevent staining while still allowing vapors to escape.
Once the polymeric sand cures (about 30 days), pavers and joints should be sealed with a quality sealant to protect the pavers from stains and the joints from erosion and insect infiltration.
How Often Should You Seal Your Natural Stone Countertops? Unfortunately, not all stones are created equal. The specific material you choose for your countertops will influence how frequently your countertops will need to be resealed. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend resealing every 2-3 years.
A – On average, a stone sealer will last between 3-5 years before it will need to be reapplied. The quality of the sealer used and the porosity of the stone will all have an effect on just how long your sealer will last.
There are two types of sealers: topical and impregnating. Topical sealers form a protective barrier on the surface of the stone, while impregnating sealers penetrate deep into the pores of the stone. When choosing a sealer, be sure to select one that is specifically designed for natural stone.
Water Will Discolor Them
Even something as simple as leaving a cold glass with condensation on your unsealed counters can change them. That's because water can penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, permanently altering the appearance of your counters and potentially making them look dirty.
Myth: Sealing will change the color of my stone.
Typically, impregnator sealers neither change the color of natural stone nor add shine. If you are sealing a polished limestone, travertine, marble, or granite, the impregnator will not change the color and will not add shine.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
If there is any moisture on the surface when you seal your patio, the sealant will often react with the moisture and turn a milky colour which is known as 'blooming' and ruin the slabs - so please ensure the slabs are bone dry. Whilst the blooming process is reversible, it's best avoided where possible!
On average, the lifespan of natural stones, like marble and granite, can be well over 100 years. That's compared to ceramic tile with a life expectancy of 75 years.
Natural stone, as beautiful and tough as it may be, is also somewhat fragile. While it defies the barriers of time and is extraordinarily durable, it requires a certain level of TLC to ensure it retains its original splendour.
The Difference Between Manufactured Stone and Natural Stone
Natural stone is heavier in weight, making it difficult to transport. Manufactured stone requires less installation time while also being cost-effective. Manufactured stone creates less waste than natural stone. Manufactured stone adheres to multiple surfaces.
Any material – including granite and marble – will fade in sunlight if it hasn't been rated specifically for UV exposure. Here's a quick rundown of the science behind UV rays and surface discolouration.
Topical Sealer may result in your bluestone floors becoming slippery when wet. To maintain the look and slip resistance of your bluestone and to prevent damaging moisture from being trapped within the stone, it is recommended to seal your surfaces with a high quality, invisible, fully breathable impregnating sealer.
Ultimately, you can expect to enjoy between three and five years of protection from a high-quality sealer. With that said, a big part of answering the question, “How long does paver sealer last?” will depend on environmental factors such as weather and foot traffic.
A matt stone sealer will not change the colour or appearance of a stone floor. A polished stone sealer will add a slight sheen to the surface of most stone tiles.
Every stone is porous, some types of stone, such as marble, sandstone and limestone more than others. This means that liquid substances also penetrate unhindered and are almost impossible to remove after staining. Natural stone becomes more robust with a waterproofing.
We recommend a professional grade sealer for your interlocking pavers. There are two main types of sealer to choose from; water based, and solvent based. Water based sealers are penetrating sealers that will penetrate the porous areas of the paver providing protection through the surface of the paver.