Why should natural stone be sealed?
Simply put: to retain the beauty, preserve the life, and keep it maintainable. No one asks why you should paint your house. It is common knowledge if you didn’t the wood, stucco, metal or other materials would absorb, stain, discolor, rust and erode. Natural stone is no different. Staining, discoloration, erosion and odor absorption are all typical adversities that happen to stone if not sealed. As stone wears abrasions damage the finish by opening up pores and exposing the stone to problems. All natural stone is porous and what it absorbs effects it. Even the chemicals found in “tap water” (chlorine, minerals, salts, etc.) can cause trouble to the stones’ substrate. Moreover, decorative stones are being used for their beauty in high traffic areas where design precedes function. Sealing and maintenance are critical for preserving these delicate installations as well as any natural stone where absorption of any kind is possible.
