Blog Stone Maintenance Tips & Information
How to Care for Natural Stone Showers
When installed in the shower, natural stone can make the space feel luxurious. It adds such a warm, natural element. Caring for stone showers may require a little special care, but the end result is well worth it. Here are a few easy guidelines when it comes to keeping a stone tiled shower beautiful and in good condition.
Allow for Proper Drainage
When designing your stone shower, make sure to plan for proper drainage as sitting water can majorly erode and damage your stone. Shower drains should be properly graded and built-in nooks should allow for water runoff. Of course, if you are using a contractor, they will make sure this need is met.
Avoid Mildew and Mold
Mold and mildew growth is a common battle in showers regardless of the material. And the root cause is sitting water. So in addition to having your shower designed to allow for proper drainage from the start, making a habit out of drying your shower walls after every use will also benefit you. It only takes a moment, but it can greatly increase the longevity of your stone and cut down on the amount of elbow grease you need to use when cleaning.
Make Sure Grout is Maintained
Since keeping water out is the main goal of any shower surround, regularly inspecting your grout and caulking is important. Grout and caulk are what will create a barrier between the shower space and the supporting backerboard. If water gets behind tiles and stone slabs, it can rot the wall behind them, which will ultimately lead to costly repairs. So, keep an eye on the state of your grout and caulk. And if you notice missing and cracked areas, take action to seal it sooner rather than later.
Do Not Neglect Sealing
And the last maintenance step you need to know is that your stone and grout should be sealed regularly. Making sure that these surfaces are properly sealed will ensure that they repel water and not absorb it. This in turn will lead to a stone shower that will remain beautiful for years to come.
If you follow these simple care tips, your stone shower is sure to stay a luxurious, relaxing space. If your stone needs more TLC than you can give, contact us here at Stone Restoration Works. We can repair, replace, or refinish any and all natural stone that needs it.
By Stone Restoration Works 2-2-2022