Resistant and easy to maintain, they can be used on facades, outdoor areas, and floor and wall coverings. All rocks can be used in different stages of construction, but each one has a purpose. The material is distinguished by the type of soil in which it was formed, the minerals of its composition, and the geological process in which it was submitted. “These variations determine how the rocks should be applied,” explains the professional.
The inappropriate use of the material can lead to premature wear and economic losses. Therefore, it is essential to consider the physical environment and use recommendations for each type of rock. Check out the most used stones from natural stone fabricators in construction and their indications:
Crushed or crushed stone – ideal for making concrete, foundations, structures, sidewalks, etc.
Cement – ideal for making concrete, foundations, structures, sidewalks, etc.
Granite is used to executing sinks, countertops, washbasins, facade cladding, fireplaces, thresholds, skirting boards, and window sills. It can have different types of finishes: polished (the most used), rough, levigated, sandblasted, flamed, and chamfered. Reds and blacks are more challenging than grays.
Marbles – suitable for floors, low-traffic stairs (residential), thresholds and windowsills (no exposure to the weather), washbasins, bathtub edges, sideboards, tables, and internal walls. As well as granite, marble can also receive polished, rough, levigated, sandblasted, flamed, and spiked finishes. Some of these make the product non-slip. It should not be applied in the kitchen, on the shower floor, and in external areas, as it has a high degree of porosity; it can easily absorb substances and stains.
Maintenance
As they generally have a polished face, marble and granite are easy to clean. “If the dirt is fine, such as everyday dust, remove it with a damp cloth. If the particles are larger, use a soft broom first. If you need heavy cleaning, try to wash these areas with water diluted in shampoo or detergent of neutral PH. Never use abrasive products or products with a strong, active ingredient, such as soap, bleach, ammonia, sodium hypochlorite, caustic soda, kerosene, or citric acids. “They can permanently damage the stone,” guides the specialist. Due to the porous nature of these rocks, they are also subject to staining. Therefore, be careful with soft drinks, oils in general, wine, rust, and products with dyes, still, on marble and granite, floors that take these materials should be cleaned as soon as possible, as the sand or dirt on the floor can scratch the stone with the traffic of people.
As for the other rocks, in general, they should receive the same care as marble and granite, but they are more resistant. “One of the stones I like to use in living room floors, for example, is travertine marble, with a rustic or Roman treatment. It is only necessary to redouble the care due to its high porosity”, he highlights.