The use of stone in construction is environmentally friendly and long-lasting. But precisely what does that imply?
Sustainable is defined as “producing little or no harm to the environment and hence able to continue for a long time” in the Cambridge English Dictionary. This term encompasses natural stone entirely when used as a construction material.
Natural stone has been widely used as an interior and exterior construction material for millennia. In large part, this is because of how well it has aged. The marble of the Taj Mahal and the limestone of Buckingham Palace’s impressive front spring to mind as examples of materials that have withstood the test of time with grace and beauty intact. These two stunning structures highlight the durability of working with natural stone.
However, if we take stones out of the ground, aren’t we hurting the ecosystem? How do we know that natural stone is the greenest building material available? And how do we practice sustainable stone care & restoration?
How to Pick a Stone:
It’s no secret that stone quarrying may hurt the environment, but there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage. Most quarries will publish a report detailing the eco-friendliness of their operations and post the details online.
Another manner to decrease your environmental impact is to use a stone found close to home. In truth, many high-end porcelain and ceramic tiles are made abroad, utilizing labor-intensive production procedures. British stone is the clear environmental winner when weighed against the natural alternative readily available.
The UK is well recognized as a leading producer of high-quality limestones. Architects use natural stone to construct attractive houses inside and out.
Stone Maintenance:
Never use chlorine bleach or ammonia on natural stone. Many common household cleaners, however, include harmful chemicals that can harm the environment.
Cleaning with warm soapy water is recommended for all stone surfaces, particularly marble. Alternatively, there are solutions designed for cleaning stone with minimal chemicals and less likely to damage your stone. Naturally, using less toxic chemicals also has environmental benefits.
In addition, you may maintain natural stone to extend its lifespan significantly. Cata Stonecare has released a new care guide for stone products. All the information you need to keep your stone in pristine condition, from the best cleaning products and methods to preventative maintenance, can be found here. Simple upkeep goes a long way toward extending the life of the natural stone.
Revitalizing Your Stone:
It will last longer if you take good care of it. Natural stone has several benefits over artificial alternatives, lifespan being chief among them. Porcelain tiles that have been damaged must be replaced, but natural stones like marble, limestone, and travertine may be repaired and made to seem as good as new.
Plus, stone restoration techniques seldom involve the use of chemicals. Diamond abrasives are used to remove the stone’s outer layer. Doing so will erase the etch lines and scratches from the stone, exposing a smooth surface that may be polished. Using just the water and power available in your house, you can perform this repeatedly. Most sealants used to preserve the stone have also been made environmentally friendly.
