How Often Should You Be Sealing Your Granite?
Granite is one of the most popular types of natural stone in homes throughout South Florida. Granite is a beautiful and durable investment for kitchen and bathroom countertops, backsplashes, and flooring. This natural stone also provides versatility with a range of color options to choose from, including black, white, gray, and pink. So how often should you be sealing your granite?
Granite is one of the most durable natural stone surfaces available and possesses heat-resistant qualities. Regular cleaning and granite sealing practices are critical for ensuring that granite surfaces continue to shine for many years to come.
Does Granite Need to Be Sealed?
Sealing is a necessary practice for maintaining all-natural stone surfaces. This is especially true for granite due to its highly porous nature of the stone.
Regular sealing prevents water and other liquids from being absorbed when they come into contact with the stone surface.
Granite Test
You can test your granite’s sealant quality by applying a drop of water to the surface and letting it sit. Only use a small drop to prevent excess staining.
Leave the water droplet to sit for half an hour before returning. If the droplet has been absorbed into the stone, it is time to have your granite resealed.
What Happens to Unsealed Granite?
Inadequate or poorly sealed granite will absorb liquids quickly resulting in a potentially extensive list of damages to stone appearance and construction.
Consequences of Inadequate Granite Sealing Include:
- Water Stains
- Food/Beverage Stains
- Etching
- Deterioration (Pits, Cracks, Other Signs of Erosion)
Even sealed granite is at risk of these damages if it is not properly maintained. Click here to read more about safe cleaning and maintenance of natural stone surfaces.
Signs It’s Time to Reseal
Granite surfaces are generally sealed and require little additional protection upon their initial installation. However, there is no harm in a professional application of an additional layer of sealant to protect the stone after installation.
Regular use takes a toll on even the strongest stone surfaces. Granite in high-use areas such as the kitchen and bathroom needs regular sealing to protect them from the elements. Granite surfaces in high-traffic households benefit greatly from an additional layer of sealing.
Several instances may occur that signal that it may be time to reseal granite surfaces.
1.) Water Stains
Signs of water or other liquids seeping into the stone is an immediate sign that it is time to reseal.
2.) Etching
Any signs of scratches or etching on granite surfaces is a sign that it is time to reseal.
3.) Dark Spots
Dark spots or discoloration that cause a dirty appearance on the granite surface is a sign that maintenance is needed.
4.) Cloudy Appearance
Granite that appears cloudy may signify improper cleaning and/or maintenance. If your granite appears cloudy it may be time to invest in professional stone cleaning and sealing services.
5.) Fractures
Deeper damages, including chips, cracks, or pits on a granite surface may require repairs before resealing. Never attempt to repair natural stone on your own. This is a costly mistake that leads to further damages and extensive costs.
6.) Dull Appearance
Over time natural stone surfaces lose their shine without regular sealant. It may be time to reseal these surfaces if areas that were once shiny are now dull.
Prevent Damages with Regular Cleaning
Many of these signs, including etching marks, pits, and deterioration indicate that sealing may be past due.
The best way to prevent costly damages is to clean and seal these surfaces regularly before these costly damages occur. Contact a stone expert to evaluate the condition of your granite or to schedule a sealing if you notice any issues.
How Often Do You Need to Seal Granite?
Stone experts recommend that granite surfaces be professionally sealed on an annual basis. However, this is just a general guideline, and the frequency of sealing needs depends on several factors, including the age, quality, and maintenance history of the stone.
Other Granite Sealing Precautions
- Granite responds best if the same sealant is used during each application. Choose a trusted and reliable company to apply a high-quality sealant to your granite surfaces.
- Regular cleaning is the key to protecting granite surfaces in-between sealings.
- Perform a basic evaluation of the condition of your granite surface before resealing. Contact a stone professional if you notice any cracks, chips, etching, or other damages that will worsen with time.
There is no set schedule for granite sealing. Homeowners should have these surfaces sealed as needed depending on the unique needs of their granite surfaces.
How Much Does Granite Sealing Cost?
Many individuals attempt to reseal granite on their own with store-bought sealant. While this DIY approach is respectable, it is not as effective and does not last as long as professional-grade products and services.
Professional sealant is of higher quality and lasts much longer than the products found at the local hardware store. The cost to have granite surfaces professionally resealed varies greatly depending on the quality of the professional services.
Just Call Classic Granite Repair, Care, and Maintenance
Just Call Classic is South Florida’s choice for granite natural stone repair, care, and maintenance. Just Call Classic has been family-owned and operated since 1997 and is experienced in polishing, restoration, repair, and maintenance of a wide range of stone surfaces.
Contact Just Call Classic today to speak with a team of knowledgeable stone experts.
