Thursday, August 7, 2008

Natural Stone – General Installation & Cleaning

We provide these natural stone installation instructions as a general guideline. Please see the manufacturer's recommendations for specific installation information.

Usage _____
Walls, countertops, and flooring (subject to job specification). May be used in some exterior applications, depending on geographic location. Most stone cannot be guaranteed in the northeast region of the U.S. due to possible frost damage.

Shade & Shape Variation _____
Mid to high range. Due to local raw materials and unique manufacturing techniques, variations in body and color from tile to tile are to be expected. This is considered desirable and part of the inherent beauty of our product. Dry-lay your tiles prior to installation to inspect for color, shading and size variance. Material should be combined from each case to ensure optimal blending of shade variations. Installation constitutes acceptance.







Installation _____
Always inspect tile before installation. Due to the porous nature of stone, high quality white thinsets are generally recommended. For the best results, we recommend that installers use a quality wet saw for cutting natural stone tile.


Sealing _____
Tile should always be clean and dry prior to sealing. Natural Stone should be sealed prior to the grouting process for protection and ease of grout cleaning. Thin layers are best and do not allow sealer to puddle or drip. Apply to surface of the tile, do not allow excess sealer to drip down edges or into holes and remember that wherever you seal, the grout will not stick to the tile. Seal again after the grout has cured for 3 days (longer for more humid conditions). A stone enhancing sealer is often used on tumbled marble, antique stone, or slate where a darker or highlighted character is desired. When choosing a sealer, make sure to select a brand formulated to provide maximum protection for stone. H.Winter & Co. recommends using TEC Ensealant Stone Enhancer and Sealer or TEC Guard All Invisible Penetrating Sealer for a natural look. Always follow the manufacturers instructions when using setting materials and sealers.

Care & Maintenance _____
For daily cleaning use a pH balanced, neutral spray cleaner for countertops. For deep-set, hard to remove stains, inquire about an industrial-strength tile stain remover. Be sure to use a cleaner made for stone, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Strong chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia should never be used on natural stone.


www.hwinterandco.com

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