Saint Simons Island, GA, USA
Surface: Travertine | Product Used: Stain-Proof SMC Peroxide Cleaner, Stain-Proof 40SK Consolidator & Water Repellent| Completed: June, 2020
Applicator: Webster Tile & Bath
THE PROJECT:
For those who have visited the coastal islands of Georgia, the smell of salt air on the marsh is intoxicating.
However, homes in this region are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of salt, such as efflorescence and spalling. Shade from hammocks of oak trees as well as the red Georgia clay can also stain a porous surface. To avoid these effects, homeowners need a sealer that can provide long-term protection while staining, too.
The owners of this house used travertine for the exterior decking overlooking the water. This type of limestone is formed by mineral deposits from natural springs. This sedimentary stone is created by rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate, known as calcite. Other minerals mix together with the calcite to create unique swirls and movement that give travertine its distinctive character tones. It is also porous and prone to staining and salt damage.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Due to the nature of the project and the surfacing materials used, the client and contractor had some very particular prerequisites for choosing the right sealer, including:
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Surface must be cleaned with a pH-balanced chemical like SMC Peroxide Cleaner.
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Must have superior protection from water ingress of sands, clays, tannins, etc.
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Surface must retain the look and matte texture of the honed travertine limestone.
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Sealer must not affect the slip resistance of the surfaces.
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Sealed surfaces should be easier to maintain and clean.
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Due to the proximity to the coastline and the soft, friable nature of the sandstone and limestone, they needed to be sealed with a product that could consolidate these stones and guard against salt attack.
THE STAIN-PROOF® SOLUTION:
Webster Tile & Bath cleaned the travertine surface before treatment. Stain-Proof® SMC Peroxide Cleaner was used to bring impurities to the surface so they could be removed from the stone. First, Stain-Proof 40SK was applied to the exterior surface to help consolidate the stone and make it less prone to salt spalling (which occurs when saltwater enters the stone, the water evaporates and leaves salt crystals just under the surface, growing over time and break off tiny pieces of the stone).
Neither sealer affects the look or slip resistance of the surface, and the sealers bond permanently deep inside the pores, so they are not affected by strong alkaline cleaners and do not need to be reapplied. The surface will not have to be resealed for at least 15 years.
Tagged : SMC Peroxide Cleaner,40SK Consolidator & Water Repellent, North America, Residential, Travertine
