It is important to recognize that sealants can cause staining in any stone application. Proper research and testing before application can ensure that there are no post-installation problems.
The edges of stone segments can become darkened due to staining from sealant primer, before joints have been sealed. If stone becomes darkened in this way, installers may have time to take immediate action and clean the stain. In other cases, stone edges can also become darkened due to carrier in the sealant bleeding into the stone. Because this bleeding can take effect well after construction has finished, this is the scenario where builders are best served researching their sealant supplier. It would be through such research that it might come to light for installers that a sealant they\’re considering has the potential to stain the stone, post-construction.
In thoroughly vetting a sealant supplier, one of the things that a builder can request of a supplier is that accelerated aging tests be conducted. Accelerated aging tests can determine whether or not a sealant carrier is likely to bleed into the stone, resulting in darkened edges. Likewise, a sealant provider should be able to help stone installers find a primer that won\’t bleed into the stone. At Stone Panels, Inc., we recommend that builders require the sealant supplier to provide both a sealant warranty for bond to stone, as well as a warranty against staining.
The process through which builders can avoid darkened stone edges is a great example of how doing research on building materials on the front end can prevent problems and hassles on the back end? Have you ever regretted not doing your due diligence in researching a building material before you began a construction project? Share any lessons you have learned with us about conducting proper research before beginning construction in the comments below.
