Every business needs to look its best and the floors of a commercial building can either accentuate the appearance of the space or reduce its appeal. It is important to install good quality, attractive flooring with the durability to withstand the foot traffic it will experience. Marble is an excellent choice, but these floors do take some effort to maintain.
Understand the Appeal
Very few flooring materials can outdo the beauty and luxurious look of marble. The natural stone is an incredibly durable material. Even antique floors can look brand new if maintained or restored properly.
Reverse the Damage
A business owner moving into a new commercial space with an old and unkempt marble floor may feel the temptation to replace the product. The decision to do so would be a mistake because a professional restoration will bring back the beauty of the stone. The cost of a full restoration may even be less than the cost to remove and replace the flooring.
A restoration often begins with grinding or honing. Grinding levels out the marble to remove deep stains, chips, or scratches and makes the floor surface even. Mild surface damage will usually not need this type of leveling.
Honing works on level floors with minimal surface damage. Honing done as a part of a professional restoration uses industrial diamonds for the smoothest finish possible. Smaller grade diamonds then polish the floor for an even brighter shine to increase the vibrancy of the colors in the stone.
Protect the Material
Restoration may also include crystallization to protect the finish. The floor is polished again but in this step, a spray of chemicals coats the floor. One of the chemicals, calcium fluorosilicate, bonds with the stone.
Not all restoration projects include this step and many experts prefer to polish and leave the marble natural or to apply an enhancing or penetrating sealant.
After the completion of the restoration, it is necessary to prevent new damage. Avoid using ammonia or vinegar on the floor, stay away from any acid-based cleaners, and never use a sharp implement to remove something stuck on the marble. Use furniture pads on the feet of chairs and tables or place all furnishings on carpets or mats. Always have mats at entry doors.
Keep It Clean
Clean the floor daily with a soft-bristled broom or a dust mop. Sand or small stones tracked onto the floor could leave scratches on the surface. Remove dirt and stains with warm water and a damp (not wet) cotton string mop. Avoid streaks by buffing washed areas with a commercial buffer or with a clean, soft cotton towel.
Avoid the use of sprays of any type, like air fresheners, over marble floors. The buildup of these sprays could dull the shine or the chemicals could etch into the stone. Remove spilled liquids at once to prevent stains. Hire Professional Cleaners
Hire a cleaning service to deep clean the flooring. The service should know how to properly care for marble floors to prevent any mistakes. Monthly deep cleaning makes it easier to find stains or other damage before the beauty of the floor becomes compromised.
A professional floor service should also polish and seal the floor as necessary. How often the floor will need these services depends on several factors. The factors include how much traffic the floor receives, the age and type of marble, and the quality of the daily cleaning.
At Northwest Commercial Carpet & Floor Cleaning, Inc., we offer cleaning and restoration services for all types of flooring, including marble. Our expert staff can rejuvenate an older, damaged marble floor or help you to keep your polished marble looking spectacular. Contact us to discuss your needs and to schedule an estimate.