Water Damage Cleanup In Katy TX – Saving Natural Stone

In Katy, TX, some stylish homeowners branch out and embrace natural stone and travertine flooring. Organic materials reflect the light, create an airy feel and give a sense of space. When used in indoor/ outdoor settings, the seamless transition links both spaces.  

Water Damage Cleanup Katy Texas – Saving Natural Stone

Formed by hot spring water bubbling up through limestone, the travertine’s unique character is an ideal flooring material for a subtle, understated, natural look. Luxurious marble flooring embodies a classic look, dramatic veining, smooth texture, and a high-gloss finish. In bathrooms, it can create a high-end spa-like feel. Slate is another option with earthy colors and tactile texture. 

All-natural stones are somewhat porous and allow for the concrete slab beneath to breathe. When you’ve had a lot of water on natural floors, you need to address any potential problems with the stone. After a water intrusion, if you see white, filmy residue on the floor it is most likely calcium residue. This “efflorescence” results from water-soluble salts in the stone depositing and recrystallizing after the evaporation of the water, leaving a powdery salt residue.  

How Can 24/7 Restoration Specialists Help?

The first step is to get some fans to remove the excess water and allow the floor to dry naturally. 24/7 Restoration Specialists offer complete cleaning services including disinfecting, high-pressure steam cleaning, and sealing of natural stone floors.   

Once the stone floor is as dry as it can get, we can come in and mechanically remove as much residue as possible with a brush. Then clean the area with the proper mild acid cleaner appropriate for each stone.    

Black or green residue could be mold and mildew. If the stone floor has a topical sealer coating on it, this sealer must be stripped off first in order to let the floor breathe and the moisture evaporates. Marble, terrazzo, travertine, and limestone could be etched with the wrong products. The 24/7 Restoration Specialists will use an inappropriate cleaner.   

Stains and Discolorations 

After water damage to the stone, you may see a darkening of the stone. Some stains may come from metal furniture, which may have left a rust stain. Rugs left on the stone floor may have also caused discoloration as well as other surface contaminants. 24/7 Restoration Specialists may be able to poultice some of the stains out. This process uses a powdered compound to loosen and draw out the stain.

Iron staining is a little different. Many light-colored stones contain naturally occurring deposits of iron. It begins to oxidize when exposed to water, acids, or household bleach (similar to the rusting of metal.)  The process is difficult to reverse and replacement of the stone may be necessary. After the floor is dry,  the 24/7 Restoration Specialists might use Sodium Hydrosulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite, or even Diatomaceous Earth to remove iron stains.   

Warping

Many of the green marbles and a few agglomerate marbles are very susceptible to warping when set with any water-based material. When water fills the pores of the stone, the evaporation causes the orientation of the stone’s crystal to change. Once a green marble tile warps it is difficult to repair.  

Mineral Crusts or Lime Putty

Mineral crusts or lime putty are often found on outdoor stone stairs, water fountains, and other areas where the stone is exposed to water. Hard mineral salts consisting of calcium and magnesium form a hard crust that can be difficult to remove abrasion or chemical treatments might work but can also damage the stone itself. Let the 24/7 Restoration Specialists inspect your situation.  

Testing for Moisture and Salt

To properly test for moisture, an instrument called a “protimeter” reads moisture in wood and drywall. Two sharp probes are inserted into the material to give direct moisture reading in percent. Since the probes can’t be pushed into the stone, the pins are placed so that they just touch the stone. These readings can only tell you that the stone is wet, a little wet or dry. But this useful information will help the team manage your project. 

This protimeter can also be used to check for the presence of soluble salts that can indicate a potential for pitting.   

Flood Water Is Even Worse For Floors

Flooding can devastate natural stone floors. Flood water chemistry can harm and destroy marble, granite, limestone, and terrazzo flooring. Surface water from the street also contains debris, dirt, and potentially staining contaminants. Sometimes damage from flooding will not show up until months later.

In the Katy area, 24/7 Restoration Specialists regularly deal with problems from flooding. Some tests can be performed to see if it is possible to clean and repair, rather than replace. Count on the experts in Katy if your home has been flooded after a storm. 

If Your Floors Suffer Water Damage In Katy

Call 24/7 Restoration Specialists immediately if your floors get wet. Each material will require special procedures: tile, carpet, laminate, hardwoods, vinyl planks. The water damage clean-up technicians will bring the expertise, equipment, and energy to restore your home as quickly and safely as possible.