HOME PRODUCTS / GALLERY ABOUT US / CONTACT REVIEWS BLOG STAFF Back Sealing and Cleaning Stone Helps Prevent Winter Weathering Published: October 11, 2021 Wisconsin Winters can be tough on homes. Snow, ice, and stretches of thawing/freezing temperatures can take a toll on patios, sidewalks and driveways. Water freezes and expands, creating fractures in concrete or weakening mortar joints between stones. But maintaining stone exteriors doesn’t have to be complicated, and the satisfaction of keeping your house looking great makes it worth the work! Whether your home features real or manufactured stone, it should be properly sealed when installed. Sealing your exterior stone will help protect against stains, fading, water penetration and damage and other effects that can cause it to become less attractive (or even unsafe) over time. Sealants not only protect, they can also preserve a stone’s natural color -- and even make it pop. If you’re planning a new stone project, be sure to use a knowledgeable and experienced installer who can also properly seal to avoid problems down the line. If your existing stone exterior is starting to look its age, it may require cleaning and re-sealing. Dirt, debris, mold, moss, and mildew can all contribute to a stone’s discoloration, so it’s best to not allow them to accumulate and sit on stone exteriors. If debris and discoloration already exist, avoid using common household cleaners (like tub and tile products) to try to remove them, as some chemicals can actually damage existing sealants. There are several commercially available cleaners made specifically to be safe on stone materials. If you’re cleaning small areas yourself, don’t use a pressure washer or stiff wire brushes, as these could damage the surfaces and any grout or mortar. Check for any gaps or widening cracks in grout as well; these may require patching to maintain water resistance and safety. Sweep and dust-mop regularly to remove cobwebs, sand, and excessive moisture. If you’re looking to clean large or high areas, or have mortar that requires repair or replacement, it may be time to call in a professional service. Stone is durable, but like any other material it can get damaged, especially in our harsh, colder climate. Inspect it periodically for structural deterioration or discoloration, and clean and seal it as needed. What is the best sealant to keep your stone safe? We can help with that! Deer Run Stone carries a wide variety of Surebond sealing products. Call us to get advice about which methods and products are right for your stone materials application. Quick Links Search Blog Reviews Vendors Installation Materials Contact Latest Blogs 25 Oct 2021 Protect Your Cleaner and Sealer Inventory from Freezing 11 Oct 2021 Sealing and Cleaning Stone Helps Prevent Winter Weathering 21 Jun 2021 Ready to Seal? Prepare or Beware: How to properly prepare a surface before sealing Get In Touch 9787 Rylee Lane Minocqua 54548 715-356-4205 aroppyw@deerrunstone.com Store Hours No appointment needed! All staff have received their COVID vaccine. WINTER HOURS Monday-Friday 7:30 am - 3:30 pm Saturday-Sunday Closed (Open Saturday 11/3 & 11/13 9 am - 12 pm) Or call Al at 715-614-0899 or 715-356-4205 to schedule an appointment anytime! Copyright @ 2021 - Deer Run Stone Website development by NCC Technology Group of Minocqua