Whether it’s a marble countertop, a shower stall inside your home, or a granite facade or outside patio, maintaining the beauty and integrity of your stone products should be an ongoing investment.
“When you buy a new countertop, for example, it’s factory sealed. Unfortunately, that protection does wear off,” says Rob Cade of Northern Marble Restoration. It needs to be treated – possibly annually.
Rob and his daughter Bryn Cade run Northern Marble Restoration. They have been restoring all stone products found in homes and cottages for 20 years and are committed to servicing central Ontario. They have been successful in developing a solid customer base by offering quality work and an honest approach to every project.
The frequency of treatment depends on the stone itself, where it’s used and how often it’s exposed to substances that can cause damage. “Sealers only buy you time,” Rob explains.
In most cases, when a substance is spilled and then promptly removed, the sealer will do its job. However, if a spill is left in place for any length of time, damage will occur.
Hiring a professional for regular maintenance goes a long way in keeping your investment looking its best – as well as keeping the cost of restoration to a minimum, notes Rob.
“When damage does occur, our team takes great pride in restoring the stone product to its original beauty,” says Bryn.
“The process is contained to the affected areas, and because we use water there is little to no dust,” adds Rob.
Professional cleaning can also make a big difference in the lifespan of stonework. The stone patios and decks found at many Muskoka cottages all need to be cleaned from time to time, for example. “We use the latest in high-powered cleaning technologies for both indoor and outdoor hard surfaces,” Rob says, “all while containing the stone residue to protect surrounding structures and plant life.”
Naturally, the cleaning is done with environmentally-friendly products that won’t damage the surrounding plant life or the lake.
“Stone is a wonderful material and can really add beauty and value to your property,” says Bryn. “Take care of it properly and it is an investment that can last a lifetime or more.”
TEXT SHELANNE AUGUSTINE
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
