2024-25_NTCA_Reference_Manual_dig_dwnld

Scratches and/or Dull Areas in Natural Stone Floors

Problem

Prevention

Cure

Select a stone with an abrasion resis tance that meets the industry’s recom mendations for the expected traffic, or offer a honed finish that is less likely to show scratching.

Refinish floor using products especially manufactured for that purpose. Potential ly, regular maintenance will prevent the reoccurrence of the problem and provide a lasting serviceable finish. Floor should be refinished by qualified persons.

Use of stone that is too soft for the traffic.

Keep floor clean by regular dust and damp mopping as a regular maintenance pro cedure, using a neutral pH cleaner. Dust mop daily with a non-treated mop. Designate one mop for each floor surface. Utilize walk off mats at high traffic areas. Consider a honed, or other non-reflec tive finish surface in high traffic areas. Use entrance mat of at least 48 in. (1219 mm) in length. Keep floor clean by regu lar dust and damp mopping as a regular maintenance procedure, using neutral pH cleaner. Keep mats dry and clean. Replace mats as they wear out. Use mats on both the interior and exterior of the doorway. For joints up to 1/8 in. (3 mm) use unsand ed grout. (Some epoxy grouts may be used if recommended by the grout man ufacturer.) Choose denser stones or use stones that are not subject to stun marks. Stun marks are inherent in certain stone varieties and cannot be avoided.

Floor should be refinished by qualified persons.

Exposure of floor to grit or abrasive traffic.

Floor should be refinished by qualified persons.

Use of polished finish instead of alterna tive finished flooring.

Apply appropriate sealer for desired col or and appearance of marble/granite.

Floor should be refinished by qualified persons.

Use of sanded grout on polished stone.

Replace stone.

White stun marks.

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NTCA Reference Manual | 2024 / 2025

Chapter 6 | Natural Stone Installations