Winter’s Hidden Threat: How Freezing Temperatures Can Silently Destroy Your Beautiful Natural Stone Surfaces
As the temperature drops and winter settles in across the Northeast, homeowners with natural stone surfaces face a hidden enemy that can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Natural stone floors can crack or chip when water from melting snow becomes trapped in any crack or joint and then freezes again as temperatures drop; this effect is called freeze-thaw weathering or frost. This cycle is a chemical process which is detrimental to stone surfaces, causing puddles that can stain them if they aren’t properly sealed.
Understanding the Freeze-Thaw Cycle: Nature’s Stone Destroyer
Water enters the tiny pores of materials like stone and freezes when the outdoor temperature decreases to at least 0° Celsius. The transition of water to ice causes expansion of the stone and potential formation of microcracks. The microcracking is not visible until a number of cycles accumulate to cause noticeable damage. Once the temperature drops again, the new water freezes and the crack gets nine percent larger than before. Each time this cycle occurs, the crack gets bigger and bigger. This process, also known as frost wedging, eventually causes the rock to break off into smaller pieces and separate from the larger stone, eroding it little by little.
The effect of the freeze-thaw cycle on an outdoor surface will depend on the porosity and the level of absorption of each stone. Some granites, for example, have a porosity of just 1%, while some sandstones’ porosity is more than 20%. The higher the porosity of the stone, the higher the probability of freeze-thaw damage to your floor.
Which Stone Types Are Most Vulnerable?
Among natural stones, granite is one of the least porous, thus more resistant to the freeze-thaw cycle and extreme weather changes, while sandstone is the most porous and can stain easily. On the other hand, travertine, limestone and slate are moderately absorbent. Natural stones like marble, travertine, or limestone need extra care to survive the season without suffering severe damage.
Marble is a porous stone, which makes it susceptible to staining and damage from freeze-thaw cycles. To maintain its beauty and durability, it may require regular sealing and careful maintenance. For homeowners in areas like Astoria and throughout New York City, professional Stone Restoration Astoria services become essential for protecting these vulnerable surfaces.
Winter-Specific Threats Beyond Freeze-Thaw
Some snow or ice melting products contain salt, which is corrosive and will slowly break down concrete or any natural stone. Moreover, deicing salts can cause discoloration on your tiles or severe salt stains that can only be removed with professional stone restoration services. “Salt is very harmful to natural stone floors,” says Phil Calabritto, SOLID’s Senior Consultant, Technical Services. “Scratches from salt crystals can cause the finish to dull and be damaged. If it is ignored for too long, the salt corrodes and eats away at the finish, leaving the floor vulnerable to other problems.”
Some natural stone surfaces have low levels of friction and can become very slippery during the winter season due to melted snow or frozen water, so much so that anti-slip protection has become an important factor to consider when the season starts, especially for those surfaces that are already very slippery, like polished marble or travertine.
Essential Prevention Strategies for 2024
Professional Sealing: Your First Line of Defense
Fortunately, there is a great solution to prevent this problem: stone sealing. Sealing is the best way to protect your stone. With a quality sealer, you can keep water from seeping into the surface and causing long term damage. Prior to the onset of freezing temperatures, consider resealing the countertops to provide extra protection against the elements.
Apply a suitable stone sealer to exterior surfaces to help repel water and protect against staining. Sealing will also make it easier to clean and maintain the stone. However, it’s important to note that sealing doesn’t make the stone frost resistant. In theory, it might help to keep moisture out from the surface of the stone. But sealers do not last forever and as the sealer slowly degrades, the level of protection will lessen.
Choose the Right De-icing Products
Experts recommend the use of calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) deicers since these are safer for your stone and more environmentally friendly too. Avoid costly restorations and/or replacements by using a high-quality deicer known as Calcium Magnesium Acetate. This alternative salt is less damaging to stone, terrazzo, and masonry surfaces and is also more environmentally friendly, non-corrosive, and biodegradable.
Proper Drainage and Maintenance
Keep gutters, downspouts, and drainage channels free of debris to ensure proper water drainage away from the building. Maintaining proper drainage will help prevent water from pooling around the foundation and causing damage. Water can seep into porous natural stone, leading to cracking and damage over time. To prevent water accumulation, make sure your paving has adequate drainage. Keep an eye on any potential pooling areas and install additional drainage if necessary.
Snow Removal Best Practices
If you need to use snow removal equipment near your natural stone paving, exercise caution to avoid damaging the surface. Shovels with plastic or rubber edges are less likely to scratch or chip the stone. Avoid using metal-edged shovels or snow blowers directly on the paving. If using a snow blower, keep it at a reasonable height to prevent damage to the stone.
Professional Inspection and Restoration
Conduct a thorough inspection of your stone buildings to identify any existing damage or areas of concern — ideally before inclement weather occurs. Look for cracks, loose stones, and signs of water damage. Throughout the winter months, periodically inspect your natural stone paving for any signs of damage, cracks, or uneven surfaces. Address these issues promptly to prevent further deterioration. It’s also a good idea to schedule professional maintenance at the end of winter to assess any necessary repairs or treatments.
For homeowners in New York City and surrounding areas, Diamond Stone Restoration Corp provides expert stone restoration services that can help protect your investment. Diamond Stone Restoration revives stone floors to their original splendor, extending lifespan and enhancing your property’s overall appearance. Our expert service increases property value, creates a cleaner, healthier environment, and ensures a stress-free experience for both residential and commercial spaces.
The Cost of Neglect
The financial impact of winter damage to natural stone can be substantial. Professional stone care protects your investment and prevents costly repairs. Proper care prevents staining, etching, and other damage, extending the life of your stone. Rather than facing expensive restoration or replacement costs in spring, proactive winter protection measures represent a smart investment in your property’s value and appearance.
Looking Ahead: Winter Preparation Checklist for 2024
- Schedule professional inspection before winter weather arrives
- Apply or refresh stone sealers in fall, before freezing temperatures
- Clear drainage systems of debris
- Stock up on stone-safe de-icing products (CMA-based)
- Prepare proper snow removal tools with plastic or rubber edges
- Plan for regular winter inspections
- Schedule post-winter professional assessment
Winter weather doesn’t have to spell disaster for your natural stone surfaces. With proper preparation, the right products, and professional guidance, you can protect your investment and enjoy beautiful stone surfaces year-round. By following these winter maintenance tips, you can keep your natural stone paving safe, beautiful, and durable throughout the cold months. With some proactive care, your natural stone paving will continue to enhance your outdoor space for years to come.