Limestone is one of the most widely used natural stones for wall cladding, vanity tops in kitchens, offices, and flooring. To transform your interior space, pick from a stunning array of colors, designs, and finishes. If you plan to deploy limestone flooring in your home, and you have some questions in your mind such as what are the disadvantages of limestone flooring, how can you clean limestone floor tiles? And do limestone tiles crack? So, you are in the right place just read our post and know the answers.
1. What are the Cons of Limestone?
The cons of limestone are:
- The tiles are quite heavy because limestone is a heavy material, especially if they are larger. When handling them, exercise caution to avoid dropping, chipping, or cracking. Due to their weight, they frequently require professional installation, and transportation can be challenging. Nevertheless, this does not affect their usefulness, beauty, or functionality.
- Limestone requires ongoing maintenance if you want to keep its innate beauty. Because it is porous, a good sealant must be used to prevent stains. Although it does not need to be done frequently, sealing is necessary to ensure that the tiles last for a long time.
- The process of quarrying limestone leaves a carbon footprint. Environmental deterioration increases as a result of the transportation of quarried limestone. The environmental effects of using limestone vary, but they are generally negative. To extract limestone, large rocks are blasted, which increases the amount of particulate matter in the air.
2. How often Should You Seal Limestone?
To avoid any accidental staining or damage, it is best to have your limestone tiles sealed as soon as they are installed. After about three to five years, all-natural limestone tiles show signs of wear and ingrained dirt patches. Therefore, you should get it sealed every 3-5 years. (Also read What causes Breaking Down of Rocks into Fragments?)
3. Is Limestone Good for Floors?
Yes, limestone is extremely robust. To further protect the tile’s surface, keep stains away, and make the flooring easier to clean, it can also be given a sealant treatment.
4. What are Disadvantages of Limestone Flooring?
The disadvantages of limestone flooring are:
- It is softer in nature than other natural stones, so if it is used in high-traffic areas, it could chip or break. Simply put, it is less resilient than other natural stone flooring choices.
- Before installation, make sure the limestone is sealed. To keep it protected and ensure against stain damage, it needs to be resealed every few years.
- It is costlier than other artificial materials.
5. Are limestone Floors High Maintenance?
No, due to its low maintenance requirements, limestone flooring is perfect for use not only in private residences but also in public and commercial spaces. Once your floor is installed, you can begin maintaining your limestone flooring. Despite being softer than marble and having pores, limestone is a surprisingly durable stone. (See How much does a 24×30 Concrete Slab Cost?)
6. Is Limestone Flooring Cold?
Yes. If you reside in a hot climate, this cold stone will make your home feel cool during the summer. However, the stone floor in the winter naturally makes the house even colder in a cold climate.
7. How do you Clean Limestone Floor Tiles?
You can clean limestone floor tiles by carrying out the following procedures:
- To get rid of dust and lose debris, sweep or vacuum the floor.
- Pay close attention to the directions provided by the product. Typically, a mop is used to apply detergent, which is then left to work for 5 to 10 minutes while the floor is kept damp with more solution. The dirty residue is then scrubbed off, the surface is thoroughly rinsed, and it is then agitated with a pad.
- If tiles are extremely contaminated, you might need to repeat the treatment.
8. How do You Keep Limestone Floors Clean?
To keep a limestone floor clean, follow these instructions:
- Regularly sweep up the dust.
- When mopping, beware of water.
- Quickly clean up spills.
- Apply sealant to the floor.
- Utilize cleaning supplies made for limestone flooring.
9. Is Limestone Slippery when Wet?
What are the disadvantages of limestone flooring, does it get slippery? Yes, the surface alone will determine the answer to this. Like any stone surface, it may become slick when wet or polished. With time, limestone can develop a very smooth and slippery surface.
10. Do Limestone Tiles Crack?
Tiles made of marble and limestone may have lines that resemble cracks. This might worry you at first, but they are calcite veins known scientifically as stylolites. The good news is that you do not have defective tiles because their presence is natural and does not indicate a flaw or inherent weakness in the tile. Natural stone tiles have lines, but this is a desirable feature, and they will not break underfoot. However, under extreme weather conditions and circumstances, it might crack. (See How to Prevent Rain from Entering your House?)
11. Does Limestone Stain Easily?
Yes, although quite reliable, this natural stone is also a material that is prone to stains. This is one of the major disadvantages of limestone flooring.
12. Does Limestone Scratch Easily?
Yes, because of its softness, the rock is easily scratched. (Also read What happens When a Cavern Roof Collapses?)
