4、 Water that cannot be bypassed
After understanding the above content, we can understand that stones are more prone to problems in humid seasons. However, due to the increase in humidity in the air, the channels for water and vapor to invade the stones have increased, the quantity has increased, and the likelihood is higher. So, some people will ask: Is there any technique for maintaining wet stones? The answer is very clear: no!
1. Water that cannot be bypassed
The molecular formula of water is H2O, and each water molecule is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. These two elements, combined in this way, form one of the most stable substances on Earth. How stable is it? Just take a look, the water on Earth has been circulating in various environments for billions of years without any changes, that’s all. So, if the stone absorbs water, as long as it cannot be discharged, it must exist and will inevitably cause various subsequent impacts on the stone.
2. Maintenance premise: clean and dry
Over the years, we have seen many problems in stone engineering, but the reason is actually simple: it is because the stone has not yet dried, so we urgently need to proceed with the next step of construction. We develop technical solutions for many projects, and the first step in the maintenance process is to “clean and dry the stone”. This point is easily overlooked by everyone, but it is actually very important. The difficulty of stone maintenance during the humid season is how to maintain dryness and achieve better maintenance results in such a watery environment?
5、 Tips for stone maintenance during humid seasons
The previous introduction clarified the relationship between stone and water. Let us understand that stone should be kept away from dampness. With ideas in mind, everyone can find ways to prevent all water and steam from corroding the stone according to the actual situation. Here we will only share some of the most common techniques.
1. How to maintain dryness
① Using high-power pumping units
In humid weather, stones are more likely to absorb dust, soil, and other pollutants due to water. Moreover, these substances remain on the surface and micropores of the stone, enhancing the ability to retain water – a mutually reinforcing process. Therefore, it is more important to maintain the cleanliness of the stone surface in humid weather.
It is recommended to use a high-power water suction vacuum cleaner, as the higher the power, the better. Powerful suction can extract water that seeps into the stone and take it away.
② Automatic floor washing machine
Nowadays, there are many automatic floor scrubbers that can heat water for cleaning, resulting in better removal of pollutants. It also has a pumping effect, which can remove water and pollutants in one go.
③ Air conditioning dehumidification
During the humid season, the humidity in the entire environment is relatively high, and opening windows for ventilation may not be effective, sometimes exacerbating the humidity. Turn on the dehumidification function of the air conditioner and reduce the air humidity to around 50, which is good for indoor stone materials.
2. Selection of maintenance materials
① Choose materials with low moisture content
It is not recommended to use powder or agents as maintenance materials during humid seasons. When blending crystalline powder, a large amount of water needs to be added, and many agent materials can have a moisture ratio of over 60%. In humid weather, water is not easily evaporated, and so much water remains on the surface of the stone for a long time. Firstly, it will increase the absorption of the stone, and secondly, it will also corrode the polished surface that has already been prepared. Therefore, in humid conditions, choosing a paste like material with lower moisture content is the best choice. Such as sealing glaze materials.
② It’s best to use a cleaning pad
Even the best steel wool can produce small debris during polishing. The problem with damp weather is that the ground is not easy to dry. These fragments mainly contain iron elements, and long-term exposure to water can cause the stone to embroider yellow due to oxidation. Especially on white marble, we generally prohibit polishing with steel wool. Choosing a polyester fiber made cleaning pad can avoid the problem of embroidering yellow.
