Sandstone is an easy-to-work material that’s often used for exterior building projects. Because it’s porous, it can easily absorb water, which leads to deterioration. When it comes to sandstone repair Sydney, there are many different techniques you can use to fix the problem. Here are five common repairs that you can do on your own:
- Repairing Cracks
If your sandstone has cracks in it, it can be repaired by filling them with mortar or concrete. This process requires chiselling out the cracks and cleaning out any debris from inside the crack before filling it with patching material. Afterwards, clean up any excess mortar or concrete around the edges of the repair area using a wire brush and then allow everything to dry completely before re-sanding and sealing it with an exterior stone sealer.
- Repairing Spalling
Spalling is a common problem with sandstone and happens when water seeps into the stone’s pores and freezes during winter. As the ice expands, it pushes up against the surface of the stone and causes large chunks to break off. To repair spalling, fill in any large holes with mortar or concrete patching compound. You can also add polyurethane sealer to help prevent future spalling by sealing up any openings where water might enter your home’s exterior walls.
- Fill Holes
If your stones have large holes in them, fill them in with mortar mix or concrete patching compound before you seal them with caulk. Mix up equal parts of mortar and water until they form a thick paste that will stick to the sides of your hole without running off or falling out when you press on it with your fingertip.
- Replacing Missing Tiles
If you have missing tiles in your sandstone flooring, simply remove the grout around the affected area and replace it with new tiles. Use a grout saw to cut away old tiles and make sure you have enough space for new tiles to fit comfortably. Clean out the space with water and dry it before applying a thin layer of adhesive to the back of each new tile. Make sure all surfaces are clean before laying each one down in place.
- Cleaning & Polishing
When you want to get your sandstone looking shiny and new, cleaning and polishing is the first step to take. Use a soft cloth and warm water to wipe down all of the surfaces. Then use a soft bristle brush and some soap to scrub away any stains or grime from the stone. Rinse off the surface with clean water, then dry it completely with a towel. Once it’s completely dry, put on a protective sealant or wax for added protection for outdoor use.
What Causes Cracking in Sandstone?
There are many reasons why your sandstone may be cracking. Some of the most common causes include:
- Water damage – This occurs when water seeps into cracks, expands and freezes which causes the stone to split open.
- Humidity – If your stone is exposed to high humidity levels, it can cause the surface of your stone to become soft and crack.
- Freezing temperatures – When temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, water inside the pores of your stone will freeze, causing it to expand and crack.
- Ultraviolet rays – High levels of UV rays can cause fading and discolouration in your stone. This is especially true for lighter-coloured stones like tan, grey or white which tend to absorb more UV light than darker colours like black or brown.
- Incorrect Grout Selection – If you are using the wrong grout for your project, it can cause the sandstone to crack. For example, if you use grout with too high of compressive strength or one that is not compatible with your stone, it can cause cracking.
How You Can Maintain Your Sandstone
The best way to maintain your sandstone is to treat it regularly with a sealer or water-repellent product. These products will help protect the surface from water damage while adding colour back into the stone itself. You should use this product every six months or so, depending on how much rain or snow hits your yard each season. You can find these products at any local hardware store or online at Amazon or other sites like that. You don’t need much product either – just follow the directions on the bottle and apply it evenly across the surface you want to protect. Make sure you get every inch covered!
Conclusion:
As you can see, sandstone repairs Sydney on your own is both cost-effective and simple to do. All you really need is a few hours and the right supplies to have this job done in no time at all. With just a little elbow grease and some patience, you’ll have your sandstone looking like new in no time.
