Maintaining a Limestone Fireplace - Things any owner should do to ensure the upkeep of their fireplace

Maintaining a Limestone Fireplace - Things any owner should do to ensure the upkeep of their fireplace

Having a fireplace in a home or office can really add to the style and prestige of the space. The style of the fireplace can range from Victorian, Edwardian, Modern, or even Georgian schemes and the designs are limitless. Some people are enraptured by the look of a marble fireplace; however, most do not know that limestone can be a better choice. Limestone can be constructed with stones or even made out of slabs to create a very marble like fireplace at a greatly reduced cost. The unique variations in colour, of the limestone, can create an affect that is elegant and majestic. Limestone fireplaces are a great option for any roomandthe different styles can ensure that the fireplace fits into any dcor.

When deciding to install a limestone fireplace it is important to understand the steps that one must take to maintain it. First and foremost, a limestone fireplace should be sealed to prevent discolouration. There are a variety of sealants available for sealing limestone; however, care should be taken in choosing the best one for the job. Cheaper sealants will change the colour of the limestone when applied. It is better to pay more for a good sealant and thus be able to retain the natural colouring of the limestone. Many fireplace installers will seal the limestone after installation. Limestone fireplaces should have two coats of sealant applied, the second coat being added after the first coat has completely dried. If sealed correctly the limestone should maintain that seal for many years.

Limestone can be cracked by excessive heat. This is not a problem for fireplaces, which do not have real fire, however a real fire fireplace made of limestone should be constructed in a manner, which will eliminate the risk of cracking. This can be accomplished by cutting the slabs of limestone into smaller stones and putting joints between the stones. These joints allow the limestone to expand with the heat, without stressing the stone to the point of cracking. A backing of high temperature cement can also help to distribute the heat more evenly across the stones and thus prevent cracking.

Limestone's have a soft and delicate texture which can be stained easily. It is important to keep drinks such as coffee, wine, tea, etc. away from a limestone fireplace. Spills can be cleaned; however, if left on the surface, the limestone will stain. Vases of flowers left on a limestone mantel can leave ring marks on the stone and thus should not be placed there. When cleaning limestone harsh chemicals should not be used. These chemicals can mar the surface of the stone leaving unsightly blemishes. Cleaning should be done with a cotton cloth and diluted washing up liquid.

Adding limestone fireplaces to a room can create a wonderful atmosphere. Caring for the limestone is not difficult it merely requires an understanding of what to do and what not to do. Limestone can be an excellent material for the fireplaces in any area.

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