When you choose natural stones such as marble and granite in your home or building, you’re not just picking a beautiful floor or top, you’re also using a sustainable material.
So why should you consider “Green Building?” First off, let’s define what that is. According to the Natural Stone Institute (formerly Marble Institute of America):
“A sustainable or green building is the outcome of a design process which focuses on increasing the efficiency of resource use — energy, water, and materials — while reducing a building’s impact on human health and the environment during its life cycle; through better site selection, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual disposal or removal.”
Think about it, the Egyptian pyramids and Chichen Itza, the Mayan Ruins in Mexico are made of natural stone and those structures are still standing today. According to the Natural Stone Institute, “Natural stone stands up to weathering and time better than any other building material, natural or manmade.” Pretty cool, right? Natural stone gives us the ability to research and learn about ancient civilizations.
These magnificent limestone structures still exist today, but the limestone surface no longer has a polished, high gloss finish. Time, traffic and the elements can wear the finish off, that’s where we come in! Natural stone restorers (like us) can come and resurface the stone on-site. Again, this speaks to the sustainability of natural stone. Unlike other man-made materials, stone can be refinished, not just replaced. When your marble island or travertine shower start losing their luster, International Stoneworks can clean and restore the surface of the stone. And for those of you who are environmentally conscious, we have “green” stone restoration and maintenance methods.
We have completely neutral stone cleaners such as Lavenet Green and we have a water-based stone sealer, Seal & Go® W.
If the natural stone surface needs to be re-honed or re-polished to remove etch marks and fine scratches, we have diamond abrasive pads that can be used with water. With restoration, your stone surface will last and last. Your great great great grandchildren will walk on the same marble floors that you are walking on today.
Marble, granite, travertine, limestone, etc. are truly beautiful and come in so many stunning colors. These natural stones aren’t just beautiful, they also stand the test of time.