Do you want to renovate your home or business and build out your lanai, patio, or driveway with travertine tiles or pavers? Perhaps, you already own a residential or commercial property that has a travertine pool deck, staircase, or walkway and you aren’t sure how to take care of it. In an effort to educate our customers, we have gathered together 7 travertine facts written in a handy Q&A style. We hope that this will help you better understand the building material under your feet and what you can do to maintain its beauty and preserve its longevity.
1. What is travertine?
Travertine is a natural stone formed from the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate minerals from freshwaters, specifically mineral springs, including hot springs. Travertine is a limestone that has been used as a building material around the world for the past 5,000 years. The most famous example is the Roman Colosseum, which was built from travertine around 80 AD and still stands today!
2. Does travertine stay cool?
Yes! Travertine naturally reflects heat, making it the perfect stone for an energy-efficient home in the Tampa Bay Area. Other materials like brick will retain heat, turning your outdoor living space into an oven on a sunny Summer day in Florida. Choose travertine to beat the heat in Florida’s subtropical weather!
3. Does travertine become slick when wet?
The answer to this question depends on the travertine itself and the sealant being used. Grade 2 travertine is naturally more porous and will absorb water around your pool. Of course, that also means the stones will erode and deteriorate more quickly. But if you want a natural stone and an extra safe pool space, it’s a great option.
If you purchased a house with a travertine pool deck or just installed one, you want to do everything you can to keep a little traction under your feet. The good news is, the right sealant can help to protect the stone and you from harm.
Consult Premier Pro Wash & Seal and we will provide you different sealing options made specifically for travertine and provide you a wet or natural look.
4. Why is travertine more expensive than brick?
Unlike clay or concrete pavers, the travertine is not made by humans. They find, quarry, and shape the stone to be used as a building material. Supplies are limited to what nature can produce and manufacturing pavers and tiles is a labor-intensive endeavor. This labor causes the travertines to cost more.
5. How much does travertine cost?
The price of travertine can range from $2 to $14 per square foot, depending on the quality, color, and rarity. Classic colors like beige will cost less because it is more plentiful. Silver is among the most expensive colors to choose from because it is rare to find.
6. Does travertine stain?
All-natural stones will stain if they are poorly sealed or not sealed at all. Once a potentially staining liquid meets an unsealed travertine surface, you won’t have time to clean it up. The stain will occur immediately.
But you have options!
Seal it and give yourself time to clean up the liquid and save the surface. Don’t fight stains and face the risk of damaging your travertine stone!
A premium grade, professional, water-based sealant applied by the experts at Premier Pro Wash & Seal will keep your travertine pavers protected from stains all year long. It’s also important to have routine resealing performed every 2-3 years to maintain a healthy glow and keep the otherwise porous surface from absorbing liquid.
7. How do you safely clean sealed travertine?
Last but certainly not least among the travertine facts: How do you clean it?
When a spill occurs, no matter what the liquid is, the first thing you should do is grab a microfiber rag or towel from your garage or shed. Microfiber cloth will absorb fluid quickly and pull it away from the surface of the travertine.
Once the liquid is gone, follow these steps:
- Mix a simple liquid baby soap or gentle dish soap with warm water and apply it to the area. Avoid using soaps that include acidic elements like citric acid, lemon oil, orange oil, or vinegar that can break down the sealant.
- Use a circular motion to rub the soap around.
- With a wet rag or mop, remove the soap completely. Another option is to wash it away with your garden hose.
These are relatively inexpensive items that you can find at your local dollar store, drugstore, or any home improvement department. Always keep them on hand in case of a spill!
If it’s too late and the stain has set in, you need a stain specialist to take care of it.
Help beyond the Travertine Facts? Travertine Wash and Seal in Tampa Bay Near Me
Whether you just purchased a home, installed unsealed travertine, or need your old travertine cleaned and resealed, Premier Pro Wash & Seal will take care of you! We will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and give you results that you will be proud of.