General Information on Care & Maintenance of Stone Exteriors
Centurion thanks you for choosing Centurion Stone veneer for your project. Our products are virtually maintenance free but occasionally cleaning or touchup may be required from certain conditions that exist in the area. Listed below are ways and ideas on keeping our products beautiful.
INSTALLATION
Cleanliness at the job site is very important. The setting materials will bond to the stones face as well as its back. Water and mud splatters may also stain the stone and be very difficult to remove. At the end of the work day or when mortar becomes firm, strike and broom joints to desired look.
Brooming or tooling wet joints, or sweeping with a wet brush will cause staining that will be difficult, or impossible, to remove. Loose mortar and mortar spots clean up easily within a few hours but should never be allowed to set up overnight. Do not use acid or acid base products to clean the stone!
CLEANING DIRT AND SOOT
It is not recommended to use acid or acid containing products or high pressure power washers to clean the stone. For best results use a soft bristle brush and scrub the stone surface which usually is sufficient. With stubborn stains mix granulated powder detergent and water (detergent must be bleach and harsh chemicals free) and brush stones surface with the solution – rinse well with clean water. On stubborn stains it may become necessary for a stronger cleaning solution –mix 1 part white vinegar to 5 parts water and follow above procedure. It is recommended to try a test area to see the finished look. If serious cleaning problems are persistent contact your local centurion dealer for advice.
WHAT IS SCUFFING?
Surface scuffing is a normal occurrence that occurs in handling, shipping, and installation of all masonry products. This is an attribute that in most cases adds aesthetic appeal to a vendor stone. Scuffing occasionally occurs on centurion stone, enhancing its close resemblance to the look of natural stone. Light scuffing can be removed by cleaning as described above.
SEALING
Sealing Centurion Stone maybe recommended in certain applications but is not necessary In most installations. Sealing may be required in areas where mud could splash onto the stone at grade or on wood burning fire places, where smoke or soot occurs.
It is recommended to use a penetrating breathable concrete sealer - silane or siloxane base products. It is recommended to test the sealer on several loose pieces to determine the finished results. Some sealers affect the stones color and may create sheen. Stone must be allowed to cure before sealing.
WHAT IS EFFLORESCENCE?
Efflorescence occurs when salts; cementations or alkali substance are dissolved by water which has migrated through a masonry substrate. Once the moisture reaches the surface the moisture evaporates, what is left behind are salts and minerals on the surface. The efflorescence is a white crystalline deposit that will disappear naturally with time providing the moisture is controlled or eliminated. To remove efflorescence, allow the stone to dry thoroughly and scrub with a stiff bristle brush and clean water. On difficult problems mix 1 cup house hold white vinegar to 5 parts water. Scrub area using a soft bristle brush and rinse well with clean water.
PROTECTION
Salt and de-icing chemicals
All concrete and masonry products are vulnerable to damage from salts and ice removal chemicals. Centurion stone is not warranted against damage incurred from these products. Do not use these type products on areas immediately adjacent to an application of Centurion Stone veneer.
SWIMMING POOLS OR FOUNTAINS
Chemicals used in cleaning or maintaining pools and fountains may discolor the stone veneer when installed below the water line.