Cool Even On The Hottest Days
Travertine tile is resistant to extreme temperatures. Youll find that walking on travertine is nothing like walking on hot sand at the beach. Even when travertine tile is directly exposed to sunlight, the tile will feel cool as you walk on it with your bare feet.
Many agree that its ideal for home landscaping, including for swimming pools and hot tubs.
Tips On How To Take Care Of Your Travertine Deck
Travertine pavers can make your deck aesthetically pleasing and more conducive for hosting parties or for relaxing. The elegance of a travertine is unmatched by other commonly used materials for decks, like wood. Having a travertine deck is a good way to elevate your homes appeal and value, too. The natural stone may be durable and guaranteed to last for generations, but there are certain things you must do to make sure that it can indeed last more than a lifetime and to protect its quality. Here are tips on how to take care of your travertine deck:
- Clean your deck routinely The most important step to keeping your travertine deck in good condition is to clean it at least once a year. Use clean water to rinse off the dirt. If there is too much dirt, a pressure washer should do the trick. Otherwise, use a brush with a soft bristle to remove the dirt.
- Use a specially formulated stone cleaner when necessary Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach and those with harsh chemicals because these could affect the appearance of the stone. If you are not sure about the formulation of your cleaner, test it first on a small section of deck to see how it will affect travertine.
IIA IIA-CIA-PART3 Practice Test
The Dos And Donts Of Maintaining Your Travertine Pavers
Travertine is a gorgeous stone that is ideal for Arizona homes and businesses. It looks just as good inside as it does outside, and its natural colors perfectly complement the desert landscape. Installing travertine pavers can improve your homes curb appeal and increase its value.
Travertine is a low-maintenance and durable stone, but you do need to know how to care for it so you dont inadvertently damage it. Here are the tops dos and donts for this beautiful stone:
Recommended Reading: Will Chlorine Kill Lice
Advantages Of Sealing Travertine Pavers:
Sealing pavers is a good idea and it comes with certain advantages. These pavers not only increase life of your stone but also make it durable. Here are some top reasons why travertine paver sealers should be used.
Weather Protection:
In cold regions unsealed travertine pavers can be damaged by ice and snow during freeze and thaw cycle. When ice melts, water can seep into the stone. When this water mixes with dust and sand in the stone it leads to the formation of mud puddle which can, in turn lead to cracks in the stone. Sealers prevent this dust and water from going into the pavers thus preventing such complications.
Weed and Mildew Protection:
Moisture, dust, and a suitable temperature allows mildews and weeds to grow just about anywhere and without sealers they grow into the pavers causing severe damage. By sealing the pavers weeds and mildews still grow but they do not go inside the space between the pavers and remain on the surface making it easier to remove them.
External Appearance:
Sealers form a layer on the surface of the pavers, this layer reflects light giving the stone a shiny and glossy look which gives a clean appearance. They protect the surface from stains such as oil and grease. Sealers also prevent the color of the pavers from fading.
Enhanced Resilience and longevity:
Sealers promote resilience against corrosion and ensure longevity. They protect pavers in high traffic areas from wear and tear. They are responsible for increasing life of the stone.
Stops Mold And Bacterial Growth
The pores on the travertine are also a perfect place for breeding a bacterial and viral growth. With time the growth will eventually spread to more areas, and can cause many diseases.
Just washing the travertine with soap water is not enough to get rid of these parasites. So, sealing the pavers is one of the best ways for preventing growth in the first place.
You May Like: Clorox Bleach In Pool
The Science Behind It
The calcium carbonate chemical formula is CaCO3. Comprised of one calcium atom, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms. When something, even water, breaks the bond between atoms, it releases the carbon and two oxygen atoms as carbon dioxide, leaving calcium oxide, or simple lime behind.
This simple lime can be very corrosive when it gets wet and is very destructive to the travertine, forming holes and breaking down solid stone into powder. The travertine paver itself, can be one of the primary sources for the calcium oxide but the are several other sources as well.
Simple lime can come from several sources. It is common to see it as efflorescence, a chalky white powder that builds up after water has evaporated. The efflorescence in a travertine patio can come from sources such as grass contacting the patio, planter boxes, etc. A big part of our service is having the experience to identify and address where the efflorescence is coming from and how to prevent future damage.
Every stone is unique in its chemical composition and the amount of lime already present before is installed. Some stones have almost zero lime and are less likely to breakdown especially if they are polished and sealed effectively, but some stones have a high content of lime from the beginning and they will break down rapidly. These stones are what would be referred to as the bad apple. They should be replaced whenever they are identified.
Topcoat Or Film Forming Sealers:
These sit on top of the stone, form a film or coating on the surface, do not penetrate, create a temporary shine.
There are local companies that guarantee the performance of their topcoat sealers. From one to five years, and some up to 20 years. This isnt possible. Any coating on the surface of the travertine cannot perform because water will get in it one way or another. When it does the water is trapped underneath the coating causing damage as a liquid. Then it evaporates inside of the stone causing hydrostatic pressure and spalling.
If a stone finisher suggests a topcoat sealer for your patio, you should ask the important question, Is this right for my travertine patio? The short answer is no. By suggesting a topcoat sealer for a travertine patio, the stone finisher may be demonstrating a lack of knowledge of what works in this climate and how to treat travertine patios properly with the use of safe abrasive techniques and penetrating sealers. Secondly, these shiny topcoat sealers stay shiny for a few months in our Arizona sun before fading and turning a milky white or gray, then the flaking and peeling begins. More often, the travertine patio looks much worse than before it was coated. Coatings are difficult and expensive to remove.
Also Check: How Many Gallons In A Pool
How Do You Seal A Travertine Pool Deck
4.6/5travertinesealingseal travertinesealer
Similarly one may ask, should I seal my travertine pool deck?
Travertine pavers do not need to be sealed in order to be effective. One reason you may not wish to seal your paver surface is that is can remove some of the traction, which is there to help prevent slips and falls when the travertine is wet.
One may also ask, can you use concrete sealer on travertine? Things You Will NeedPrevent the maintenance headaches travertine can bring by using a high gloss acrylic sealant that will protect the surface of the stone. These floor sealers are easily purchased and can be applied by any do-it-yourself homeowner. Select a suitable sealer.
Beside this, what is the best sealer for travertine?
The Best Stone Sealer for Limestone, Marble, Travertine, Slate, Granite And Other Stone Tiles And Slabs
- Grout Shield Review.
- Quick Seal Aerosol Sealer Review.
- Stonetech Bulletproof Review.
- TileLab Grout And Tile Sealer Review.
- TileLab Surfacegard Review.
Is travertine too slippery for pool deck?
Travertine tiles are slippery when wet, just as most glazed ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, marble tiles, and granite tiles are. There are many non-slip coatings which can be applied to natural stone tiles that will increase their SCOF rating. Applying a Non-slip coating or sealer can raise the SCOF by .
Dont: Use Harsh Cleansers
If you start to notice discoloration on your travertine or in the grout, you may be tempted to reach for bleach or other harsh cleaners that you think will get out the marks. But harsh and acidic cleaners like bleach, vinegar, and anything containing citrus can actually damage your stone. These cleaners can discolor your stone or wear it down.
Stick to water and some mild soap if you need it when cleaning your travertine. If you need more than that, you need to call in the professionals.
You May Like: Is The Mandalay Bay Pool Open
Do Travertine Pavers Need To Be Sealed
Some people choose not to seal their travertine pavers. Among the main justifications for it, is that they claim the sealing reduces friction thus removing some of travertines natural anti-slip properties. But the fact is, almost any wet or damp surface will be somewhat slippery. Its no different for travertine pavers.
So although sealing travertine makes it a bit more slippery, sealing offers many more benefits to compensate for that. Starting with the faster drying time, sealed travertine pavers will have very low absorption of water, resulting in faster drying.
In addition, the sealer on travertine pavers protects them against accidental staining, sun-bleaching, and other forms of surface damage. So what happens if you dont seal travertine pavers is that youll leave them much more exposed to problems. Sealing also enhances its beauty and colors, while making it last longer.
To ensure an anti-slip surface, there are currently several anti-slip additives that can be mixed into the sealant.
How The Sealer Works
We use a special sealant to form a protective layer over the stone surface. Sealing your travertine pavers begins with cleaning them. Your pavers need to be thoroughly cleaned to remove hidden dirt and organic material. Mold/ Mildew/ Algae and lichen are treated as well. Our Clean Image Cleaning System uses pressurized Hot water and a Vacuum to recover the soils and organic material. The surface is also rinsed to remove any remaining cleaning residues. The cleaning agent we use doesnt damage your pavers.Cleaning the pavers is important as you do not want to seal soils into the stone.
There are 2 methods of installing Travertine Pavers, sand set and mud set. Pavers that are sand set are set onto a base that has been compacted. The surrounding pavers are mud set, or you may have a concrete retaining curb. Pavers that are mud set are bonded directly to a concrete slab. This type of install may or may not then have the joints grouted. There are advantages to both types of installs. With Sand set installation, depending on the joint width, we typically will use a fine sand and wet sand the joints. This wet sanding carries sand under any small gaps under the paver and in between the pavers. This helps solidify the installation before sealing.
You May Like: Winstar Hotel Pool
Why Buy A Pool Deck Concrete Sealer
- The water-based sealer is very easy to use
- Pool Deck sealer is very simple to clean
- It is a non-toxic product
- It can be applied to all-natural stones
- The sealer can be used on both interior and exterior surfaces
- It is great for high traffic areas like the kitchen, bathroom, driveway, and patio
- It comes with a 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Pool Deck concrete sealer is quite expensive when compared to other types of sealers
- It doesnt provide the shiny finish that many people look for
- It doesnt last for very long
SummaryThe UltraDry 70 sealer is a wonderful water-based sealer that will protect your driveway and give it a natural look. It can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, and it is very easy to clean. The only downside is that it will have to be applied almost yearly as it is not very long-lasting. What do you think After reading this Pool Deck sealer reviews? Let us know.
What Happens If I Dont Seal Travertine
Although travertine pavers are beautiful, that doesnt mean they wont be damaged. Acidic substances, oils, tree fallout, pool chemistry, plant stainig or harsh weather can severely damage the pavers over time. Without any sealant, youre leaving the travertine open to stains that can infiltrate the pores. Without sealing, your pavers wont last as long and they wont retain their aesthetic for nearly as long.
We recommend sealing travertine pavers to retain their natural stone surface and look. Protecting them from staining and from weather damage also means easy maintenance for the years to come.
Also Check: How To Keep Racoons Out Of Pool
Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Sealer
Black Diamond Granite Sealer is the product of choice for sealing travertine and all your native stone surfaces in or out of your home.
It prevents water-based contamination from soaking into your granite, and other treated stones while still allowing these surfaces to breathe.
This sealer is specially formulated to protect your masonry with its ability to repel water. Black Diamond Sealer is part of the range and helps homeowners protect and maintain stone surfaces in their homes or businesses.
These cleaners and sealers can be used for both easy maintenance and protection against water-based contaminants. This is the best clear impregnator available for granite countertops.
Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Sealer is a professional-grade product thats easy to use. It protects stone surfaces from oil-based contaminants, which can seep into masonry during daily activities such as cooking.
Granite Sealer is a powerful stain remover that protects stone surfaces from dirt, water-based spills, and other contaminants.The aerosol spray bottle makes it easy to quickly season your entire surface.
Black Diamond Sealer is designed for operators safe houses. If you choose to wear it on foods you should have no health risks.
Black Diamond has cleaners and sealers that provide the best combination of product performance, value, and convenience.
These products are made to protect and maintain all the stone flooring such as a travertine shower throughout your home and business.
Can You Seal Travertine Pavers The Cons
As we mentioned before, travertine is a good choice to use alongside pools. This is due to the fact that travertine is a naturally porous stone that absorbs water easily, which is important to avoid slippery surfaces around pools.
It has natural traction that is very useful if many people, especially kids, walk or run around your pool. Depending on the sealing that you choose to apply, that traction can be lost, which in turn will make your pool area slippery.
Also, although risky, travertine can work without the sealing, so the investment may not be worthwhile at the moment if youre working on a budget. Still, sealing travertine is highly recommended and is not something you should skip without a really good reason.
Also Check: Should You Seal Concrete Pool Deck
Apply The Sealer Of Your Choice
After making sure your deck is perfectly cleaned and dried, apply the sealer of your choice. You can find them at local hardware stores. Pick the sealer according to the type of your travertine.
Next, spread the sealer evenly on the entire surface with a paint brush, and by following the instructions. It is best to follow the packages method because it can vary with different brands.
Pros And Cons Of Sealing Travertine Pavers
Travertine pavers are beautiful thick stones which are used for paving outdoor areas like pathways, hallways and pool areas. Travertine pavers are widely used around the globe in projects. With their elegant designs, travertine pavers in walkways and driveways beautify the appearance of your home. In addition, travertine pavers are also perfect for areas where aesthetics are the main priority. For the past decade travertine pavers in patios have become an integral part of landscaping and a practical choice for homeowners looking for a renovation. Moreover, travertine has become a top priority of designers because of its long life and durability.
Travertine pavers are susceptible to damage, no matter how durable or tough they are, either by staining, fading of colors or even weather corrosion. In driveways and areas of high foot activity they are more prone to damage. In order to increase the durability and longevity of pavers sealing them is the best option. However, sealing your patio is not mandatory, but most professional recommend sealing travertine pavers. At the end, usage of a sealer depends on the fact that how long you want your pavers to last. However, travertine pavers come with their own pros and cons which we have discussed in this article.
Listed below are some of the pros and cons that will help you decide whether to seal your natural stone pavers or not.
Also Check: How To Increase Stabilizer In Pool
General Cleaning Practices For Maintaining Your Travertine Pool Deck
To maintain a travertine pool deck, sweep travertine regularly. This prevents dirt from building up on the stone and staining it. Periodically, clean your travertine with natural stone cleaner. Dont use anything acidic , and dont use bleach. If using natural stone cleaner, follow the manufacturers instructions. Repeat the use of natural stone cleaner as needed.
List Of The Pros Of A Travertine Pool Deck
1. It handles changes in temperature exceptionally well.Travertine is an ideal surface to consider for outdoor landscaping and as a floor tile for your pool deck because it is so resistant to temperature extremes. Even when the stone receives direct exposure to sunlight, it will feel cool to the touch when you walk on it with your bare feet. That makes it a useful item for any home landscaping situation that involves a hot tub, spa, and swimming pool combination.
2. There is an intense aesthetic appeal with this stone.Travertine provides a sense of luxury when you install it in any situation, but it looks particularly fantastic when it serves as a pool deck. The stone provides a natural veining which makes each piece look unique, but it still works as an overall pattern too. You can choose from a variety of hues and tones when incorporating this stone with your plans, ranging from bold coral shades to something neutral like gray or tan.
If you want to prolong the life of your travertine, then sealing it with a waterproof product will further reduce any issues with porosity that you may encounter. Try using a non-slip product for around your pool to prevent an injury.
Travertine avoids this issue altogether. You can even choose to coordinate different colors to create a unique look for around your pool. Try using one hue for your pool deck, and then another for the coping for a distinctive addition to your property.
You May Like: What Pool Filter Size Do I Need
