17 | CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Geopietra® products are virtually maintenance free.
REMOVING ANY INSTALLATION RESIDUES
Take care not to soil the stone during installation. It is good practice to work with your hands clean at all time. Any glue stains must be removed at once with a clean sponge and water. During grouting, it is very important to comply with the statutory regulations set out in the Technical Manual: incorrect application of the grouting, working with fresh mortar or unsuitable tools may stain the veneer irreparably..
If washing is required on completion of the installation and the drying process, proceed as follows:
1.Remove any hardened debris using a wooden stick.
2.Remove any halo and stains by washing the stone surface thoroughly with water, gently scrub with a sponge (or a dry soft bristle brush) soaked in a solution of water and white vinegar (maximum concentration 1 part white distilled vinegar to 5 parts water).
3.Rinse well with clean water.
Alternatively, Geopietra® in collaboration with the company Fila® Industria Chimica spa, tested the product CLEANER PRO and it resulted suitable for removing small (dry) processing residues on the surface of the stone, as an alternative to the indications above. CLEANER PRO product should always be diluted with water in a ratio of at least 1:30 (250 ml in 5 litres of water) or as according on the need. Wet the stone with water and then pass the mixture over the stone with a sponge or a brush with soft bristles. Rinse well with a sponge and clean water. For further information contact: assistenzatecnica@filasolutions.com.
ORDINARY CLEANING
Remove surface dust with a dry brush/broom.
Only use soft bristle brushes (sorghum) so as to avoid scratching the material. Then wash with clean water, as required, following the procedure below:
1.Prepare the stone by wetting it well with clean water only.
2.Gently scrub the stone surface with a soft bristle brush and, if necessary, soaked in a solution of mild detergent and water. Make sure the detergent does not contain any bleach or other harsh chemicals.
3.Rinse well with clean water.
Alternatively, wash the surface with neutral detergent CLEANER PRO, produced by Fila® Industria Chimica spa, as described above: removing any installation residues.
EFFLORESCENCE
If dissolved salts deposit on the surface as the result of the drying process of the base, wait until moisture migration has completed and remove any deposits using a sorghum broom. Stains can be removed using a solution of 5 parts water to 1 part white distilled vinegar, rubbing gently with a soft bristle brush. Rinse well with clean water.
If the source of moisture persists, water will migrate slowly through the masonry base, due to improperly waterproofed walls.
When water reaches the outer surface, it evaporates depositing dissolved salts in the form of strongly corrosive efflorescence. If efflorescence is extensive, it may be necessary to restore proper conditions and put in place specific remedies before installing the cladding. If efflorescence is localized, appears seasonally or is of a limited extent, it may be enough to treat with anti-salt spray, after cleaning.
PROTECTIVE TREATMENTS
Geopietra® manufactured stone veneerfeatures duration and high resistance over time without requiring particular interventions.
Only in certain applications, in the presence of external agents, it may be necessary to apply a sealer. Like natural stone, Geopietra stone veneer is made up of natural ingredients, and is therefore exposed to the corrosive action of chemicals-such as salt, chlorine and acids - or may absorb liquids.
Exteriors: saline water, sea salt carried by the wind, chlorine dissolved in swimming pool water, salt and chemical products used for melting snow, are all dangerous products for the stone veneer.
Interiors:in public places and where the walls require special protection and cleaning, it is good practice to apply suitable protective treatments because the material may absorb fumes, oils or liquids.
In such cases, there are various types of treatment with different degrees of protection and durability, some of which can alter both the outer appearance of the stone and its physical characteristics. When applying a protective treatment to Geopietra® manufactured stone veneer, we recommend choosing a siloxane-based formula, which leaves the “pore open”, thus maintaining breathability.
Geopietra® in collaboration with the company Fila® Industria Chimica spa, tested the product HYDROREP ECO and it resulted suitable for these particular requirements. Apply water-based protective product HYDROREP ECO on the entire surface to be treated, including the joint, by spraying (airless system) and using the specific PPE. The product is an excellent anti-frost barrier (UNI EN ISO 846:1999), 90% breathable, anti-efflorescence, ideal for protecting interior and exterior walls. The product does not alter the aesthetic features of the material. Indicative coverage: 10/20 m2 per coat.
WARNINGS
DO NOT use metal brushes on Geopietra® manufactured stone veneer.
DO NOT use acid detergent to clean Geopietra®.
DO NOT clean Geopietra® with high-pressure water jets.
DO NOT apply protective treatments to wet surfaces.
(wait at least 5-6 weeks after installation).
