Weathering the Winter with Natural Stone
Australian winter brings harsh conditions, like icy mornings, chill temperatures, heavy rainfall, and frost, all of which can take a toll on natural stone. Without proper care during winter, moisture and temperature fluctuations can cause staining, cracking, or long-term damage.
To help you stay ahead of the chill, our stone maintenance experts have curated a guide so you can keep your surfaces winter-ready. Whatever type of stone you have, a few simple steps will help protect it and keep it looking its best for years to come.
Before winter: prepare natural stone
Before winter arrives, take steps to minimise any damage to your natural stone and prepare it for the season ahead.
Here’s our checklist of tasks to ready the area for increased moisture and a drop in temperature.
- Thoroughly clean the area where natural stone is laid.
Removing any built-up debris can prevent moisture build-up.
- Inspect the stone carefully
Take care to inspect the area for any cracks or signs of wear on the stone or sealant.
- Reseal the natural stone
Handle this one yourself or leave it to the professionals by booking a stone resealing service with Wilmoore Allstone.
Our team of experienced stonemasons can assess the area, recommend the right sealants, and ensure a flawless finish to protect your stone through winter’s harsh conditions.
During winter: monitor and maintain
When winter arrives, that’s the time to monitor for any damage and maintain your hard work. After heavy rainfall, check for standing water, particularly in low areas around the property. This ensures moisture won’t seep into porous stone if it is left sitting.
As always, we advise against harsh cleaning methods, such as pressure washers or acidic cleaning products, as these may strip away the stone sealant, undoing your hard work. Harsh cleaners can also cause damage to the stone, like staining or etching. Additionally, avoid de-icing salts which can also stain or erode stone surfaces.
Reach out to stone maintenance experts in Sydney or Melbourne, like Wilmoore Allstone, if you notice discoloration, mould, or early signs of damage.
Our team specialises in stone restoration and can reverse and repair damage at its earliest signs.
After Winter: assess and refresh
Once winter is over, perform a final check on your natural stone. Check for any faded sealant, grime build-up, or natural stone spalling. These are clear signs that professional stone restoration is required.
Stonemasons can clean the area, repair the stone, and reseal the surface to bring the stone back to its original beauty.
Regular seasonal maintenance with a trusted stonemasonry team helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your stone looking pristine.
Pro tip: If water no longer beads on the stone’s surface, it’s time to reseal before spring rains hit.
Natural stone is a timeless feature, but winter can be tough on it. Now’s the time to protect your natural stone from moisture, frost, and wear that the cold season can bring.
Not sure if your stone needs resealing?
Book a consultation with our stonemasonry team today. We’ll provide tailored natural stone care to keep your stone protected, polished, and looking pristine year-round.
