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[T804]The Way To Natural Beauty

by Martin Forrester, Mar

If you are renovating an existing room you may be looking for a piece de resistance and what better focus to add to a room than a hand carved limestone fireplace. Limestone fireplaces are also a great addition to new houses and are available in a variety of styles, colours and sizes to suit your home.

The History of Limestone

Each piece of natural limestone is unique and unlike any other piece due to the way it is formed. A sedimentary rock made of calcium carbonate CaCO3 limestone originates on the floor bed of tropical seas and turns into stone by the accumulation of the constituent grains of calcite. Calcium and bicarbonate ions in the water combine to form calcium carbonate as the water is warmed by the sun and carbon dioxide is given off to form limestone. The appearance and quality of the limestone is influenced by factors such as the quantity of calcium carbonate in the limestone and the amount of fossil contained in the limestone.

The colour of the limestone is also decided at an early stage in its formation, as different amounts of iron oxide dissolving produces cream, orange, brown and red shades whilst grey and black shades are produced by organic matter and iron sulphide.

Experts can effectively read the history of a piece of limestone and decipher when and where it was formed.

The Design of your Limestone Fireplace

As a versatile stone, limestone can either be carved or left untreated for a more contemporary looking fireplace. Due to the uniqueness of the stone, few limestone fireplaces are the same and most have different dimensions and styles, so you can be confident in the knowledge that your fireplace is a ‘one off'.

The dimensions of the fireplace can be tailored to meet your requirements and made to compliment your interior design scheme. Fireplaces from reputable companies are usually individually made and signed off by a master mason, an expert in stone. The beauty of the limestone fireplace is that these days it is at home under any chimney with or without a hearth or mantel and is functional for any type of wood burning, solid fuel, electric, gas or enclosed stove fire.

One of the advantages of a limestone fireplace is that they never go out of style. You may choose to go for a more contemporary simple design, alternatively you may consider an elaborate design. Stone and art have worked alongside each other for years and fireplace consultants are starting to use stone in new and creative ways. If you are looking for a jaw dropping focal point for your room you will appreciate the fine detailing that can be achieved in a limestone fireplace design.

The Cost of your Limestone Fireplace

The price of limestone fireplaces is very much dependent on the quality, style and finish you choose. As fireplaces can be tailored to your requirements, most fireplace consultants will provide you with an idea of the cost based on your specifications. A limestone fireplace may be a little more expensive but is definitely worth the investment for your home.

Naturally occurring stones as well as interior and exterior surfaces such as marble, granite, slate, limestone, travertine, sandstone and agglomerates need protection against the different causes of discoloration and staining. Such causes will include water, oil-based stains, household acids and alkalis and the formation of mold and mildew growth. Products that provide stone sealing coverage would vary according to an individual stone's porosity. Stones are naturally porous which makes them susceptible to harmful contaminants. Countertop and bathroom surfaces are usually penetrated by household cleaners which slowly destroys them.

Stone sealer products are best applied by putting the sealer on a white terry cloth which is rubbed to the stone surface. When the sealer impregnates the stone and the excess is removed, drying should be allowed for a couple of hours. The sealer is reapplied and the same procedure is repeated. Stone sealer applications usually last 2 - 3 years under normal condition. Enhancers, being mere topical coatings last for a lesser period since they are worn away by weather erosion and physical abrasion.

Excellent concrete sealers are deep penetrating sealers that last for life due to the chemical bonding that occurs which makes the sealer an integral part of the structure. This makes the concrete stronger and denser, offering protection against frost and salt as it increases resistance to stain-producing materials. Concrete sealers can also be used to extend the life of exterior wood in the form of fences, decks, shingles and patios. The application will leave a natural finish with no risks of slippery surfaces. Concrete which has been applied with sealers can be painted. Concrete sealers should not contain chemical solvents that will release noxious fumes.

Sealers that have been specifically designed for very porous concrete or cinder blocks are also ideal for poured concrete that is more than 10 years old or those which show evident signs of seepage or damage. Concrete sealers made for all types of pavers, driveways and walkways can also be used for sealing fish ponds and swimming pools. A specialized wet-look can also be produced by a suitable concrete sealer. Some have an anti-graffiti barrier property that prevents adhesion to the walls of paints, aerosols and crayons and allows easy removal in case they adhere.

Concrete cleaners are used to clean and degrease concrete, masonry, stone, stucco, bricks and mortar. The most ideal type of cleaners is the stone-friendly type that prevents the dulling and damage of stone. Stone enhancers work to beautify stone surfaces as they are able to enhance natural colors possessed by the stone. However, enhancers are not applied directly to unsealed stone surfaces as the enhanced effect quickly disappears. Grout sealers can offer additional protection while making the grout easier to clean.

Article Source : Pg. 180

About Author

Both Martin Forrester & Rokai Kolam are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Martin Forrester has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Home Management and Entertainment Guide. To view a range of visit registered installers of fireplaces. Martin Forrester's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.

Rokai Kolam has sinced written about articles on various topics from Culture and Society, Teeth Whitening and Home Management. Stone Technologies offers the most economical and effective sealers in the U.S.A. Its. Rokai Kolam's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.