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Walls
| Q 2317:
Our architect wants to include a number of sandstone or limestone
walls in our new residence, using
diamond cut, 200mm thick limestone building blocks. He has recently
become concerned about one of the proposed walls which separates the
ensuite and main bathrooms. In the ensuite, the wall is to form part
of the shower cubicle. He is concerned that the limestone cannot be
sealed well enough to be suitable for use in such wet areas. For this
particular wall he is now planning to use matching limestone tiles
instead. After reading the findstone web site for a hour or so, I
am more confused than ever about the issue of sealants and the suitability
of limestone as a building material. I obtained a quotation
for the supply of the limestone blocks from Bruhn Building Stone of
Mt Gambier, and they advised us not to use their limestone in wet
areas, but didn't say why. I presume that water penetration is the
issue, but what are the consequences? These limestone walls are actually
blades that "cut" through the house; and thus they are exposed to
outside elements too. Why is water penetration not a problem for the
exterior limestone, only the interior? Can you provide some expert
advise to us? We love the idea of the "feature" limestone walls that
our architect has in mind, but don't want to end up with exterior
or interior structural problems or even bathroom surfaces that are
overly difficult to maintain (e.g. will soap or shampoo affect the
limestone; is the use of unfilled limestone in the bathroom--for that
raw look the architect is aiming at--a practical nightmare for maintenance?)
Would these issues disappear if we used sandstone instead of limestone?
Paul, Australia, July 27. |
R1:
Dear Paul: There you have the very reason why I never recommend anybody
to use limestone in their homes. Limestone is too wide a definition,
and while most of the limestone available are going to be all right,
some will not, and nobody will ever be able to solve the emerging
problems! Here, we're in a situation where even the dealer advise
you not to use their product in a wet environment! That speaks volume
about the suitability of that particular limestone for your project,
all right!
I don't know if the specifiers (architects and decorators) from Down
Under are as stubborn (just to use a nice word!) as their American
counterparts (but I would be surprised if they weren't!)
If you have authority over your architect (I don't know why, but it
looks to me that the homeowners are all to often overwhelmed by them!...)
I would tell him or her to think honed marble instead, or else! Maurizio,
USA |
| A 2026:
Wouldn't a good sealer take care of that? The problem I have is that
I'm looking at a granite sample from home depot that is permanently
mounted to the wall. I'm hoping that a good sealer (which
I'll apply according to your guidelines) will reduce the effect
on any possible staining. Thanks and Ciao, Brandon, June 5, Reply |
R1:
Dear Brandon: I don't quite understand your question. What is
it, are you going to install
granite on a wall? If so, what's your problem? How can you possibly
stain a wall? Is there any likelihood that you're going to rub (just
splattering wouldn't make any stain) some Ocean Spray or some cooking
oil on your wall?
Maurizio, USA |
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