A house facade made of natural stone certainly has its own unique charm. Its natural texture and color can make a home look more elegant, warm, and full of character. 

However, if not properly maintained, natural stone that initially looks clean can become dull, stained, or even overgrown with moss and mold.

It’s no surprise, then, that if Milanians want their homes to remain beautiful and luxurious, they need to understand how to care for a natural stone facade right from the start of construction.

This understanding helps create homes with durable natural stone facades, even when frequently exposed to extreme weather conditions. 

So, what’s the right way to maintain a natural stone home facade? Follow the steps outlined below!

Reasons Why Natural Stone Home Facades Lose Their Luster Quickly

1. Exposure to Sunlight and Rain

Outdoor natural stone facades are exposed to the sun’s heat, rain, temperature fluctuations, and humidity every day. 

This exposure can gradually affect the appearance of the stone’s surface, especially if the stone has pores that easily absorb water. Rainwater that seeps into the pores can also carry dirt and leave stains once it dries.

2. If Not Cleaned Often, Dust and Dirt Accumulate

Dust, dirt, vehicle exhaust, and debris from the surrounding environment can adhere to the surface of the stone. If left for too long, the debris will build up and make the stone’s natural color appear darker or duller. 

On facades located near roads or dusty areas, dirt tends to accumulate more quickly.

3. Moss and Mold Growth

Moisture is one of the conditions that moss and mold thrive in. Facades that are frequently exposed to rain but receive little sunlight and have poor air circulation are more prone to the growth of these microorganisms. 

In addition to detracting from the appearance, moss and mold that are left untreated can make stone surfaces even harder to clean.

4. Incorrect Cleaning Methods

Just because a stone is natural doesn’t mean it can be cleaned any way you like. Using a brush that’s too abrasive, excessive water pressure, or the wrong cleaning agents can erode the stone’s surface and alter its texture. 

Such mistakes can actually accelerate damage, especially to stones with softer or more porous surfaces.

5. Not Applying a Special Protective Coating for Natural Stone

Regular cleaning is important, but it isn’t always enough for facades that are constantly exposed to water and moisture. Natural stone that isn’t given additional protection remains at risk of absorbing water through its pores. 

Therefore, applying a special coating or water repellent designed for natural stone can be an additional step to help reduce water penetration without compromising the material’s natural character.

See Also: 5 Ways to Protect Natural Stone from Moss, Mold, and Rainwater 

Signs That a Natural Stone Facade Needs Special Maintenance

• The stone's color is starting to look dull or is changing from its original color.
• White spots or stains caused by water have appeared.
• The surface of the stone is covered with dust and dirt that is difficult to remove.
• Green moss appears on the surface of or between the stones.
• Mold or black spots appear.
• The rock feels increasingly brittle or prone to erosion.
• There are areas where the stone is cracked, chipped, or broken.
• Rainwater is quickly absorbed into the rock's surface.
• Water seepage or damp spots have appeared around the facade.
• The surface of the rock appears uneven as a result of weathering.

The Challenge of Maintaining a Natural Stone Home Facade So It Doesn’t Lose Its Luster Too Quickly

One of the biggest challenges in maintaining a natural stone home facade is the porous nature of the material. Each type of stone has different levels of porosity, hardness, color, and texture. This means that a maintenance method suitable for one type of stone may not necessarily be safe to use on another type of stone.

In addition, the orientation of the facade also plays a role. Parts of the house that are directly exposed to rain naturally face a higher risk of moisture than sheltered areas. 

Facades facing the street are also more prone to dust and pollution. Therefore, cleaning should not be limited to when the stones already look dirty, but should be part of regular home maintenance.

See Also: Solutions for Treating Moldy and Mossy Natural Stone with a Water-Repellent Coating 

When Is the Best Time to Clean a Natural Stone Facade?

There’s no need to wait until the facade looks very dull to start cleaning it. Ideally, Milanians should perform periodic inspections and light cleaning, especially after a long rainy season or when dust, stains, moss, and mold begin to appear.

For facades located in humid environments or frequently exposed to rain, inspections can be conducted more frequently. The best time to clean is when the weather is relatively sunny so that the surface can dry completely after cleaning. Dry conditions are also important if Milanians plan to apply a protective coating afterward.

7 Ways to Properly Maintain a Natural Stone Home Facade

1. Clean the Facade Regularly Using the Proper Methods and Tools

Caring for a natural stone home facade begins with removing dust and dirt using a tool that isn’t too abrasive. For stubborn stains, use water and a cleaning method appropriate for the type of stone. 

Avoid using water pressure that is too high right away, as it can erode the surface or damage weathered parts of the stone.

If there is moss or mold, clean it thoroughly before it spreads further. Make sure the facade is completely dry after cleaning so that moisture does not remain trapped on the surface.

2. Avoid Scratches or Impacts on the Facade

Natural stone comes in a variety of textures and degrees of hardness. Friction from a wire brush or abrasive object can leave scratches, while a hard impact can cause cracks or breakage. 

When cleaning or working on the facade, use safe tools and avoid applying excessive pressure to the stone surface.

3. Sandpaper the Weathered Stones Again

For areas of stone that have undergone slight weathering and whose surfaces are becoming uneven, sanding can be performed to smooth out the eroded areas. However, this process must be done carefully to avoid removing too much of the stone’s surface.

Sanding should be adjusted according to the material’s characteristics and the extent of the damage. If the weathering is severe or the stone is becoming brittle, do not rely solely on sanding, as that section may need to be repaired or replaced.

4. Repair Damaged Natural Stone Immediately

Cracks, chips, or loose pieces of stone should not be ignored. Minor damage can allow water to penetrate the material and cause the problem to worsen over time. 

Make repairs as soon as possible using appropriate materials and methods to prevent the damage from spreading to other parts of the facade.

5. Apply a Protective Coating or Special Coating to Natural Stone

In addition to maintaining cleanliness, Milanians can provide extra protection by applying a special natural stone coating. The water-repellent coating works by reducing water absorption into the material’s pores, thereby better protecting the facade from moisture and the effects of rain.

One recommendation that can be used is Milan Omnitect Water Repellent which is specifically designed to protect natural stone, concrete, wood, and synthetic materials from water penetration using taro leaf technology. The finish is transparent, so it does not alter the color, texture, or natural appearance of the stone.

Read the Project: Protection of the Natural Stone at the Mahavira Graha Vihara in Semarang Using Milan Omnitect Repel

6. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals in Your Skincare Routine

Using chemicals that are too harsh can damage the stone's surface, change its color, or make its texture look unnatural. 

Don’t just use any cleaning solution simply because it can remove stains quickly. Choose cleaning methods and products that are actually suitable for the type of natural stone used on the facade.

7. Inspect the Facade and Perform Routine Maintenance

Maintaining a natural stone home façade is much easier if problems are caught early on. Check the condition of the façade regularly, especially in areas frequently exposed to rain, in shaded areas, or near drainage channels. Look for discoloration, cracks, moss or mold growth, and stones that are starting to crumble.

With regular inspections, Milanians can promptly clean, repair, or protect their vehicles before damage becomes more severe and results in higher costs.

Why Should You Use Milan Omnitect Water-Repellent Specialized Natural Stone Coating?

Natural stone facades require protection that focuses not only on the surface appearance but also on the risk of water absorption. 

Milan Omnitect Water Repellent  It features a special formula designed as a water-repellent coating for natural stone and various porous materials.

Taro-leaf-effect technology makes it harder for water to seep in, thereby helping to protect materials from moisture and water penetration.

What’s more, this coating is transparent, so it doesn’t alter the stone’s color, texture, or natural appearance. This is important for Milanians who want their facades to retain their natural look without covering up the stone’s character with a glossy finish or changing its original color.

Some of the benefits of Milan Omnitect Water Repellent include:

• Taro Leaf Effect Technology
• Helps reduce water penetration
• Helps reduce the growth of moss and mold
• Transparent final results
• Does not alter the natural appearance of the material
• The app is easy to use and has just one layer
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Can be used on natural stone, concrete, wood, and synthetic materials

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can Dull Natural Stone Be Restored to Look Like New?

Yes, it depends on the cause and the extent of the discoloration. If it’s caused only by dust, stains, moss, or mold, proper cleaning can restore the stone’s appearance. However, if weathering or permanent changes to the material have already occurred, sanding, repair, or replacement of the damaged sections of the stone may be necessary.

How Often Should a Natural Stone Home’s Facade Be Cleaned?

There is no one-size-fits-all schedule for all homes because environmental conditions vary. Facades that are frequently exposed to rain, dust, and moisture need to be inspected and cleaned more often. As a practical guideline, perform regular inspections and clean them immediately when they start to look dirty, mossy, or stained.

What Happens If a Natural Stone Facade Is Rarely Cleaned?

Dust and dirt will accumulate, while damp areas can become breeding grounds for moss and mold. Over time, moisture that continuously seeps into the pores can also accelerate the weathering process and make the stone look increasingly dull.

How Long Can a Natural Stone Facade Last Outdoors?

Natural stone is generally durable when used outdoors, but its durability depends on the type of stone, its porosity, the quality of installation, weather conditions, and maintenance. Exposure to rain, heat, humidity, and constant wet-dry cycles can accelerate deterioration if not accompanied by proper maintenance.

When Should a Natural Stone Facade Be Cleaned, Repaired, or Replaced?

Clean the surface when it becomes dirty, covered with moss, moldy, or stained. Repair it if there are cracks, chips, or parts that are starting to come loose. Meanwhile, replacement is more appropriate if the stone has suffered severe damage, has become brittle, or can no longer be restored through routine maintenance.

Preserve the Beauty of Your Natural Stone Home’s Facade with a Special Coating from Milan Omnitect Water Repellent!

Caring for a natural stone home facade involves more than just cleaning the material. Without proper protection, natural stone will still weather, develop moss and mold, and become stained due to daily exposure to the elements. 

It is this issue that causes PT Indocipta Wisesa through its brand – Milan: offering specialized coating solutions for natural stone on home facades through the Omnitect Water Repellent product. 

As a water-repellent coating, Omnitect Water Repellent It protects natural stone from water penetration, keeping the material protected and preserving its original appearance even when exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Thanks to specialized technology, natural stone home facades treated with Omnitect Water Repellent are also stain-resistant and protected against moss and mold.

So, don’t hesitate any longer! Treat the natural stone facade of your Milanians home with Milan Omnitect Water Repellent today!

Get the product by clicking the banner below!