Looking for a flagstone maintenance company to care for your stone patio, flooring, or walls? We’re here to help. Flagstone, also known as sandstone, Arizona flagstone, Santa Fe flagstone, Lueder’s, or Oklahoma sandstone, is one of the most popular material choices for paving and building in Texas and other parts of the United States. Flagstone is a type of sedimentary rock that contains quartz and feldspar. Because of this, flagstone is prone to weathering and erosion overtime, which is why sealing flagstone patios, tiles, flooring, or pool decking is highly recommended.
Flagstone is beautiful, but it requires maintenance and care to prevent permanent erosion, crumbling, and staining. Our professional flagstone cleaning, sealing, and maintenance company has teams in the Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and Texas Hill Country areas ready to serve you.
Flagstone Vulnerabilities & How to Prevent Damage
The biggest vulnerability of flagstone is its tendency to develop water stains. The damage can be even more severe if the moisture contains minerals, or is alkaline. As such, pool decks, pond walkways, and patios are especially susceptible. Stained flagstone does not need to be replaced in most cases, but requires a professional, gentle soda blasting (provided at an additional cost) treatment before a protective sealant is applied to prevent future damage.
Because of its versatility and generally inexpensive cost, flagstone is a very popular type of sandstone. But, like all other types of stone, flagstone is vulnerable to wear and tear caused by the natural elements.
What Can Damage Flagstone Decks, Pools, and Tiles?
- Rain
- Water Impregnation
- Efflorescence
- Calcium Deposits
- Mold & Mildew
- Chlorine
- Saltwater
- Harsh Cleaning Chemicals
- Oil
- Prolonged Sun Exposure
- Extreme Temperature Variations
- Bird Feces
- Dog & Pet Waste
Flagstone gravestones are susceptible to water damage, sun damage, and erosion from bird feces. Outdoor flagstone patios and walls are also vulnerable to the natural elements. Flagstone pool decks are vulnerable to the elements in addition to chlorine or saltwater, and must be professionally treated and cleaned before a protective sealant is applied to protect it against its unique environmental elements.
Types of Flagstone Damage
- Spalling
- Efflorescence
- Cracking
- Chipping
- Mold & Mildew Growth
- Staining
- Discoloration
Flagstone is used for a variety of different needs, ranging from gravestones to patios, stone walls to pool decks. Flagstone is very vulnerable to a type of erosion known as spalling. Spalling occurs when the flagstone is overexposed to water, and erosion of the bonding molecules occurs. As a result, the flagstone spalls, and begins to break off in sandy and gritty pieces.
The Benefits of Sealing Flagstone
Flagstone that is outdoors and is exposed to wind, rain, saltwater, chlorine, or any other harsh materials and/or natural elements need to be sealed for optimal longevity. Because flagstone is a porous material, a sealer will fill in the pores in the stone and provide it with a gorgeous finish. A matte finish is typically ideal, as this preserves the natural beauty of the stone. However, either finish type – matte or glossy – will provide the flagstone with the protection from moisture and staining that it needs.
Why You Should Seal Flagstone Patios, Flooring, & Decks
Sealing a flagstone patio or flooring with a professional grade sealant like TSSPRO-100 creates a water proof barrier, but still allows the stone to breathe. Unlike cheap acrylic sealants, professional silicone silane based sealants prevent staining, discoloration, and erosion for years to come.
If you have flagstone pool coping or tiles around your pool decking or hot tub patio, you need a flagstone sealer that’s saltwater proof and prevents chlorine damage. TSSPRO-100 is saltwater proof, and ideal for dense flagstone and Arizona stone around pools.
If your pool coping, decking, or flooring in wet areas is made of porous flagstone, you need a sealant designed specifically to protect it from saltwater and chlorine. Pool coping, pillars, caps, and pool decking made of flagstone are relentlessly exposed to both harsh chemicals, water, foot traffic, and/or saltwater in addition to the sun and rain. These porous varieties include sandstone, Arizona Stone, Quartzite, Travertine, Slate, Basalt, and Bluestone. To protect these types of porous natural stone tiles, we recommend TSSPRO-200 High Performance sealant.
Once flagstone has been treated with a sealant, cleaning and maintenance is straightforward and simple. By sweeping flagstone paving regularly, you’ll help keep it free of dirt and debris. If something is spilled on your flagstone, like oil, juice, or another harsh or acidic liquid, you can wipe it up immediately without fear that the flagstone will absorb it. Flagstone cleaning is an essential part of general maintenance to maintain the stone’s health and beauty.
Our Flagstone Maintenance and Cleaning Services
Our flagstone maintenance professionals provide comprehensive cleaning, sealing, and restoration services for indoor and outdoor stone. We’ll assess the condition of the flagstone, then develop a cleaning plan to carefully clean debris, stains, remove discoloration, mold, mildew, calcium deposits, and efflorescence if applicable.
If your flagstone is spalling, or eroding, cracking, and sanding significantly, we may recommend an application of TSSPRO-600 Densifier Consolidator Treatment to stabilize the stone before the cleaning service and also to prevent future damage. Our cleaning methods include soda blasting (provided at an additional cost), pressure washing, scrubbing, and other spot treatment methods we’d rather remain our secret.
Usually, flagstone will need to be resealed every three to four years plus depending upon the type of finish and the quality of stone; at Texas Stone Sealers, there is a four-year warranty on natural-looking matte finishes, and a three year warranty on the TSS PRO-400 WetLook sealer that dries to a high gloss finish. If the flagstone sealant we apply needs to be reapplied for any reason within the three or four year period, we will come to your home and reseal it one time for you. Flagstone sealing is our specialty!
Protect Your Flagstone: Schedule Cleaning & Sealing Today!
If your flagstone isn’t sealed, you are setting yourself up for expensive repair costs in the future. To protect your flagstone and your wallet, you need to invest in a flagstone sealant or schedule a professional cleaning and sealing service with us. At Texas Stone Sealers, our professional team will provide you with a no-obligation, no-cost quote today. You can reach our offices now at 888-275-5354, or visit our Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, or Houston page to learn more about specific services available in your area.
Visit us today for flagstone cleaning & sealing services at an affordable rate!
