Natural Stone Information Sheet

 

1. 

Natural stone is a natural product, which is unique and whose formation-related characteristics must be taken into account.

2. 

Optical properties are to be assessed under normal conditions of use, i.e. usual viewing distance and lighting (grazing light is not considered a criterion for assessment).

3. 

The color, structure, and texture of a stone are determined by the different materials and their spatial distribution. Thus, color differences in natural stone are self-evident. According to DIN 18332, color, structure, and texture variations within the same deposit are expressly permitted.

4. 

The processes of natural stone formation are geological phenomena. Over millions of years, changes in the earth's crust have led to tectonic cracks in sedimentary rocks, which have been refilled and solidified by calcite. Such calcite veins are a natural occurrence that are part of the characteristics of many limestones and enliven the decor of the slabs. Such veining is not to be considered a defect. In limestones with layering, clay beds, cavities, etc., formation-related cracks and structural weaknesses are part of their natural properties. They sometimes require special, professional grouting techniques, but are fundamentally to be accepted as unavoidable.

5.

Pores are unavoidable due to natural formation; the closing of these pores by grouting is a special service. Remaining or reopening pores are not a defect, as this merely restores the original stone structure.

6. 

The permissible dimensional deviations of individual natural stone slabs are documented in DIN 18332. With regard to the dimensional tolerances of natural stone components, the requirements of DIN 18201 and DIN 18202 apply, although these are only to be checked if the fitting together of different components is significantly impaired. Unevenness visible in the surfaces of coverings and claddings when subjected to grazing light is permissible if it lies within the dimensional tolerances according to DIN 18202.

7. 

With proper use and, in particular, by avoiding standing water/moisture, the risk of frost damage can be almost excluded. However, absolute frost resistance cannot be guaranteed for limestones and no liability can be assumed for it. Please also avoid the use of de-icing salt, as these materials are not resistant to de-icing salt.

8. 

Only acid-free, non-corrosive, alkali-free, and non-abrasive cleaning agents that cannot attack the surface of the natural stone may be used.
For textured surfaces (rough-broken, ground, sandblasted, bush-hammered, etc.), mechanically acting cleaning methods (e.g., fiber pad method) can also be used.