So you have decided on a limestone fireplace, one that is long lasting and durable. So what now? How do you take care of it?

Here are few simple things to ensure years of use with your limestone fireplace mantels. While a limestone fireplace surrounds is durable it is also a very porous surface; that if not taken care of properly will need to be replaced every year, which could become costly.

Once you get the limestone fireplace mantels installed, the next thing that will need to be done to ensure that you get many, many years of use out of it is to get it sealed. You can either do this yourself or if the company that installed or sold you the limestone fireplace surrounds offers it have them to seal it for you, which may be an extra fee.

Sealing it yourself is cheaper and here is what you do. When you seal it yourself make a trip to the local hardware store and speak with one of their sales associates’. They will be able to recommend the best chemical sealant for your limestone mantel or surround. Make sure that you get the sealant that is recommended and not one that is cheaper. If you get the cheaper sealant then it might turn the limestone a darker colour then what you originally wanted. When you get the sealant home, make sure that you apply no less than two coats to your limestone. The first application should be completely dry before you apply the second coat to the limestone. Follow the instructions on the sealant and don’t over apply the chemical sealant. Six months to a year you will need to apply another two coats to the limestone, after that you may not need to apply anymore sealant to your limestone. If you are going to use real fire in the fireplace and not use it for just decorative purposes then you will need to get a chemical sealant that is useful for fire. Now that you have applied the sealant to your limestone you may want to know how to clean it on a regular basis.

Don’t grab the first cleaner that you come across because this will only damage the limestone. The reason that it will damage it is because most cleaners are considered abrasive. Instead use a dampen cotton cloth and extremely diluted soapy water to clean the surfaces. Make sure not to have the cloth too wet, this may end up soaking into the limestone therefore changing the colour of the stone.

Never use anything other than a dampen cotton cloth and extremely diluted soapy water on your limestone. Don’t put anything that might damage the limestone on it, these include but are not limited to: vases with real flowers in them, drinks of any kind and anything that might leave a mark on any type of surface.

Following these simple steps will ensure years of use out of your limestone and reduce the cost of repairs!