Marble Master

A marble fireplace can be one of the most stunning pieces of decoration that you may have in your home. The marble that you use in your fireplace is perhaps considered one of the most ancient and the most beautiful natural resources on earth. You should also remember that your stone is unique. Others may have marble fireplaces, but each marble piece is unique in its own way containing beautiful coloured veins and maybe even fossils.

Given that you own such a beautiful and unique thing, would you consider making a mess of it with inadequate or incorrect maintenance and cleaning?

A marble fireplace mantle and surround add a touch of elegance to any home.  If you look at the troubles that the V&A had when cleaning old marble busts – you’ll see the job you have ahead of you. Old fireplace mantles can build up soot or smoke, which discolors the marble. With proper cleaning, you can restore the color and luster of your marble fireplace mantle and surround.  Marble is made of calcium, which dissolves in acid and therefore you should never use acids to clean marble. However, with regular maintenance and the proper cleaners, you can keep your old marble fireplace mantle and surround looking clean and new for many years.

Soot damage

Unfortunately, marble is also a soft stone that is vulnerable to damages and stains. The somewhat oily residue of soot can be especially difficult to remove from marble, leaving many grand old fireplace surrounds looking dirty and aged. Though it may take more than one try, you can clean soot from marble and return the gleam to the marble finishes in your home.

Burn marks

Several types of material can be used as a fireplace mantel or around the fireplace, including brick, stone, granite or marble. While most of these materials are heat-resistant, burn marks might occur from hot embers from the fireplace, a lit match being set down or any other form of heat transfer. Removing burn marks from marble will require some simple household objects: a soft brush, ammonia and water.

It is very important never to use abrasive cleaning products or scrubbers like steel wool to clean marble, as it will scratch the surface. If you are unsure about a certain product, consult an expert at a stone specialty store.

Even the Romans had thought about how to keep their buildings draining effectively. This photo of teh Pantheon in Rome shows drainage holes in the marble flooring.
But what if you just need to keep your drains in tip top condition without the luxury of marble!

What to do if tree roots are affecting your drains.
Plant roots will always seek out moisture and nutrients in soil. Leaking pipes will therefore always be a problem, but in addition, the flow of warm water inside underground pipes causes condensation or vapour in the cooler soil surrounding the pipe, acting as a magnet for the roots. Once the tree roots reach the crack or loose joint, they will grow through the opening to reach the plentiful nutrients and moisture inside and continue to grow inside the pipe, eventually blocking it completely, or contributing to blockage caused by normal household debris.
Know the Warning Signs
All drains block at some point and for infrequent clogs, there are easy solutions to clear a drain that most homeowners can try. However, if clogged drains is becoming a regular occurrence, it may be a sign of a bigger problem.
The first sign of a problem can be slow flowing drains or gurgling noises from drainage outlets inside the house (toilet bowls, sinks etc). If root growth is allowed to continue it will eventually break the pipes completely under pressure.
As a homeowner, you should be aware of the location of the sewer arm on your property and be vigilant in the type of planting in these areas. Limit the number of larger trees or shrubs or place them further form the utility lines. If you are forced to plant near the sewers, choose slow-growing trees with a small root ball.
So what can you do once you have identified you have tree roots in your pipes?
Once roots are in your pipes they will almost always lead to an eventual blockage. The best way to prevent this is to schedule regular by removing roots using augers, root saws, and high-pressure flushers. It is also important to keep your pipework structurally sound as even the smallest structural defect can allow roots a way in.
If you suspect a problem, call a plumber to have the drain and sewer lines inspected. A plumber can inspect your drainpipes by running a camera probe through them to locate damaged areas. Once the inspection is complete, the plumber will make recommendations. For areas with major tree-root damage, the lines may need to be replaced.