Serving
San Diego
San Diego
At Set-In-Stone Restoration San Diego, we do our research and ask the appropriate questions to gain a clear understanding of our client’s expectations before we write specifications or prescribe treatments for historic surfaces. Then, we perform the work according to the plan, and in most cases, we are able to achieve the desired outcome for your marble, granite, travertine, slate, onyx, limestone, and more.
Historic natural stone, tile, and masonry, such as floors and walls, architectural features, statues, fountains, monuments, and the like can become damaged with use or exposure to the elements. When professional attention is necessary, it is important to select a qualified contractor who not only has the knowledge, skills, and training to work with your natural stone, tile, or masonry, but who also understands historic conservation methods and employs responsible preservation practices.
We are trusted experts throughout the San Diego area for Historic Preservation.
We can customize our services to address concerns and resolve problems while staying within the standards addressed by the Secretary of Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. These standards specify four approaches, beginning with the gentlest means possible and progressing to more aggressive methods:
Preservation emphasizes repair and maintenance of the surface as it is rather than restoring or reconstructing it to its original appearance.
Rehabilitation recognizes that in order to accommodate continued or new use, a surface may need to be repaired, altered, or added to without altering the historic character of the surface. Of the four approaches, this is the most flexible.
Restoration means accurately depicting the character of a surface as it appeared at a particular historical time period. It may involve removing added features or reconstructing missing features.
Reconstruction involves new construction of non-surviving portions of a surface to replicate its appearance at a particular historical time period.
To properly preserve, repair, or restore historic natural stone, tile, and masonry surfaces, a careful study of the building or object is necessary. Our highly trained technicians consider many factors from the historical significance, architectural drawings or blueprints, and environmental conditions to the substrate, the extent of damage, how long the damage has been present, and how rapidly deterioration is happening to what kind of maintenance, if any, has been done, and other factors.
At Set-In-Stone Restoration, we employ the most appropriate methods to resolve historic natural stone, tile, and masonry problems. We always protect the surfaces surrounding our work area. Following are some of the solutions we use.
Historic buildings are notorious for developing structural problems, plumbing failures, and other age-related problems. Sometimes we make recommendations for extraneous problems to be resolved prior to doing our work. For example, if a building has a moisture problem that is causing efflorescence, the moisture problem must be resolved first, and then the efflorescence problem can be resolved afterward. If we removed the efflorescence only, the problem would just reoccur.
Most historic stone surfaces were not originally polished, they were installed with a honed finish. Any sheen or polish was achieved by waxing the floor with a natural wax, such as bee’s wax. Today, the use of these waxes are not appropriate. However, it is acceptable to use a polymer type coating to emulate the wax finish, if desired.
Each historic natural stone preservation job has unique outcomes, methods, and materials. There is no such thing as an “average cost” in this type of work. Numerous potentially time-consuming challenges may be involved. At Set-In-Stone Restoration, we are experienced, well-trained, and knowledgeable about the inherent properties of natural stone, tile, and masonry, as well as the particular floor and surface problems associated with historic properties. We take the time to provide control samples and mock ups as needed, thoroughly explain what the project will entail, and answer all your questions.
We urge owners, collectors, or managers of historic property to choose your contractor wisely. You can count on Set-In-Stone Restoration, not only for successful restoration, preservation, and conservation services, but also for a stress-free experience that includes technical support, streamlined project management, and exceptional customer service.
For a free estimate on installation, polishing, repair, sealing and protecting, or any other natural stone and tile services throughout the San Diego area, use our CONTACT FORM or call (619) 246-0240 today!
