Marble building stone is a popular choice in construction. Despite its drawbacks, many property owners choose to add marble to the building’s design and layout. Marble is used both as a building material and for decorations and finishes. It is considered a moderately strong mineral that can withstand pressure up to a certain force.
Before choosing marble for your next construction project, here are a few things that you should consider.
Marble Material Study
Marble material study reveals that it mainly consists of dolomite and calcite. These carbonate minerals crystallize over time due to heat and pressure. Although marble stone is hard, calcite is a soft material in nature. Apart from calcium carbonate, marble also consists of silica, lime and oxides. But they are present in small quantities.
The different colors in marble are a result of different chemical compositions before the process of metamorphosis.
Undesirable Features of Marble Building Stone
There are some disadvantages to using marble building stone for construction projects.
1) Requires High Maintenance
Most airport owners don’t realize that marble is a high-maintenance material. Acid can tarnish the shine of marble thus they should be kept away. Moreover, marble is a porous material so it’s vulnerable to stains. These stains can be hard to get out, not to mention costly.
Other than that, marble can also get scratched. You may have seen people using marble as kitchen countertops. It’s important to keep in mind that one should use a knife over marble as it is prone to scratches.
2) Little Resistance to Weather Conditions
Marble building stone is also vulnerable to different weather conditions. For example, rain can hurt marble by resulting in dissolution. Extremely high or extremely low temperatures aren’t good for marble. It results in quicker wear and tear, decreasing the longevity of the material. Geographical areas with frequent temperature fluctuations should avoid the use of marble.
3) Prone to Chipping and Cracks
Marble building stone can chip and crack around the corners or edges. This is mostly because of increased force or pressure on the surface of marble. These cracks can be costly to repair as they require skilled labor. Not to mention that it’s time-consuming as well. Chipped marble gives a poor look to the house.
4) Expensive
Another drawback of marble is that it is an experienced material. The cost can vary depending on the location and type of marble. A Professional Estimating Company such as SMA Estimating LLC analyses every cost-affecting factor and accurately predicts the cost of marble for any specific project. For a non-professional designing a budget for marble can be difficult as there are many variations. Most people need to get help from professional cost estimators.
5) High Water Absorption Rate
As mentioned before, marble has pores, so it is more susceptible to
water damage. It can absorb water and is not suitable for areas with moisture. The average rate for water absorption is 0.3%, which may seem insignificant at first. However long-term exposure can result in degradation and decreased longevity of the building.
Is Marble Building Stone Right for You?
Despite its drawbacks, marble offers a lot of benefits such as its durability. So how do you know if it’s the right choice for you? Here are some things to consider before you choose marble building stone for your project.
- Scope of Project: The more well-defined goals and objectives are the better it is to decide if Marble is the right fit. What type of construction project are you building? What role does marble play? Are there any alternative options that you can use instead of marble? It’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
- Your Lifestyle: Lifestyle also affects whether to use marble or not. Carefully consider your taste and requirements and then decide if it is the right option for you.
- Budget: Last but not least, it’s crucial to consider the budget. As mentioned, marble can be an expensive material. Material Takeoff Services can help to manage the cost of marble and eliminate chances of cost overruns. If you choose to select marble then it’s important to have an accurate financial plan and SMA Estimating LLC can help to achieve that.
Final Thoughts
Marble will never be out of trend. Many historical buildings stand as a witness to the glory of marble. It gives a luxurious effect to the building. No wonder many architects and interior designers like to use marble building stone. However, it’s vital to consider the pros and cons of this material before choosing to add it to your project. Proper planning can help to prevent cost overruns and time delays.
Pro tip: Obtain an accurate and practical budget first!