Services
Everything runs smoother with North Bay Restoration on the job.
Cleaning
"Our floors look great; we get so many compliments, especially from people who know what they looked like before!" ~ Julee Wheeler
Applying a high-performance sealant to all surfaces prone to regular water use is essential. Especially for polished marble, limestone, & travertine, which are extremely sensitive to hard-water mineral deposits and etching or staining from personal care products.
Beyond removing just dirt, stains, and other contaminants, we at North Bay Restoration, can in most cases, effectively remove waxes, polymers, and other heavy coatings, which dull and dim the finish; leaving a cloudy, lifeless display.
Our techniques will greatly improve the look, increasing the protection and durability of stone, tile, concrete, and grout substantially, but cannot be expected to bring the surface back to its original specifications. In natural materials, an aging process occurs which changes its appearance slightly. Our goal is to achieve the highest quality results possible.
Of course, once the surface has been deeply cleaned, it's always best to apply a premium sealant. (Please see our "Polish & Hone" &/or "Sealing" Pages under "Services" for more restoration techniques.)
"Tim & Marci went waaay beyond the call of duty to restore my messed-up bathroom grout! I'm absolutely shocked at how good it looks now. Never thought it possible to have such a beautiful bathroom for such a great price. Couldn't be happier with the service of North Bay Restoration!" ~ N. Bealey
Sealing
Our selections of premium impregnator sealants provide deep, durable protection against hard water, acid, alkaline, and oil-based stains. We frequently recommend color-enhance formulas, which enrich the natural luster of stone, concrete, and tile, while providing a penetrating barrier to help preserve its radiant beauty.
All our recommendations for premium sealants range from superior to ultimate protection for both transparent and color enhance formulas. In most cases, we can offer property owners and contractors a choice of several high-tech sealant options.
The sealant application process is simple. NBR will deeply clean your hard surface and rinsed thoroughly, making sure to neutralize in preparation for sealant. Allow sufficient drying time, which is usually a couple of hours with the aid of fans. Then apply a premium, solvent or water-based impregnator sealant times several coats. After sufficient absorption has been reached, the surface will be buffed to remove any remaining residue. It’s best not to resume regular activity for 3-4 hours and absolutely no water nor heavy use introduced for 24 hours to ensure a full sealant cure.
All sealed surfaces will require routine cleanings. Property owners will be advised of appropriate maintenance programs with products which may be purchased at local tile stores. (Please see “Maintenance”).
Sealant Expectations – Sealant is NOT Bullet Proof. NBR’s premium sealants will help protect against damage from regular use and improve maintenance for easier removal of surface contaminants. Be sure to wipe up spills ASAP and use a “neutral cleaners,” as most commercial cleaners will break down premium sealants over time.
There is no product on the market to date which will completely prevent damage due to acids, such as lemon juice, wine, vinegar, etc. or alkaline, such as baking soda, etc. Our premium sealants will help prevent deep etching, as long as these damaging products are quickly removed. Some stones such as marble and limestone are softer (less dense), and unfortunately notoriously prone to etching.
Grout Repairs
There are a few options for grout repairs. A simple assessment will quickly determine the most practical approach; whether a simple re-grout will do the trick, targeting only the problem areas or an entire re-grout is necessary. Both processes may be wonderfully enhanced by the application of epoxy grout stains.
Re-Grout
If substantial areas of structurally sound grout exist, the faulty grout can be removed via hand-held tools and machines. Once the area has been thoroughly vacuumed to remove any remaining debris, the problem joints will then be re-grouted. Although this is the quickest and easiest of grout repairs, it’s very difficult to match the existing grout colors, even if the original grout is still available. As is the case with any organic materials, an aging process naturally occurs; changing its appearance. The best remedy is a blend of several grout colors to match the primary grout as much as possible. This seemingly simple step can be tricky and definitely takes an experienced, artistic eye. Color perfection should not be expected with this re-grout technique.
If perfection is envisioned, a complete re-grout or epoxy grout stain is at hand, which will ensure a luxurious even tone throughout the entire surface.
Epoxy Grout Stain
When grout has been modeled (discolored), chipped, or broken out in small areas, while the majority is still structurally sound, a simple re-grout may quickly resolve the problem. When epoxy staining is recommended, it isn’t crucial to match grout colors perfectly, as the entire project will then be stained, leaving a stately even tone. Epoxy grout staining will create the distinctive uniformity desired.
Sometimes a fresh, modern look is desired while re-grouting isn’t necessary. The application of an epoxy stain is the ideal solution for this project. With many colors from which to choose, your unsightly, outdated tile will be transformed into a stunning, vibrant surface within a few short hours.
Each joint is carefully painted with a durable reviving color of your choice. After sufficient drying time (approximately 1 hour) the joints are then gently and intricately washed. Another 24 hours will perfect (cure) the epoxy stain into a sleek, yet nearly bullet-proof finish! Added bonus – No Need for Sealants!
Tile Replacement
Broken, chipped, &/or cracked tile can be a real thorn in your side. True to Murphy’s Law, these damages usually appear smack dab in the middle of everyone’s radar. Although removal and replacement can be a tricky job, it’s just another area of expertise for North Bay Restoration.
Please keep in mind, although we regularly replace damaged tile, occasionally during the removal process, adjoining tile will crack or break. North Bay Restoration calculates the error factor and will advise property owners of alternate solutions, if sufficient replacement tiles aren’t available.
Crack Repair
North Bay Restoration uses a unique light-hardening, compound-material technology for the high-quality repair of natural and engineered hard surfaces. Our system repairs cracks and defects in stone including; spalling of edges, holes, and most deep scratches….
Give us a call to discuss the details. (707) 328-1223
Polish & Hone
North Bay Restoration uses both chemical and diamond-grinding processes to revive the striking elegance of natural stone. Both techniques remove most scratches, hazing, water spots, etching, normal wear/tear; restoring its natural luster.
Occasionally natural stone will “bruise” when in contact with intense pressure. Bruising discolors the area around a deep pit or heavy scratch. Our techniques will greatly diminish the appearance of these blemishes, but some slight scratches, pits, stains, or bruises may remain. Still the results will be amazing - a huge improvement!
We’ve gotten numerous calls over the years from panicked homeowners stating their once-glittering, flawless stone counter top, floor, or vanity has been severely damaged due to the use of inappropriate cleaning products. Worse yet, these disasters are frequently caused by inexperienced cleaning personnel. While this type of damage is not considered an “easy fix,” North Bay Restoration provides diamond-grinding and honing services which restore the luminous natural glow of most marbles, travertines, limestones, granites, even terrazzo.
Professional polishing and honing apply primarily to natural stones. Polishing produces a glossy finish which reflects light and emphasizes the stone’s more distinct color characteristics. Honing produces a smooth, warm finish with relatively low sheen. Our unique abrasive polishing processes remove hazy, etched imperfections, as well as water deposits, minor scratches, and most stains.
Some slight dust may occur, but in most cases is not noticeable, as our equipment uses an internal vacuuming system, which catches dust before it becomes airborne.
“I highly recommend Tim Lee for stone restoration in Northern California…he is personable and has the experience and proper equipment to do his work meticulously.” ~ Chuck Davis
"Our floors look great; we get so many compliments, especially from people who know what they looked like before!" ~ Julee Wheeler
Lippage Grinding
Lippage is caused by tile unevenly installed resulting in projection of profound high-and-low areas. Obviously, this is not only a safety hazard for foot traffic, but unfortunately portrays a reckless, shoddy image. Frequently with lippage issues, the setter’s job was made more difficult due to the purchase of ungauged (thickness not uniform) tiles. Property owners, after spending a small fortune for the purchase of materials and installation, do not need to tolerate such obnoxious imperfections.
North Bay Restoration will continue the Old-World traditional craftsmanship. Customary of European’s careful craftsmanship, the stone tiles are set, and then ground in place, creating a superbly-finished flat surface. North Bay Restoration will continue the Old-World tradition by machine grinding the problem areas for a more uniformed appearance. The process is performed using special equipment which creates very little dust.
Once the floor has been thoroughly cleaned, a sealant will be applied. The results are absolutely stunning! A floor to impress even the most scrutinizing eye! No more safety concerns! The total construction will be exquisite, dazzling, and complete!
Property owners will then be instructed of maintenance programs with cleaning products which may be purchased at local tile stores. (Please see “Hone & Polish” & “Maintenance”).
Slip Tech Protection
Are wet slippery floors endangering your home or business? It is a simple fact that the combination of water on a tile or polished concrete floor creates a dangerous situation. In today’s litigious society one cannot afford negligence in regards to safety. Last year, the average slip/fall settlement approached the six-figure range and continues to be a monumental problem. Thus, having slippery floors is no longer a liability you can afford to ignore.
Take action to make wet slippery floor surfaces safer!
Slip Tech is the industry leader in non-slip technology. Our unique process creates a coefficient of friction far exceeding the A.D.A. (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines.
Slip Tech can be applied to any existing natural surfaces such as ceramic, granite, marble, concrete, and quarry tile floors. Our safety floor treatment is also extremely effective on porcelain surfaces such as bathtubs and shower floors or front walkways.
One treatment will last up to 10 years. Because the Slip Tech process is not a coating, there’s nothing that could wear off. Slip Tech’s product microscopically roughens the surface which miraculously makes the floor safer wet than when dry.
North Bay Restoration uses an excellent slip-protective treatment which may potentially save you avoidable burden, thousands of dollars, and tremendous grief, should an accident ever occur. For more detailed information please call us or visit Slip Tech.
https://www.sliptech.com/Default.asp
Concrete Staining
North Bay Restoration offers a variety of stunning concrete stains, with vivid rich hues from a wide spectrum of color schemes. Concrete staining is an amazing compliment to any home-improvement or commercial-building project where a quick transformation is desired.
Extraordinary colors and depth will dazzle dingy concrete into exotic, elegant surfaces. With penetrating formulas, our coatings will also increase durability and help protect your concrete for years to come.
Call NBR for details on how to expand your use of concrete via our creative uniform-colored trowel downs, and dyes systems.
NBR also offers services for maintenance of all concrete, which helps to extend its life & beauty via deep cleaning/power washing and sealing with solvent-based or water-based impregnators, and solvent-based urethanes.