No matter the harsh outdoor environments that you might encounter, you can count on natural stone to withstand a lot of it. That said, desert climates can be particularly damaging to any type of material, and that includes natural stone material. A few of the factors that might affect your natural stone in a desert environment include the following: 

• – UV exposure 
• – High temperatures
• – Various humidity levels

The ups and downs that a desert environment provides mean that everyone must carefully consider what kind of materials they ultimately use when working on any type of construction project. 

How UV & Heat Wear Down Stone Surfaces

You will deal with direct and intense sunlight throughout the year in a desert environment. Natural stone offers some resistance to that sunlight, but damage can still occur when the sunlight exposure is prolonged and sustained, as it often is in a desert environment. 

UV exposure can have an impact on the surface of the stone by causing it to fade in color and experience degradation of the sealant that makes up a portion of the natural stone. Additionally, an excessive amount of heat can lead to the expansion and contraction of cracks within the natural stone. That is important because the constant expansion and contraction of cracks within the stone can lead to damage to the stone.

Best Stone Types for Hot Weather Conditions

Certain materials are better designed to handle the desert climate than others, and it is important to know which materials are the most ideal for your needs. Some of the best stone types for hot weather conditions include the following: 

• – Granite – This is one of the most durable choices for contending with a desert environment. The dense composition of this material is critical to combating anything that the desert environment might throw at it. 
• – Quartzite – This is another top choice for those who want to combat the conditions that a desert is likely to throw at you. It is a durable material that is great at retaining its color and stability regardless of the high UV levels and temperatures that exist in the desert environment. 

Sealing and Protection Strategies

You can extend the lifespan of any natural stone materials that you use by deploying certain strategies to help keep the material stronger for longer. Here are some strategies that you should consider: 

• – Reseal the Material Often – The natural stone that you use should be resealed often to guarantee that the cracks in the material don’t expand and diminish the value of the natural stone overall. 
• – Place in Shaded Areas Whenever Possible – When possible, place the natural stone materials in a shaded area to keep the UV rays off of the natural stone.
• – Routine Cleaning – Clean off your natural stone materials to ensure that you get the most life possible that you can. 

Pros and Cons of Locally Sourced Stone

Locally sourced materials have advantages and disadvantages that you should know about when looking for natural stone. 

Pros

• – Reduced Transportation Cost – Less travel is involved when obtaining locally sourced natural stone. 
• – Natural Design Integration – Locally sourced natural stone fits in more naturally with the specifics of the desert where you are building. 

Cons

• – Limits to Your Selections – You may discover that you have a limited number of options to choose from when you use only locally sourced materials. 
• – Quality Considerations – The quality of the natural stone materials that you can get from local sources can vary depending on what the local companies have to offer. 

Contact Us Today to Learn More About Our Services

Reach out to our team at Desert Eagle Stone today if you are planning to use natural stone on your next project. We will gladly go over everything with you and help you determine which materials will work best for the specifics of your project. If that sounds good to you, reach out and contact us today. 

Featured Image: Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock