All Archives - LSI Stone ®

Visit of Secretary of State for Economy to LSI

On the 24th of July, we had the honor of welcoming the Portuguese Deputy Secretary of State for Economy, Dr. João Neves, to our factory; the President of NERLEI, António Poças; the President of the CCDRC, Isabel Damasceno, accompanied by Neusa Magalhães; the President of IAPMEI, Nuno Mangas; ASSIMAGRA’s President, Miguel Goulão; the Mayor of Porto de Mós, Jorge Vala; and the President of the Pedreiras Parish Council, Rogério Vieira.

The visit took place in the morning, where the Portuguese Deputy Secretary of State for Economics Dr. João Neves and his distinguished comitee had the opportunity to visit our facilities and learn a little about our projects developed around the world, through a short presentation, as well as understanding part of the transformation process of natural stone.

During the visit, they were able to observe the factory in operation, the recent investments in new technologies and the adaptation of LSI to the new post-pandemic reality. In addition, visitors had the opportunity to taste a wine with grapes harvested in the vineyards of our facilities, 100% sustainable and produced by regional professionals in a traditional way.

This visit focused on the importance and recognition of LSI Stone in the natural stone processing sector. The constant investment in technology and innovation are fundamental aspects in the differentiation of LSI Stone in the global market, in a sector that evolution and adaptation are inevitable.

LSI exports more than 98%, and the pandemic forced the company to adapt and innovate in the new media. In general, the B2B industry, characterized by strong face-to-face relationships between customers and suppliers, found it more difficult to adapt in this area, such as adapting to fairs, meetings and visits to the facilities and work sites. Webinars, digital meetings and digital dry layouts have replaced all these traditional methods.

Despite the uncertainties that COVID-19 brought us, we know that the future of Portugal is in the hands of each of us and it is up to each company to adapt and readjust its strategies, so that together we can win.

We thank the visit of Mr. Secretary of State and all other entities.

July 27, 2020

All

LSI Stone is now a member of COTEC Portugal

COTEC Portugal is the Business Association for Innovation that aims to bring together a group of companies and promote increased competitiveness and development of innovation.

The partners of COTEC are innovative companies who have been able to adapt and innovate over the years; and at the same time, COTEC has the role of encouraging companies that have not yet transformed and adapted and need encouragement and support to do so.

It is with great pleasure that LSI Stone, LDA became an official member of COTEC Portugal and joins the list of Portuguese companies that are part of the association. We are motivated for this new stage and we remain focused on innovation and development in the Sector for the transformation of ornamental stones in Portugal.

May 27, 2020

All

Internationalization State Secretary visits LSI Stone

On the past 21 of May 2020, we had the pleasure to welcome at our factory the Portuguese Secretary of State for Internationalization, Dr. Eurico Brilhante Dias.

His visit is part of the initiative #PortugalOpenforBusiness that promotes the reopen of the Portuguese economic activity and awareness actions about the main markets for international exportation. This action on the central area of Portugal (Leiria) included the visit to many companies in the district that export worldwide and are retaking their activity. This district is considered one of the most promisor due to its large number of international exporting companies.

LSI team proved to be resilient and dedicated so that our activity would never stop during the COVID-19 pandemic. These hard times bring a daily uncertainty and turn the decision-making process more complicated than ever. For this reason, we need to be prepared for this new reality and adapt our resources accordingly.

This visit was a pleasure for our company and the natural stone sector.

May 22, 2020

All

Why choose Natural Stone Consulting?

Make the complex simple.

How many times have you or your company tried to start collecting information about natural stone for your project and ended up wasting hours without reaching any conclusions? Usually, the amount of information you receive can become overwhelming and your experience much more complex than it should be.

For this reason, LSI Stone puts at your disposal, excellent professionals for advice during the process of choosing natural stone through a Natural Stone Consultant Service. To help make your dream project a reality.

LSI is an experienced company in the market for over 20 years and has been helping clients all over the world to achieve their dream projects with a smile on their faces.

Why consult a natural stone specialist?

Consulting a professional in the field can help you make the best decisions for your project. LSI Stone has three essential pillars:

Experience, more than 20 years in the market;
Knowledge of the various types of materials and which ones are most appropriate to combine with natural stone;
Internal laboratory that allows us to use tests frequently and accurately.

We aim to help other professionals, clients, architects or any other entity that needs assistance to execute a project, with any type of natural stone. We can help you:

Choose the best suppliers. Sometimes it is difficult to find the right and safe supplier. LSI has a network of suppliers around the world that are trusted and professional. We are a company of distinction when it comes to
sustainability and confidence in stone selection.
What are the best innovative techniques on the market. Being LSI an internationally recognized company for its innovation and quality, we will help you conquer your project in an innovative way.
What are the best types of stone, depending on the project in question. In addition to limestone and marble, there are numerous types of stone that vary in physical and technical characteristics;
Avoid unexpected surprises such as delivery delays or unforeseen circumstances with the chosen stone;
How to install and preserve your natural stone so that its natural beauty lasts for many years. The correct installation of the material is a key point for the project to be delivered as its supposed to, as well as its preservation, through specific products and cleaning care.

"

Our focus is to exceed our customers' expectations.

"

This service offers you the solutions to all your problems, without consequences, headaches or wasted time or money. We are here to facilitate your selection process and advise you during all stages of your project. Always ready to act in case of any eventuality.

To learn more about this service, visit our page and register.

We will be waiting to make your dreams come true.

April 17, 2020

All

Guide on buying Natural Stone

Choosing the correct natural stone for your project is not always an easy task. What should you look for in a stone? Which characteristics should you be concerned with? What are the most important steps to follow when choosing a natural stone? Which type of stone fits your project the best?

All these are frequent questions and we are going to explain you everything you need to know. The key to choose the right stone is to gather the most information possible.

LSI Stone offers a vast variety of stones, the most commons are granite, marble and limestone. But how do you know the difference between Granite, Limestone and Marble?

Limestone

Limestone is classed as a sedimentary rock. It is formed on the surface of the Earth by the process of sedimentation, with several minerals or organic particles coming together that form a solid sediment. Usually limestone has high to medium porosity, which means that the type of finish varies depending on the type of surface. Limestone is mainly whitish, although it may be tinted by impurities.

Granite

Granite it’s made of quartz and feldspar, which are harder than glass. It doesn’t split into layers, and the minerals are held tightly together in an interlocking. That’s why this stone is suitable for most surfaces and finishes. So, when it comes to staining and etching, Granite is not affected. Usually represents a grainy appearance and can be pink or varying shades of gray, depending upon its minerals composition.

Marble

Marble is a mineral that is made up of calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCo3). Marble comes from dolostone (limestone with dolomite) or limestone. It is a non-foliated (cannot be broken into layers) metamorphic rock that is white when pure and is stronger than the rock from which it forms (parent rock). Due to chemical impurities in the parent rock, marble can take on colors such as green, pink or black. Like limestones, marbles are sensitive to etching and staining, so the finish must be in accord to the type of surface

Combine beauty with Design

When looking for the perfect stone, the first consideration is how it will look. The right stone defines the look of your building, living room or bathroom. Choose the design, colors, and styles that you desire and gather that information to obtain the first step of your selection.

What are you looking for in your project?

You should try and match the properties of the stone to what fits better in your project.

Durability, Stain and etching

For example, if you’re looking to buy a countertop for your kitchen, one of the main characteristics you might require is durability. In this case, we do not recommend soft finishes, like honed, meaning that the surface of the stone has been ground to a smooth, flat, consistent surface. If you wish to use marble on a well-used kitchen countertop, be sure to seal it properly to inhibit staining agents from being able to seep in. The more absorbent the tile or stone, the more likely it will stain if not sealed. On the other hand, etching is caused by acidic liquids coming in contact with acid-sensitive stones, that’s why Marble is rarely recommended for areas that are subjected to dangerous factors.

Porosity

Staining is linked to porosity—in other words, how much open space exists within the solid matrix of the stone. Thankfully, the high pressures that bind rocks into solid forms tend to squeeze away most of the pore spaces. But different stones have been subjected to different amounts of squeezing, and thus, porosity varies among stone types. Limestone, for instance, is the most absorbent stone due to its high porosity, so it’s not recommended for kitchen countertops, for example. Marble comes next. Granite is the least porous stone, making it the least absorbent and the most suitable for surfaces like countertops.

Hardness, Traffic, and Resistance

For flooring, the stone used needs to be resistant to dirt, to spilling and has to have a certain finish so that it can handle the traffic or usage that it will be subjected to. The softer the stone-marble for example, the more inappropriate it is to use on those areas. Each type of stone has different levels of hardness. Some types of limestones are not recommended to use on surfaces with a lot of traffic because it’s the a soft stone. But, for example, a specific limestone can be harder than another. In other hand, marble is harder than limestone, so it’s more appropriate for surfaces like flooring.

Weather

In some cases, the weather is also an important feature, especially for external cladding and external flooring, such as the building’s façade. When the externals of the buildings are vulnerable to weather conditions, for example, extremely cold, humidity, rain, extremely hot, etc you need to keep in mind the stone’s characteristics for the most suitable option. To make sure what type of stone is suitable, it’s recommended to take the defrost test into account, for example.

So, before going to look for the perfect stone, try and gather as much information on these topics as possible, depending on your project goal. In this way, it’s easier for you and for your suppliers to choose the right stone.

What type of finish should I use?

The surface of natural stone can have a variety of finishes. It is important to choose the right type of stone, depending on your project and the features mentioned above. Using different techniques and mechanical processes, natural stone can be adapted to interior and exterior applications.

For example, soft finishes like honed, flamed and splitted, which are more smooth tend to absorb more. So you should avoid them on surfaces with a lot of traffic and in staining areas. This apply especially to limestones and marbles. This factor also varies with the durability and the porosity of each stone. Each stone has its own characteristics so not all finishes are suitable for every stone. For instance, the flamed finish can only be used on hard stones.

For surfaces subject to other factors, such as the exterior part that is most exposed to erosion, for example, finishes like bush-hammered, honed, sandblasted or brushed are recommended.

The polished finish consists on brushing the slab with a range of brushes and the result is a slightly undulating surface. For this reason, it is suitable for surfaces like bathrooms and kitchen tops, because it doesn’t absorb as many impurities as other finishes.

Maintain your natural stone

The natural stone you choose for your building, kitchen or office is an option that will give you many years of beautiful product.

This simple option requires simple care and maintenance to help preserve its beauty for generations to come.

Be sure to understand the maintenance requirement of the tile or stone you select before you buy. To read more about how to maintain your natural stone, read ou article on How to Clean Natural Stone.

Now that you know what you want, ask for it!

The next step is to transmit all the information about what you gather and think it’s appropriated to your stone supplier. If the research was done well, the supplier will find your match much easier. Ask for stone samples and try them in your project, by experimenting and testing it with different materials. Send us an email letting us know what type of stone are you looking for!

March 25, 2020

All

Coronavirus COVID-19 | Regina Vitório CEO message

LSI Stone’s management team informs that due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we ensure our clients and suppliers that we are working together to guarantee the safety of people and the smooth running of our activities.

According to the Government order, companies are required to have their contingency plan, aligned with the technical guidance of the Directorate-General for Health and to identify all alternatives that guarantee the normal functioning of each service or establishment. We already have our contingency plan ready to take action if/ when needed.

In addition to the rigorous hygiene and routine cleaning of our workspaces, we have implemented additional cleaning and disinfection procedures specific to the coronavirus COVID-19, establishing a set of hygiene and safety measurements to certify that our personnel and workforce don’t get affected. At our headquarters, we have strengthened measures to ensure the safety of employees, customers and anyone interacting with the company for the containment of the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19.

Some measurements are:

Hand sanitizer dispensers in every sector, division and office.
Quarantine room in the event of a suspicious case inside our company with all the information and materials needed to handle the case.
Workers trained in the procedures for identifying, approaching and treating suspected cases of illness.
Control of external entrances in the company.

We are continuing with our normal management and strategic functions to ensure the regular production in our factory as well as the performance of all services, making sure our clients and suppliers can keep relying on us through this critical time.

March 11, 2020

All

Revolutionary Project at 80 Fenchurch, London

80 Fenchurch Street is a building located in the city of London. This huge project was conceived as a refreshing alternative to the more traditional towers in the city and counts with 24,000m2 of office and residential space.

This 14-level office building is a revolution in the concept of London’s real estate experience, that has been designed to serve a range of floorplates from around 460m2 to 1900m2.
This project was designed by TP Bennett Architects and is being developed by the main contractor Skanska. Focchi is responsible for the application of the exterior facades. The building’s elevations are made with a refined Portuguese Limestone cladding supplied by LSI Stone. This natural material is used in a contemporary aesthetic that provides the building with characteristics that differ from others.

The facade application is done through a unique curtain wall system developed by Focchi and manufactured by LSI Stone, which reduces the application time considerably. In contrast to the traditional facade application, with this process, it takes approximately 20 minutes to install each unit. These panels consist of an aluminium profile, where the stone tiles are directly assembled, making the facade application process much easier. Each panel weighs between 200kg and 700kg and has dimensions of 3 meters in height and can vary in width between 80 cm and 1.30 m, depending on the desired application site.

For the 80 Fenchurch project, the stone used was Moleanos Limestone with a honed finish. In total, 1600 panels are being produced to cover the entire building, and around 40 panels are being applied to the building’s façade, per day.

The entire process is carried out by LSI Stone. This production is highly complex, as there cannot be variations in the size of the stones. Its precision must be extremely controlled and has a very low tolerance so as not to compromise its application on the aluminium profile.

Quality Control tests are being made at every step of the production.

The respective stone is drilled so that it is possible to fit and install the fishers to join the stones and the consequent assembly on the aluminium panel. In order to mitigate the spacing between the stones, a beige silicone is applied in order to standardize the facade and achieve a more aesthetically cleaner finish.

As soon as the production process ends, the panels are placed on specific and exclusive LSI Stone easels that transport these panels. In terms of logistics, these easels, involved exclusively for this process optimize space, increase transport safety and significantly reduce costs. The whole process is carried out by the LSI Stone team.

It is important to note that, in all stages, there are Quality Control tests. At every 10 blocks of stone, a control test takes place to ensure the quality of the stone and that there are no variations in the size of the tiles. This control is done by our certified geologists and our equipment developed directly for this process.

This new process has revolutionized the way that facades will be applied in the future. An innovative process to accompany an even more innovative project like 80 Fenchurch.

February 24, 2020

All

How to clean Natural Stone and what you shouldn’t do!

The stone needs a special care so that its beauty and elegance prevail over time. Simple care and maintenance will help preserve the stone’s beauty for generations to come. LSI Stone recommends periodic cleaning of the natural stone.

Before you start cleaning, that are some crucial steps to understand the situation that you are facing. In order to reduce the stone damages caused by natural and human abrasion on the Natural stone, we introduce you this article to help you achieve better results.

First, it is important to recognize what type of stone finish you have. Although there are many stone finishes, these three are the most used.

Polished: glossy surface that emphasizes the color and markings of the material as well as reflecting light.
Honed: satin smooth surface with little reflection of light. It’s mostly used for floors, stairs, treads, thresholds, and other locations where heavy traffic will wear off the polished finish.

That are many Do’s and Don’t’s when it comes to clean and protect your natural stone surfaces.

What you should Do:

Do dust mop floors frequently.
Do protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets, or placemats.
Do clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap.
Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface with clean, clear water after washing.
Do blot up spills immediately.

What you should Not Do:

Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine, or onyx surfaces.
Don’t use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub & tile cleaners.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
Don’t mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
Don’t ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so.
Don’t use vacuum cleaners that are worn. The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the stone’s surface.

Daily Cleaning Procedures and Recommendations

Countertop Surfaces:

Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (specific products from Lithofin for example), or a dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean soft cloth for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids on marble or limestone. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

Floor Surfaces:

Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean, nontreated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt, and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt, and grit
that will scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface.
Normal maintenance involves periodic washing with clean, potable water and neutral (pH 7) cleaners.

Bath and Other Wet Areas:

Soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water).
Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.

Outdoor Pool and Patio Areas:

In outdoor pool, patio, or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.

Exterior Stone Maintenance:

The large expanses of stone generally found on exterior applications may make it impractical to perform normal maintenance on a frequent basis.
Large installations, however, should be given periodic overall cleaning as necessary to remove accumulated pollutants. Using products like Lithofin MN Power-Clean.

General Guidelines for Stain Removal:

1. Remove any loose debris.
2. Wiping the area will spread the spill.
3. Flush the area with plain water and mild soap and rinse several times.
4. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth.
5. Repeat as necessary.
6. If the stain persists or for problems that appear too difficult to treat, call your stone care professional specialist.

General Steps for any kind of Natural Stone Surface:

Sweep to remove any dirt particles.
Fill a recepient of warm water and use only water, or mix it with a small amount of neutral liquid “All-Purpose-Cleaner”, detergent or cleaning solutions specific for stone. Change the solution when it starts to get dirty.
Dip a microfiber towel, a duster or a mop into the water mixture and start cleaning.
Wash the area by starting at the corner of the room and working methodically towards the room exit.
Allow air circulation in the room for a quick drying.

Solutions to specific problems:

Oil-based stains (grease, cooking oil tar, food stains etc.)

Scouring powder with bleach
Household detergent
Ammonia
Mineral spirits
Methyl Chloride

Organic Stains (paper, tea, coffee, fruit, bark and leaf litter etc.)

Pour Hydrogen Peroxide 35% directly on the stain and add a few drops of ammonia. Leave until bubbling stops
Repeat above add poultice
Acetone or Toluene or Xylene

Biological Stains (algae, moss fungi, mildew)

Dilute ammonia or Bleach
Hydrogen Peroxide or Sodium Hypochlorite

Iron Stains Inorganic Metal Stains (iron, rust, copper, bronze)

Poultice

Sodium Citrate and Glycerin
Ammonium Oxalate
Oxalic Acid Orthophosphoric Acid and Sodium Salt of EDTA in water
Dilute Hydrofluoric Acid
Ammonium Oxalate

Ink

Light colored marbles only use Bleach or Hydrogen Peroxide
Dark marbles use Lacquer Thinner or Acetone
Methyl Chloride

Scratches

Re-polish
Re-hone

Paint Stain

Lacquer thinner or scraped off carefully with a razor blade.
Commercial liquid paint stripper.
We don’t recommend the use of acids or flame tools

To read more about this matter from our font, click here.

February 18, 2020

All

The most expensive house in London uses limestone by LSI Stone

London’s most expensive mega-mansion is worth £75million and has Portuguese limestone cladding from LSI Stone.

According to the Homes&Property website this new 10-bedroom home with 12-seat cinema, spa, cigar room, two secure climate-controlled wine cellars, a state-of-the-art biometric security technology room, an underground four-car garage with a hydraulic car lift and illustrious neighbours, is the most expensive property on sale in 2020 so far.

Celebrity neighbours have included the American singers Rihanna and Robbie Williams, as well as acting stars Damian Lewis and Helen McCrory.

Located in St. John’s Wood, this new neo-classical residence on Avenue Road counts with 25,000 square feet of area, a 14-meter swimming pool, and ten bathrooms. It’s developer George Dragoumanos bought the space plot on “billionaires row” back in 2013 and finished the project in 2019.

LSI Stone played a big role in this project for exterior cladding and lintels. Its high complexity design of the stone parts was a big challenge. The different stone profiles were created using a CNC cutting machine. The columns and decorative friezes were inspired by the works of one of the best-known British architects who were responsible for some of London’s most iconic architecture, such as the Buckingham Palace.

The stone applied was Moca Cream Fine Grain and Moleanos used in doors and windows surround, frieze and cornice, quoins, stone plinth, steps, and classical-style columns.

To read the full Homes&Property article, click here.

February 17, 2020

All

LSI Stone at the Big Five 2019

LSI Stone will be attending the International Building & Construction Show on 25th to 28th of November 2019. The largest annual trade exhibition of the Middle East and North Africa dedicated to the Stone Industry will take place in Dubai, UAE.

The Middle East Stone Fair gather natural stone companies from all over the world that supplies all types of stone like granite, marble and limestone. We want to invite you to visit our stand in Hall Sheikh Saeed 1, Stand no. SS1 B189! We’ll present you with new and stunting stones!

Request your ticket no here.

November 11, 2019

12 3 4

Page 1 of 4