Marble is one of the most favorite for almost all Indian homeowners for various reasons, like its timeless beauty, luxurious appeal, durability, and scratch and heat resistance. One of the most remarkable features of marble is that it is best suitable for hot climates, as it has the capability to stay cool even in hot and humid regions. Marble is a good source of product for heat resistance, and it is the best fit for the high temperatures of tropical climatic areas. Now, choosing the best marble for hot climate is key to ensuring your home remains cool during hot climates and retains its beauty for years to come.
Why Is Marble Great for Hot Climates?
Marble is made of metamorphic rock from limestone under high heat and pressure. This process leads to getting a crystalline and dense natural stone. Here are some of the most important features of marble for hot climates.
- Natural Coolness: Marble has high thermal strength that can absorb heat fast. It remains cool in high temperatures and provides a refreshing environment for flooring and gives great relief in hot summers.
- Heat Resistance: It has good heat resistance and makes the best choice for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and fireplace surroundings.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The aesthetic beauty of marble with a light-colored marble can reflect the sunlight in a wide area, and in the meantime, it also keeps the interior cool and provides more airy space.
Best Indian Marbles for Heat Resistance
Italian marble has high luster and an exceptional feature that suits the local climate conditions. They are more durable and less porous than other imported materials.
- Makrana Marble: It is one of the most famous Indian marbles with a white background, and its durability and pristine appearance make it more unique. It was used to construct the Taj Mahal, which showcases the test of time and proves the resilience to extreme weather conditions. It is a non-porous material and heat-resistant marble and gets shinier with time and usage.
- Indian White Sangemarmar Marble: The pure white-colored marble is highly heat resistant and has timeless beauty. It is best suited for both residential and commercial spaces.
- Kishangarh Marble: It is one of the most affordable marbles that comes in white and beige. It is durable and versatile in nature and best fit for wall cladding and flooring, offering a good heat-resistant feature in any high-humidity condition.
- Ambaji White Marble: Its origin is from Gujarat. It is available in a white shade with a light or pinkish vein pattern and has a smooth finish. It is one of the best budget-friendly options that performs excellently in hot weather conditions.
- Indian Green Marble: It is not a white marble but a dark green marble, and its origin is Udaipur. It is one of the exotic marbles with a dense structure and high scratch and heat resistance. It is used to create excellent featured wall designs and is best suitable for both interior and exterior designs.
Imported Marbles to Consider
- Italian Carrara and Statuario Marble: It has a classic white shade with a unique vein pattern. It generally has more pores and gives a luxurious appeal to any space. It is more susceptible to etching and stains from any acidic liquids. It requires regular maintenance, but it has good heat resistance and is suitable for any hot and humid weather condition.
- Botticino Classico: It has a beautiful creamy beige shade and is renowned for its beauty, durability, and warm aesthetics. It is less porous and the best option for flooring, as it can control heat and give a cool environment in any humid conditions.
How to Choose the Right Marble for Your Home
In order to choose the right marble for your home, you need to know a few factors. Here are those factors listed below.
- Porosity: The marble must be less porous and resistant to moisture and stains. Indian marble such as Makrana is known for its low porosity.
- Finish: A matte finish marble is less slippery and can hide scratches, and it is better than the polished finish marble. It is suitable for high-traffic areas and bathroom areas.
- Thickness: The standard thickness of marble for flooring typically ranges between 18 mm and 20 mm; therefore, ensure you choose a quality slab within this thickness and with no cracks.
- Installation: A correct installation by skilled labor plays a vital role in the durability of marble. A strong sub-base and the right kind of adhesive are a must to prevent the cracks and shifting over a period of time.
Maintenance in a Hot Climate
Here are some tips on how to maintain the marble in a hot climate condition.
- Regular Sealing: The marble is porous, and it requires a regular sealing every 6-12 months. As it protects the marble from stains and also from hot and humid climates.
- Gentle Cleaning: It is recommended to use pH-neutral cleaners and avoid acidic chemicals like lemon juice, abrasive cleaners, and vinegar, as they damage the surface of marble.
- Immediate Spill Cleanup: It is advised to clean the spills of food and beverages quickly to avoid the stains and etching on the surface of marble.
Conclusion
For Indian homes, choosing the right marble can be a game-changer in combating the heat while adding a timeless, luxurious touch. While imported options like Italian marble offer exquisite aesthetics, the best-heat-resistant choices are often homegrown. Makrana marble and Indian White Sangemarmar stand out as top contenders due to their exceptional durability, low porosity, and long-lasting beauty. By prioritizing these characteristics and following a simple maintenance routine, you can ensure your marble flooring remains a cool and elegant centerpiece for generations.
FAQs
Q: Is Indian marble better than Italian marble for a hot climate?
A: For heat resistance and durability, Indian marbles like Makrana are often better choices for the hot and humid climate of India. They are typically denser and less porous than many Italian varieties, making them more practical and easier to maintain.
Q: Does marble flooring make a room colder?
A: Yes, marble’s high thermal mass means it retains coolness. It doesn’t become warm easily, which helps keep the floor and the surrounding space feeling cool, providing significant relief during hot weather.
Q: How often should I seal my marble floor?
A: For marble flooring in a hot, humid climate, it’s recommended to seal the surface every 6-12 months. You can test if it’s time to reseal by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface; if it darkens or absorbs the water quickly, it’s time to apply a new sealer.
Q: Can I use marble for outdoor spaces in a hot climate?
A: Yes, but you must choose a durable, less porous variety and a honed or matte finish to prevent slipperiness. Regular sealing and protection from direct sunlight and rain are also essential to prevent fading and weathering.