30

Nov

Why Your Quartz Countertop is Cracking

The gleaming, gorgeous, timeless, and durable quartz countertop in the kitchen or bath is beautiful to look at. Even if it might be one of the most durable natural stones that you can install in living spaces, quartz countertops are able to sustain damage. You should not despair if the heavy object has a big fissure in your countertop. From chipping to cracking, there are a couple of ways to care for the natural and durable stone that has gone through imperfection from an accident or impact.

Quartz countertop contractors are a great choice for homeowners since they look great and are low-maintenance. However, if you see that the quartz countertop is cracking, you could be thinking about what could be wrong. Read on to know more.

It Might be Low Quality

If you bought a quartz countertop from an unreputable source, it might be made of low-quality materials which are prone to cracking.

These are going to include quartz countertops that are made from less-quality materials like concrete or glass.

When quartz countertops are comprised of lower-quality materials, they might not be as strong and durable as the ones made from better-quality materials. Therefore, they have a higher tendency to crack when under pressure or because of extended use.

Around the Furnace Hole

You will not see any gap between the gas stove and furnace hole, the furnace hole will not be polished smooth, and the corners of the basin holes have a zigzag mark instead of a rounded one. In addition, the surface cracks unevenly because of external impact or changes in temperature.

Small Appliances on the Quartz Countertops

Apart from food bits and heat that might cause the quartz to appear dirty, water can be bad for a natural stone countertop. For instance, a coffee maker or other small appliance that is normally placed on the quartz countertop is safe. When you place a non-slip, and non-abrasive mat that goes underneath the hot appliance, it becomes easier to clean the water spills and bread crumbs that come with common items in the kitchen.

Any small appliance placed on a countertop can have scaly spots because of the hard water from the tap going into the tank. Hard water staining can create and build up an unattractive mottling appearance on the surface. You must clean the area regularly to prevent buildup. This minimizes cracking because of the excessive buildup of minerals and removal techniques.

Poorly Installed Countertop

Another reason why your quartz countertop has cracks is because of poor installation. In case the countertop was not properly installed, it might not have the capability to support heavy objects on it or it can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

Therefore, cracks might start to form. If you think that your quartz countertop was not properly installed, you must talk to the company who installed it and ask them to repair or replace it.

When you have a quartz countertop installed, make sure to hire a professional who is experienced in installing this kind of countertop. When you try installing it yourself, you might not be able to execute it correctly, which can end up causing additional damage.

Cracks at the Center of the Tabletop

The cracks can be at the center of the tabletop because of high temperature, uneven pads, external impact, internal plate damage, etc. Therefore, the main factor that causes tabletop cracking is because of poor quality control when the countertop was being processed.

You can contact countertop replacement services Rockville if you need to change your kitchen countertops and get the best outcome.

 

 

21

Nov

Helpful Things About Granite Countertops

You have probably walked on granite, cooked on it, and everything else. Granite is a strong igneous rock that easily adapts to a couple of applications – regardless if it is used in its purest form or in the kitchen. Even if you are already familiar with the benefits and features related to its different forms, you are less in the know if you understand where the tough substance is coming from.

If you are looking into having granite countertops installed, you will find this post useful because it is worth knowing the kind of material it is. Aside from being worth it, granite is one of the most popular rocks used in kitchen surfaces today. Read on to know more:

Granite is Radioactive

In this case, there are other kinds of natural materials, and granite has traces of uranium. But other natural substances, like granite bodies, can have up to 20 times the normal size of uranium.

Before you think twice about using granite, you should know that the uranium emitted by granite is less than the soil you use. Therefore, it is safe to use it in your home so you have nothing to worry about.

Famous Buildings Use Granite

Granite is used in constructing famous buildings in the world. During the time of ancient Egypt, they were already using natural stone to build. The buildings that were made of granite include the Statue of Liberty and also Mount Rushmore.

There are a lot of examples of natural granite – from China to Brazil and a lot of other countries; granite queries are in the USA and all over the world.

The Rarest Granite Colors are Blue and Red

The assortment of different rocks and minerals gives each slab a unique color. The color difference in each slab is related to the quantities of specific minerals in every batch. For instance, if there is more quartz in the composition, the milkier it will appear.

By having this in mind, granite slabs with a blue or red hue through them are considered the rarest kind of granite experts, which reflects the cost of granite worktops being sold on the market.

Granite can Easily Handle Heat

Similar to how you can cut on the surface, you can also place pots and hot pots on a granite countertop without having to worry about damage. However, like the cutting board, a hot pad and tripod should be used as precautions. Among the most heat-resistant countertop materials available is granite. This natural stone requires high temperatures and high pressure for it to form. You can also place pans right from the stove or oven on a granite countertop, and you will not see any stains or marks on the surface.

Granite Can Damage Knives

The biggest reason you should use a cutting pad when you prepare food on granite is to prevent knife damage.

Caring for Granite is Easy

Granite is not a complicated natural stone to care for. The proper maintenance you have to worry about is to re-seal and clean it, and both of them are elementary processes. You should remember to use cleaners that are suitable for natural stone and granite. With most kinds of granite, you only have to re-seal once a year.

Granite is Preset in the World’s Tallest Cliffs

Granite has formed in the Great Tango Tower and it forms the tallest mountain in the world which is Mount Kanchenjunga located behind Everest.

You can call granite installers Potomac anytime if you want to improve your kitchen countertop and add value to your home.

14

Nov

Interesting Facts About Quartz Countertops

Quartz kitchen countertops are becoming more popular in the industry of home remodeling and show no possibility of abating. Some experts are saying that its popularity is more than granite countertops. A lot of homeowners do not have the vaguest idea when it comes to quartz countertops.

If you see it everywhere, a standard kitchen countertop with black granite is not the only option you have. Designers opt for durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing countertop options. There are mind-boggling options available and you can easily be forgiven if you find it hard to make a decision.

In case you want to discover more about quartz countertops, you should read this article until the end.

Not 100% Natural Stone

Quartz countertops are made of ground quartz – a natural stone. However, the countertops are not 100% natural stone. It combines resins and pigments in order to create a finished product.

You should not allow that to fool you. Even if this natural stone is not pure, quartz countertops are still durable and the style is what most homeowners want.

Quartz Can be Bought in Different Colors

Quartz counters are made of 97% ground quartz and 3% colors, resin by weight, and polymer.

While these countertops are made of resin and stone blend, the manufacturer makes almost any texture, color, and pattern you desire.

Quartz countertops can appear like granite or marble or nothing else. A lot of manufacturers are offering great contemporary color schemes.

While manufacturing, recycled materials can also be added to expand the available color choices. You will find a countertop that will resemble natural stone, but you will not find the hues in nature.

They are not Heat-Resistant

Quartz countertops are not resistant to heat. The resin pigments are mixed into the material and they can react to high heat presence. Such as heat from a hot pan, which leaves behind color damage. The countertop is intact but is not going to look pretty.

Quartz is Environmentally Friendly

Quartz is sustainable that does not require a lot of energy to produce. Since it is durable, it will last a long time without having to replace it.

In addition, since quartz does not require sealing like other natural stone countertops, it does not need toxic materials to maintain it. Therefore, you will be able to feel good about the countertop you choose without sacrificing function or style.

Quartz Needs Minimal Maintenance

Quartz is a product that has been engineered, and it is not natural stone. Since resin is used in making it, it is non-porous and does not require sealing. You just have to wipe it down every day.

You can remove surface stains easily using a cleaning agent. However, keep in mind that you should not use harsh cleaning products and scouring pads since they can damage the quartz and resin bond.

Quartz has a Lot of Style Options

Quartz comes in different styles and colors, so you will be able to find an option that can fit into the design of your home. Regardless if you want something bold or classic, a quartz countertop is perfect for your bathroom or kitchen.

Lately, there are quartz countertops that resemble different materials, like granite or marble. Therefore, if you like the natural look of natural stone but want the durability of quartz and easy maintenance, quartz countertops are ideal.

Quartz is Extremely Hard

It rates 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is why quartz is favored when it comes to engineered stone countertops.

You can contact quartz countertops dealer Rockville anytime to have it installed.