06

Dec

9 Things You Shouldn’t Place On Your Granite Countertops

While granite countertops are tough, certain things can destroy them hence you shouldn’t place them on the countertop surfaces. These things include:

Raw meat

No. Raw meat won’t damage your countertops. When you place the meat on the countertops, salmonella and other bacteria are left on the surface, and they can spread to the other food you place on the countertops.

If you have ever placed meat on the countertops, you always have the urge to cleanse the surfaces with harsh disinfectants, right? This happens with most homeowners.

The disinfectants and cleansers dull and damage the countertop sealant. In some cases, the products are too tough that they discolor the granite.

For you to keep your countertops in top shape for a long time, never place raw meat on the surfaces. When cutting the meat, put it on a cutting board.

Knives

Due to their look, the countertops might seem like the perfect areas to chop your food. Unfortunately, the surfaces are prone to chips, cuts, and scratches that can dull them.

When you cut on the surfaces, you can also dull the knives, which increases your risk of lacerations.

For you to protect your countertops and knives, avoid chopping directly on the granite surfaces. Just like with meat, have a cutting board in place. When placing the blades on the countertops, keep them inside a protective knife block.

Spills

It’s hard to avoid water spills on the kitchen countertops, but you can stay away from juice and wine spills. You can do this by avoiding placing the products on the countertops. When the spills happen by mistake, clean the countertops immediately.

The reason for this is because the spills leave a dark shadowy spot that gives the surfaces a cheap, ugly look. Of significant importance, avoid wine and cranberry juice spills as they leave light-colored stains that are hard to remove.

Acids

Soft drinks, citrus fruits, vinegar, lotions, perfumes, nail polishes, and soaps are acidic, and can etch the surfaces and damage the granite seal, making the countertops stain more easily.

In the kitchen, keep the acidic products in a drawer where they can’t get into contact with the countertops. When cooking, be cautious that you don’t spill them.

In the bathroom, put the personal care products in a cabinet or basket with a secure base that won’t leak in the event of a spill.

Impact damage

It’s true granite is extremely hard, but the impact of a heavy object can cause it to chip. Chipping is common around the sink and edges. The visibility of the chips depends on the color of the countertops.

For you to prevent the damage from coming about, be cautious when lifting heavy objects above the countertops.

Oil

When cooking, it’s common for oil used in cooking to leak down the bottle. The oil can stain the countertops leaving ugly stains. For you to prevent stains resulting from the oil, keep the oil bottles and oily sauces in the cupboard.

Hot pans

Granite is an igneous rock that can handle a lot of heat; thus, a brief encounter with a hot pot won’t hurt the countertops. While this is the case, exposing the countertops to excessive heat weakens the sealants, which not only means that the liquids directly flow into the countertops, it also gives the countertops an ugly look.

For you to prevent the countertops from getting damaged, always have trivets and potholders nearby when cooking. When spills happen when cooking, wipe them immediately.

A lot of weight

The countertops are tough and can take a lot of weight, but this is no reason to stand or sit on them. When you place a lot of weight on the edges, the countertops can easily crack, forcing you to replace them, which is expensive.

Keep heavy loads off the countertops. If you can’t, place the load at the center (not at the edges where it can easily crack the surfaces).

Soap

If you are like other homeowners, you use soap to clean your countertops. While there is nothing wrong with this, regular use of soap leads to soap accumulation. According to granite installers Rockville, excessive soap gives the countertops a murky look.

To keep the countertops in top shape, use the soap in moderation. After using it, clean all of it off.

14

Nov

Granite Contractors: 4 Ways To Keep Your Countertops In Pristine Condition

 Granite countertops don’t come cheap; therefore, when you install them, you should do the right things that make them last for as long as possible. Some of the things you should do include:

Clean them daily

When you clean the countertops daily, you prevent stains, bacteria, and spills from penetrating the seal and seeping into the stone pores.

Clean the countertops with water and a few drops of dish soap. Mix the two into a spray bottle then spray directly on the counter surfaces. You should then wipe the surfaces with a clean cloth then rinse with clean water.

Cleaning the surfaces frequently also prevents them from getting foggy and grimy with stains. As a result, you have shining countertops.

Avoid things that can destroy the countertops

There are several things that ruin countertops. They include:

Exposing the countertops to hot pans: While granite is highly heat resistant, it doesn’t mean you should consistently place hot pans on it. The hot pan might not leave an instant burn mark on the countertop, but with time, it might scratch the surfaces making the countertops ugly.

Placing items on the countertops: Placing items on the countertops either for functionality or decoration causes scratches. If you place a lot of items on the countertops, you risk creating scratches that tarnish the look of the countertops.

For you to keep the surfaces in top shape, avoid directly placing heavy items such as vases, bowls, and canisters on the countertops. The right thing to do is always to place a mat under the item.

Sitting and standing on the countertops: When you have many people in the kitchen, the countertops provide convenient sitting space. They also make excellent stepping areas when trying to reach for an item at the top shelf.

The pressure you apply on the countertops when you sit or stand on them can cause cracks that are expensive to repair. To avoid it, avoid standing or sitting on the countertops.

Cutting directly on the countertops: Since granite is tough, it’s easy to be tempted to cut directly on it. Cutting directly on the surfaces not only causes damage to the countertops, but it also damages the knife.

For you to avoid damaging your countertops, always have a chopping board with you. Never cut anything directly on the countertops.

Practice good habits

Good habits will go a long way at keeping your countertops in pristine condition. Some of the things you should do include:

Getting rid of spills as soon as they happen: Even if your countertops are sealed, leaving water and other liquids on the surfaces for a long time increases the chances of stains developing. To avoid this, get rid of spills as soon as they happen.

Use specially designed cleaners: While water and dish soap will clean the countertops and get rid of all bacteria and stains, over time, they start making the countertops foggy. For you to give the countertops a shiny look, once in a while use cleaners that are specially designed for granite.

You can visit your local store or ask your granite contractor for recommendations of the right ones to go for.

Use soft sponges and cloths when cleaning: Even if you want to remove stains from the countertops, avoid using scratching, abrasive, or harsh cleaning materials. When cleaning or removing spills from the countertops, use soft and clean cloths.

Seal the countertops

Sealing granite countertops prevents liquids from seeping in and causing stains. When you are installing the countertops for the first time, ask granite installers Montgomery to seal the surfaces with a quality sealer. A good quality sealer should protect the countertops for a few years after which you must reseal the surfaces.

For you to tell the right time to reseal the surfaces, spill a liquid on the countertop. If the surfaces start darkening, it means the liquid is seeping in. Find a reputable contractor to reseal the surfaces.

Parting shot

How you interact with your countertops not only affects how they look, it also determines how long they last. Clean the surfaces regularly, protect them from hot appliances, avoid applying a lot of pressure on them, and you will have countertops you are proud of.

01

Nov

6 Granite Countertops Problems And How To Fix Them

Many homeowners install granite countertops as they are durable. Unfortunately, the countertops aren’t impervious to damage. Here are six common problems with granite kitchen countertops and how to fix or prevent them:

Ruptured countertop surfaces

A ruptured countertop gives the kitchen a cheap and unmaintained look. Many homeowners are scared of the rupture as they think they have to replace the entire countertop surfaces. This isn’t the case. If the damage is isolated, you can fix the damaged slab without touching the other areas.

Countertops rupture due to many reasons:

  • Poorly crafted joints
  • Countertops installed over uneven surfaces
  • Failure to give glue enough time to dry during the installation
  • Placing a lot of weight in one area

How you fix the damaged area depends on the extent of the damage. For small cracks, use an adhesive. For deeper cracks or damage brought about by excessive weight, remove the damaged slab using a drill then apply special filler.

To maintain a uniform look, choose a filer that blends seamlessly with the countertops.

Separating seam joints

If you notice the countertops moving and the joints separating after applying pressure on them, the adhesive might have weakened. Hire a professional stone technician to make the right adjustments to the countertops. The expert should remove the existing adhesive and replace it with a better, more durable option.

Avoid doing the replacement by yourself as you risk causing more damage than was originally there.

Dull surfaces

If your countertops are slowly losing their shine, it’s because you are exposing them to harsh cleaning products. Don’t rush to replace the countertops as there are plenty of solutions you can use without having to replace the surfaces.

Hire a professional from your local store to fix the dull granite countertops. He/she can do this by buffing and re-polishing the countertops. Don’t try fixing this problem on your own as you risk making it worse.

To prevent the problem from coming about in the future, watch the type and quality of cleaners you are using. Most cleaners are too harsh for the surfaces; therefore, stay away from them.

For everyday cleaning, go with soap and warm water. Avoid products with chemicals. When in the store, read the ingredients and ensure none can damage the surfaces.

For peace of mind, choose products designed specifically for granite countertops.

Countertop stains

Properly sealed countertops are highly resistant to stains, but when you allow even water to soak in, the countertops easily stain.

Oils, wine, and even fruit juice can penetrate the surfaces leaving stains. Don’t remove the countertops when stains happen. Remove oil stains with a homemade paste made from acetone and baking soda.

When it comes to organic stains, remove them by soaking a paper towel in bleach, then placing it on the affected area.

To prevent the stains from coming about, seal the granite regularly with a high-quality granite sealer. You also should make a habit of wiping the spills as soon as they happen.

Heat damage

Just as granite is resistant to water damage, it’s also resistant to heat damage. Unfortunately, it can be damaged by hot pots and pans. This is because the sealant and finish aren’t as heat resistant as the rest of the stone.

When you repeatedly place hot dishes on the countertops, you leave black marks on the surfaces bringing about thermal shock and even cracks. Extreme heat can also damage the sealer making granite susceptible to stains and acid damage.

For you to prevent the damage, avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on the countertops. Always use hot pads, pot holders, trivets, and other barriers.

If the damage has already happened, how you repair it depends on the extent of the damage. If minor, remove the stain using toothpaste. You can also re-polish the surface. Only consider replacing the countertops if the damage is extensive.

Scratches

Only materials harder than granite can cause scratches. Scratches aren’t a major problem with the countertops, but to avoid them, granite installers Rockville recommend you avoid sliding rings with precious stones across the surfaces.

If they have already happened, applying a thin layer of polish on the surfaces will get rid of most of them. If you have the skills, you can apply the layer, but if you have never done it before, let an expert handle it.

16

Oct

Expert Tips To Tell Real From Fake Granite Countertops

Since the 1990s, granite has been the number one choice for luxury countertops. Due to their popularity, granite countertops attract plenty of unscrupulous people in business that make fake countertops. Don’t think that you can easily tell fake from real countertops. Today’s business people pay attention to every detail such that the countertops look very realistic that you will buy them thinking they are real.

Fake granite basics

There are all types of counterfeit granite slabs in the market. There are fakes such as vinyl films that you can roll out to cover countertops. There are also cheap laminates that are printed to resemble granite. There are even fake materials designed for commercial kitchens and bathrooms that have a “granite” finish that can be hard to tell, especially if you are new.

Regardless of how they resemble granite, none of these fake materials are close to the beauty and durability of granite. When you drop a hot pan or grass on the surfaces, the fake materials easily get damaged.

For you to avoid the fake granite, you need to be cautious of where you buy from. Most of the homeowners end up buying counterfeit granite when they are trying to save money. Before you settle on a given stone, take time to visit a few stores and get the average price of the slabs.

If the price is too low than average, the slab is most likely fake, and you should stay away from it. You can also avoid buying fake slabs by working with a reputable granite contractor. A good contractor will not only properly install the countertops, but also help you pick the best ones for your home.

For the countertops to look great and last for long, you need to buy the genuine ones. To help you out, here are things you should look out for to tell whether the countertops are real or fake:

Check the color and pattern

Pay attention to the color and pattern of the granite slab. If the slab has the same color and even throughout without any variation, it’s most likely human-made.

Since granite is natural, every slab is unique in its way. Not two tiles have exactly similar veins, color, and texture.

Consider the cost

This might seem like a no brainer, but you will be surprised how many homeowners will buy fake, cheap granite thinking they have got a great deal. When you visit some of the stores, they will tell you that they have a special offer and yet they want to sell you the fake countertops.

Regardless of the store you visit, if the price is too low than most of the other stores, the chances are you are on the verge of buying fake, low quality granite.

Try the water test

Pour water on the slab. If the granite is real, water should be absorbed rather than run off the slab. Manmade granite is made of epoxy resins that are completely nonporous; therefore, they don’t absorb liquids. Natural stone, on the other hand, absorbs water as is porous.

You can tell when absorption is happening by the darkening of the stone as the pores fill with water. While this method will help you to pick out at least 90% of fake slabs, it has its flaws as the fake slabs can absorb water due to their differing densities and construction materials.

Tap on the slabs

When you are in the stores, tap on the slabs, and listen. Real granite produces a ringing sound when you tap it, while fake granite doesn’t. The reason for this is because granite is made from quartz crystals and resins. Since the slabs are nonporous, the sound is muted or dull hence, you can’t hear it.

Check the joints

This is a method you can use to confirm after buying the pieces and installing them. If the granite is humanmade, you won’t notice any shift of the pattern at the seams. With real granite, you will see a pattern change at the time of installation.

You should note that experienced granite installers Rockville try to reduce the pattern changes as much as they can, which can make it hard for you to see them. For you to easily identify the difference, you should be present at the time of installation.