Problems with Granite Countertops

Granite is the most popular material used for countertops today. Its durability, heat resistant quality and easy maintenance features have caused granite countertops to be a step ahead of the other materials like marble, synthetics, tile and laminate. This igneous rock is used for countertops and floorings. Its heat resistant and scratch resistant qualities make it an ideal choice for kitchen countertops. Granite is not only durable, but also gorgeous in appearance. It comes in various colors and styles and its speckled, salt and pepper appearance, enhances the beauty of the kitchen and the house.

Problems with Granite Countertops

Granite countertops may be the strongest and most durable countertop material available in the market today, however, they do have some drawbacks. Most people are ignorant of the problems involved with this material and get them installed in their houses.

Expensive: Granite is the most expensive countertop material available today. Its installation requires new cabinetry to be placed as a part of the entire kitchen makeover. This substantially increases the cost of installation. Moreover, granite slabs have to be selected, matched, cut, polished, sealed and installed with little room for error. These granite countertops have to be sealed on a yearly basis to maintain their shine and luster. Neglecting sealing on a regular basis can result the granite countertop to become cloudy and stained. Kitchen sinks have to be carefully purchased, because replacing the sink installed in between the granite countertop will prove expensive, as it will require the removal of the entire granite slab.

Surface affected by acidic liquids: When acidic solutions are brought in contact with the granite countertop, the surface can become dull or even etched. Various acidic liquids are used as ingredients in daily cooking, such as vinegar, orange juice, lemon juice, wine, coffee, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and several other liquids. When the use is on a daily basis, it is possible for these liquids to be spilled on the countertop. However, such accidents can prove to be costly. The expensive granite can lose its shine and sparkle.

Emits radon: Over the past decade various allegations have been made regarding granite countertops emitting dangerous levels of radon. Radon gas is a radioactive element and is a leading cause for lung cancer. This allegation has been mostly made by competing countertop material distributors. Research reveals that some granite countertops reveal radon gas, and has left homeowners worried. Critics say that the amount of radon gas emitted is too insignificant to cause any health problems or damage. However, the problem lies in the fact that, the safe level of radon exposure is not yet known to man. Thus to neglect this aspect is quite difficult. It is also believed that not every type of granite is harmful, however, worried homeowners can get their homes tested for radon gas, to check if they are living in high levels of radon. At several retail outlets, the do-it-yourself radon test kits are available, which can be used to conduct the radon test.

Hot dishes can spoil the surface: Though granite countertops can withstand tons of abuse, its surface can get chipped if steaming hot pots and pans are placed directly onto the granite. This is because the hard granite stones comprises some soft, thin strips of granite, which cannot absorb all the heat applied to its surface. Thus, one must be careful to place hot dishes on trivets and hot pads.

Harsh chemicals stain the surface: Harsh cleaning agents such as bleach, kitchen degreasers and glass cleaners can strip the granite surface off the sealer, and can permanently stain the surface. This is because these common household cleaning agents contain acids, alkalies and other chemicals, which can harm the granite. One must be careful to only use mild soap and water to clean it. Even frequent use of soap can make the granite surface dull.

Granite is durable and easy-to-maintain countertop material. It does have its disadvantages, however, mostly all products in the market have some or the other drawback. While deciding on which countertop material to buy, one must weigh the pros and cons. Despite these cons, granite countertops are elegant, unique and enhance the beauty of the kitchen.