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Granite Myths
MYTHS AND TRUTHS ABOUT GRANITE
MYTH - GRANITE IS VERY EXPENSIVE
Most homeowners think of granite as a beautiful but very expensive option, however this is not the case. In fact, the price of granite has dropped significantly in recent years. Today it's more often than not priced lower than many synthetics, such as SileStone, Ceaserstone and other brands of engineered stone. Considering its durability and natural beauty, granite is today's best value among bench top choice.
MYTH - GRANITE WILL STAIN
This is perhaps one of the more enduring myths surrounding granite. Many granites are exceptionally stain resistant, more so than many synthetic materials, including laminates and solid surface plastics such as Corian. Your granite will be sealed on installation with an impervious water based sealer. This will protect the surface of the granite. For years architects have used granite as an external cladding surface in commercial buildings because of its ability to withstand nature's elements and retain its original beauty.
MYTH - MUST BE RE-SEALED REGULARLY
Another common misconception about granite countertops is that they must be re-sealed on a regular basis to prevent them from staining. Some granite does require sealing regularly, while others will never need to be resealed. While it is possible to stain granite, it is extremely difficult to do so. The likelihood of staining granite through normal kitchen use is so low that it hardly deserves a second thought. For those who think otherwise, rest assured we seal the granite upon installation with impervious water based sealer that can easily be reapplied if you feel it necessary.
MYTH - GRANITE WILL LOSE ITS SHINE
This is a true statement for marble, but not for granite. Granite is an extremely dense substance. Diamonds are one of the few materials harder than granite, which is why diamond pads are used to polish it. Normal household activities simply do not introduce sufficient abrasion to the surface of granite to dull it. Rest assured your granite countertop will maintain its brand new shine for decades to come.
MYTH - GRANITE IS DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN
Maintenance for granite is virtually non-existent. Routine cleaning with recommended stone care products (such as M & B Stone Care), or a micro fibre cloth with hot water is all that's needed. For those who are environmentally conscious, an Enjo kitchen mitt makes your granite look like new. Most of the stone care products on the market can also be used on your hot plate and sink surfaces to also make them shine!
MYTH - GRANITE WILL CRACK UNDER HEAT
Granite is able to withstand exceptionally high levels of heat, allowing you to move dishes straight from your oven to the countertop without a problem. The heat from pots and pans won't cause any damage to a granite countertop. Meals cooked at over 200 degrees Celsius will scorch synthetic solid surfaces (like Corian), which offer heat resistance only up to that temperature. Granite, on the other hand, has no constituent materials capable of burning. In fact, granite will not scorch even when exposed to direct flame. The only time granite can crack is if taken from an extremely cold temperature to an extremely hot temperature too quickly (eg frozen foods siting on the bench top, which are then replaced by a boiling pot. In this instance extreme temperature change will crack or warp any surface.
MYTH - GRANITE CONTAINS HARMFUL RADON GASES
Granite is rock. No one has ever come forward with scientific evidence to suggest granite or any other rocks are harmful to your health. This rather preposterous myth emerged just about the time Dupont introduced Corian about 33 years ago. In actuality, radon gas emissions are more harmful from surfaces such as concrete, cement and gypsum, which surround us on a daily basis. The Marble Institute of America report “radon is a naturally occurring gas generated by the decay of trace amounts of uranium found in the earth’s crust throughout the world. It is an unstable gas that quickly breaks down and dissipates in the air.” No one today takes credit for starting the rumour, and certainly no one supports it. (By the way, granite contains crystals that some people believe have healing properties.) Most experts would agree, however, that granite isn’t going to cure you or kill you. It’s just a pretty rock that makes a great bench top.
MYTH - GRANITE HARBOURS BACTERIA
Another frequently repeated myth is that granite harbours harmful bacteria and that somehow germs retreat into nooks and crannies in granite, lying in wait to make us sick. Records maintained by The Centre for Disease Control confirm that there is absolutely no evidence of granite harbouring bacteria or of anyone getting sick from bacteria in granite. Additionally, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, as well as the Hospitality Industry, give granite a clean bill of health.
MYTH - GRANITE CANNOT BE REPAIRED
Granite can indeed be repaired, it just doesn't break very easily or very often, so no one's making a living fixing it. In the rare event that your granite does chip or crack (which can happen if it is struck with a heavy object), it can be refinished or repaired.
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