A quartz countertop is a great investment for any room. This mineral is durable, comes in a variety of colors, and is very accessible. If a quality slab is installed correctly and maintained properly, it will look like new for years to come. Like any object, quartz has its limitations. Certain circumstances can cause damage to your quartz countertop that should be avoided.
So, can quartz countertops crack?
Yes, cracks can occur in quartz countertops that are subjected to heavy weight or extreme temperature fluctuations. If cracks occur, a professional installer should be consulted to advise whether the slab can be fixed or should be replaced.
As soon as your quartz countertops are installed, you should put into practice the best methods of keeping them beautiful. Building habits that protect your investment and do not lead to the possibility of damage are best for long-term durability.
So, What Causes Granite Countertops to Crack?
If you boil a pot of water, drain the water, and then immediately place the hot pot on your quartz countertop, the extreme heat could cause a crack. You may be able to get away with this once or twice without any damage, but if this becomes a habit, the odds of a crack occurring increase. Also, hot water spilled on the countertop could cause cracks because of the intense heat and moisture that the slab must endure.
Very cold items could cause damage because of extreme temperature fluctuations, as well. In the summer, when you may use many bags of ice for entertaining purposes, putting the bags of ice on your quartz countertop is not a good idea because the extreme cold could cause cracks. Any item that is very hot or very cold and is placed directly on the quartz could make it crack.
Another common cause of cracks is weight. Putting something very heavy on your quartz countertop could make it crack. Climbing on it to reach a platter in the highest cupboard in your kitchen is not a good idea because the countertop is not designed to hold the weight of a human, or anything too heavy.
So, what are Some Prevention Tips?
It is important to get in the habit of using coasters, trivets, potholders, or other types of barriers between cold or hot items and your quartz countertops. This is the easiest way to prevent one of the most common reasons for cracks and will keep your countertops looking as good as new for a very long time.
You can prevent cracks due to weight by placing heavy objects on the floor. Floors are designed to handle a lot of weight whereas countertops are not, so by keeping the heavy things on the floor, you will not strain your quartz and risk damage. Step stools are handy in the kitchen for reaching items on top shelves, instead of resting a knee on a counter and trying to hoist yourself up to grab things.
Related Questions
So, what are Some Quick Fixes?
If cracks do occur in your quartz countertop, you have a couple of different options for fixing them. You can buy epoxy, resin, or other types of filler material that you put in the crack, smooth out, and let dry. You should have the professional who installed the countertop look at the damage to suggest which kind is best based on your type of quartz and the extent of the cracks.
So, what are Some Maintenance Tips?
The best way to keep your beautiful quartz countertop looking great is by wiping it down with clean soapy water, using cutting boards instead of cutting things right on the quartz, putting hot or cold items on coasters and hot pads, and wiping up any spills immediately to prevent staining.
Summary
Quartz is a wonderful material for countertops, and yet nothing is perfect. If a crack occurs because of extreme temperatures or weight, talk to your installer about the best product for fixing it. Keep trivets and coasters easily accessible so that the most common causes of cracks can be prevented. This will prolong the life of your beautiful investment.
Texas Granite Group located in the Austin area installs the most beautiful quartz and granite countertops. We have a diverse selection of stone slabs to explore when you visit our countertop showroom and store. A design specialist will take you on a visual tour and talk with you about your countertop remodel.
If you are looking to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom, there is no better way than to start with new countertops. Ready to change the way you feel about your home, call us for a Free Estimate!