Quartz countertops are more than amazing and the quality speaks for itself. This is why quartz countertops are one the most popular countertop options. However, there can be times when even this material can turn into a pain in the neck. Here are some problems associated with quartz countertops.
Has A Chemical Odor
This is a really weird problem, but it’s more common than you think. Some people can complain about quartz having a pungent and chemical-like odor. They can smell it, especially after installation and even when they’re out buying this material. This smell could be because of two reasons.
Firstly, it can be the untreated resin that’s leading to this chemical odor. This is usually a problem with cheap quartz countertops. Authentic quartz countertops are treated fully and the resin dries and hardens and doesn’t leave any odor or lingering smell.
Secondly, the odor can be due to the sealant or adhesive that’s applied on the countertops. Adhesives are sometimes used when you’re having tiles installed instead of slabs, so that can be an issue and some store-bought sealants have a very distinct chemical odor that doesn’t go away even after drying.
The solution? Always get a sealant that’s odor-free and your nose will smell the difference in no time.
Heat Can Damage Countertops
This might come as a surprise to you, but yes, quartz countertops aren’t indestructible when it comes to heat. Even though it can resist heat a lot, there will come a time when it’s not able to do so and it will get stained on the surface.
Heat stains are hideous as they are permanent and you can’t get rid of them no matter how much you try. So, it’s better to be safe than sorry and use cutting boards and trivets to help create a barrier between the hot pot or food and the quartz countertops. You will thank yourself later for taking care of the countertops now.
Quartz & Sun Is Not A Good Combo
Many countertop materials have UV-resistant properties too. Think of it like having built-in sunscreen but for countertops. If you have quartz countertops, then you will be bummed to know that this material isn’t naturally UV resistant.
As our skin can get damaged by the onslaught of UV rays, the same can happen with quartz countertops. They can go dull, darken in appearance and they might even get weak over time.
So, it’s crucial that you don’t expose these countertops to the bright and unfiltered sunlight, or else, you can kiss your stark and beautiful countertops goodbye. There are sealants available that can protect the countertops from UV rays, so you can consider those too.
Choose granite countertops Rockville if you want a countertop material for an outdoor kitchen or if your indoor kitchen receives a lot of direct sunlight on the counter space.
Not A Smooth Look
If you thought that quartz is seamless and perfect, then wait until you see light reflecting off it. This can be a manufacturing issue or it can be something that happens in between the installation process, but it’s frustrating, nonetheless.
Quartz is naturally shiny, so there will be times when you see the light from the fixtures near the countertops glaring off the surface. As pretty as it looks, you don’t want to look too close though because there might be inconsistencies in the reflection. This is basic physics. If a reflective surface isn’t smooth, then the reflection will not be smooth either.
This isn’t as noticeable, but if you’re spending a good chunk of money on good countertops, then you want them to be perfect throughout, so it does matter at the end of the day. If you have lots of natural light in the kitchen, then this defect might be blaringly obvious, because there’s light almost everywhere.
Stains Can Be A Problem
Even though quartz countertops seldom stain, that doesn’t mean that it never happens. If you’re cutting juicy fruits, watery vegetables, and raw meat directly on the surface of the countertops, then you should prepare yourself for the pandemonium of stains coming your way.
But you might be thinking: Quartz is non-porous. How does it stain? Well, the thing is, pores aren’t the only things that cause stains. There are a couple of factors that you should consider.
Firstly, you might not be cleaning the countertops for days on end. This causes the stains or puddles of moisture to become permanent and then they will be a pain to remove.
Moreover, if you’re using sharp knives directly on the surface of quartz, then scratches can cause the surface to open up, allowing water and other liquids to seep in. This can also lead to very much permanent stains.
Seams Are Irritating
If you didn’t know this already, quartz is not installed in a single unit. Sometimes, it’s installed like a jigsaw puzzle in which plenty of slabs are attached. Well, you know what that means. Seams are going to be an issue. Seams are really hard to deal with because once a stone is cut, you really can’t arrange it in a way to make it look like the real thing and that’s a problem a lot of people face.
While some contractors will take care of this fact, a lot won’t and they will just set the countertops, not fill in the seams, and call it a day. You’ll end up with countertops that don’t look aesthetically pleasing. This is a major issue with quartz and the best way to go about this is to get a contractor that will make seams as invisible as possible.
Can Get Dirty
This one ties in with the previous problem. If there are seams, then there are going to be deep grooves and crevices for dirt and dust to settle in. These things are very hard to clean too and if you don’t get them clean, then it can make the countertops look unkempt, and just overall unpleasant.
So, you want to ensure that you’re using a thin pointy needle to scrape off the dirt and grime from the crevices and also clean the grooves with a mixture of soap and water, to get them fully cleaned. This is a bit of work, but it pays off in the end and you’ll love the look of your countertops, because who loves dirty and murky countertops? Here’s a hint: No one!
Professional Installation Only
This is something that a lot of people don’t appreciate. Quartz countertops are only installed professionally. This doesn’t only mean extra cost, but it also means that you have to find a professional contractor who will get the job done for you.
There are a lot of contractors out there, but that doesn’t mean all are great at what they do. If you’ve never heard of installation accidents before, then buckle up because it’s a wild ride. Anyways, as if finding the perfect countertops wasn’t hard enough, now you have to find a contractor that will install said countertops in a professional and, most importantly, seamless way. Talk about countertop chivalry.
Conclusion
If you thought that quartz countertops are perfect in every way, then think again, because these problems are more common than you think. So, if you want everything to go well either choose high-quality quartz countertops or select granite countertops by getting in touch with granite contractors Potomac.
