1. What does Granite countertops harbor bacteria?
Granite continues to be used and approved in food and medical applications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has no records of granite harboring bacteria, and has no reports of people becoming ill from bacteria in granite. With regular cleaning, granite is far less likely to support bacteria than butcher block or even laminate materials with top-mounted sinks. This claim has also been tested by the Hospitality Industry. Their article can be found at www.hi-tm.com under "Publications and Reports."
2. Is Granite higher priced than solid surface materials?
With increased technology in the stone processing industry, granite now is available for the same price as artificial, manmade solid surface materials, and granite offers a wider variety of colors and patterns to choose from.
3. Can Granite not be repaired?
Granite can be re-finished and, in cases of chipping or breaking, can be repaired via colored epoxies that can take a polish.
4. Is Granite hard to maintain?
Granite is very easy to maintain. Clean with a neutral soap and water, wipe off film with a solution of vinegar and water, and on occasion, from one to every five years, additional impregnators can be applied.
5. Example for things to consider?
A. Use: Kitchen counters usually require sturdy, material such as granite that can take a lot of heavy wear, hot pots, etc. Bath vanities, table tops, fireplace mantles, etc. can be a variety of materials including marble, travertine, onyx and slate as well as flooring, tub, shower and Jacuzzi surrounds. We can guide through your project for the best material choice.
B. Color: There are hundreds of colors and variations within color groups to choose from. We have a great selection of material for you to see and many samples to pick from. Whatever your color scheme, we will be able to help you.
C. Cost: Once you have chosen your material and picked your color and decided on your edge finish we will give you an estimate for your project. You may be pleasantly surprised at our competitive prices. Beautiful stone for your project may be less expensive than inferior man made products you may have seen.
6. How to take care of granite or marble products?
Clean the countertop daily with a soft white cloth and a neutral cleaner or household detergent such as Dove. Household cleaning products include Windex, Lysol Disinfectant and 409 can be used, but may leave a film. A solution of vinegar and water works great to remove streaking, smudges, and body oil. Granite countertops are generally sealed at the time of fabrication. Resealing is up to the individual. Manufacturers of impregnators recommend countertops to be resealed from 1 to every 4 years, or longer, depending on the application, the sensitivity of the individual, and the type of stone. Granite impregnators, cleaners and disinfectants are available at our office.
Spills should be wiped up immediately. Blot the spill with a clean paper towel. If the countertop stains, a poultice may need to be applied. Use the flat side of a razor blade for removing stuck on tape residue, dried paint, glue, dried food, etc. Use #0000 or finer steel wool to remove dried water spots, smudges, hazy areas, and for general cleaning to bring out the shine. Do not use the steel wool wet. Use a pencil eraser to remove aluminum trails.
Do not use acid based cleaners such as rust removers, sterling silver cleaners, etc., on countertop, or place rags saturated with acid based cleaners on countertop. Do not use cleaners containing Hydrofluoric Acid. Do not use strong abrasive cleaners such as Comet or Soft Scrub. Do not leave spills on countertop for prolonged periods of time.
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