Do granite countertops break easily?

Granite cracks are rare but an experienced stone care company like Fuller Stone Care can fix them. Granite is one of the hardest and most durable natural stone materials you can get for your home or business. However, it is possible for granite to crack under certain circumstances. If this happens to you, don't worry.

Is it common for granite countertops to crack?

Cracks in granite are more common than you think! Typically, cracks occur in granite or stone countertops as a result of stress during handling, fabrication, transportation or installation of the countertop.

Are granite countertops fragile?

Granite is hard and durable, but it's also fragile. All natural stone countertops must be handled carefully to protect them from breaking. Once installed, the granite tops are fully supported and very strong.

Does granite crack over time?

Although, granite is naturally heat resistant, having been formed through heat, constant exposure to heat over extended periods can weaken the stone leading to cracks. The damage is extensive, especially if the stone is cold at the time of heat exposure, and the difference in temperatures is large.

What are the problems with granite countertops?

The most concerning problems can occur when the countertops are not sealed correctly or the sealant wears off without the counters being resealed. Granite is porous. This means that unsealed or poorly sealed counters can absorb wine, juice or oil, producing a stain that might be impossible to remove.

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How long do granite counters last?

While tile may be able to endure for 100 years or more, that doesn't take into account the gunk and grime that can accumulate between the tiles. On the other hand, granite and other natural stones can expect a lifespan of 100 years, and maybe more, without worrying about such annoyances.

Are granite countertops worth the money?

If you're looking for something unique that will stand out in your kitchen and you enjoy the natural stone look, granite is definitely worth it. If you prefer something lighter with a more solid pattern, you might want to consider quartz or other materials.

Is granite hard to break?

Granite is one of the hardest substances in the world. The only material that is harder than granite is a diamond. The hardness of granite makes it durable. Unlike other stone types, granite won't crumble or break over time.

Will a crack in granite spread?

The stone has split. Cracks have an edge you can feel or catch with a fingernail. Cracks in granite are most commonly "hairline", but can be wider.

Can granite chip easily?

High impact blows can harm granite just like any other solid surface. Because of its crystalline structure, granite can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. A chip can be filled with a granite dust and epoxy mixture.

Does granite crack with heat?

Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.

Can granite be brittle?

Recognized as one of the most useful materials on the planet, granite rarely chips or scratches and is comparable to diamond when considering durability. Granite is not indestructible however, while extremely tough, granite can easily be considered brittle and is not very flexible.

What causes a granite countertop to crack?

When a lot of weight is placed on the counter over a long period of time, the cracks within the countertop can run to the surface and create a crack. Excessive heat, such as when a hot pan is placed on the surface without a pad or trivet, can also cause cracks to form on the surface of the granite countertop.

How do I stop my granite from cracking?

The most common method for repairing cracks and chips in granite countertops is to fill them in with epoxy, acrylic, or other kind of colorless resin or adhesive. You can easily find products designed to make these kinds of repair online, and they are quite affordable.

Can you repair a broken granite countertop?

Cracks and Breaks on granite can't really be fixed, what can actually be done is filling the cracks with epoxy or acrylic so that they don't show. If it's a broken piece of granite you want to mend, again, epoxy can be used to glue it together.

Will granite crack in cold weather?

Granite shouldn't crack in cold weather, as long as it's properly sealed. It's most vulnerable during the thawing season, so you should pay extra attention to your sealant to ensure that it's properly applied.

What are cracks in granite called?

A fissure is defined in the granite industry as a "visible separation along intercrystalline boundaries or the voids between mineral crystals.” They develop during the repeated cycles of heating and cooling during the stone's formation.

Do granite countertops have imperfections?

While natural stone is famed for its distinctive beauty, imperfections in granite countertops and other stone surfaces can be a concern for some. For instance, prospective stone buyers might worry that the “flaws” in natural stone could take away from the unity and elegance of their design.

How do you care for granite countertops?

Warm water, mild dishwashing liquid, and soft clean cloth are generally all that's needed to maintain your granite countertop surface. The best care you can give your natural stone is preventive care. By following a few suggestions, your countertops will last a lifetime while maintaining a brand-new appearance.

Can you break granite countertop with a hammer?

Use the hammer drill and a series of holes. If you want to keep the dust to a minimum, you can skip this step, but it will make things much easier if you do. Now you can break up the granite with the sledgehammer. Be careful because many things can go wrong and end up costing you more in the long run.

How much does it take to break granite?

Granite is fairly thick, often at the very least ¾ of an inch. If the weight is evenly distributed over a large area, the countertops can hold up to 1000 pounds.

How do you know if your granite is cracked?

A test to determine the difference is to look at the crack or fissure from a low angle. A crack has two points of reflection while a fissure has only one. Fissures are rather common in granite, but some samples of granite have more fissures than others.

What are the pros and cons of granite?

Is quartz or granite better?

Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.

Are granite countertops better than laminate?

The short answer; yes. Granite is a far superior countertop material than laminate. Granite has a classier and more elegant look and feel than laminate. Granite will also increase the value of your home after installation and can last a lifetime with very minimal maintenance.