Granite Countertop Challenges You May (But Should Not) Ignore 

Homeowners often install granite kitchen countertops for their durability. But even the most durable ones may encounter issues that you will have to deal with.

Granite countertops play a big role in improving the overall appearance of your kitchen. That is why it is a good idea to know about the common challenges you may face with them.`

In this post, we discuss them in detail and how to fix them.

Let’s get started.

Granite Countertop Challenges & How to Fix Them

Here are key challenges with granite kitchen countertops that you should not ignore. We also discuss their solutions.

1. Minor Ruptures of the Countertop Surface 

Undoubtedly, a ruptured granite countertop can make your kitchen look unattractive and poorly maintained. Many homeowners are scared of this kind of rupture because they believe they will need to replace the entire countertop surface.

But this may not be the case. If this damage is only in a specific area, then you may be able to repair the cracked slab.

Below are the key reasons why this kind of rupture occurs:

• Putting a lot of weight on one particular area
• Improper countertop installation over rough surfaces
• Not allowing the glue adequate time to dry during installation

2. Placing a Lot of Weight in One Area

How you repair the damaged area depends on the extent of the rupture. For example, only use adhesive if there are minor cracks. For deeper damage or cracks caused by excessive weight, remove this ruptured slab by using a drill and special filler. In order to have a distinct look, select a filter that perfectly blends with the countertop.

3. Separation of the Seam Joints

If your kitchen countertop is moving and the joints are separating after using pressure on them, the adhesive may be weakened. Hire an expert technician to remove the adhesive and replace it using a more durable option. Avoid doing this kind of replacement on your own to avoid further damage.

4. Gloomy Surfaces

By using harsh cleansers over a long time, your kitchen countertop may be at risk of losing its shine. But, if such an issue arises, do not rush to replace it immediately. You can hire an expert to fix your dull countertop by buffing and re-polishing it. Use warm water and soap; avoid cleaning products with harsh chemicals. Your best option is to choose cleaning products specifically meant for granite countertops.

5. Stains on the Countertops

If you allow water to soak into a granite countertop for a prolonged period, it may stain. Wine, oil, and fruit juice may also penetrate its surface and leave a stain.

However, you should never remove your countertop if staining occurs. Simply remove oil stains using a homemade paste prepared from baking soda and acetone.

To prevent future stains, seal the granite countertop using a top-quality granite sealing agent.

6. Heat Damage

Granite countertops are resistant to heat damage but can be damaged by hot pans and pots. This is because the sealant and finish are not as heat-resistant as the remaining stone. So, when you place hot pots on the countertop repeatedly, black marks will be on the surface which leads to thermal shock and cracks.

To avoid heat damage, avoid placing hot pans or pots directly on these countertops. Instead, always use trivets, pot holders, and hot pads. If the countertop damage has already occurred, how you repair it depends on the extent of the damage. If minor, remove this stain by using high-quality toothpaste or re-polish the surface. Only consider replacing it if the damage is extensive.

7. Scratches

Scratches do not usually occur on granite countertops. But to be on the safe side, avoid sliding rings with valuable stones across the surface. If the counter does get scratched, apply a thin layer of polish.

These are some of the challenges you may face with a granite kitchen countertop. While in a few cases these issues may be resolved on your own, you often need to hire a technician with the appropriate expertise and tools for the job. It is absolutely normal that even the most durable countertops require maintenance sometimes. To learn more about kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops, and other stone products, contact us now. We are experts in custom stone solutions, with premium stone products for both commercial and residential clients.