Granite Plus, Inc

 

Frequently Asked Questions....

  • What is Granite? The earth's crust falls into three categories: Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic. Heat and pressure plus chemical reactions can change the igneous and sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock.

 

  • What is the difference between granite and marble? Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from the recrystalization of limestone while granite is formed from molten masses of minerals.

 

  • Where does granite come from? Granite is quarried all over the world. There are 2200 different types of granite and found mostly from Italy, Brazil, Spain, France, China and the USA.

 

  • How thick are granite countertops? Granite for residential applications is either 2cm or .75" and 3cm or 1.25". Additional gauges are available but typically used in commercial projects.

 

  • Granite compared to other solid surfaces? Unlike manmade products or solid surface, natural stone has its own unique characteristics. Blocks are cut from quarries and slabs cut from these blocks. Each block and each slab is different. When slabs are purchased from the same bundle, cut from the same block, they will have a consistent appearance in color and movement. Slab sizes are typically 8' by 5'.

 

  • Will polished and surface appearance be the same as granite? Different minerals in the stone polish out differently. Some minerals will not shine as much as others. In some cases, granite will have fissures (cracks within)

 

  • Will granite scratch or stain? Granite is one of the hardest materials available for counterop use and while very impervious to scratching and staining it IS POSSIBLE. Any spill should be addressed immediately and washed with water. All countertops are sealed prior to installation, which will protect the stone for a period of one year. We recommend you re-apply once a year as preventative maintenance. We do not recommend cutting directly into the stone.

 

  • Can granite chip or crack? Granite, is the most susceptible to damage during fabrication and transportation. Once installation is completed, on suitable conditions normal use will not stress granite. Chips can occur but can be repaired with granite dust and epoxy.

 

  • How do you care for granite? Granite can be cleaned with normal household cleaners. DO NOT use cleaners that contain acids such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners. DO NOT use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleaners.

 

  • What is the granite guarantee? Since granite is a natural product of nature, there is no product guarantee - only an installation warranty for one year. We will service our work should your house settle and cause a seam to release. We stand behind our work and order only first quality materials.

 

  • Vanity Top Surfaces. Vanity tops may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. Check with you installer for recommendations. A good quality marble wax or non-yellowing automobile paste wax can be applied to minimize water spotting.

 

  • Food Preperation Areas. In food preperation areas, the stone may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations. If a sealer is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use on a food preperation surfaces. If there are questions, check with the manufacturer.

 

  • Outdoor Pool and Patio Areas. In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.

 

  • DO'S and DON'T'S
    • Do dust mop floors frequently.
    • Do clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap.
    • Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing.
    • Do blot up spills immediately.
    • Do protect floor surfaces with non slip mats or area rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placements.
    • Don't use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleansers containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces.
    • Don't use cleansers that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners.
    • Don't use abrasive cleansers such as dry cleansers or soft cleaners.
    • Don't mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.