Many people know that granite countertops enhance the look of their kitchens and can instantly elevate a dull kitchen to a beautiful one.
As such, it is critical that you take care of your granite countertops. Sealing is one of the most essential steps in caring for your new granite countertop.
So, how do you know that your granite needs to be sealed? If you’re asking yourself that very question, you might be a candidate for a ruined kitchen. Here are a few things to look out for.
Color
You know you need to seal granite countertops when you see them slowly change color. The color of your granite should not change at all over time.
Look at your counters closely and see where they absorb stains differently or look duller than they used to.
You will notice a darkening in color for some granite just around where you put your water drops. This is a sign that your granite needs sealing if you want to prevent discoloration.
Once you’ve pinpointed the areas that need attention, call in a professional cleaner; most sealers will also enhance your stone’s natural colors and protect them from stains.
Stains
The main reason you may want to seal your granite is that water and oils can cause staining. These liquids can seep into the pores of the stone, which allows them to penetrate deep into the material.
Although cleaning will remove some of these stains, some remain behind because they’re caused by minerals in water and oils. The minerals are permanently bonded to the stone surface and cannot be removed.
If left unattended for long periods, your kitchen countertops become easily damaged and need a replacement altogether.
Tolerance
Your stone needs to be tolerant enough so that it does not absorb moisture from the environment around it. Moisture is the leading cause of granite cracks.
Granite is a natural mineral, and it will absorb any moisture in the air. The sealer helps create a waterproof barrier between the granite and the atmosphere, which will help prevent water from causing any damage to your countertops.
You can also determine if your granite should be sealed when you try to scratch it with your fingernail. If you cannot make a mark, you don’t need to seal it. If you can scratch it with your fingernail, you need to seal it.
Fake granite can be less tolerant so ensure you talk to an expert to avoid purchasing counterfeit granite countertops.
Cracks
If you notice that your granite counters show signs of wear or scratching, you need to seal them. Granite can crack if exposed to freezing temperatures, so if you live in a predominantly cold area, your granite countertops are prone to damage.
They can also crack if they are not properly installed. The instability can cause them to crack sooner. The crack can run from edge to edge of your countertop, ruining its appearance and causing it to be structurally unsound.
Ensure that your granite countertops are installed by qualified contractors, as a simple crack could cost you a whole kitchen revamp.
Bottom Line
The secret to granite maintenance is staying proactive. It’s easy to see how your granite countertops can become damaged over time if you are not properly caring for them.
However, even with proper care, regular sealing is recommended for granite to maintain its luster. Of course if you are a dab hand at DIY projects you can do the sealing by yourself but for the best results, let an experienced granite company Durham NC help out.
