Why Is My Quartz Countertop Chipping?
If you have a quartz countertop that’s chipping, it may be because it wasn’t installed properly, or it’s been damaged by heat, cold, wear and tear, or something heavy hitting it.
To stop it from chipping more, you should avoid putting hot things directly on the countertop, use a cutting board, and be careful not to drop heavy objects on it.
If your countertop has already chipped, you can try to fix it with a repair kit made for quartz countertops or call a professional repair service to help you out.
Common Causes of Chipping in Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a hard, durable material that is less prone to chipping than other countertop materials. However, chipping can still occur for a variety of reasons, such as:
Heat damage
Extreme heat or temperature changes can cause quartz to expand and contract, which can lead to cracking and chipping.
Impact damage
Dropping heavy objects or accidentally hitting the countertop with sharp or heavy tools can cause chipping.
Regular wear and tear
Over time, the normal use of a quartz countertop can cause small chips and scratches to appear, especially in high-traffic areas.
Improper installation
If a quartz countertop is not installed correctly, it can be more prone to chipping, cracking, or other types of damage.
Poor quality
If a quartz countertop is made from low-quality materials or manufacturing processes, it may be more prone to chipping and other types of damage.
It’s important to identify the specific cause of chipping in your quartz countertop to prevent further damage and take appropriate preventative measures.
Preventing Chipping in Quartz Countertops
Taking preventative measures can help extend the life of your quartz countertop and prevent chipping. Here are some tips:
- Use a cutting board – Quartz countertops are scratch-resistant, but they can still be scratched by knives and other sharp objects. Using a cutting board can help prevent scratches and potential chips from forming.
- Avoid placing hot items directly on the countertop – While quartz is heat-resistant, placing hot pans or dishes directly on the countertop can cause thermal shock, leading to cracking or chipping. Use a trivet or hot pad instead.
- Be careful when handling heavy objects – Dropping heavy objects on the countertop can cause chipping or other types of damage. When handling heavy objects, be sure to set them down gently.
- Clean up spills and stains promptly – Spills and stains left on the countertop can cause damage over time. Clean up spills and stains promptly to prevent damage.
- Hire a professional installer – To ensure your quartz countertop is installed correctly, it’s best to hire a professional installer.
By following these preventative measures, you can help ensure your quartz countertop stays looking great for years to come.
Signs that Your Quartz Countertop May Be Chipping
It’s important to recognize the signs that your quartz countertop may be chipping or damaged so you can take appropriate action. Some signs to look out for include:
- Visible chips or cracks – Small chips and cracks can be difficult to see, but they can grow larger over time if not addressed.
- Rough or uneven surface – If your countertop feels rough or uneven to the touch, it may be chipping or damaged.
- Discoloration – Discoloration or dark spots on the countertop can indicate damage from water or other liquids.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action to prevent further damage.
Repairing chipped quartz countertops
If your quartz countertop is chipped or damaged, there are several options for repairing it. If the damage is minor, you can try using a quartz chip repair kit, which can be found at most hardware stores. The kit typically includes a clear epoxy or resin that can be used to fill in the chip or crack. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure proper repair.
If the damage is more severe or you’re uncomfortable attempting the repair yourself, it’s best to call in a professional countertop repair service. They can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.
Comparing Quartz Countertops to Other Materials
When considering which type of countertop material is best for your needs and lifestyle, it’s
The quartz countertop is commonly used in modern kitchens and bars of residential homes as it gives a more appealing feel and sight than other stones used for countertops.
It is interesting to note that the quartz countertop is better to be used indoors as the ultraviolet rays from the sun and other accompanying outdoor properties negatively affect the lifespan of your quartz countertop.
The quartz countertop forms a major aspect of your kitchen and bar. This makes it necessary to look out for best practices to maintain it for an even more satisfying use.
The quartz countertop, unlike other stones, can be engineered to suit personal taste. This is possible because asides major raw material used in producing it – quartz, the resins & pigments, especially the pigments, are manipulated to give you a feel or texture of choice.
This is impossible to do with other stones like marble as they are only cut to shape and installed on the surface. Nothing can be done to change or tweak the face or look; this gives the quartz countertop an edge over other countertop pieces.
Pros of Quartz Countertops
The benefits of the quartz countertop, among others, include the following:
- Higher Versatility
- Extended Durability
- Home Value
- Minimal Damages Expected
- Better Visual Appeal
- Low Maintenance
Higher Versatility:
The quartz countertop is highly renowned for its high versatility as a result of the fact that it can easily be tweaked to suit whatever choice you want. This is seen in situations where the quartz countertop is engineered to either take the look of a marble stone, wall surface, etc. This is achieved by applying pigments during production to take whatever texture or look of preference.
On the other hand, this is almost impossible with marble stones and the like, as the marble is cut to size and then installed on the surface with little or nothing capable of being done to the face or texture. You are limited to the natural look of each marble you use. This goes to show how versatile the quartz countertop is.
Extended Durability:
The quartz countertop is fine-tuned in such a way as to make it last longer than other countertop pieces. Although firm, marble is not reinforced with resins, thus making them susceptible to pores requiring regular sealing. This is not the case with quartz countertops, as the resins used in its finishing help seal off all pores on the countertop, making it superior to marble.
Home Value:
Because of the visual appeal of the quartz countertop, it gives the home more value and class. The shiny look of its surface occasions this, the blend it gives to other furniture in the home, coupled with its smooth feel. All this gives the home a more appealing look quite different from marble and other stones.
Minimal Propensity to Damage:
There is a very minimal possibility of damage to the quartz countertop. This is backed by the fact that the quartz countertop is fortified with 20% of extra finishing materials, including resins and pigments, which protect the outer layer of the countertop, making it almost free from damage.
This particular feature is non-existent as no additional material is added during production.
It is also interesting to note, therefore, that companies producing these countertops give at least a ten-year warranty or more for each quartz countertop piece.
This goes to buttress further the already made point above that the quartz countertop is hardly given to damage.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
The above-listed pros do not make the quartz countertop indestructible. This leads us to the few falls with the quartz countertop. They are among the following:
- Extravagant Prices
- Susceptible to heat damage
- Difficulty in Installation
- Made for indoor use only.
For the sake of this article, we will not delve much into the demerits of the quartz countertop as it is obvious that the pros outweigh the cons.
Extravagant Prices:
This is a result of the top quality of use provided by the quartz countertop. This makes it quite expensive to purchase as a single square meter of quartz countertop amounts to about fifty dollars.
This forms one of the principal drawbacks of the quartz countertop despite being household furniture of top choice.
Susceptible to Heat Damage:
The quartz countertop has, as one of its disadvantages, susceptibility to heat damage. The marble stone is naturally built to bear heat from other surfaces, but the quartz countertop is flawed by its being prone to damage by heat.
You might ask why a product as firm and reliable as the quartz countertop would suffer heat damage. This is because the polymers and resins used in finishing the quartz countertop are not resistant to heat, giving away the furniture to heat damage if proper caution is not taken.
Made for Indoor Use Only:
This is another tragic flaw of the quartz countertop, renowned for being the modern fashion for household countertops. The quartz countertop is not built to be used in an outdoor environment, and this is because the ultraviolet rays of the sun negatively affect the surface of the quartz countertop, which ultimately shortens the lifespan of the furniture. It is rather advisable to install your quartz countertop indoors.
Why Is My Quartz Countertop Chipping so Easily?
With an understanding of the usage, merits & demerits of the quartz countertop, it is necessary to find out why your quartz countertop is chipping. A few reasons are outlined below to include:
- Standing or sitting on the quartz countertop.
- Using the quartz countertop as a chopping board.
- Setting heavy objects on them.
- Application of abrasive sponges, hot objects & ammonia on your quartz countertop.
Standing or Sitting on the Countertop:
Standing or sitting on your quartz countertop may result in it chipping off. The quartz countertop is not engineered for human weight while standing or sitting. This will cause stress on the pigmentation leading to it chipping away. To keep your quartz countertop in good condition, you must avoid sitting or standing on it.
Using the Quartz Countertop as a Chopping Board:
The quartz countertop is not meant to be used as a chopping board. This could be why your countertop may be chipping from slicing or chopping food pieces. The quartz countertop is a luxury household and must be given extra care for an even more beneficial usage.
Setting Heavy Objects on Them:
You must make sure that you do not set heavy objects on your quartz countertop like you must not sit or stand on it. The quartz countertop is built for regular kitchen utensils and not heavy items like the oven gas, washing machine, etc. Setting heavy objects on the quartz countertop could deplete its surface, making it chip off. Extra care must ensure that only necessary items are set on the countertop.
Application of Abrasive Sponges, Hot Objects, and Ammonia on the Surface of your Quartz Countertop:
The quartz countertop should not be exposed to abrasive sponges, hot objects & Ammonia. To start with, abrasive sponges are way too rough for the beautiful surface of the quartz countertop and will easily chip off its surface if consistently used. Hot objects and Ammonia should be very far away from your quartz countertop as it distorts its look and texture, leaving you frustrated with a chipping quartz countertop.
Conclusion:
In summary, chipping is a common problem that can happen with quartz countertops, but you can take steps to avoid it. For instance, use a cutting board, don’t put hot things directly on the counter, and hire an expert to install it. If you see any signs of damage, it’s essential to act quickly to stop it from getting worse. You can fix minor problems yourself, but for bigger issues, get help from a professional countertop repair service.
The quartz countertop is among the standout countertop pieces used in modern homes nowadays. This is anchored for various reasons, primarily because the quartz countertop gives off a more beautiful visual appeal.
With proper care and maintenance, your quartz countertop can last for years to come.
