The kitchen countertop is one of most valuable features in your house. The countertop gives your kitchen the regal look and its therefore important that it’s in good shape. What happens when your countertop cracks, chips or fractures? In this article, we look at the various countertop problems you are likely to experience and how to deal with them. Don’t attempt to repair the kitchen countertop as the material is delicate instead invite the quartz or the granite countertop Durham, installer to have a look and advise.

Common Kitchen Countertop Problems

• Cracks on countertop

Cracks on the edges and on the granite result from;

• too much weight on the edges of the countertop.
• Constant exposure to too much heat, the exposure weakens the granite leading to cracking
• Imprecise installation and stress during transportation.

If the countertop is not installed with proper reinforcement that will lead to cracking. The granite contractor should ensure there is sufficient reinforcement for the countertop to avoid damage.

• Raptured Countertop

A raptured countertop is a cause for concern for many as it will give your countertop a bad look and you may be forced to replace the whole countertop. Your countertop will rapture because of the following;

• When the countertop is installed on a surface that is not even
• Joints that are poorly crafted
• If the glue used during installation is not given enough time to dry
• Too much weight in certain areas

Damage Caused by Water

When water is left on the countertop for long that may result in damage on the countertop. Water can also cause white crusty build up in the countertop creating a stain. Make sure there is no water leaking from sinks and taps so that there is no damage to the cabinets and countertops. To remove the stain, use a soft brush and a gentle cleanser to remove the stubborn stains

• Chemical Stains and Dull Countertops

Using harsh cleaners on your kitchen countertops such as marble leads to dullness and although it may not show at first the countertop will eventually become dull. When granite is exposed to harsh chemicals that will result in the shine and spark diminishing over time. Use cleaners that are mild and will not cause the countertop to lose its shine

• Stains from Hot Dishes

Countertops can withstand heat but they can also get damaged with the hot pans leaving marks. The solution to remove the stains depends on the type of countertop material that is in your kitchen.

• Scratches on the Countertops

Pushing knives and other sharp utensils around the kitchen will cause scratches on the countertops. When your granite countertop has a scratch, invite the granite installer to assess the issue and advice on the way forward.

How to Deal with Kitchen Countertop Problems

• Care and Maintainance

Cleaning

Avoid cleaning the countertop with abrasive and harsh detergents as this will result in stains and dullness. Ask the granite countertop installers how best to clean your countertop and the detergent that is meant for each countertop or buy mild detergents that will not make the countertop dull. Choose cleaning materials with a neutral PH. Warm water and mild detergent will clean the countertop perfectly

Protect Your Countertop

To avoid stains and marks caused by hot pans, ensure that hot pans are not placed directly on the countertops.

Avoid throwing sharp objects on the countertop as that will cause scratches and while cutting foodstuff ensure you use cutting boards.

• Hire a Professional for major Problems

Make sure your countertop installation is handled by an expert at the granite company to avoid problems that result from a poor installation process. Don’t attempt to solve major problems like a raptured countertop or a large crack on your countertop. Invite the granite countertop installers to have a look at the issue and they will advise the best way to deal with the problem at hand. The repair process may be complicated and delicate and its best to let the granite contractor handle the process.

The durability of your kitchen countertop largely depends on how well you maintain the countertop. Ask the granite countertop installers on how best to take care and maintain the countertop to ensure it looks good long after the installation is complete.