In contemporary households, quartz countertops have been on the rise due to their strength nice appearance low principal cost, and less maintenance. However, a lot of homeowners tend to ask themselves if considering the health risks, quartz countertops are safe, not only when working on food but health-wise also. This article will do kind exploration, analysis, and research about the safety of quartz, its important features, and how it compares to granite, another popular material.
What Is Contained In Quartz Countertops?
- The Makeup Of The Quartz Countertops Itself
It is a fact that quartz countertops are 90 to 95 percent made up of naturally occurring pulverized quartz stones and between 5 and 10 percent made of resin adhesives and pigments. This is the reason why quartz countertop surfaces are tough and can be made in virtually any color.
quartz countertop repair
- The Actual Process Of Manufacturing
Resin and pigments are chemically mixed with quartz and then exposed to extremely high temperatures and pressure. This step actually in the process results in a strong compact, nonporous structure which not only makes the quartz countertops easy to maintain but also bacteria and stain-resistant.
Health Benefits associated with using Quartz Countertops
- Non Porous characteristic and Food Safety
One of the major benefits of considering quartz is its structural aspect of being nonporous. This structural behavior prevents any liquids including water from penetrating the stone and therefore no bacteria and stains can grow, which makes it ideal for the preparation of food.
- Resins in the Emissions
The resin that is coated on quartz countertops can emit small amounts of volatile organic compounds according to research. However, it has been made sure by some reputed manufacturers that such levels are made low enough to fall according to the health and safety standards and thus, provide safety in terms of indoor usage.
Quartz Countertops Pros and Cons
- Pros of Quartz Countertops
Durability: Scratch and chips are hard to achieve as quartz is one of the hardest materials available in the world.
Low Maintenance: With no sealing required the cleaning of quartz countertops is quite easy.
Variety of Colors: With multiple colors available, homeowners get to choose multiple shades of quartz countertops.
Uniform Appearance: Quartz is man-made and therefore gives the illusion of a natural stone but has consistent patterns and designs throughout it.
quartz countertop thickness
- Cons of Quartz Countertops
Cost: Compared to some materials the price of quartz countertops can be quite expensive.
Heat Sensitivity: Pans exposed to high heat can damage quartz as it doesn’t sustain heat very well.
Environmental Impact: Energy consumption is done by the manufacturing process which is not the case with natural stones, so it is not as environmentally friendly.
Quartz Countertops vs Granite
- Durability Comparison
Quartz and granite are both durable stones but in contrast to granite, quartz countertops are not porous. This is an advantage since it lessens the amount of sealing that must be applied to granite to avoid potential staining.
- Beauty
While no two granite slabs can ever be the same, a quartz one isn’t as unique but rather more uniform. However, the option of different colors when it comes to quartz countertops enhances their ability in contemporary designs.
- The Cost Factor
Most of the homes that have quartz countertops are those that have taken the time to look for prices precisely because the cost of installation on countertops for quartz is around the same to about a little more than that of granite countertops. Most homeowners employ the use of cost estimation sites so that they are able to be able to assess the entire cost for the quartz that they might be interested in purchasing.
For those who are interested in maintaining a quartz countertop, this article has the necessary details.
- Maintaining a Quartz Countertop
Every water spot and a streak mark would be removed if one is to clean their countertop with a regular quartz cleaner. One is recommended to stay away from very strong abrasive soaps as they wear the surface out as time goes on.
- Repairing Quartz Countertops
If one happens to get a few cracks or chips, quartz countertop repair kits are sold in most stores. In cases of more serious injury to the countertops, it will be better to get the services of professionals.
Countertop Thickness for Quarts Putting it Aside
There are three different thickness styles available for quartz countertops with 1.2 cm, 2 cm, or 3 cm being the most common. Irrespective of the thickness they may be, the thicker slabs are more durable and provide a luxurious look and feel to the user whereas the thinner slabs are more light on the pocket while ensuring a modern minimalist look to the kitchen. The Recommended option for a cost-effective quartz countertop would be determined by its primary application and the alternative receptor surface, as all quartz slabs have one thing in common; they retain their luxurious feel regardless of their thickness.
quartz countertops pros and cons
Factors That Influence Why Homeowners Opt To Use Quartz Countertops
- Style and Variety
Across the different types of quartz work surfaces their colors vary their options will appeal to everyone. Quite the opposite, if you want to achieve the minimalist effect with white quartz or you would prefer an all-black surface, there are options.
- Cost Benefit in the Long Run
Even though the price may seem to be quite high in the beginning for installing quartz work surfaces, seeing how easy they are to maintain and how long they last makes them worth the price.
- No Need for Special Treatments
They do not need any sort of treatment or sealing making quartz work surfaces easy to clean, with minimal effort making them effective for busy households.
Are There Any Risks That Need To Be Taken Into Consideration?
- Amount of Dust Created When Installing
A small amount of quartz will create fine silica dust during the fitting, if inhaled can cause breathing problems. Nonetheless, homeowners do not see it as an issue because it is the manufacturers and specialists who do. Adopting the right precautions means that dust inhaled is minimal.
- Emissions Of VOCs, Are They A Risk?
Resins used on quartz work surfaces allow the create VOCs, although low depending on the environment they are deemed safe but are considered a health threat. Ensuring you use quartz from well-known manufacturers guarantees safety or better yet eliminates the risk.
In conclusion, quartz countertops would be a great addition to any modern home. The ability to resist stains combined with the comfort of easy maintenance and household dirt-free environments means such an addition would certainly find its way into the kitchens and bathrooms. The aesthetic appeal is also taken care of due to a rich blend of colors available, so again there’s no loss of functionality for the homeowners.
Household use is quite safe because the surface of the quartz kitchen countertops is non-porous and thus allows harmful bacteria and stains to be repelled. Of course, the initial cost of setting up quartz composite sinks and countertops is higher but in the long run, you save considerable money given the fact that the product is long-lasting and the maintenance cost is low. Not to mention all the colors that the quartz kitchen tops can come out in, surely fit in with several design styles. With regular quartz kitchen top cleaning, such countertops can be kept clean, moreover, the high strength makes it unnecessary to repair them often. Some disadvantages such as off-gassing the VOC when manufacturing and the release of silica claims during installation can be overlooked as quartz possesses more advantages in terms of safety and aesthetics.
