24 Aug 7 Common Myths About Granite Defied | Top 7 Misconceptions Everyone Comes Across
With the growth in popularity over the last years, there have been many questions about granite, its durability and quality. People often get annoyed by all the misleading and inaccurate information they get. Unfortunately, there are lots of myths floating around surrounding granite and its quality that have caused some people to fear installing it.
If you are to get yourself a granite countertop or a worktop, you are reading just the right article. This blog entails all the granite myths and their truth for you to decide whether to have a granite top or not.
Most Common Myths About Granite Dispelled
Most of these myths are completely baseless and are only believed by those who are naively taking for truth everything that they hear. Here, we’ll try to debunk some of the very common myths regarding granite and its properties.
1. “Granite’s shine wears off over the years.”
Although this is true for marble, this statement seems to be overstated for granite. Granite is such a dense substance that daily wear and tear isn’t enough friction to dull its surface. Try scratching or scraping granite and you will figure it out yourself. Since granite is not easily scratched, it does not lose its shine even after years of heavy use. Now don’t think that granite absolutely wouldn’t react to scratches with very sharp objects. It’s just that it’s comparatively difficult to have marks due to its hardness.
2. “Granite worktops are easily stained.”
Seriously? Claiming that a granite worktop can be easily stained pretty much does not make sense. This is perhaps one of the biggest myths surrounding granite. In fact, due to its stain resistant property, the architects and contractors prefer using granite as an external cladding surface in commercial spaces as it can withstand the wear and tear efficiently while retaining its natural elegance. Some low-quality granites are prone to hard water stains though. So, one needs to make sure that whatever they are installing is of good quality.
3. “Granite requires high maintenance.”
Absolutely a hoax. Granite is not only one of the nature’s beauties but also wonders. This natural stone was ranked first in cleanability when compared to other countertops, based on a study done by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management. The only maintenance required to keep your granite worktop shining and in good shape is the re-application of a sealing layer every year using a special granite sealer (which only takes a few minutes to do so).
4. “Granite doesn’t require sealing.”
You might have heard this one more often than all others. Believing this myth is the most damaging of all the granite maintenance malpractices you can commit. It could cause serious, irreversible damage to your granite surfaces, as it definitely does need to be sealed if you want to protect it against stains from water and other liquids. Make sure that the sealer you use is not a silicone derivative because, whilst it works for water stains, it is powerless against oil-based ones.
5. “Clean granite only with soap and water.”
This one has been commonly floating around, including specifically using dish detergent. Will doing this harm your granite? No, it won’t. Will it impact the way it looks? Yes, it will and you will not be pleased with their appearance. The soaps actually dry on the surface of the stone, which can make them appear dull or lifeless. Instead, it is best to use a product that is specifically designed for use on natural stone to ensure that the shine remains.
6. “Granite emits radon gas and is radioactive.”
Surprisingly enough, this myth can actually trace its origination back to the truth – Minuscule amounts of radon gas is emitted by nearly any type of stone that is found where uranium is present. This does not pose any health or safety risks associated with the release of radon gas or radioactivity from granite. Notably, concrete, cement, and gypsum all release as much or more radon gas than granite, and there is no health risk associated with them, either.
7. “Granite harbors and grows bacteria.”
Although this has been a common misconception, it is in fact absolute rubbish. Granites are some of the most sanitary materials if their surfaces are well maintained; as a matter of fact, absolutely no material in this world is 100% free from microorganisms if the hygiene part isn’t taken care of. So, specifically it has nothing to do with granite. Some believe that bacteria retreat into the gaps and corners of granite. However, both government and industry organizations have confirmed there is no evidence of people getting sick from the germs or bacteria in granite.
These are all the common myths about granite people usually come up with. Now you are all prepared for the time they eventually make their way round to you! Yet, if you ever had a question concerning granite, ask the experts. Remember, don’t let a supposed ‘expert’ try to make you believe something that you know to be false or even outline your knowledge. Always contact reputable granite dealers such as Eternal Stones Export and they will help you with any questions or inquiries regarding granite worktops.
Eternal Stones Export is one of the best granite export companies that supplies a wide range of granite stones across the world. If you have any queries regarding granite and its quality, feel free to reach us through email or LinkedIn and we won’t hesitate to assist you.
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