Because of their beauty, hardness and durability, quartz countertops are becoming more and more common in kitchens and bathrooms. Comprising 92% quartz sand powder and 8% resin, pigment and other auxiliary materials, this green building material is environmentally friendly. Modern homes would want quartz counters since they are not only hard, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant but also have good corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance. Quartz countertops will, however, also break during use for other reasons, thermal expansion and contraction, external force impact, and other causes. Here we will go over several ways to properly stop quartz countertops from cracking from several angles so extending their service lifetime.
Typical reasons quartz countertops crack.
1. Thermal expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes
Characteristics of thermal expansion and contraction abound in quartz materials. If there is no suitable expansion gap between the countertop and the wall, tension is readily produced under either high or low temperature circumstances, which causes countertop fractures. Particularly when heating, if a high-temperature pot is set straight on the quartz countertop without leaving any space, the countertop could shatter from scorching.
2. Influence from outside sources
Quartz is strong and hard, but it might break upon contact with sharp objects or gravitational impact. Particularly vulnerable to damage under external forces are the countertop’s edges or weak sections, including corners, openings and other areas.
3. Inappropriate support or uneven cabinets
Quartz countertops demand good support. If the cabinets or pads are uneven, the countertops will be unevenly stressed and cracked. The installation between the countertops and cabinets must be precise to avoid unnecessary problems during later use.
4. Joint problems
Jointing is an important part of quartz countertop installation. If the joints are not properly joined, the countertops may crack even if they are slightly impacted during use. During installation, the joints must be flat and the adhesive must be evenly applied to ensure that the joints are firm.
Precautions before installation
In order to prevent the quartz countertops from cracking during later use, the preparation work before installation is very critical. During installation, foru recommends leaving a 2-4 mm expansion gap between the countertop and the wall to accommodate changes caused by thermal expansion and contraction. In addition, when designing the countertop corners and opening positions, the stress distribution of the material should be fully considered.
For example, the countertop corners can be designed as arc angles with a radius of more than 25 mm, and the opening position should be more than 80 mm away from the edge of the countertop to reduce stress concentration and avoid cracks. The arrangement of support points is also crucial. foru recommends that the distance between the countertop and the support plate should not exceed 600 mm to reduce the risk of deformation of the countertop.
Tips for daily use
Although quartz countertops have good high temperature resistance, direct contact with extremely high temperature pots may also cause uneven local heating, resulting in cracking. It is recommended to place a layer of insulation pad on the countertop to isolate the high temperature from the contact with the quartz.
Quartz countertops have a hard surface, but gravity knocks should still be avoided. Especially at the edges, corners and openings, they should be carefully protected to avoid cracking due to impact.
Quartz stone has strong stain resistance, but it is still recommended to clean it often throughout daily use to avoid any acidic or alkaline detergents leaving on the countertop for a long time, which can effectively maintain the shine and beauty of the countertop. Foru business recommends adopting neutral detergents to keep the surface of quartz stone clean and smooth.
Common cracking conditions and correction techniques
There are some prevalent cracking conditions during the use of quartz countertops. Cracks in the center of the countertop are frequently produced by excessive temperature or external force impact. At this time, external force should be avoided as much as possible, and high-temperature equipment should be prevented from directly contacting the countertop. Cracks in the corners are typically caused by tension concentration.
It is recommended to treat the corners as much as feasible in the design and installation phase to avoid stress concentration. Cracks at the joints are frequently caused by uneven seams or unequal adhesives during installation. When repairing, they can be re-polished and fixed with quartz stone specific repair adhesive to maintain the beauty and strength of the joints.
Tips for keeping quartz countertops
1. Avoid using poor glue for repairs
Use premium glue to guarantee the countertop joints’ firmness while fixing counters. Using substandard glue could compromise the general look in addition to readily causing the joints to break.
2. consistently wax the counters.
While quartz is naturally smooth and stain-resistant, consistent waxing can improve the counters’ brightness and beauty as well as raise their surface’s protectability. Foru advises waxing quartz countertops every three to six months based on frequency of use.
3. Approach cleaning with a neutral detergent.
Without compromising the surface of the quartz, wiping with a neutral detergent will help everyday cleaning remove oil and water stains. Steer clear of too strong chemical cleaners since they could harm quartz and even compromise the countertop’s general performance.
Summary of Quartz Countertop Crack Prevention
High-end home building materials, quartz countertops are sought for in the home improvement market because of their strong and durable qualities. Still, quartz stone has some physical restrictions that call for careful use. To preserve the ideal use experience of the quartz stone countertop, Foru advises that you guarantee proper handling of elements like expansion joints and support points during installation and avoid high temperatures, strong blows and other negative operations during daily use.
