WHY ARE THERE SOMETIMES MANY DIFFERENT NAMES FOR THE SAME MATERIAL?
Many stones have a proprietary name from a quarry. However, many times there is more than one quarry of the same stone and each quarry may refer to their particular stone by different name. Also, stone marketers may assign their own name to a stone for marketing purposes.
WHY ARE SOME STONES MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHERS?
Availability, location of quarries in the world(due to transportation expenses), the rarity of the color and the time amount of labor required to extract the stones all affect the price of natural stone.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PRICING A COUNTERTOP?
There are many factors involved in pricing countertops: material cost, quantity of slabs, design and edge profile are primary considerations. Once you have chosen a particular stone TAM will need either an accurate drawing or a field visit to clarify all the details. TAM will then provide you with a finished installed price.
IS MARBLE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN GRANITE?
Origin, availability, and a yield of a given quarry are all factors that determine the price of natural stone. With both granite and marble there is a broad spectrum of pricing.
CAN GRANITE CRACK OR CHIP?
Yes, granite can crack or chip. However this is usually caused by severe settling, excessive impact or abuse. We request the cabinets to be leveled prior to installation to avoid cracks on the countertop. Most minor cracks or chipping in natural stone can be repaired by one of our specialist.
HOW FAR CAN GRANITE EXTEND BEYOND THE CABINETRY WITHOUT ADDITIONAL SUPPORT?
According to the Marble institute of America, corbels or structured support should be used when an overhang exceeds 10” for 3 Cm material or 6” for 2 cm material.
HOW CAN WE HAVE A FEW SEAMS AS POSSIBLE?
On average, granite slabs are approx 110”X 66”. Though in some color, 120” slabs are not unusual. While planning your kitchen keep these sizes in mind. Extremely large island or long pieces between two walls or cabinets may require seam as well. Make arrangement to be at the job field on the day of the templates to discuss the need and the best location for a seam with our technician.
I HEARD THAT GRANITE NEEDS TO BE SEALED ALL THE TIME. IS THIS TRUE? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEAL COUNTERTOPS?
No, granite does not require frequent sealing or complicated maintenance. The truth is, a few stones may require re-sealing once every 6-12 months, but most require sealer every three years and some stones may never need to be re-sealed. Sealing is easy to do yourself and takes very little time. For the occasion of the installation of your countertop the installers will seal for you the first time.
ISN’T POLISHED STONE ALREADY SEALED?
Though the polish on any given natural stone definitely closes the structure of the stone, making less porous, it is still advisable to seal all natural stone upon installation.
IS CALLER ENHANCER ALSO A SEALER?
Most color enhancing sealers do retain the same properties of other sealers with the added benefit of enhancing the color.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN GRANITE NEEDS TO BE RE-SEALED?
Manny people in the industry recommend an annual re-sealing of your stone. However, many types of granite are harder than others and may never need to be re- sealed. If you notice water absorption into countertop or darker areas around the sink that is an indicator that is time to re-seal.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY NEW GRANITE COUNTERTOP?
It’s very easy to maintain granite countertop, however never use abrasive on your cleaning, for this will after repeated action take your sealer off. TAM recommend the use of soap and water only with a dump cloth and only after cleaning your countertop you can add your preferable stone enhancer. No vinegar or ammonia based products.
WILL BACTERIAL GROW ON GRANITE?
Bacteria, like any other living organism, need something to eat in order to live. Bacteria can’t eat granite. Unclean, unkempt countertops can harbor bacteria regardless of what the countertops material is used. Granite had performed extremely well in testing; performing second only to stainless steel in ability to resist bacterial growth.