Q: We’re remodeling our kitchen and installing new countertops. Synthetic
countertops cost slightly
less than
granite, but how do they compare in the long run?
A: As the
saying goes, imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Countertops made
from acrylic and
other
manufactured materials may have the “look” of granite, but the similarities
end there. For
resistance to
bacteria, heat, scratches, stains, and overall performance, granite is
unsurpassed.
Some marbles
with honed or matte finishes also make high-quality kitchen countertops.
Q: We’re building a
new home and would love to put a marble floor in our foyer, but we’re
concerned
about the
heavy foot traffic it will receive. Any suggestions?
A: Marble has been
used as a flooring material for more than 6,000 years, and continues to be a
popular choice for
bringing beauty to entry foyers and other areas of the home. You need only
take
some simple
precautions to protect your investment. Use a non-slip mat outside the
entrance to your
foyer and a carpet
or area rug inside to capture the abrasive grit and dirt tracked in from
outdoors.
Dust mop your
marble floor frequently to remove dirt and dust particles, which also can
scratch the
surface. Use warm
water and a small amount of mild detergent to wash. Then rinse and dry
thoroughly.
Q: Is there any
truth to the rumor that granite emits dangerous levels of radon gas?
A: No, this is
completely unfounded. Not a single instance of radon has been reported to
the Center
for Disease Control
in Atlanta. Nevertheless, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) consulted
several
of the nation’s
leading scientists in geology and geochemistry to evaluate the suggestion,
and spoke
with the major
granite quarries and producers in the U.S. Research has shown that actual
levels of
radon gas emissions
from granites are insignificant and generally represent no threat to the
health
and well-being of
people who live or work in buildings with granite countertops, floor or wall
tiles, or
any other granite
furnishings.
Q: After a recent
party, we discovered a dark red stain, possibly red wine, on our sandstone
hearth.
What can we do to
remove the stain?
A: Because all
natural stone is porous, it tends to soak up stains. But it is this same
porosity that
gives homeowners an
edge in stain removal – you simply reverse the process by using a chemical
poultice, which
re-absorbs the spill. The choice of poultice materials will vary depending
on the type of
stone and the
spill. Poultices are usually materials that are used with other substances
and applied to
the stain. When
thoroughly dry, the poultice is removed and the stain should be, too.
Consult a stone
restoration expert
for particulars.
