Any homeowner who is looking at quartz as a countertop choice or replacement for an old or worn out countertop wants to know how quartz is going to hold up under any number of kitchen related situations, particularly those that involve heat.
With coffee makers, coffee pots, hot coffee mugs, hot pans, utensils and other small appliances that give off heat, there is nothing like being surprised with putting any one of these items down on a countertop and soon after discovering that there are damage issues.
Quartz Heat Resistance
Heat resistance is a feature of quartz, but just how heat resistant is it, and what type of damage can occur? As quartz is a popular countertop choice with homeowners today, they want answers as to how it withstands heat.
With quartz being an engineered stone with resin fillers, the resistance to heat is not as great as say with a more natural stone.
Extremely high temperatures can affect the resins in quartz, though quartz can withstand temperatures from 150 degrees and then some, but that temperature range will depend on the quartz manufacturer and brand.
Heat-Proof
Quartz may be resistant to heat, but it is not heat-proof. A quartz countertop can sustain damage when it is subject to really high temperatures. Most quartz makers recommend utilizing cookware that is heat proof as well as table mats, trivets, reinforced hot pads and other related kitchen accessories that are designed to protect countertop surfaces such as quartz.
Quartz countertops can handle heat that arises from steam, stove tops and hot taps (countertop tap dispenser for boiling water), but precautionary measures should still be considered for any type of heat buildup on or near a quartz countertop. The beauty of a quartz countertop can certainly be preserved with the right precautions concerning heat, and simple common sense measures and maintenance are the keys to preserving a quartz countertop.
Damage Control
If quartz countertops sustain damage due to high heat intolerance, they will show discoloration (turn white) at the point of contact. If the damage is heat related, any issues with it can be difficult to repair, and achieving an entirely new surface will be near to impossible, unless total replacement of the slab is considered.
Restoring a quartz countertop that has been exposed to high heat will be difficult as the resins in quartz are going to melt with any polishing effort. The affected area will be left with a cloudy appearance.
Quartz countertops can be subject to damage from extreme heat but with the right precautions in place, they can be easily maintained for years and years of service. If you are still unsure of the heat resistance factor with quartz countertops, complete the online contact form and a quartz countertop expert will get back to you with the information you need to decide whether quartz countertops are right for you and your kitchen.
