Granite countertops are a popular kitchen choice because of their natural beauty and durability. But can granite countertops withstand the heat of everyday cooking? And if they can’t, will they chip or crack?
Can Heat Damage Your Granite Countertop?
Granite countertops are heat resistant, meaning you can place hot pans on them without damaging the surface. This makes them ideal for cooking, as you can prep food on the countertop and then place it directly in the oven.
Granite is a natural stone that forms from extreme temperature changes. As liquid magma or lava cools, it hardens into igneous rock, one of which is granite. The granite in your kitchen countertop was probably formed from volcanic activity millions of years ago.
Granite is a hard, dense rock that is resistant to heat. It is formed from hot magma and has a melting point between 2200 and 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. Even when exposed to a direct flame, granite will not melt. However, you should not use a blow torch on your granite countertop.
Granite countertops are heat resistant, meaning they will not chip or crack when exposed to high temperatures. Even a red-hot cast iron skillet, with a temperature of around 1300 degrees, will not be hot enough to damage the stone.
What Not to Do
However, you should not place hot pans directly on your granite countertops because they can damage the countertop sealant. The sealant is applied at installation or reapplied later and is not resistant to heat. Exposed, porous granite is more vulnerable to stains.
Granite countertops can be damaged by heat if excessive heat is applied over time. This can cause the granite to soften and discolor.
However, if the seal on the granite is intact, there is no realistic scenario in which such extreme heat would be applied continuously in any domestic environment.
If the sealant on your granite countertop wears down, it makes the granite more susceptible to damage and discoloration. You should reseal your granite countertop at least once a year and more often if you use it a lot.
You can use store-bought restoration liquids or pastes to repair it and just apply and wipe off these compounds to restore the surface to its original state.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
Granite is an excellent conductor of heat, so hot dishes or pans placed on a granite countertop will cool down faster than usual. To keep food warm longer and prevent heat damage to the countertop sealant, use a towel or hot pad between the pan and the counter.
Remember, granite countertops can be damaged when they experience extreme temperature changes. Outdoor countertops are especially at risk because they are exposed to high temperatures in the summer and low temperatures in the winter. Some types of granite countertops are specifically made to withstand these temperature changes.
If you drop something heavy on your granite countertop, you’re more likely to crack or chip it than to damage the sealant. If this happens, you can use an epoxy solution that matches the granite’s color to fill in the crack or fissure.
Depending on the extent of the damage, this kind of repair may be difficult to do yourself, and you may need to contact a professional.
If you want your granite countertops to last a long time, it’s best to have them installed by a professional countertop installation company. This will prevent any future problems and help keep your countertops looking great.
To Sum Up
Granite countertops are a popular choice for countertops in kitchens and bathrooms because of their natural beauty and durability. While granite is a very hard material, it is not immune to damage. Heat can cause granite countertops to chip or crack, so it is important to take precautions to protect them from heat-related damage.
Are you looking for granite countertops in Birmingham, AL? Cutstone Company offers residential and commercial custom countertops. Get in touch with us.