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Quartz countertops are a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops because they offer several benefits compared to natural stone, corian, butcher block, and porcelain/sintered stones. So why use quartz out of all the countertop options? One of the main benefits of quartz countertops is that they are extremely durable and resistant to scratching, chipping, and staining. Quartz is a man-made material that is composed of natural quartz and other materials, such as resin and pigments, which makes it stronger and more durable than natural stone. The low amount of resin in our products is key to understanding the difference in the flexural strength of the stone. Quartz is the best choice for kitchen countertops. Another benefit of quartz countertops is that they are low maintenance. Unlike natural stone, which requires regular sealing to protect it from staining and etching, quartz countertops do not need to be sealed. They are also resistant to heat and are nonporous, host no bacteria, mold, or mildew, and remain safe and sanitary for ultimate cleanliness in the kitchen or bathroom. Why Quartz? One of the main benefits of quartz countertops is that they are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can choose a design that fits your personal style and complements your home's decor. They are also relatively low maintenance and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for busy households. Quartz countertops are also non-porous, which means that they are resistant to bacteria and other germs. This makes them a hygienic choice for kitchen and bathroom surfaces. In comparison to Corian countertops, quartz countertops are more durable and resistant to scratching and staining. They are also less expensive than Corian. Quartzite, Marble, And Some Granite. Easy to template, install and customize by professionals, suited for indoors and available in a selection of 67 colors. Butcher block countertops are made from wood and are a popular choice for kitchen countertops because they are warm and inviting. However, they are prone to scratching, staining, and warping, and require regular maintenance such as oiling and sanding to maintain their appearance. In comparison, quartz countertops are more durable and require less maintenance. Overall, quartz countertops offer a combination of durability, low maintenance, and resistance to bacteria, making them a top choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops.

Respirable Silica is created when cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, and crushing stone, rock, concrete, quartz, quartzite, porcelain, brick, block, granite and mortar. Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in various types of rock, sand, and soil. When materials containing crystalline silica are processed or disturbed through activities such as cutting, grinding, drilling, or crushing, respirable silica dust can be generated. As any stone fabricator should know, the health and safety of their employees are relied upon by the measures and practices followed within that masonry shop. Following goverment regulation such as the ones set forth by OSHA, NIOSH, DIR , CAL/OSHA, and the CDC can be crucial to control respirable silica. What stone fabrication shops should avoid at all cost is: Dry Cutting, Grinding Or Polishing. Controlling respirable silica exposure during quartz cutting is crucial for safeguarding the health and safety of workers. Here's a detailed guide on how to achieve this: Use Wet Cutting Methods: Utilize wet cutting techniques whenever possible. This involves continuously applying water to the cutting surface during the quartz cutting process. Wet cutting helps to suppress dust and prevents respirable silica particles from becoming airborne. Install Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV): Implement local exhaust ventilation systems to capture and remove silica-containing dust at the point of generation. These systems typically consist of hoods, ducts, and fans that draw dust away from the cutting area and into a filtration or collection system. Choose Proper Cutting Tools: Select cutting tools specifically designed for quartz fabrication. Diamond blades are often recommended for cutting quartz due to their ability to minimize dust generation and produce clean, precise cuts. Maintain Equipment Regularly: Ensure that cutting equipment, including saws and blades, is properly maintained and in good working condition. Regular maintenance helps to optimize performance and minimize the generation of respirable silica dust. Use Enclosures or Containment: Enclose cutting equipment within designated work areas or containment structures to further contain dust and prevent it from dispersing into the surrounding environment. Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Despite implementing engineering controls, it's essential to provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as respirators, to further minimize exposure to respirable silica dust. Respirators should be selected based on the specific silica exposure levels and hazards present in the work environment. Implement Administrative Controls: Establish work practices and procedures that minimize dust generation and exposure. This may include scheduling cutting operations during times when fewer workers are present, providing adequate breaks to allow for dust clearance, and implementing regular cleaning protocols to remove accumulated dust. Training and Education: Ensure that all workers involved in quartz cutting receive comprehensive training on the hazards of respirable silica exposure and the proper use of control measures. Training should cover topics such as the importance of wet cutting, the correct use of PPE, and the procedures for operating and maintaining cutting equipment safely. By implementing these measures and integrating them into a comprehensive silica control program, employers can effectively mitigate the risks associated with respirable silica exposure during operations. Regular monitoring of silica levels and periodic reassessment of control measures are also essential to ensure ongoing effectiveness and compliance with regulatory standards. Recognizing the significant risks associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica, as outlined by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), we are committed to implementing measures to mitigate these hazards. OSHA and NIOSH have established stringent regulations and guidelines to address the dangers posed by silica-containing materials, including quarried stone like granite and quartz surface products. In alignment with these standards, we advocate for thorough adherence to safety protocols throughout the fabrication, finishing, and installation processes. We urge anyone in the stone fabrication and installation industry to familiarize themselves with the pertinent resources concerning safety practices and OSHA regulations. These resources cover essential topics such as dust control methods (e.g., wet cutting), air quality monitoring, employee training, and the utilization of respiratory protective equipment.

Quartz and Quartzite countertops are a great choice in kitchen countertop surfaces. Both surfaces have a quartz mineral content but, engineered quartz is much more consistent and easier to maintain. When choosing which countertop is right for your project, research into quartz surfaces such as Verona's and see actual components and properties that engineered stones are manufactured from. To educate the common home owner, we go the extra mile and with this blog we hope to further the end-user's knowledge. Today, we are fortunate enough to have many options to choose from in the countertop world. All of these options will last you a long time, making them worth the investment. They have been a true essence of beauty and strength for many centuries and will continue to be for many more. But, putting the look and endless color palette aside quartz really has a big advantage. See the below points that highlight the best features that engineered quartz surfaces provide for your kitchen or bathroom remodel! Consistent, uniform appearance (in any color). Largest slabs sizes available 139" x 78" Heavy, solid slabs make for great, long-lasting surfaces. Always in stock, no delays when choosing kitchen countertops. Exceptionally hard and durable, due to 93-94% quartz content. Highly resistant to chips, dents, stains and other surface damage. Very low (0.01%) porosity which limits bacterial growth. Heat resistant, abrasion resistant, antibacterial, flexural strength. No need for re-sealing. The slabs have an impenetrable factory seal

Although quartz is stain resistant, there may be a chance to develop some type of temporary surface stain over a extended period of time. The chance is minimal but after leaving your quartz surface with harsh/acidic chemically enhanced foods/dressing's/beverages for a long time you increase those odds. While it is recommended to clean your quartz countertops upon spillage, we realize that sometimes you get busy and may forget. So what should you do to fix the issue? Before making arrangements to have a third party professional help, contact your nearest Verona Quartz retailer/store. The great news is that those faint stains can be removed, read along to learn how. The manufacturing process for engineered stone makes quartz the great countertop choice. Quartz stone is pressed and cured for a vast amount of time ensuring the impenetrable surface. We process and manufacture our surfaces using stable polymers with high chemical resistance so our quartz countertop slabs are safe for food preparation. Typically surface stains are removed rather easily, if you take the right steps! Understanding more about your countertops can help prevent issues down the road. Calacatta Quartz So lets dive into quartz countertop facts: Quartz Is Stain Resistant Water Absorption Rate o.o1< Anti-Microbial / Anti-Bacterial Indoor Air Quality Safe Certified (Green Guard) No Sealing Or On Going Maintenance Required If you would like to DIY your quartz countertop care, by all means feel free to do so. Some great products that we recommend to our vast clientele is: Bar Keepers Friend Spray Nine Magic Eraser White Vinegar/Water Soft Scrub Sparkling Brown Quartz Using these methods acquainted with time you should get those stains right out, just use the right amount of product and time. With proper precautions in place these quartz countertop cleaning products will do great. If we haven't made it clear, we'd like to extend help which is why we make informational posts breaking all of this down. Our staff of stone professionals is on call Monday-Saturday 8:00-5:00 PST. Visit us on: contact page to make a direct request for any help quartz stone related! Our general email for any quartz countertop help is: info@veronaquartz.com