Quartz countertops in Pittsburgh, PA, are known for their toughness and durability. But there is one thing that can damage them—heat. Engineered surfaces like quartz are made up of 90% mineral and 10% resins and dyes. These resins are used to bind the minerals together to create a stain-resistant, durable surface for you to enjoy. They are also susceptible to heat damage. Too much heat and the resin can burn or melt, which will damage your quartz countertop.
So, how hot is too hot? Most quartz countertops can withstand heat up to about 300 degrees. That means if something is too hot to touch directly with your hands, it is too hot to place on your countertop without some form of protection. Place a coaster under your hot mugs and rest hot plates and dishes on trivets or another form of insulating material. With this simple tip, you are able to keep the heat away from your counters so that they will last and look beautiful for decades.
What happens if you don’t protect your countertop? The most common type of heat damage is discoloration. When the resins in the counter are exposed to high heat, they will develop browned scorch marks. Furthermore, if your counter is exposed to extreme heat and then extreme cold it can cause the surface to crack—causing serious damage. So, treat your new countertops with care.
