When you are thinking about having granite, quartz or some other stone countertop installed, your mind will be full of questions. While natural stone can add value to home, you will be wondering about the selection, durability, cost, and you might even want to know if your countertop can fade if it is exposed to sunlight.
At Arch City Granite, we want you to have the answers you need to make an educated decision about your new countertops. If you want to view our vast selection of granite and quart countertops in St. Peters, you can pay us a visit.
The Power of Sunlight
So, do granite countertops fade? The simple answer is yes, but there are a lot more details. Any Natural stone will fade if it is left out in direct sunlight, yet it will take a lot of years to do so. Sunlight is composed of a mixture of different radiations. Ultraviolet radiation is what causes you to receive a sunburn. It is also the type of radiation that will eventually fade the color of your outdoor countertops.
If you are planning on having granite installed outside, you might want to consider having it installed under a deck or pergola. Granite can resist ultraviolet radiation for a time, but given enough years and enough exposure, it too will begin to fade.
Some imported granite countertops are treated with dyes to give them a specific color, and these granite slabs are tagged as color enhanced granite colors. The dyes will react with the ultraviolet radiation, and will fade rapidly. Other types of countertop will also fade. Take quartz for instance, it is held together with special resins. Unfortunately, the resins will react when exposed to direct sunlight and will begin to fade. You should never plan on having a quartz countertop installed outside in direct sunlight.
What about Indoors?
Fading from sunlight is a lot more difficult indoors and you can thank your windows. The glass of your windows eliminates a great deal of ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation is separated into two groups; UV-A and UV-B. The glass in your windows absorbs almost all of the UV-B radiation. That is why you can’t get sunburned from behind a window. Most of the UV-A radiation can still pass through your windows. Still though, it isn’t a big deal because your home will shade out most of the sunlight. Your windows will only let a bit in during certain time of the day. Granite, quartz and any other type of countertop will be fine when installed inside of your home.
What Else can Cause Fading?
It is very possible to mistake a dull coloring for fading. Granite, Marble and other types of countertop need to have a sealant. Over time, the sealant begins to wear off. The sealant layer gives your countertops a layer of protection. As it wears away, your countertops will begin to take on a dull look. You even notice that water no longer beads up on the surface, but immediately gets absorbed. The best way to solve this issue is to have your countertops resealed. This is something you can do yourself, or call a stone sealing specialist in your area. We can direct you good products that are specific to your type of countertop. A good sealant will keep the stains out of your countertop and keep them looking their best.
Arch City Granite
If you want to observe the fabrication process, or take a look at our selection of granite countertops come and visit us. We provide natural stone and quartz countertops in St Peters and throughout the St. Louis area. We provide superior countertops that will give your home the gift of beauty. When you are looking to improve the look and feel of your home, come to Arch City Granite.