Countertops are a prominent feature in our kitchens that add value to our homes. Quartz, granite, marble, and limestone are among the more popular choices in Canadian homes today. The costs for these countertops can run into several thousands of dollars, so it is important to be aware of their limitations and handle them carefully, especially during a home renovation or construction project.
How Durable Is Your Countertop?
Different countertop materials have different degrees of strength and durability. Your first step is to know what material your countertop is made from.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a good option if you are looking for a non-porous countertop. This material is engineered by combining ground, natural quartz with a small amount of polyresin. Quartz countertops are designed to have no pores, so they resist staining and repel the harshest stains. While quartz is also highly resistant to scratching, it is not scratch-proof.
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are known for their natural beauty and strength. These countertops are resistant to scratching and cracking, but their porous surface makes them susceptible to stains. For this reason, it is important to seal granite countertops at least once a year. Sealing helps to protect this natural stone from stains and also prevents bacteria and mould from penetrating it. Additionally, the sealant serves to maintain the shine of your granite.
Marble Countertops
Marble is a softer, less durable material than granite and is highly porous. It is particularly susceptible to damage from acidic foods such as vinegar, mustard, and citrus fruits. When these foods come into contact with marble, the marble loses its shine. While applying sealers will help reduce its porosity, this material is still susceptible to scratches and must be handled carefully.
How to Protect Your Countertops From Damage During a Renovation
When you are doing any kind of indoor renovation work, an unprotected kitchen countertop is at risk for chips and scratches. While drop cloths and cardboard placed over your counters can help to minimize the damage, a more effective, durable solution is countertop film.
Countertop Surface Protection Film
During a kitchen renovation, you may have noticed a thin blue film lining your brand-new countertops. This film is designed to protect your countertops from scratches during the shipping and installation process. If you have work going on in your home, we recommend using this countertop protection film for scratch protection.
Countertop protection film works well on natural stone counters, engineered surfaces, laminate, stainless steel, and wood. You can purchase this film by the roll. The film is easy to apply to the surface and is strong enough to resist tearing and abrasions, but it is also easy to remove with no sticky residue left behind. It provides durable countertop protection for up to thirty days.
Other Uses For Countertop Protection Film
Countertop protection film can also be used to protect any other countertop areas in your home. For example, you could use it on bathroom countertops to prevent damage from stains and scratches.
Heavy Duty Countertop Protection
Is your countertop at risk for damage beyond minor scratches? ALLPROTECT products provide maximum protection against gouges, dents, or cracks from heavy impact due to falling objects or other incidents. ALLPROTECT protects any countertop material, including quartz, marble, and granite, so you can keep your hard surface pristine during any project. This durable material is also impermeable, meaning your counters are safe from spills.
Protecting Your Surrounding Surfaces
Now that you have your countertops protected, have you considered your floors? If you have a home renovation project going on, you likely have a lot of activity going on that could put your floors at risk. While drop cloths are easy to use, they can be dangerous as they pose a tripping hazard. Instead, use ALLPROTECT for high traffic areas on your floor or take a look at our Floorliner Basic. This waterproof surface liner can protect many flooring surfaces, including carpets, hardwood, laminate, and tile. You can lay it out quickly and can use and reuse it several times. The rear side of this versatile liner has active protection to keep it in place and minimize the possibility of slipping.
Protect Your Home During a Home Renovation
At Alpha Protects, we have a line of superior-quality protection products for all of your home renovation needs. Our heavy-duty products offer hard surface, floor, and door protection. We also have a line of adhesives and footwear covers for extra protection. Contact us for more information about our products.
