Can Quartz Crack, Discolor, Or Warp?

Quartz is similar to granite in that it is a hard material. However, unlike granite, it is manmade.

Granite is 100% natural stone and is quarried from the ground. Quartz is made of natural quartz, as well as resin and color pigments. Because it is manmade, quartz offers a uniform look.

Scratches and chips are always a concern for countertops, and the good news is that quartz is very scratch and chip-resistant. Since it’s engineered stone, its polymers and resins give it a little more flexibility and durability than natural stone.

Again, quartz is extremely durable. High-quality quartz is virtually crack-resistant, but lesser quality quartz can crack or shatter if exposed to extreme cold, such as an ice bag left on the counter. The same goes for extreme heat. Sudden, drastic changes in temperature may crack a quartz surface.

Additionally, the sudden impact of dropping heavy objects on quartz countertops may also cause them to crack. Know that cracking is not easily repaired.

Again, high-quality quartz is more resistant to heat, cold, and UV rays. But lesser-quality quartz may warp if exposed to extreme heat. Sustained heat or sudden changes in temperature may cause the surface to warp. Your best bet is always to use a trivet or pad when setting pans and hot dishes down on your quartz countertop.

Unlike a material like marble, quartz is non-porous, which makes it highly resistant to stains.

However, it’s not impervious to them. Any fluid left standing on your counters can cause stains or hazing, including water. Sudden changes in temperatures may cause quartz to become discolored, which re-emphasizes the need for using hot pads and trivets under hot pans, slow cookers, or even electric skillets. You should never place a hot pan directly from your oven or stovetop onto your quartz surface.

Discoloration in quartz can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from too much direct sunlight to the age of the mineral and the chemicals used during the formation process. And even if you do everything right, your countertops may start to fade and become dull as the molecules in the quartz break down over time.

So what can you do? It helps to clean your countertops using a dedicated granite or quartz cleaner and a non-abrasive cloth. You can also incorporate a light grit sandpaper to buff out stains and scratches before applying a layer of quartz polish.

While quartz is incredibly durable, it’s not completely impervious to damage. Most cracks are caused by abrupt temperature changes, such as accidentally placing a hot pan on the surface of the quartz. While it can be frustrating when your countertops crack or chip, don’t panic! There are a few steps you can take if your quartz sustains damage. 

First, call your local quartz experts and ask about repairs. Particularly if you are dealing with a large crack or fissure, professional repairs are the best course of action. Experts know how to seamlessly cover the crack in a way that looks natural and prevents future damage. 

If you want to DIY a fix, get some fast-setting clear epoxy. This material can work wonders, especially for smaller areas of damage. For the best results, follow these steps:

• Thoroughly clean the damaged area to ensure the epoxy sticks. Dirt or contaminants will not only prevent a smooth application, but it may also show up underneath the epoxy once it’s applied.
• Use tape to outline the damage. Doing so will prevent the epoxy from running all over the undamaged areas of your countertops. 
• Carefully apply the epoxy with a paintbrush or toothpick. Try to smooth it out as much as possible to avoid a bumpy surface. 
• Wait at least 24 hours for the epoxy to dry. Even if the epoxy can set faster, waiting longer will ensure you don’t smudge it.
• Remove the tape and scrape away excess epoxy.