Quartz countertops are an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. Made from ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments, quartz counters are valued for their durability, visual appeal, and resistance to stains, scratches and heat. However, while quartz is incredibly resilient, it is not completely impervious to damage. Heat can damage quartz if proper care is not taken. Here is what you need to know about how heat affects quartz and how to prevent heat damage.
Can Quartz Countertops Be Damaged By Heat?
Yes, quartz counters can be damaged by excessive heat exposure. However, quartz is much more heat-resistant than other countertop materials like solid surface, laminate, or even granite.
Properly manufactured quartz counters are engineered to withstand brief exposure to temperatures up to 300°F. This allows them to handle hot pans, baking dishes, curling irons, etc. without issue. However, prolonged direct heat exposure above 300°F can cause quartz to crack, scorch or discolor.
What Kinds Of Heat Sources Can Damage Quartz?
Here are some examples of heat sources that can potentially damage quartz counters:
- Hot pots/pans – Cast iron pans, stainless steel pots, and other cookware coming straight from the stovetop or oven can reach temperatures above 300°F easily. Setting these items down directly on quartz can scorch or discolor the surface.
- Portable cooking devices – Electric griddles, Instant Pots, crock pots and other portable cooking devices generate intense heat. Using them directly on quartz without a hot pad can cause damage.
- Baking dishes – Freshly baked casseroles, pans of lasagna, etc. straight from a hot oven can also be hot enough to damage quartz.
- Curling/flattening irons – Hair styling tools get extremely hot. Leaving a hot flat or curling iron in contact with a quartz countertop can burn or blister the surface.
- Cigarettes/candles – The open flame of cigarettes, candles, sterno can singe or discolor quartz.
What Kind Of Damage Can Heat Cause To Quartz Counters?
Here are some examples of heat damage that may occur:
- Scorching – Direct contact with an extremely hot object can scorch quartz, leaving a darkened, burnt spot.
- Blistering – Very high heat exposure can cause the resin in quartz to bubble and blister.
- Cracking/Chipping – Rapid temperature changes or thermal shock (i.e. pouring cold liquid on an overheated area of quartz) can cause cracks and chips.
- Discoloration – Heat can leave white marks, splotchy areas or yellowish discoloration on quartz surfaces.
- Melting – In extreme cases, excessive direct heat can melt sections of quartz countertops.
How To Prevent Heat Damage To Quartz Countertops
While quartz is resilient, steps should be taken to protect it from intense heat sources:
- Always use trivets, hot pads or mats when setting hot pans, baking dishes, griddles or other hot cookware on quartz.
- Allow cookware to cool briefly before direct contact with countertop.
- Never leave flat irons, curling irons or hair dryers in contact with the quartz surface when hot.
- Use insulated mats under portable cooking devices like Instant Pots and crockpots.
- Exercise caution with open flames. Never leave burning cigarettes, candles, or sterno in contact with quartz.
- Avoid rapid temperature changes like pouring extremely cold liquids on hot quartz which can potentially cause cracks from thermal shock.
- Clean up spills immediately to avoid prolonged hot liquid contact.
With proper care, quartz offers unparalleled resistance to heat damage compared to other countertop options. By following these precautions, you can help your quartz counters maintain their beauty for years. Contact your countertop supplier or manufacturer for any specific guidance on your particular quartz product.
Can You Repair Heat Damage To Quartz Countertops?
Minor heat damage like isolated discoloration or scorch marks may be repairable on quartz counters. However, severe damage like cracks, chips or melting generally cannot be repaired. Here are some repair options:
- Polishing – For mild discoloration, a professional quartz fabricator may be able to polish out marks using diamond abrasives. Results are not guaranteed.
- Spot Treatments – Specialized marker-like stain repair kits can sometimes mask minor scorched spots on quartz.
- Sealing – For hairline heat-related cracks, applying a penetrating sealant may help prevent further damage.
- Filling – Small chips or gaps can be filled with color-matched quartz filler compound to smooth the appearance.
- Patching – Larger heat-damaged sections may need to be cut out and patched with new quartz. Seams may be visible.
- Full Replacement – For extreme heat damage like cracking/melting, full quartz countertop replacement may be required.
Prevention is better than repair when it comes to heat damage on quartz. Quickly address any signs of damage to avoid needing extensive repairs. Consult quartz specialists about your options.
FAQs About Heat Damage On Quartz Countertops
Can you cut on quartz countertops?
Yes, you can cut and chop on quartz counters. Just avoid excessive force that can chip the surface. Use cutting boards whenever possible. The resin binders make quartz very resistant to everyday cutting.
Do you need to seal quartz counters?
Sealing is not necessary for factory-finished quartz countertops. The resins provide inherent stain protection. For recurring stains, a penetrating sealer can provide added protection. Consult pros first.
Can you set a crockpot on quartz?
Portable cooking devices like crockpots can get hot enough to damage quartz. Use an insulated hot pad or trivet under crockpots. Never place directly on quartz.
Does quartz stain easily?
Quartz has excellent stain resistance. However, prolonged exposure to strong pigments like dyes, inks and juices can stain quartz. Wipe up spills immediately.
Is quartz better than granite?
Quartz and granite each have pros and cons. Quartz offers more consistent pattern and colors while granite is naturally unique. Quartz is less prone to stains/damage but granite edges out on heat resistance.
Conclusion
Quartz delivers unbeatable durability and low-maintenance convenience as a countertop material. While not impervious to damage from extreme heat, quartz can withstand typical daily use when basic precautions are taken. Protect quartz counters from prolonged direct contact with excessively hot pans, appliances, flames or other heat sources. With proper care, quartz countertops will remain in terrific condition for many years before needing repair or replacement.