Kitchen Countertops of Granite
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009Selection and installation of the right type of granite kitchen countertops is very important, since granite tiles can vary substantially from one to another in the same box. Since manufacturers or suppliers do not provide strength ratings for granite like they do for manufactured ceramic tiles, you might need to check each granite tile individually for consistency in the speckling or the mottles in the tiles. Normally, granite tiles are about 3/8 thick or higher.
Till now it has been found that one get tempted to use large granite slabs due to the great look and appearance that they provide. However, using 12 square inch tiles will be ideal, since this will result in tremendous cost savings on the granite material and the use of professional installers. With these granite tiles, you can install them on a do-it-yourself basis.
Granite Kitchen Countertops Installation
At the outset, lay the tiles together, with the grout lines about 1/8 inch in thickness. Larger grout lines will deemphasize the appearance and diminish the beauty of the granite counter tops. The tiles should be laid on clear silicon caulk, if you do not use thinset grout or mortar. After finishing, the sealant should be applied across the entire granite countertop surface. Several coats will be needed to fill all the grout lines or cracks.
Is Radon Danger in Granite Kitchen Countertops Real?
There had been some uproar over the risk from radon poisoning in granite counter tops. The Environmental Protection Agency or EPA had stated that Radon is a natural radioactive gas that can cause cancer. It is not possible for human beings to see, taste, smell, or touch Radon. If Radon is present in a home, it can be a potential health hazard to the inmates in the house. In the United States, Radon is the second most leading cause for lung cancer. About 20,000 lives are lost annually in US due to Radon. When the Radon emission level exceeds 4.0 picoCuries per liter of air, it can pose a health risk, since that emission will be the equivalent of smoking 5 cigarettes a day. However, EPA and other health experts hold that the Radon emission levels from granite kitchen countertops are insignificant. One or two granites had emitted Radon above the standard acceptance level but on the whole, more than 97% of granite countertops had only insignificant Radon emission. Still, it is advisable that you conduct a Radon emission test on all the tiles or the slabs of granite that you purchase for your granite kitchen countertop, so that the risk is totally eliminated.