Characteristics of Granite

Granite is the most popular countertop fabric on the market. Its popularity stems from the worth it adds to homes and its resistance to scratching, warping, chipping, powerful heat and staining. Granite, similar to most stone countertop materials, can be modified in an extensive range of colors and compositions. It is considered to be the second hardest naturally happening substance, subsequently to diamonds. Granite countertops are routinely sealed with special protective coatings created completely for this purpose, but because it has a very low absorption speed, it doesn't require to be sealed as often as most other stones.

Stone Names

At present, there are many companies around the world that use generic names to recognize different types of stone. This has produced a problem for the stone maintenance industry. The creative names were in Italian. Generally the name consists of two parts. The initial part describes the color and the next part describes the name from where the stone was quarried.

Italian Name	English Name
Azzuro	Blue
Brecci	Broken Pieces
Dorato/D'oro	Gold
Fiore	Flowe
Giallo	Yellow
Negro/Nero	Black
Perla/Perlato	Pearl
Rosa	Pink
Rosso	Red
Verde	Green
Bianco	White

Advantages of Granite

One of the major reasons people select granite is because of its natural beauty. The coloration will never change so it will forever be as bright and vibrant as when it is first installed.

• Granite is very competitively priced and a plan of your countertops is all that's required for estimation. Quarter-inch beveled and round edges are considered standard and the price increases with more physical edges such as a bull nose or ogee.

• Some advantages of choosing granite are that only another piece of granite or diamonds can cut it so it won't scratch with ordinary use. Also, it's heat resistant so items from the oven can be located right on the counter without a problem.

• Another advantage about granite is that every slab is different so every kitchen is unique with its own good looks.

Options of Marble Countertop:

One of the best kitchen countertop materials is marble countertops. The marble countertops are available in many colors, designs, tile patterns and edge options.
Marble countertops design & colors:

Marble countertops are available in many designs and colors. The metamorphism of pure limestone called the pure white marble countertops. The high magnesium limestone or dolostone content that contain silica impurities is serpentine by the green color in green marble. In the use of heat and pressure, the above impurities re-crystallized from metamorphism; this process affects the marble countertops outcome of pattern and countertops color. The marble countertop of fossiliferous comes many colors for shades of grey, maroon, white and pink. Some of other marble countertops colors are as follows black, blue, green, yellow, and the marble countertops colors are depending on maker or manufacturer. You want your kitchen in livelier with Latin flair or an Italian means select the bright colors like green, yellow or red. Want your kitchen as professional look means select black or off-white beige.

Edge options of marble countertops:

The marble countertops are having more type of edges. The edge options based on the preferences and safety concerns. You choose the marble countertops edge as per your need and your preference. Some of the edge options of marble countertops are bevel, Bullnose, round and straight edge. The marble countertops edges are differ from the properties of angle, round, sharpness.

Marble Countertops Selection & Maintenance

Lifestyle is the initial thing for choose a marble countertops to your home. Matching marble countertops to color system is the primary nature for all, but you are considering your lifestyle to this time means it is the best one.

The maintenance of all marble countertops is not an easy one, some of the marble countertops are porous (porous means chip and stain easily). Unless you are clean your marble countertops continuously or regularly remain your kids for banging things on marble countertops.

You are considering very seriously before select your marble countertops for how you are interested to maintain your marble countertops. The final thing, you are spending more amount of money to your marble countertops means within less number of weeks or days it ends up staining.
Maintenance:

• The first thing to maintain your marble countertops, ask your dealer for instructions and tips. He is having the details of how to sealing, polishing and how to clean the marble countertops.

• You are going to clean your marble countertops means use only warm and mild soapy water. You are use the cruel cleaning liquids means the soft minerals and surface will damage. Also, clean your marble countertops with vinegar and lemon juice.

• Do not drag any weighted things to the marble countertops surface, because countertop surface will crack or scratch. In addition, keep mind never cut anything to the surface directly, it also scratch your marble countertops.

Marble Countertops Calculations (Weight & Thickness):

Weight :

The weight is calculated based on the size and thickness of the marble countertops. Large size marble countertops are having more weight compared with small size marble countertops. The advantage of small size marble countertops is installing easy compared with large size marble countertops.

Thickness :

The marble countertops thickness based on the size of every marble countertops piece. Normally big size marble countertops are thicker than small size marble countertops. Big size marble countertops having more strength and integrity.

How weight and thickness are determined :

Formative the size of marble countertops is an accurate science. The marble countertops is make light and thin means it is easily break up in less number of days compared to large and thick marble countertops and large one is more durable. However, the large and thick marble countertops are too expensive for average people compared to small marble countertops.

Many manufacturers and fabricators of marble countertops have skill and techniques of their stuff. Some formulas are used by these people for determine the dimensions of a piece for how strong it is and reasonable price. The weight and thickness differ from manufacturers, but the common rule of thumb is that every 32 square inches of countertops surface area, the extra inches of marble countertops thickness added to keep the structural balance.

How to Clean Stains from Granite Countertops?

You get a stain for your granite countertops means need a fast action. In this situation, you will use the commercial cleaner otherwise, you will try any of the following solutions:

* Your granite countertops have a stain of grease means use water and liquid dish soup to mix a paste and apply this paste to your granite countertops next scrape the grease stain areas, if needed repeat the same.

* You are having stubborn stain for your granite countertops means simply mix the flour and two tablespoon of liquid dish soap, after that apply this paste to stain. Cover your granite countertops with plastic wrap and allow full night.

* The stains of organic (like coffee or fruit juice) in your granite countertops means use the simple way, mix a paste of 12% hydrogen peroxide and some drops of ammonia and apply it the granite countertops and blot dry.

* Granite countertops having the stains of wine, ink or a marker stain means the granite is dark use acetone or lacquer thinner, The granite is light means use hydrogen peroxide. After 30 minutes, clean the granite countertops.

* The granite countertops having organic stains means also use bleach and model plaster mix. Apply this mix after 30 minutes clean the granite countertops.

Granite & Radiation :

Granite Edges

Straight Edges, Height : 1¼", ¾"

¼ Round Top &Bottom, Height: 1¼", ¾"

¼ Round, Height: 1¼", ¾"

¼ Bevel Top & Bottom, Height: 1¼", ¾"

¼ Bevel, Height: 1¼", ¾"

1" Bevel, Height: 1¼"

½ Bevel, Height: 1¼", ¾"

Half Bull nose, Height: 1¼", ¾"

Full Bull nose, Height: 1¼", ¾"

Demi Bull nose, Height: 1¼", ¾"

Granite Varieties:

Granite, a holo-crystalline quartz-bearing plutonic rock, has - 10 to 50% of quartz as its module, the alkali feldspar/totality feldspar in the comparative amount among 65 to 90%, and the modal attention of other mineral deposits is less than 10%. Wounding of granite follows the processing. The wounding of granite has been made easier by the use of steel abrasives. Use of such tools enhance wounding of granite, save time and lend smoother edges. The granite is cut into slim slabs by multi-blade gangsaws, and using a variety of types of granite cutting blades available in the marketplace.

Granite is available in 3 main varieties, which are as follows:

Biotite-granite:
Biotite-granite include quartz, plagioclase, biotite & K-feldspar.

Hornblende-granite:
Hornblende-granite also called Syenitic granite; contain hornblende as well as mica.

Tourmaline-granite:
Tourmaline-granite Composed mostly of Tourmaline, this type of granite exhibit a large range of colors and very rarely exists as white or colorless range.

Of these 3 varieties, Biotite-granite is the majority common and forms a very fitting building stone for durability and beautification. These rocks, due to their huge nature and all the same grain, are very adapted for colossal and architectural work as well as for huge masonries. Their broad variety in look and colors – red, grey, black, white, pink etc. render the stones highly decorative and effectual for a variety of decorative uses.

Granite Panels in Microthin

Now a day, lightweight granite panels can used as an interior or exterior building frontage, which will give a luxurious and stylish appear to any building. They insert an aesthetically pleasant look to any lobby region, in a flooring design, or as an interior or exterior wall cover up or stone curtain wall.
Curtain wall is a word used to explain an external building frontage, which does not take any dead load from the building other than its own weight. These loads are transfer to the major building structure through relations at floor or column of the building. Curtain walls are different from storefront system in that they are designed to span several floors.

In interior, they are ideally suitable for use as bath and tub surrounds. These granite panels are easy to manufacture and their lightweight and great toughness make installation simple and quick.

Granite countertops Benefits

About Granite countertops:

Countertop is usually a horizontal work surface used in kitchens, other food preparation area and workrooms. It is install above and support by cabinets. Countertop is made from a variety of materials such as marble, limestone, gabbro, soapstone, wood, granite, butcher block, stainless steel and many more.

Benefits:
Some of the advantages of using Granite countertops are:

• Granite countertops are very reasonably priced.
• They can be used on the exterior in addition to interior of your home.
• Granite is durable, strong, and hard to scratch so it will last your lifetime and more.
• By using granite countertops, your property worth will raise.
• Simple to clean.
• There are hundreds of colour and pattern choice.
• Granite is opposed to stain, scratch, and heat.

Chemical & Physical Properties of Granite

Chemical Properties

Granite is mainly composed of feldspar, quartz along with different other minerals in varying percentage, which are affirmed as follows:

Nominal chemical composition of a variety of oxides

Silica (SiO2) ---------------------- 70-77%
Alumina (Al2O3) ----------------- 11- 14%
Soda (Na2O) ------------------------ 3 – 5%
Potassium Oxide (P2O5) --------- 3 – 5%
Iron (FeO) ----------------------------- 1 – 3%
Iron (Fe2O3) -------------------------- 1-2%
Lime ----------------------------------- 1%
Magnesia (Mg0) ------------------------- .5 – 1%
Titina ---------------------------------- Less than 1 %( .38%)
Water (H2O) --------------------------- 0.03%

Physical Properties

In terms of granites physical properties, it is a unique material. These properties lend uniqueness to granite are:

Co-efficient of expansion :
The co-efficient of expansion for granite vary from 4.7x10-6 – 9.0x10-6(inches x inches).

Porosity/permeability :
Granite has almost negligible porosity range among 0.2 to 4%.

Variegation :
Granite shows constancy in color and texture.

Thermal Stability :
Granite is highly steady thermally, therefore shows no change with the change in temperature. It is impervious to weather from temperature and even from the air borne chemicals. Granite is the high confrontation to chemical erosion that makes it useful for making tanks to store highly caustic material.

Hardness :
It is the hardest building stone and hardness of it that lends it excellent wear.

Granite emitting Radiation:

New information about probable hazards of granite and stone countertops. Recent articles told countertops of granite emit unacceptable levels of radiation. "Allegations those granite countertops may produce dangerous levels of radon and radiation has been raised periodically over the past decade, mostly by makers and distributors of competing countertop resources. The Marble Institute of America has said such claim are "ludicrous" since although granite is known to contain uranium and other radioactive materials like thorium and potassium, the amounts in countertops are not sufficient to pose a health threat.

Health physicists and radiation experts agree that the majority granite countertops produce radiation and radon at extremely low levels. They say these emissions are unimportant compared with so-called background radiation that is continually raining down from outer space or seeping up from the earth's coating, not to mention emanate from manmade sources like X-rays, glowing watches and smoke detectors.

However, with increasing regularity in current months, the Environmental Protection Agency has been getting calls from radon inspectors as well as from concerned homeowners about granite countertops with radiation capacity several times on top of background levels. "We have been hearing from people all over the country concerned regarding high readings", said Lou Witt, a program analyst with the agency's Indoor Environments Division.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends taking action if a radon gas level in the home exceeds 4 pico curies per liter of air (a calculate of radioactive emission); regarding the same risk for cancer as smoking a half a pack of cigarettes per day." Something to think about when choosing a counter top material...

Radiation in Granite is not dangerous:

From what we know, here are two ways in which countertops, tiles and other finish made of granite strength emit any level of radiation. The first is by the release of small amounts of the radioactive gas radon, which can be inhaled. The second is by straight radiation from the surface itself to the homeowner. In both cases, the radiation emit is from the same process – natural radioactive decay of one element into a new. Compare to other radiation sources in the home and outside, the risk to the homeowner from radioactivity emitted from a granite countertops or tiles is practically non-existent. In fact, the quantity of radon gas emitted by a granite countertop is a lesser amount of than one millionth of that already there in the household air from other sources.

Typical Contributions to Radon Content of Indoor Air (pCi/L)

Why Granite and Marble Counter Tops?

People have two options in counter tops, glass and stone products (made of Granite or Marble). However, if we think of beauty, durability and maintenance, nothing can beat Marble and Granite. The most important thing that compels people for selection of granite counter top is wide range of colors to choose from. Granite counter tops come in different colors and textures, making it easier for people to select their preference.

Use of Counter Tops in Kitchens :

We cannot imagine any modular kitchen without Granite counter tops. It provides attractive touch to Kitchen and a durable surface to work in kitchen. Some most popular counter top colors being used in kitchens are brown, black, and beige. People prefer ordering granite counter tops in different variants of these colors, as it suits with most of the color scheme in kitchens.

Granite Cutting Tools

Cutting of granite follows the processing. The cutting of granites is made easier by the use of steel abrasives. Use of following tools enhances cutting of granite, saves time and lends smoother edges. The granite is cut thin slabs by multi-blade gang saws, and using various types of granite cutting blades,

Granite Blade :
Cut faster, cut smoother, boost production.



Silent Blade :
Straight cut and performance surpassing.



Contour Blade :
This blade is highly recommended for all curved cutting applications (like sink). It cuts granite sinkholes cleanly and safely.



Rod Blade :
This blade can be very effective in cutting grooves to fit metal rods that strengthen the countertop in the sink area.



Hard Tile and Porcelain Blade :
This blade is designed for hard tiles and porcelain tiles. It guarantees highest performance for cutting difficult to cut materials such as glazed tiles, hard marbles, and porcelain tiles.



Marble Blade :
Excellent for cutting all kinds of marbles.


Contour Marble Blade :
Marble contour blades with an inside protector are very fast and provide smooth, chip free cutting.

The Square footage Calculation of countertops

Notes:
- Standard width of countertop = 26 inches
- Standard height of splash = 4 inches
A. Square inches of splash
- Length of back splash + Length of end splash = total splash length
- Total splash length * 4 in = sq in of splash

B. Square inches of countertop
- Length of counter * 26 in = sq in of countertop

C. Square inches of bar area
- Length of bar at longest point * Width of bar at longest point = sq in of bar

Total square footage = (A + B + C) divided by 144.

GRANITE TEMPLATE FOLLOW-UP

Naming Igneous Rocks

The names we give igneous rocks are based on their chemical compositions. The relative amounts of just three main minerals; quartz, plagioclase feldspar, and potassium feldspar are all you need to know to start naming igneous rocks. In addition to these three light-colored, felsic minerals, the abundance of dark, mafic minerals can also help you distinguish one type of igneous rock from another.

Making a First Guess

The chart above will help you get started. Once you know you have an igneous rock, look at the texture to decide if it is intrusive or extrusive. Then use this chart to make your first guess based on how dark (mafic) or light (felsic) your rock appears.

Name That Rock!

To be sure you've named your rock correctly you need to compare the amounts of plagioclase feldspar, potassium feldspar, and quartz and plot it on the chart on the left. It takes a little practice to get used to a triangular graph!

Try this: suppose your rock is coarse-grained, so you know it's intrusive. It has 40% quartz, 30% potassium feldspar, and 30% plagioclase feldspar, it's called granite.

Some Granite Types

Stone Name : Abboud
Pseudonym : Havanna Red
Application : Suitable for interior and exterior applications
Definition : Abboud is a red Granite. In natural stone trade, Abboud is often simply called a Granite.




Stone Name : Adelaide Gold
Pseudonym : --
Application : Suitable for interior and exterior applications
Definition : Adelaide Gold is a red Granite. In natural stone trade, Adelaide Gold is often simply called a Granite.



Stone Name : African Lilac
Pseudonym : --
Application : Suitable for interior and exterior applications
Definition : African Lilac is a pink Granite. In natural stone trade, African Lilac is often simply called a Granite.


Stone Name : African Red
Pseudonym : Transvaal Red, Groblersdal Red
Application : Suitable for interior and exterior applications
Definition : African Red is a red Granite. In natural stone trade, African Red is often simply called a Granite.



Stone Name : Agate
Pseudonym : --
Application : Suitable for interior and exterior applications
Definition : Agate is a brown Granite. In natural stone trade, Agate is often simply called a Granite.

Stone Maintenance/Restoration

You can use diamond abrasives to the restoration of your stone surfaces. The use of diamonds in the grinding and honing phase of restoration will give you better clarity and more reflectivity after polishing. We also provide cleaning, sealing, crack/chip repair and stain removal for marble, granite, travertine, terrazzo and all other natural stone surfaces.
Following are the restoration / maintenance services and what they entail:

Grinding: To remove deep scratches and remove lippage (uneven tile edges). Done by machine with diamond abrasive pads and water that creates no dust.

Honing: To remove minor scratches and wear from everyday foot traffic. This process is also done by machine with diamond abrasive pads and water which creates no dust.

Polishing: To give marble or stone the sheen you want, enhance the veining in marble and to protect the marble or stone from everyday traffic and spills. (Utilizing the same compounds that are used in the fabricating process.)

Cleaning: To remove dirt, stains and bacteria and to remove waxes and polymers that have become embedded.

Sealing: To protect and preserve natural stone. (Using penetrating sealers / impregnators.)

Color Enhancing: The use of penetrating sealers / impregnators formulated to enhance or enrich the color of your stone.

Stripping: To remove coatings that block stone's ability to breathe which causes spalling (when the stones crack, pop and shale). Some examples of common coatings are crystallization, janitorial waxes, and polyurethane.

Clover Hill home features new granite sunroom

Just west of Fort Detrick and Frederick Community College, this brick-front colonial in Clover Hill II is convenient to Frederick without city taxes.

From the deep front porch, the entry opens to a foyer with hardwood floors that extend into the powder room and kitchen ahead.

To the left, the formal living room has neutral carpet that also runs into the dining room beyond, which also has chair rail.

The adjacent kitchen has been updated with new granite countertops. It also features white cabinetry and appliances, recessed lights and a pantry, as well as a breakfast nook that has sliding doors to a sunroom with a cathedral ceiling, an overhead fan and carpet. Sliders from here access a side deck that overlooks a fenced backyard with mature trees.

Back inside, the sunken family room has carpet, built-in bookcases flanking the brick-surround, wood-burning fireplace with a raised hearth.

On the carpeted upper level, the master suite has a walk-in closet and a private bath featuring ceramic tile and a combination tub/shower.

Three additional bedrooms, a linen closet and a hall bath with ceramic tile and a combination tub/ shower also are on this level.

The unfinished lower level includes a large storage space and a laundry area with utility sink.

How to Remove a Granite Countertop

Granite, Limestone, Travertine and Natural Stones

The two most important things you do to care for granite, limestone, travertine and other natural stones are:
1).Remove any dust, grit, and sand from the stone's surface.
2).Clean up accidental spills as soon as possible.


Granite, Marble, Limestone, and Travertine Floor Care :

Protect your natural stone floors near entry ways with non slip mats or area rugs. This helps to remove any loose dirt or sand from shoes.

Frequent dust mopping, vacuuming, and sweeping of your natural stone floors will prevent the accumulation of grit and grime. This will also slow the rate of deterioration caused by foot traffic grinding in dirt, sand, or grit.

Wet mop using a mild vegetable soap and water solution OR a stone cleaner made especially for stone. Many qualified stone technicians believe that damp mopping with clear water Every Day to clean soiled areas is all that is necessary to keep your stone floor clean. Most often, the floor will be damp mopped less frequently and a MILD soap and water or Stone Cleanser should be used.

Quick daily cleanings should be accompanied by periodic deep cleanings. How often you deep clean your stone will depend on the usage. Having children and pets will require more frequent deep cleanings.

Daily spot cleaning. This is simply wiping up any accidental spills promptly. If you do get a stain, attend to it as soon as possible with a slightly stronger solution of detergent and then a poultice if the detergent cleaner is unsuccessful.










Care For Granite & Natural Stone Countertops :

Wipe up any spills as soon as possible. If left unattended, the spills can etch the polish and dull the finish of calcite based stones. Beverages such as coke and orange juice contain acidic materials that when in contact with calcium based stones (marble, some limestone, travertine, and onyx) can deteriorate the stone. This doesn't burn a hole through your stone, it just loses its finish in the area of contact.

Use coasters or placemats on your natural stone surfaces. This is especially true for calcareous natural stones.

Rinse and dry your natural stone surface after washing. This is very effective on dark stones to get rid of streaks. Miracle cloths are very effective for drying your darker stone to a streak free finish and leaving NO lint behind.

Similar to other counter surfaces, daily cleanings should be accompanied by periodic deep cleanings.

Daily spot cleaning is simply wiping up any accidental spills promptly. If you do get a stain, attend to it as soon as possible with a slightly stronger solution of detergent and then a poultice if the detergent cleaner is unsuccessful.

The DON'TS of Natural Stone Care

DON"T use vinegar, lemon juice, or any harsh cleaners on your stone.
DON'T use harsh cleaners such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub & tile cleaners.
DON'T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
DON'T mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
DON'T ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so.

The cleaning products you use should only be strong enough to do the required task and no more. Always call your professional stone supplier, installer, or restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat yourself.

Cleaning Headstones

Over a period headstones and memorials can get dirty, one of the most common causes being hard water, which leaves a lime scale deposit. This is especially visible on polish granite. But by cleaning the headstone or memorials on a regular basis will not only prolong the life of the stone but also ensure the stone is in good condition. A dirty one may look dull or faded, and by following a specific process you can renew the shine.

The first stage before you start cleaning is to determine what the headstone is made of, the most common being granite, limestone, marble or bronze. Each material will require a different cleaning process and cleaning liquid or agent.

Limestone, Sandstone and Marble Headstones

These headstones are made of soft stone; therefore you will need to be gentle when cleaning. Use water with non-ionic soaps or detergents applied with a natural bristled brush. Do not use a wire brush, acid cleaners or household cleaners as this may cause permanent damage.

Granite Headstones

Follow the guidelines as above when cleaning granite headstones. Due to granite's durability, it is all right to use a more aggressive scrubbing. On polished granite calcium build-up from hard water can cause a dull faded appearance. To remove this use a heavy duty non metallic scouring pad, check before using it is suitable for granite.

Bronze Headstones

As most Bronze ones usually consist of a bronze plaque which is mounted to a base usually made of granite or concrete and lay flat at lawn level. Therefore you may need to apply one of the above techniques to clean the stone surround plus also cleaning the bronze.

As bronze is furnished with a factory applied lacquer coating to seal and preserve the original appearance,maintenance is important as over a period of time this finish will eventually deteriorate. Proper care will preserve the finish and prevent the need for restoration.

Granite Countertops and Radiation

Recently the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) have received a number of calls with questions regarding the safety of granite countertops. Specifically, whether they emit radiation and radon gas, and how much is safe. In response to the increased level of questions, the Connecticut DEP has performed dose rate surveys on over 400 granite slabs, samples and demo countertops. Most have shown insignificant increases in dose rate over background.
"Background" refers to the amount of radiation that is naturally present in the environment and includes contributions from cosmic and terrestrial sources. The annual exposure for the average citizen of the USA , including background radiation, medical exposures, radon, industrial and commercial sources, is about 360 millirem. The background portion of that varies widely, depending on the type of rock or soil in the area, and the elevation above sea level. Variations of 40-50 millirem a year from area to area are common in Connecticut. The International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP)recommends a limit of 100 millirem a year for members of the public from industrial sources.

We found a few types of granite with slightly elevated dose rates above background. If a person leaned against the highest of these for two hours a day for a year, they would have an increase of about one quarter of the variation found above or about 10 to 13 millirem a year.
We have not surveyed for radon levels in homes with granite countertops. Studies by the Health Physics Society and Dr. Chyi at the University of Akron, indicate that a tightly sealed house with a granite countertop with a dose rate twice background would still be less than 1 tenth of the EPA guideline. However, there may be exceptions, which could push radon levels well over the 4 pCi/L guideline from the EPA. (Note: The calculations in this document make some assumptions about the meter being used, room size and countertop area that may not be the same in your case. For example, their meter, a non-energy compensated GM tube, over- responds by a factor of two. If you use an energy compensated GM tube or an Ion Chamber instrument, you would not start out by dividing your countertops net dose-rate by 2.)
Testing Your Home For Radon

The EPA recommends, and we concur, all homes should be tested for radon. Homes that test high should be surveyed to determine the source of radon, and then make decisions as appropriate. Consider using several radon test cartridges. Do not place one in the kitchen near a sink or stove where humidity could reduce its effectiveness. Try a room right next to the kitchen, the basement and a bedroom. Do them all at the same time. Choose a time of year when you can keep all the windows closed.

Choosing a Granite Worktop Company

Choosing a granite company depends a lot on the granite required, what the granite is to be used for plus the location, timescales involved and what other work is being carried out.

Complete new kitchen If you are purchasing granite kitchen worktops to go with new kitchen units you are getting through a large company it is possible that the kitchen supplier has their own granite worktop provider and they probably will not be very happy if you say you are getting the granite elsewhere, because they will want to make their mark up on the granite in addition to the kitchen units. They will possibly make it difficult for you to buy the granite yourself by refusing to return after fitting the units to reconnect services and connect the plumbing for the sink. However if you are making a large enough saving on the granite it may well be worthwhile to get a corgi registered installer to come and do the final connections rather than using the kitchen fitters again.

Replacement worktops only If you are only replacing worktops and plan to keep your existing kitchen units it is worth using a granite company with a very quick turn round time to minimise the time you will be without the full use of the kitchen. Traditional granite installers need 10-12 days to cut & polish the granite, however some cheaper companies send the granite to Europe to get the worktops made and then brought back into the UK, as using foreign labour is cheaper but this means a turn around time of up to 3 weeks. If you find the right company it is possible to get the granite cut, polished and installed in around 2-3 working days.

If you are having building work done where there is will be a carpenter on site, it might be that you can further reduce your costs by getting the carpenter make the templates for granite worktops for kitchens/bathrooms, vanity units, hearths & plinths and bars.

Also ask your builder if they have any experience of installing granite, as of he does and has the right equipment it could be a cheaper option to just use the granite company on a supply only basis. For this the builder/carpenter would need to create the templates with accurate measurements and also collect the granite. However one thing to bear in mind is that the granite is very heavy and also relatively fragile whilst in transit, so if the builder breaks a worktop while loading it or whilst installing it, it will be down to you rather than the granite company for a replacement at additional cost.

Make sure you are able to view the actual final granite, especially if you are trying to match it to the colour scheme of your new kitchen, because the samples you may have been sent can vary a lot from the batch of granite that you finally purchase.