[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(17,17,17,0.8)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(17,17,17,0)” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_start_position=”30%” background_color_gradient_end_position=”60%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/www.comptoirgranite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/home_hosting_slider_1.jpg” background_position=”top_center” custom_padding=”100px||100px||true|” locked=”off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||12px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”5d8c61d2-843d-4f51-96d1-0dd8a3f8fcc8″ header_font=”Roboto|500|||||||”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_dcsbcm_divi_breadcrumbs_module _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_dcsbcm_divi_breadcrumbs_module][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” custom_padding=”80px||80px||true|”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||4px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#00A3D1″ divider_weight=”5px” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”20%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is Granite?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”on”]Granite is an igneous rock. The igneous rocks are formed from liquid magma just like volcanic lava. The chemical composition of granite is similar to that of volcanic lava.<\/p>\n
Granite doesn\u2019t reach the surface like lava but solidifies deep inside the earth\u2019s crust. The slow cooling and solidification led to crystallization with gives granite the much sought-after characteristics.<\/p>\n
Here in Canada, the granite is sourced from the Canadian Shield that is estimated to be 3.8 billion years old. The shifting tectonic plates led to rifts and splits which forced the granite to the earth\u2019s surface more than 570 million years ago during the Precambrian age. The Canadian Shield is well known across the world for producing the most beautiful and durable granite in the world.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How Durable is Granite?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]The relative hardness of stone is based on its ability to withstand scratches, according to Friedrich Moh, an Austrian mineralogist.<\/p>\n
Granite is majorly composed of feldspar and quartz which makes it have exceptional resistance to scratches. It makes it a good choice for high traffic areas and remains one of the best building materials over the years.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Does Granite Stain?” open=”off” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default”]Granite doesn\u2019t stain because it is dense and not very porous. This property highly reduces the ability to absorb liquids. Granite is 95 to 98 percent stain resistant which makes it maintenance free.<\/p>\n
These properties make granite the stone of choice for outdoor projects such as courtyards, driveways, footpaths, patios, and steps.<\/p>\n
In the situation that the granite slab is stained, poultice or paste is used to draw oil out of the stone.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Why Choose Granite?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
The reasons why you should choose granite are:<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Synthetic Materials” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
Synthetic Materials<\/p>\n
Synthetic material will require costly repairs and periodic replacement. Natural stone, on the other hand, is both affordable and resilient proving cost effective over time.<\/p>\n
You should consider using natural stone such as granite rather than go for the Formica, Corian, concrete, porcelain and ceramic tile countertops.<\/p>\n
Natural stone is:<\/p>\n
Natural stone has the benefits of being affordable, and its longevity proves to be cost effective. Granite and marble are the most popular among clients due to their natural beauty. The synthetic products simply mimic the qualities of granite, marble and other natural stones.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Marble vs. Granite” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
Both marble and granite are used for countertops, fireplace mantels, flooring, columns, vases and many more applications. However, the similarities end with the aesthetics. Each stone is better suited for specific applications.<\/p>\n
Granite has a hard density and hardness which makes it great for kitchen countertops and outdoors since it can resist acids, stains, scratches and heat.<\/p>\n
Marble is composed of calcite which makes it less dense. Marble is, therefore, sensitive to acidic substances and foods such as lemon, wine, ketchup, and vinegar. These substances increase the risk of staining and dulling. The durability of marble closely matches that of granite. Its best applications are mantels, vases, and crosses.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Protecting Granite” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
Marble and granite should be well taken care of maintain their luster and original quality. Here is what you must do to protect the natural stone:<\/p>\n
Application of a sealer protects both marble and granite. There are the water based and the solvent based sealers which can penetrate the pores of the stone. These sealers are easy to apply and may be reapplied based on usage. The more the traffic on the surface, the more you will be required to re-apply the sealer.<\/p>\n
The sealer will protect the stone by providing an invisible barrier that makes cleaning easy, protects from scratches and stains, and eliminates slippery conditions.<\/p>\n
For the daily cleaning of the marble and granite surfaces, dish soap diluted with water is the best washing agent.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Edge selections” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
There are many edge selections to choose from for the granite countertops in order that the current d\u00e9cor of the home is accentuated. Here are some countertop edges to choose from:<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Does Granite go through a manufacturing and engineering process?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
Granite is a natural stone gotten directly from the earth\u2019s crust. However, the majority of granite goes through a manufacturing process.<\/p>\n
The manufacturing process that granite goes through is meant to add overall strength by filling its pits and fissures with resin.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Should I be concerned if my Granite has fissures or pits?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
Fissures and pits are a natural aspect of granite. During manufacturing, the pits and fissures are filled with resins, but that is not always one hundred percent possible.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How strong is Granite and does it chip?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Granite is strong and durable. It is not as strong as quartz which contains 93 percent quartz particulates compared to 20 percent quartz particulates in granite. Granite can chip just like any other natural stone.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can chips be repaired?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Chipped granite can be repaired although it will depend on the degree of damage. Granite is repaired in the same way as quartz surfaces are repaired.<\/p>\n Comptoir Granite Gatineau will repair any chip on your granite surfaces ensuring that the repair work is not visible at all.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can I put hot pots and pans directly on the Granite surface?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n We do not suggest that you place hot items directly on the granite surface. The reason is that the heat will burn the resins in the granite leading to the formation of cracks. Comptoir Granite Gatineau recommends that you use a trivet or hot plate when dealing with hot material to preserve the granite surfaces.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How big are granite slabs?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Comptoir Granite Gatineau avails granite slabs in different sizes. Please visit our showroom to see the sizes and colors available.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Does Granite need to be sealed?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The answer is YES. The sealed granite surface is easy to clean and to maintain. Sealing is necessary since granite is a porous product. The sealers provide a protective coating to prevent staining.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How often do I have to re-seal?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The use of abrasive and harsh cleansers or bleach containing cleansers will lead to the thinning of the sealant. It will necessitate that a fresh coat of sealant is applied to keep the surface functional.<\/p>\n Comptoir Granite Gatineau applies a 25-year sealant to all of our granite slabs. You should be careful to avoid any products that degrade the sealant coating.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How do I know if my sealant is wearing off?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n A simple way to test the effectiveness of a sealant is by placing a bead of water on your countertop or another granite surface. The water should be left for a few minutes before wiping it away. If that area becomes darker compared to other regions, then the surface is absorbing water indicating that the is no longer working as intended.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can Granite be used for surfaces other than countertops?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Granites have different other applications. Granite is available in various other thicknesses such as 2cm and 3cm. Granite is also used for shower walls, fireplace surrounds and mantels, and other horizontal and vertical applications.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can I get my Granite in a different finish?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Yes, it is possible. Contact Comptoir Granite Gatineau to enquire and learn more about the different finishes and colors available.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Should I see my slab before it is fabricated?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Since there are important variations from slab to slab, it is advisable to view the chosen granite slab prior to fabrication.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is Quartz?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Quartz is a naturally occurring mineral in the earth\u2019s crust. Quartz is one of the strongest and most abundant minerals. Perhaps only diamond surpasses the strength of quartz.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is a Quartz surface made of?” _builder_version=”4.9.0″ _module_preset=”default” open=”off”]<\/p>\n