Marble countertops bring a timeless, classic look to any kitchen or bathroom. But even with proper care and maintenance, marble can be prone to damage. Knowing when your marble needs repair is key to ensuring it remains as beautiful as the day it was installed. Let’s look at some key indicators to tell you when it’s time to schedule a professional marble countertop repair.
Scratches or Wear and Tear in the Marble
While versatile and durable, marble is still a relatively soft stone that can be scratched and damaged by sharp objects. Over time, with constant use (as with busy kitchens), you may start seeing signs of wear and tear such as light scratches and scuff marks. If these marks don’t go away with normal cleaning or buffing with a soft cloth, it’s likely a sign that you need to repair the surface.
Stains or Visible Burns
Marble is also susceptible to staining, so if you have marble countertops, take extra care not to spill acidic or oily foods as they can discolor the marble over time—and if you do spill, clean it up quickly Additionally, unlike granite countertops, marble can char if exposed to excessive heat—so keep hot pots and pans away from marble surfaces to avoid damage. If any staining or burn marks become visible, professional marble repair will be needed to restore the countertop to its original condition.
Cracks, Fissures, or Holes in the Countertop
Cracks, fissures, and/or holes in marble countertops can occur from a variety of causes. Heavy objects dropped on marble surfaces may cause them to crack or chip, as can exposure to extreme temperatures. Occasionally, inconsistencies in the marble itself can cause fissures to appear, which may develop into cracks.
The danger with cracks or chips is that they can worsen over time, so it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible after you notice them. If left unattended, the damage may become severe enough that the countertop will need to be replaced rather than repaired. In extreme cases, cracks in the marble can even be unsafe as part of the counter may break and cause injury.
Dullness on the Surface
Over time, with normal use, marble finishes tend to lose their shine. You may begin to notice that parts of your countertop that you frequently use have a dulled appearance compared to other parts of the surface. When this happens, the best way to restore the countertop’s appearance and consistency is to call in the professionals to do repairs.
Difficulty Cleaning
As marble ages, it becomes more porous—and even with proper care and regular cleaning, nearly imperceptible scratches may occur. Dirt and debris can begin to accumulate in these pores and crevices, and while these imperfections may not be clearly visible, you’ll notice the difference in the way the surface becomes more and more difficult to clean. If the marble surface is no longer responding to your normal cleaning routine, it’s a fairly good indicator that the surface needs to be repaired.
Work with a New York Marble Countertop Repair Professional
If your marble countertops appear to be only slightly damaged, you may be tempted to try repairing them yourself–and indeed, home improvement and hardware stores have plenty of products on hand to help you do so (such as hand buffers and epoxies for filling cracks). However, in many cases, if not most, DIY repairs end up doing more harm than good. It’s very difficult to get repaired surfaces to match the look of the rest of the countertop, for example, and if you’re not properly trained to use the equipment, you can actually make the damage worse, adding even more to your repair costs. The best way to make sure you’re getting a high-quality repair is to hire a marble countertop repair professional in New York who has the necessary experience and tools to get the job done right.
Professional marble countertop repairs don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming, especially if you notice the damage and address it early. Over time, these repairs can extend the life of your marble countertops and save you thousands of dollars on replacement.
Statewide Stone Care (a stonework company) has been providing expert repairs, refinishing, and restoration of natural stone surfaces across the Tri-State area for many years. Our team knows just what to do to get your countertops looking their best again. Contact us today to schedule a free evaluation.