Quartz is often selected as an ideal countertop choice for homes built in Michigan due to its ability to provide visual beauty as well as long-lasting durability with very low maintenance. However, due to Michigan’s unique environmental conditions, quartz may not perform as well as it could in other locations; it must perform differently than it would otherwise (at least under normal circumstances) due to the climate found in Michigan. For example, the seasonal differences between winter and summer and the high relative humidity levels throughout the entire year, as well as the significant seasonal changes (from warm to cold), can all impact how anything (whether a countertop or other type of material) behaves within your home, including quartz.
Although quartz is a very strong material, it is also impacted by changes in temperature, humidity, and seasonal variations (such as an increase or decrease in the amount of light present). The more you know about how these environmental issues will affect your quartz surfaces, the better you will be able to care for your quartz surfaces and, therefore, maximize the life span of those surfaces!
Understanding Michigan’s Climate
Michigan has cold winter months with cold and snowy conditions, including long periods of freezing temperatures. To keep your home at a comfortable temperature during the winter when it can be below zero outside, homeowners have heat sources in order to keep their homes at comfortable temperatures.
Spring and fall are both characterized by rapidly changing temperature during the daytime and at night, along with rain and humidity being prevalent; as a result, rapid changes to the indoor temperature may occur as well.
The variation of indoor air temperature (cold, hot, and dry) creates stress on the various construction components of the home both inside and outside the home. As building materials (i.e., flooring, wall covering, and wall cabinets) are exposed to a continuous and significant temperature change over a period of time, they will expand and contract slightly with changes in temperature. Over time, this will affect the appearance and function of the building components of your home.
Freeze–Thaw Cycles and Their Impact on Quartz
In Michigan, it is common to have multiple freeze-thaw cycles during the winter and early spring months, with temperatures rising and falling by 32 degrees Fahrenheit on a regular basis. The freeze-thaw cycle affects outdoor materials (such as concrete and stone) mainly because of their exposure to the elements. Because quartz countertops are normally installed indoors, they are not in direct contact with the freeze-thaw cycle either.
If quartz is installed in a ceiling-unheated area (such as a garage or outdoor kitchen), then technically it can be exposed to extreme temperatures, which can lead to stress in the material and ultimately cause failure.
Sudden temperature changes from being exposed to outdoor elements (from being placed outside next to a window or placed in a poorly insulated area) can result in slight movements of the quartz. After repeated cycles of heating and cooling, those movements can lead to failure at the seams, adhesive, or base of the quartz.
Quartz installed inside a heated structure is not subject to the same harsh effects of the freeze-thaw cycle as quartz that is installed on its exterior substrate. However, during prolonged periods of cold draft created by a window or door opening/closing, there may be a noticeable temperature differential between the surface area of the quartz and the surrounding surfaces. Over time, that temperature differential can create issues with the surface area of the
Humidity Levels and Moisture in Michigan Homes
Humidity is another important factor to consider when choosing to install quartz countertops in Michigan. During the summer months there is a large amount of moisture in the air, which can cause problems for the cabinets, walls, and substrate that will support your quartz countertop.
Quartz, which is composed of both resin and natural stone (the two materials are combined during manufacturing), does not absorb water very well compared to other natural stones, making it much more durable against stains and moisture than other types of natural stone.
The fact that quartz is not as absorbent as many other materials means that moisture will not easily penetrate through the wood cabinets below. When the humidity is high, the cabinets will swell with moisture. Due to this expansion, the pressure of the cabinet against the quartz surface may create stress over time that will be seen as small cracks or uneven surfaces on the quartz.
Most areas have a heating system that will dry the indoor air in the winter, which leads to a reduction in the amount of moisture available to support the wood in the cabinets during that time of year. Wood will shrink, much like cabinets will expand, based on the amount of moisture present in the air. Therefore, as cabinets expand and contract throughout the year, the quality of the base that supports the quartz slab will directly affect how strong the base of the quartz slab is.
Seasonal Temperature Changes and Indoor Conditions
Michigan’s seasons often change rapidly each week, such that winter one week is usually met the following week with spring’s arrival. The rapid weather changes also mean the house has to be heated and cooled on a regular basis. Although quartz does not expand a lot while warm or contract a lot while cold, it will still experience some expansion and contraction from changing temperatures.
If the installer has placed the countertop in a very tight manner, this may lead to additional stress on the countertop joints and edges through seasonal movement. Three reasons why it is critical to use an experienced installer for your countertop install will include the following: the installer will create a small gap for the natural movement of the countertop without causing damage.
Also, be mindful of how much the temperature inside your home can change; cooking can also change how much the temperature changes within your home. If you have very hot pots being placed on your quartz countertop in the winter while the countertop is still cold, this will create an abrupt temperature change to the resin of your countertop, thus damaging it.
How Michigan Homes Can Protect Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops can last 20+ years with proper maintenance in Michigan homes. To reduce stress on cabinets and surfaces, it’s essential to regulate indoor temperature and humidity levels (using humidifiers in the winter and dehumidifiers in the summer). By sealing around windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering your home, you will have a more even temperature on your quartz. Cold drafts coming from your windows can create extremely cold spots on your quartz surface, and by sealing your windows, you will minimize the number of times this happens. To identify potential long-term problems with your cabinets, make sure to periodically check for any looseness and check the joint stability. To prevent moisture buildup at the edges of your quartz countertop, clean your quartz with mild detergent and warm water.
Long-Term Durability of Quartz in Michigan
Quartz is a strong and durable material that has been around for many Michigan homeowners for quite a while. Although quartz is not damaged by Michigan’s normal weather, most of the problems associated with quartz are due to variations in home temperature, inadequate installation techniques, or not supporting the quartz adequately.
If properly cared for and the temperature of the house remains stable, quartz countertops should perform well in Michigan through freeze-thaw cycles, high humidity, and temperature changes with the seasons. Homeowners with a good understanding of how their climate affects their home will be able to make some minor adjustments to their lifestyle to protect their investment and keep their countertops looking beautiful in the kitchen.
FAQs
Can quartz countertops be cracked by cold winters in Michigan?
Quartz used indoors has a high degree of resistance to freezing and may crack if exposed to cold drafts or not kept heated; the proper use of heat and/or insulation will help avoid this type of damage.
Will humidity in Michigan cause damage to quartz countertops?
Quartz does not absorb much moisture and is therefore not directly affected by high levels of humidity; however, the wood cabinets where the quartz is installed could be affected by high humidity levels and, over time, cause stress on the countertop itself.
Do seasonal changes cause any problems for quartz countertops?
Small natural movement occurs in all materials due to variations in temperature that take place season after season; quartz, when installed properly, accommodates these natural movements. Most problems experienced with quartz are due to improper support or inadequate allowance for movement.
What is the best way to protect my quartz countertop in Michigan?
By taking good care of quartz, you will extend its life: maintain a constant indoor temperature and humidity, do not place hot items directly on the surface, and ensure the wood cabinets provide adequate support.