Get The Straight Facts On Radon And Granite Countertops!
Unfortunately, there are still rumors and mis-leading information going around about radon and granite countertops. The scare, which was prompted by claims made by an independent group funded by two engineered stone manufacturers, has some consumers confused and questioning the safety of granite countertops. While it is true that granites contain material that can produce minute amounts of radon gas, it is in fact, literally insignificant when mixed with the rest of the air throughout a house. Most radon found in homes comes from ground soil, well water, etc.
It is sad when anyone, especially a competing product/company, would use scare tactics, and mis-leading information to try and gain market share. The stone industry however, is fighting back. The MIA, Marble Institute of America, has talked with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to facilitate new scientific standards for testing granite countertops for radon and is also working with the scientific community, etc.
If you have any questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact us. You can also research the topic further by investigating following links.
For information from an independent website, please click on the link below:
http://www.radon.com/radon/granite.html
For more information from the MIA, Marble Institute of America, please click on the link below:
http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/granite_radoninfo.cfm
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on August 21st, 2008 by Barb | | 3 Comments
When It Comes To Granite Countertops—Should I Go With The Flow?
I recently wrote about flowing issues in our Summer 2008, Paramount Peeks quarterly newsletter, but since not everyone receives it, I thought I’d address it here as well.
When our customers select a flowing granite for their countertops, we often times get asked the question, “Will your installers be able to match the flow where my countertops needs to be seamed?”
The answer to that question is, “We will do our best.” While some granite’s are consistent in their overall look and feel, there are a lot of colors available that are not. Many granite’s have flow, and movement, which make them unique and truly beautiful, but these characteristics can sometimes pose some issues when it comes to seaming.
At PGC, we always strive to match the flow on pieces, but it just isn’t always possible. Our pricing structure is calculated and based on the total square footage needed for a job. Slabs are then ordered based on this square footage to accommodate all pieces being cut from the pre-determined number of slabs. The lay-out process for flowing granite’s can sometimes be a bit tricky for several reasons. First of all, there might not be enough material available to get a piece to flow a certain way. Secondly, depending on the color selected, there might not be another area of the slab that even matches. A third reason laying out a flowing granite might be tricky and cause mis-match is the slab length itself. If the slab is not long enough to accommodate a piece, another one would have to seam up to it that might not match.
If you select a flowing granite for your countertops, please make sure that you realize that a consistent, picture perfect seam is not always possible. If you are concerned about flow match, you might want to consider a granite that is more consistent.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company on August 14th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
There’s Nothing Like The Aesthetic Appeal Of Genuine Stone!
When it comes to building, remodeling, and decorating, there’s nothing like the aesthetic appeal of genuine stone for countertops, flooring, backspashes, etc. With its unique material composition, granite provides an unmatched beauty. Granite makes up approximately 75% of the earth’s crust and contains various natural occuring minerals such as feldspar, quartz, mica, etc., which make each color distinct with a look all its own.
Many consumers are attracted to granite because of its natural occuring quartz. Some granite colors contain large areas of quartz that actually give you the visual appeal of looking down into the stone. Other granite colors may contain smaller areas of quartz throughout. Other consumers are drawn to the reflective, mirror-like mica, which is prominent in some colors. Still others are drawn to the veining and movement of some stones, and some are drawn to those granite colors consistent in their overall look.
Marble, slate, soapstone, travertine, and onyx are some other popular stones used in building and remodeling. They are often used in combination with granite countertops to compliment a room.
Whatever your stone preference, you can’t go wrong the lasting visual appeal of genuine stone! To learn more about genuine stone, please feel free to visit the MIA, Marble Institute of America website.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Following are a few photo’s I wanted to share:
Granite: Black Polar Russian (Large areas of mica and quartz)
Granite: Black Polar Russian; Slate backsplash
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on August 7th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
EPA Confirms The Safety Of Granite Countertops!
Some of you may have heard the false claims regarding radon and granite countertops that have been circulated recently throughout the media that have created consumer confusion and a scare. The claims were made by an independent group, which were in fact, funded by two companies that manufacture engineered stone. Fortunately, consumers can rest at ease because the EPA has confirmed the safety of granite countertops.
It is really sad when a competing product/company has to rely on lies to help sell their product. I don’t know about you, but I would sure question a company that promotes themself with the use of lies. It tells you something about their character and how they run their overall business.
Granite has been used for building for centuries. Its strength, durability, and beauty speak for itself, and the stone industry doesn’t need to make up lies to consumers to get people to buy it.
While this isn’t the first time there have been lies spread regarding granite and radon, it probably won’t be the last either. As a consumer, it is important to know your facts and do your research, especially when it comes to product safety.
Following are some links for you to read and help with your research on the topic from the MIA, Marble Institute of America:
- http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/granite_radoninfo.cfm
- http://www.marble-institute.com/pressroom/pr072908.cfm
- http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/talkingpoints-072908.cfm
- http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/radontesting_u-akron2008.pdf
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on July 31st, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Won’t Back Down!
Summer is a always a great time to enjoy a concert, and last night, we enjoyed a good one…Tom Petty. As usual, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers put on great show, which was held this year, at the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis. The show included several of his classics including: “Free Falling,” “Running Down a Dream,” “Breakdown,” and of course an on-core ending with…”American Girl.”
The song however, that struck me was, “I Won’t Back Down!” It is funny how song lyrics make you think about certain things. While listening to the lyrics, I thought to myself, “This could be the theme for the stone industry.” With the rise in myths and false claims, the industry is fighting back, and “Won’t Back Down,” especially in regards to radon.
Anyway—enough about these thoughts about work. Back to the concert…The music was good and overall, the show was a hit for both fans young and old.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Following is the playlist from the concert:
- You Wreck Me
- Listen to Her Heart
- I Won’t Back Down
- Even the Losers
- Free Fallin
- Mary Jane
- End of the Line (Traveling Wilburys)
- Breakdown
- Saving Grace
- A Face in the Crowd
- Honey Bee
- Learning to Fly
- Don’t Come Around Here No more.
- Refugee ENCORE
- Runnin’ Down a Dream
- Gloria (Van Morrison)
- American Girl
Following are some photos from the concert:
Steve Winwood
Steve Winwood
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Posted in Uncategorized, Granite on July 24th, 2008 by Barb | | 2 Comments
Fighting the “Anti-Granite Campaign”
As I was reading the July 2008 issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News yesterday, I came across an article titled, MIA Creates Fund to Fight ‘Anti-Granite Campaign’. With so much misleading and false information on the market regarding granite, I was happy to see that the Marble Institute of America (MIA) had kicked off this campaign last month. While I knew about the campaign prior to reading this article, the article makes it clear that the natural stone industry is making a concerted effort to repair the damage that has been done and prevent more damage from occurring.
The campaign was spurred by a “recent assertion by a Houston-based not-for-profit association whose home testing concluded that potentially harmful levels of radon are emitted by granite countertop surfaces.” The article also points out that the testing, according the to the MIA, was underwritten by two major suppliers of natural quartz products. The MIA has refuted the claims and is now asking their members to join in the fight.
For more information on the “Truth about Granite Fund” contact the MIA.
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Granite, Industry News on July 23rd, 2008 by Angie | | 2 Comments
The Natural Beauty of Granite…
There are literally hundreds and hundreds of granite colors available for countertops. Since some granites can be very consistent looking, and others having great variation in flow, and color, we encourage our customers to come to our showroom to narrow their choices down. Customers can make their selections from both our samples, and stock slabs, or we can direct them to a local supplier to select their slabs.
Some customers are also interested in laying out their material prior to fabrication. To accomodate them, we usually encourage them to make an appointment, after the field measure has been completed. We will do the best to accommodate a customer’s requests, however due to those natural variations, it may be difficult to get exactly what they want out of each slab.
Our fabricators take a lot of pride in making sure the seam matches and flow come together. Keep in mind, the more variance in the slab, the more obvious the seams will be. Fortunately, the beauty of granite is that it does have those natural variations, which make it unique and beautiful.
Granite is a natural product of nature, how much more beautiful can you get?!
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Granite, Company, Business on July 15th, 2008 by Angie | | 5 Comments
Learning Links: 07/10/08
Since we install quite a few granite bar tops every year, I thought it would be nice to share some information to help stock and accessorize them. You should be able to get some ideas for wine racks, lights, glassware, signs, etc., from the following websites. They have some pretty cool stuff.
Accessorize Your Granite Bar Top:
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized, Granite on July 10th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Open Your Eyes To Natural Stone!
The other day I wrote a blog about a walking program we started at work, and also mentioned that I belong to a health club (Life Time Fitness). I don’t know how many of you out there belong to Life Time, but for those of you that do, you probably have noticed all of the remodeling going on at the clubs. Over the past several months, members have been able to see some of the changes being made including the addition of lots of natural stone! While another fabricator did the work, I was happy to see so much stone going in, as it is beautiful and promotes the industry.
Last weekend, was the grand re-opening of their Moore Lake location. I wasn’t able to attend the re-opening, but was anxious to see it this week. When I went to work out on Monday, I made sure to tour the new club, to see all of the changes, especially the stone.
Some of the changes include:
- St. Cecilia Classic Granite Countertops Throughout The Facility
- Verde Butterfly Granite Vanities
- Multi-Colored Slate Waines Coating And Wall Coverings
- Jura Beige Limestone Flooring Along With Various Granite flooring
- Etc.
The clubs look great, and I’m not surprised they incorporated so much stone into their new design. Afterall, granite and other natural stones have been used throughout the ages for building because of their durability, and beauty. In fact, many commercial buildings including banks, government centers, etc., built today use granite, and other natural stones for this very reason. Just look around, and you’ll begin to notice all of the stone! Who knows, you may get some ideas for an upcoming remodeling, or building project.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on June 26th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Finishing Options For Granite Countertops
Many of our customers visit our showroom to make both their color selections, and edge choices for their granite countertops. Some customers however, don’t realize they also have a choice when it comes to finishes. While a polished finish is by far the most popular choice with its reflective, mirror gloss appearance and best rating in regards to staining and scratching factors, there are several other finish options to choose from for select colors.
A honed finish offers a matte look, that has more of a dull appearance and is non-reflective in nature. It is also fairly popular, (especially when shown in a variety of Parade Home models), but the honing process does make the material more susceptible to staining and scratching. A satin finish is also available for some colors, and is somewhat similar to a honed finish, but offers a smooth, softer look with a vibrant, non-reflective finish.
There are also several textured finishes available in a limited number of colors that have become available over the years. A leather finish offers a smooth, yet soft look and appears slightly more polished than a honed finish, but with a slight texture. An antique finish offers a brushed, dull appearance that is slightly textured. While an antique finish can be used for countertops, it may be a better choice for fireplace surrounds, or flooring applications.
Another finish choice for flooring and fireplace surrounds, is a thermal or flamed finish, which offers a rough textured look and has a varying depth. A thermal finish is produced with the use of a high temperature flame that is quickly run across the surface of the stone.
If you are interested in more information on stone finishes, or stone terms feel free to check out the MIA’s (Marble Institute Of America) Glossary of Stone Industry Terms.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on June 19th, 2008 by Barb | | 2 Comments
