Paramount Granite Blog

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

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:

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on July 31st, 2008 by Barb | | 0 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. MIA

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

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

My Mother Had It Right!

It is hard to believe, but today marks 13 years since my mother passed away. It is easy to bring back the emotions, but it is funny how life goes on. A lot has happened in our lives since then. We started and grew a successful granite countertop business, and our then, small children, have grown up into young adults.

I have many fond memories of my mother and childhood, and while reflecting back, realized in many ways, “My mother had it right!” While there is much talk today in our society about going green, and green building, there is much we can do to improve our environment, living conditions, and ourselves, by reflecting on the wisdom of past generations.

Use The Wisdom Of Past Generations:

Start a Garden. My mother loved to garden. She grew her own vegetables, and often canned them for later use. What a great way to know what you are actually eating.
Create a Compost For Fertilizer. My mother had a compost pile where she dumped coffee grounds, banana peels, etc, and later used the compost for fertilizer. This is a great natural way to fertilize.
Recycle Plastic Bags. My mother washed and reused bread bags for sandwich bags, etc. Why fill up those land fills with all of that plastic? You can make a difference by adding less to them.
Re-use Your Plastic Containers. My mother saved plastic containers for re-use, (although too many). Another great way to cut down on the over use of land fills.
Use Natural Cleaning Products That Do Not Pollute The Environment. My mother often used vinegar and water for cleaning windows, floors, etc. There are many natural products on the market these days to try.
Use Re-useable Grocery Bags, Or Boxes. My mother often grocery shopped at a discount warehouse food store, where she re-used boxes to pack her groceries. Many stores are starting to offer cloth bags to purchase for re-use. I keep my cloth bags in the trunk of my car, so I have them handy when I shop.
Pass Along Your Clothing. My mother used hand-me-downs for her six children. You can do the same, or clean out your closets and give away things you no longer wear to the Goodwill, etc.
Wear Sunscreen. My mother often warned my sister, and myself about laying out in the sun for too long. Unfortunately, we didn’t listen to her at that time, and learned the hard way. I had some melanoma surgically removed in 1997, and my sister just recently did. Make sure you protect your skin, and wear sunscreen!
A Penny Saved, Is A Penny Earned. My mother taught her children the value of a dollar, and a good work ethic, and used this saying often. The next time you find a penny, or a coin, pick it up and thank the Lord for your blessings!

Thanks Mom! …And thanks for reading!

Barb

Posted in Uncategorized, Industry News on May 29th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments

Radon—Just Another Scare Tactic To Counter Genuine Granite Countertop Sales!

It’s a free country! Free enterprise and competition are the norm among businesses in America. However, while there is nothing wrong with having a competing product, there is something wrong when the competition has to stoop so low, as to make up lies to gain market recognition. Unfortunately, this is not the first time. Over the years, there have been various rumors in regards to radon and genuine granite countertops.

Recent false claims of radon emissions from granite countertops have come from BuildClean™, a Houston-based “pending not-for-profit organization,” which is funded by two engineered stone companies, Silestone and Cambria. While it is true that granite contains miniscule amounts of radon, it is false to say that granite is unsafe, and sad that the accusations create a scare for the general public.

Granite has been used throughout the ages as a building material. Its strength, durability, and beauty have made it the natural choice, not only for buildings, but for countertops. If radon really was a problem, we would have had to deal with it years, and years ago.

The MIA, Marble Institute of America, along with others, have conducted various studies to prove the safety of granite and prove the dangerous radon emission claims false. For more information on the topic, please review the following links:

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on May 19th, 2008 by Barb | | 4 Comments

Growth In Kitchen & Bath Remodels

With a slower housing market, many homeowners today are deciding to stay in their current home and remodel their kitchen, bathroom, bar room, etc. In both good times and bad times, homeowners tend to remodel the two rooms they use most often—the kitchen and bathroom. As economic times change, more people are deciding to stay in and entertain guests, versus going out to restaurants, bars, etc., which may be one reason that kitchen remodels have stayed steady. Bathroom remodels are also popluar because people tend to enjoy having a room that not only allows them to get ready, but also gives them a feeling of comfort and relaxation.

According to “Kitchen/Bath Trends ‘08,” an article found in the April 2008 issue of Qualified Remodeler magazine, there are several trends taking place with todays home remodels including…installing granite countertops. Some other trends emerging include vast color ranges, plenty of storage space, open rooms, and functionality/ease of use for applicances cabinets, etc.

Following are some highlights from the article:

Color: Dark, rich tones are popular, as well as lighter tones. Many people are also experimenting with new colors. Victoria Strother of PS Construction Inc., in Sacramento, CA stated in the article, “We have some really dark kitchens, and some really light kitchens, and in part, this is established by the color of granite that they choose.”
Storage: Many people like islands and are looking for more areas to gather with more countertop and storage space.
Connection to the outdoors: Cramped areas with poor lighting, are being remodeled to include wide open spaces, and large windows. Long surfaces such as peninsulas and islands are popular because they provide the optical illusion of more space.
Practical function-based choices: Many consumers are trying to utilize existing space better. (e.g. Some consumers are picking showers with luxurious features over tubs.)
Granite Countertops: According to the 2008 survey conducted by Qualified Remodeler magazine, “Granite remains the overwhelming choice with homeowners, garnering the top place for countertops among 32% of the respondents.”

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Posted in Granite, Industry News on May 8th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments

Marvelous Marble Countertops!

When it comes to natural stone, granite is by far the best choice for kitchen countertops because of its strength, durability, and beauty. Marble however, is another popular choice that has a time-less beauty and appeal all of its own. Marble has always been a popular choice for bathroom vanities, flooring, fireplace surrounds, etc., but there has been an increased interest, over the last several years for its use for kitchen countertops.

Since marble is softer than granite, it is more susceptible to scratching and staining, so care must be taken with every day use. However, with many new sealers on the market today, some staining issues with marble have been eliminated. Marble is also susceptible to etching, so acidic foods such as lemon should be wiped up immediately.

If you are looking for a natural stone countertop for you kitchen other than granite, you may want to consider a marble countertop. Marble comes a variety of colors including both soft and bold tones.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Posted in Granite, Industry News on April 28th, 2008 by Barb | | 2 Comments

2008 Builders Product And Service Show—A Success!

The 2008 Builders Product & Service show sponsored through BATC, Builders Association of the Twin Cities, proved to be another successful event. Paramount Granite Company participated in the show again this year, which was staffed by several of our sales and customer service team members. This year, we not only brought in several granite countertop displays and samples, but also brought in a full slab of granite, which proved to be a good draw for our booth.