Warranty Service
Warranty Service Program
Countertops
The countertops in your kitchen and/or bathrooms may be constructed of glazed ceramic tile, cultured marble, Caesarstone, Marble, or granite. They are designed to provide years of beautiful and functional use. After you have moved in, the condition and care of your countertops are your responsibility.
Always use a cutting board to protect your kitchen counter when preparing food. Minor scratches that result from cutting food may not be noticeable at first, but in time will dull the luster of the finish.
- Hot liquids and bathroom chemicals can cause almost imperceptible stains on tile and cultured marble. In time, the stains can accumulate and become unsightly. Avoid dropping pots and pans on your countertops. This can break or chip the counter’s surface.
- Recaulk separations that occur around sinks and along the backsplash of countertops. For additional information, see Caulking section.
- Broken tiles and chips or gouges in cultured marble must be noted during the Homeowner Orientation.
- Always use a cutting board for food preparation.
- Wipe up spills immediately.
- Avoid setting hot pots and pans directly on the counter’s surface.
Ceramic Tile
Because an exact color replacement match of ceramic tile may not be possible, we urge you to take special care to avoid breaking or damaging the ceramic tile on your countertops. Ceramic tile is relatively brittle and can be broken by a sharp blow from a hard object.
Because the grout between the tiles is porous, we suggest that the grout be sealed once a year. This will help prevent stubborn stains from penetrating the grout and becoming unsightly. Routinely scrub the grout with warm soapy water to keep it clean. Strong cleaners such as Lysol can stain the grout.
Consider these suggestions:
- Use special care to avoid breaking or damaging the ceramic tile.
- Use a grout sealer to help prevent stains from occurring.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads.
Solid Surface
Several manufacturers produce solid surface countertops, such as Caesarstone. These man-made products are very durable and are made especially for use as countertops. They are not impervious to stains and damage and they require regular cleaning to maintain their beauty. Also, they are susceptible to burns.
- Do not place a hot pan or a cigarette directly on these surfaces.
- Always use non-abrasive cleaners.
Cultured Marble
Cultured marble is a man-made product.
Use cutting boards to prevent scratches.
- Remove spills immediately to avoid stains.
- Do not use abrasive cleansers or scouring pads.
- Always place pads under hot pots and pans.
- Always use coasters or mats under plates, glasses, dishes, utensils and other hard items to avoid scratching the surface.
NOTE: If, after time and use, the surface of your cultured marble countertops becomes dull, you might consider having it polished by a professional who specializes in marble polishing.
Granite and Marble
Granite and marble are natural stone products. The durability of granite and marble make them practically carefree materials. However, these products can be scratched by knives and kitchen tools and they can be etched by strong chemicals. Follow these guidelines to protect your marble or granite countertops:
- Use cutting boards to prevent scratches.
- Remove spills immediately to avoid stains.
- Do not use abrasive cleansers or scouring pads.
- Always place pads under hot pots and pans.
- Always use coasters or mats under plates, glasses, dishes, utensils and other hard items to avoid scratching the surface.
- Do not stand on a Granite or Marble countertop.
