H2 Concrete Design’s concrete products are sealed with a water-based chemical hardener that bonds with the concrete and is very environmentally friendly. Simple maintenance in case of scratches or discoloration is all that is required. See the Touch-Up Kit for complete instructions on how to apply.
Maintenance and cleaning couldn't be easier. Damp cloths, mild detergents and other water-based cleansers with neutral pH are all that are needed. Examples are 409, Fantastik, Windex, and Simple Green. Avoid acidic cleaners and straight bleach. Abrasive cleansers or scrubbers should be not be used. These include Comet, Brillo pads and 3M scrubbing pads, and all similar products.
Do not cut directly on the countertops; use cutting boards. Knives will pierce the sealer, rendering the counters more susceptible to staining. Additionally the concrete will severely dull the knife's cutting edge. Scratches in the sealer could occur if heavy, rough or sharp objects are dragged across the countertop surface. Should a scratch occur, it can be minimized using the Touch-Up Kit. See instructions enclosed with the kit.
Clients should use normal care with respect to water, oil, acids, and food. Spills should be wiped up as soon as possible, especially for acidic or highly staining agents such as lemon juice, balsamic vinegar and mustard. Staining/discoloration can occur if staining agents are left on for an extended period of time.
As with almost all types of countertop surfaces, you should use trivets. Concrete can micro crack if exposed to high heat, and the sealer is not elastic enough to “absorb” these micro cracks. In this case, the surface may appear “crazed” if wetted. The Touch-Up Kit should be used as soon as possible to restore the stain resistance of the surface, just like it is used to touch up scratches.
Non-structural hairline cracks are possible and are considered an inherent part of the product, not a manufacturing defect. Hairline cracks can occur at any time during the life of the countertop, but are usually not a common occurrence. Hairline cracks are defined as cracks, generally smaller than ½ mm in width that do not threaten the integrity or stability of the slab nor prevent the continued and normal use of the countertop. If a hairline crack appears, it should be repaired in the same manner as a scratch, using the Touch-Up Kit.
While durable, both concrete and natural stone are “brittle” materials, as opposed to “elastic” materials. Sharp edges are more susceptible to chipping than rounded edges. Use care with pots and pans around edges.
We will give technical advice and assistance for the lifetime of our products. We stand behind our products to provide a surface that will withstand normal countertop usage.
Feel free to contact H2 Concrete Design at any time.
H2 Concrete Design provides a One-Year Structural Warranty. The countertops will of course last a lot longer than a year, but if any problems were to occur, they would occur in the first year. We subject the concrete to much larger stresses while handling it than clients ever could once it is installed.
During the first year after installation, H2 Concrete Design, at its sole option, shall repair or replace its product if it fails to maintain its functional structural integrity for the intended purpose of the product solely due to a manufacturing defect.
This applies only to H2 Concrete Design products that have been handled, fabricated, installed and maintained in the manner recommended by H2 Concrete Design. Hairline cracks, surface scratches and chips are not included as part of this warranty, nor is structural damage caused by severe impacts or damage stemming from loss of support and/or excessive deflections by the supporting cabinetry or hardware. H2 Concrete Design, shall have sole and final right to determine whether a warranty claim is valid.
Should an issue arise, H2 Concrete Design provides each client with an Owner’s Guide and a direct phone number for customer support.