1040 Tyinn St. #4 Eugene, OR 97402 t: 541-484-6268 f: 541-686-3480 callprocontracting.com NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOP & SURFACE DISCLAIMER Natural stone countertops & surfaces such as Granite, Marble, Limestone, and any quarried materials are products of nature. These surfaces will enhance any kitchen, bath and other surface designs with unique characteristics that can only be found in natural stone. As a natural product, there are properties of the material, fabrication, and installation that must be understood by the client. 1. All natural stone colors are species of natural materials; coloration, veining, and texture (i.e.: pits, fissures, and fragmentation) will vary from samples and will be part of the finished product. Each individual slab of natural stone is different from the next. Even “book matched” slabs will have some variance in them. Some natural stones are “directional”. If a natural stone is determined to be directional, there will most likely be a little more waste on the slab(s). Pro Contracting fabricates directional stones to go in one direction, to maintain the look and “flow” of the natural stone as it is intended. Seams will be bonded together with industryapproved adhesives. This process is vital, but will allow you to more easily notice the location of the seam(s). Although Pro Contracting strives to make every seam as small & inconspicuous as possible, you will be able to see and feel the seam. Seams will be within industry standards. 2. Natural stone thickness may vary from slab to slab, even within slabs from the same block. 3cm slabs are a nominal 1 1/4 “ thick +/- 1/16 – 1/4” 2cm slabs are a nominal 3/4” thick, +/- 1/16 – 1/8” 3. Natural stone countertops & surfaces usually require seams. Each project requires Pro Contracting to “lay-out” every project on the slab(s) being “held” / “in-stock” by the client. With this being done, it ensures we use the material as efficiently as possible with the least amount of waste. Pro Contracting always strives for the least amount of seams as possible. Pro Contracting takes into consideration; most efficient use of material, safety of fabrication & installation crews & if the natural stone is “directional”, to determine the location & number of seams in each client’s project. 4. All natural stone countertops have varying levels of hardness, weight, and tensile strength associated with the product. Pro Contracting recommends that unsupported spans be kept to a maximum width of approximately 24”. Overhangs on islands, peninsulas, etc., of 6” or more, need to have supports such as brackets, flat bar steel supports or corbels. Unsupported spans & overhangs risk cracking and even breaking if heavy weight or forces are applied to them. Pro Contracting will not be responsible for cracking or breakage that occurs after installation due to the application of heavy weight or force over unsupported spans and overhangs of countertops & surfaces. Pro Contracting can furnish, fabricate, finish & install flat bar steel supports under overhangs if a client desires. 5. Natural stone countertops are sealed after fabrication is finished in our facility, right before installation. Natural stone countertops & surfaces will still be susceptible to staining. Pro Contracting will not be responsible for any stains that may occur in natural stone countertops & surfaces after installation. Routine maintenance using Stone Cleaners along with a Stone Sealer will greatly reduce the potential for staining. 6. Different finishes of natural stones include: polished, antiqued (leathered), honed & flamed. The more dramatic, deeper the finish is on the natural stones, the more maintenance it will require. A polished finish requires a little less maintenance as the antiqued, honed & flamed finishes typically do. Oils, water spots, etc. will be more prominent on the antiqued, honed & flamed finishes. Wipe up all spills as quick as possible on natural stones. Even though the natural stone may be sealed, the oils, acids, and water can stain the surfaces if left to sit too long. By reading & understanding the above characteristics & properties of natural stone as a countertop and/or surface will help you to enjoy the durability, beauty & qualities of natural stones. Please sign and date below, stating that you have read and understand this Natural Stone Disclaimer. Signed: _____________________________________ Date: ________________________ Job Name: _______________________________________________