FAQ

Applications and Uses

• Can MEGANITE be used in healthcare facilities and hospitals?
• Can MEGANITE be used in commercial food service applications?
• How does MEGANITE compare to other surface materials?
• What finishes or gloss levels are available?
• Is MEGANITE usage appropriate in ADA facilities?

Can MEGANITE be used in healthcare facilities and hospitals?
MEGANITE surfaces help contribute to healthy, sustainable, and safe environments including healthcare, clinics and hospital facilities and due to indoor air quality, chemical, and water and bacteria resistant attributes, tested and certified by leading third-party organizations. Use of MEGANITE for both horizontal and vertical applications provide advantages in operating rooms, laboratories, nursing stations, cafeterias, and patient rooms with integral countertops/sinks and backsplashes and shower walls.

Can MEGANITE be used in commercial food service applications?
Food safety- MEGANITE is a solid non-porous material that repels liquids and stains while it inhibits growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. It has been tested and certified by the National Sanitary Foundation and the American Standard Testing Methods. The high performance characteristics of MEGANITE provide extended product life with and ease of maintenance and repair.

How does MEGANITE compare to other surface materials?

Comparison Chart for Surface Materials
Material characteristics	Meganite	Granite	Laminate	Tile
Non-porous, liquids can't penetrate	Excellent	Poor	Good	Fair
Bacteria Resistance	Excellent	Poor	Good	Good
Superior Stain Resistance	Excellent	Poor	Good	Good
Mold & Mildew Resistance	Excellent	Poor	Good	Good
Consistent Color Quality	Excellent	Poor	Excellent	Good
Wide Color Range	Excellent	Fair	Excellent	Excellent
Smooth, solid, inconspicious seams	Excellent	Poor	Poor	Poor
Unlimited Edge Options	Excellent	Good	Poor	Poor
Seamless Backsplash	Excellent	Poor	Good	Poor
Integrated, seamed-in sinks	Excellent	Poor	Fair	Poor
Superior Scratch Resistance	Good	Excellent	Good	Excellent
Superior Heat Resistance	Good	Excellent	Poor	Excellent
Fire Retardant	Excellent	Excellent	Fair	Excellent
Renewable & Repairable	Excellent	Poor	Poor	Poor
Overall Design Flexibility	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Excellent
Wet-wall Applications	Excellent	Fair	Poor	Excellent
Require Periodic Sealing	Never	Yes	No	No
10 Year Warranty	Yes	No	No	No
Greenguard Certified for Children & Schools	Yes	No	Yes	No
Approved by the National Sanitary Foundation	Yes	No	Yes	No

What finishes or gloss levels are available?
MEGANITE is available in four sheen levels including matte, satin, semi-gloss and gloss. The selection of sheen level and coloration is recommended depending on the application of the material, e.g. vertical countertops versus horizontal wall cladding uses such as a heavy traffic hospital hallway application versus a dark signature color wall cladding used in corporate reception areas. Consideration should be given to the sheen level and the coloration depending upon the application. Your local designer and fabricaton can provide valuable input regarding options for your application. Please consider the following suggestions with your supplier and customer.

Colors- Generally light colors require less maintenance and are best for heavy traffic areas and applications. Light colors are easily repaired and maintained. Darker colors provide contrasting aesthetics in interior environments and should be reserved for low traffic areas, avoiding countertop surfaces with day to day usage, potential scratching, or water spotting. Light and medium colored textured patterns with dense chip and particulate distribution help to camouflage scratches and enhance overall aesthetic in heavy usage areas such as bank transaction counters or postal service facilities.

Finishes- Matte and satin finishes are preferred for most applications conducive to everyday use. Surfaces with lower gloss levels will develop their own beautiful patina over time. Matte finishes are easier to maintain than gloss; lighter colors look best with a matte finish. Darker colors look better with a satin or semigloss finish, but remember that a higher gloss is more sensitive and will require more attention to maintain its look.

Darker colors tend to require more attention than lighter colors.  Your designer and fabricator can offer suggestions regarding scratches and finishes that may result on the darker colors.

Is MEGANITE usage appropriate in ADA facilities?
MEGANITE products are routinely fabricated according to the American Disability Act standard for dimensional requirements in accordance with height and clearance dimensions for lavatories. MEGANITE distributors and fabricators customize products to meet your specific requirements including ADA.