Hairline Cracks in New Granite
by Donna
QUESTION:We have just installed new granite countertop. The cutout for the stove top was too small, but the installer shoved the stove top into the space.The stove top is broken, and there are now hairline cracks radiating out from three of the four corners of the cook top hole. One of them goes all the way through the slab. the others seem to be on the surface. Should we make them replace the granite countertop? They haven't even hooked up sink or stove top yet. They claim epoxy will solve the problem. ANSWER:I'd make them replace the granite. Considering they couldn't think ahead or be patient enough to do the job right, I wouldn't trust any countertop repair job they were going to attempt.True, epoxy or polyester resin glue could possibly be used to maintain integrity in the area, but cut-outs are weak areas. Even with glue and any support that they may (or may not) be able to add the entire area is compromised. You will be constantly stressing this area too with additional weight and pots and pans banging around (if you cook like me anyway!). Plus, these granite countertop cracks could and likely will get worse with more becoming full thickness. A single hairline crack somewhere I wouldn't worry about, but multiple cracks radiating from 3 corners of the cook top cut-out... no good. Now, I don't know how long or how many cracks there are, so maybe it sounds worse than it is and you're thinking maybe just to negotiate a much cheaper price and an adequate repair. That's an option... However, there is still the issue of the broken cook top. Need a new one... the same one won't fit this cut out. So, you need one that will fit this cut out because enlarging the cut out now could wreck the slab. Maybe you get lucky and find one, but this is a bassackwards way of doing it. I say start over.  Good Luck,Ryan P.S. Get all the facts and simple step-by-step solutions to any problem with our Granite & Marble Maintenance Manuals.
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