How to Repair Cracks in Granite Countertops

Granite Crack Repair Advice & Solutions

Granite Crack Repair Advice & Solutions

QUESTION:

We just recently had 2 cm Santa Cecilia granite countertops installed.


We found a crack in the granite in the corner. The crack goes from one wall of the corner to the other.

Not too noticeable, but we are concerned about any additional problems it might cause.

My husband also realized that there is no plywood support underneath the countertops, which really raises more concern for us at this point.

Could the lack of plywood support be the reason for this crack and should we insist that they come back and reinstall with plywood?

ANSWER:

Certainly you should have the installers return to assess the damage and, if needed, mend the granite crack. Although, your installer may not be the best one for the job.

There are two types of granite cracks:

Hairline cracks typically cannot be seen or even felt easily, do not have a lip, and no gap or separation of the crack.

A hairline crack can occur during installation as the extremely heavy and rigid slab is moved into place. Typically, such cracks happen around sinks or other cutouts with thin sections of granite.

Naturally, many homeowners want the cracked slab replaced. But it can happen even with the most careful installation and there’s no guarantee it won’t happen with the replacement slab.

Hairline cracks generally do not need repair, will not get worse, and do not affect the use, cleaning, or integrity of the countertop. In some cases, additional support in the area could be beneficial.

Separated cracks have a gap, are easily seen and felt, and have a lip.

Separated cracks happen from a heavy impact, standing on the granite countertop, or foundation movement and require repair.

Granite Crack Repair Options


An experienced granite repair specialist is preferred for cracks in granite, marble, or any natural stone.

The typical granite installer is not experienced enough to artfully repair a crack in granite.

You'll end up with an ugly scar filled with epoxy. Installers can do minor repairs, but granite crack repair is a major repair (with a separated crack).

A person who has made crack repairs before knows the products and methods required and won't be experimenting or learning as they go.

Cracks in granite are repaired first by filling with acrylic or using a color-matched epoxy to glue the pieces back together. The choice here depends on the nature and severity of the crack.

Either way, the crack will remain easily visible and palpable unless the surface is then re-polished.

Filling or gluing the crack together could be a DIY job or something your installer could do, however, re-finishing the surface definitely is not a DIY project.

Polishing granite cracks to remove the edges of the crack and knowing how to blend the crack itself with the surrounding surface color and shine requires experience, knowledge, and skill.

This is why you want an experienced granite counter repair pro. Most fabricators / installers focus on installing and not repairing.

Luckily, since it's in the corner, even a mediocre repair won't be very noticeable and isn't a structural issue.

Doing nothing is also an option. When the crack in a granite countertop is only a short, hairline crack it rarely presents any real problems or gets worse. If it does, then you have it repaired.

It may not be worth the expense and hassle to repair a single, short, or surface hairline crack even
around a sink.

Small cracks usually don't pose any cleaning issues, and stains are rarely a problem, but applying a little extra sealer over a crack isn't a bad idea.

Long or full-thickness cracks and/or areas with multiple cracks likely need repair by a professional.

Granite Crack vs. Fissure


Any discussion of cracks in granite countertops must also include an explanation of fissures.

Fissures in granite are a natural characteristic of the stone.

Fissures are lines formed in the pattern of the stone by the borders of various crystalline groups within the stone.

fissures in granite slab golden crystal red

Fissures can be short or long... wide or narrow... only in the surface or full thickness... or may run through the countertop edges.

Many granite countertop colors don't have any fissures, others just a few and some patterns have many running all over.

Fissures are similar to cracks. In fact, you could say a fissure is a naturally occurring "crack" and sometimes can even look nearly identical to a crack.

The key difference of a fissure vs. a crack is separation.
  • Fissures maintain structural integrity of the stone. No separation or space exists. It's a crack that hasn't actually cracked or split.

  • Fissures occur across the slab... not just in one or two spots.

  • Fissures are level, feel smooth and do not have an edge.

  • Fissures are typically curved and do not run in straight lines or have angular zig-zags, but sometimes look like cracks.

fissures can look like cracks in granite countertop

Fissures are weak points and can become a "crack" from impact or stressful forces during transportation, installation or after.
  • Cracks are lines of physical separation. The stone has split.

  • Cracks have an edge you can feel or catch with a fingernail.

  • Cracks in granite are most commonly "hairline", but can be wider.

  • Cracks can be short, long, surface or full-thickness of the slab.

  • Cracks typically occur at sink and cooktop cutouts, edges and corners.

Plywood Support for Granite Countertops


Most/all granite slab countertops are installed right onto the cabinets without a plywood substrate. This is normal and provides plenty of support.

A tile countertop would need the plywood or backer board underlayment, but it's unnecessary for a slab countertop. Of course, you should not stand on granite countertops and be mindful to follow granite care guidelines.

I don't think the supposed "lack" of support had anything to do with the cracked granite.

A plywood substrate is sometimes used to create a level surface when cabinets/floors are not level. Or to elevate the kitchen countertop when a laminated edge is used, which helps keep the edge from interfering with the drawers.

The cracked corner probably occurred during moving and installing the granite counter top slab.

Slabs are big, heavy and difficult to move... can get some accidents.

Yes, I know you didn't pay for a cracked corner, but is it really worth the hassle to replace it?

If it was an edge or in an obviously visible area, then it may have to be redone. But it can likely be repaired reasonably.

And if in a back corner, you simply won't notice it that much (if at all). Possibly you can put some appliance or other decoration there as well.

Contact your installer or a granite repair specialist and see what is needed to fix the cracked corner. But you may decide just to leave it. If it's a hairline crack with minimal lip, it likely won't get worse or cause any future problem.

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Trying To Stabilize a Large Crack in Black Granite - DIY Methods?
by: Suzanne …former contractor

Help… I have two large cracks in my countertop that need to be stabilized. Type adhesive? Any do-it-yourself methods you can share using recommended products?

===== Countertop Specialty:

If you need to stabilize it I assume it is moving or growing. If so, then you may have a cabinet or foundation issue.

If the crack is separated, then I would highly recommend hiring a stone restoration professional skilled in repairing cracks.

This way you have a shot at making it as invisible as possible.

Any DIY method to simply fill the crack will look bad. And may not last or work if the granite is moving or shifting.

And without actually seeing the granite and cabinets, etc., we can't really comment or make recommendations specific to your situation. Sorry!

Repairing Seam Chips
by: Larry

How do I repair seam chips?

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

To repair chips in the seam of a granite countertop use the Pit and Chip Repair Kit.

This is an easy DIY fix, using this clear compound for a virtually invisible repair.

It is a self-leveling product (just fill the chip or pit) but it can be sanded to shape if necessary and then polished to a shine.

The "clear" gel is for use on horizontal surfaces and the "paste" is for vertical surfaces like edges, backsplashes, or wall tile.

Granite Overhang Corner Repair
by: Anonymous

Granite countertop overhang corner from kitchen pass-through opening to dining room broke off during installation.

Had firm order another slab from the exact same lot as I had an extra one on hold. They agreed.

Owner called and offered $500 discount if I would accept "repaired" corner. I said no as it would bother me.

How noticieable would the repaired section have been.

===== Countertop Specialty comment:

Cracks in granite are difficult to repair without leaving a visible scar.

A pro highly skilled and experienced in crack repair can sometimes work wonders and make the crack repair much less visible.

But your standard fabricator is typically not that skilled. They could make a solid repair but almost certainly it would be visible.



Crack behind sink faucet
by: Anonymous

I have been looking for information pertaining to steel reinforcement rod failure.

My countertop just got a crack behind the faucet, above where the reinforcement rod is cut in.

The countertop has been in position for 5 years. Looking under the sink, I note the sink was never clamped to the countertop, just sealed, and is coming unattached in areas.

There is a line of rust along the edge of the rod seam near to where the faucet is located. The installer said it’s because the rod was wet when installed.

I say it’s from moisture leaking from my improperly attached under mount sink. Can I trust my installer? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

The rust could be from a rod that was wet on install or it could be from water leaking through the sink seal. Hard to say. If the rust staining on the stone seems extensive, then probably from a leak.

And if the rust stain is showing on the top surface of the countertop, then definitely from a leak. It would take some time and a consistent water source to cause that.

The sink is usually glued to the underside of the countertop and not clamped. Glued and then caulked all around. Possibly it needs to be re-glued, supported, and re-caulked.

Extremely helpful
by: Diane Taylor

This article was extremely helpful and informative.

Cracked Granite Above Dishwasher
by: Anonymous

I'm purchasing a condo that has a crack/actual piece (very small) missing above the dishwasher.

There is a seam (not the best place for a seam, but work was completed awhile ago) also above the dishwasher.

The seam is slightly raised. Should I be concerned about further damage?

For now, I'm OK with the piece missing, but I'm afraid another piece may come out eventually. Any suggestions are appreciated.

===== Countertop Specialty comment:

Heat and steam from dishwashers can sometimes cause issues with granite countertops if the dishwasher is not installed correctly (not enough space or insulation).

The seam above the dishwasher is not a great location, but if the granite countertop has been in place for several years, then no reason to think that any current damage will get significantly worse.

But honestly, it's hard to say without assessing it in person.

It's a good idea to have a granite fabricator / contractor come give an opinion.

Consider that if it does get worse it likely can be repaired, but would likely require a skilled stone restoration professional.

Worst case scenario is that it gets worse or cracks through and a section of the countertop needs to be replaced. In this case, it will be nearly impossible to find a slab that will exactly match what is currently in place.

You may find something very close, but each granite slab is unique and the color can vary a lot. Finding a match that doesn't come from the same slab bundle as the original slab is very difficult in many cases.

So, you do want to make sure that further damage requiring replacement is unlikely.

Concealing crack in granite countertop
by: Anonymous

A hairline crack appeared in our countertop about three months after it was installed in May.

We tried to get the installer to come and look at it but was unsuccessful.

I took a permanent marker and traced the crack then wiped off the residue. Then I took a sealer and sprayed it. The crack is still there, but not as noticeable.

crack along the seam of backsplash and countertop
by: Anonymous

We recently bought a house and found a crack along the length of the seam of tile backsplash and granite countertop in our kitchen.

The crack is about 6-7 feet long and 1/8 inch wide. We suspect it might be there for a while and we just missed it or didn't pay much attention during the home inspection.

The kitchen was renovated about 5 years ago by the previous owners. I would like to have your advice on whether we can seal the crack by ourselves or would be better off to find professionals to do the job. If it is an easy DIY, can you recommend a good product for the work?

===== Countertop Specialty comment:

Certainly that's a very odd place for a crack and at an 1/8 inch wide it is huge. It should be filled with an epoxy or acrylic glue and repaired.

I'd have a professional do the job. Not just any granite fabricator, but a stone repair specialist. Try to color match the glue or possibly using a clear acrylic will make for a more invisible repair.


3 feet very visible crack on island granite
by: Anonymous

My kitchen granite counter top is almost 3 years old. I have 3X7 feet long granite island.

Recently I saw a 3 feet long crack that is visible. And another hairline crack 2 feet from the big one.

I contacted the contractor to see my options he said you have missed your warranty so I cannot do much. He said he will come seal with epoxy. He is charging me $400 for it.

What should I do, seal it or replace the granite.

Advice please!
Thanks

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Not every granite crack needs repair. Some will remain as is and never cause any problem or get worse.

Much of this depends on the location of the crack, how well supported, degree of use in the area, etc.

Applying epoxy can stabilize the crack, but may not really make it look any better.

I'd suggest getting a second opinion from a true granite repair specialist. The average fabricator / installer is not necessarily the best choice for repair.

It is possible to repair many granite cracks to like-new condition, but this requires experience and specific skill.

The best choice would be to just leave the cracks alone or at least monitor for a while (a few months) and see if they separate.

But get some other views and bids now from a stone restoration pro or at least from a couple other fabricators... and learn exactly how they will repair the crack.

Cracked granite lip of sink
by: Anonymous

I got an estimate of $2000 to replace a 4 ft x 4" granite along the near edge of the sink. Is this a fair price? Labor and material. The piece has to be bull-nosed on the edge and of course cut on the inside. This is Los Angeles! Thank you for any suggestions!

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Seems a bit expensive, but then again a little more tricky to replace this piece around the sink. Type of granite is a factor in the cost and labor/install costs vary from city to city.

So, it may be in line with LA. Get 2 or 3 other bids to compare. Of course, it's more important to hire the person who is skilled and competent. Usually this person has enough experience to know their value and won't be the cheapest.

helpful
by: KB

Your page was very informative and helpful, however I do have a question that I hope you can help me with.

My countertop (7-yrs-old) had a 6" crack running across and thickness wise, repairman insisted that I put a hot pot on it; not true.

He put the glue down and 4 years later the crack has grown and is five inches from the other edge.

Repairman says the crack is the same and nothing further can be done. Can you help or am I just being unreasonable and accept his word? Their is a 10 yr warranty but won't honor it since it is the same issue.Sa

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Would help if possible, but this is an issue needed to be solved in person. I'd suggest bringing in another granite crack repair person.... an experience stone repair pro and see what he/she says.

Preventing Granite Cracks
by: Camille B.

Hi,

This is a really great post and perfect information for existing granite cracks.

What is the biggest cause of such cracks, and what sort of steps can I take to prevent them in my own granite countertops?

Thanks,
Camille B.

====== Countertop Specialty comment:

Many cracks happen during install since this is when the granite slab is undergoing the most stress from transport, delivery and placing onto cabinets.

So, you don't have to be too worried about creating a crack once installed. Usually cracks that occur after installation are due to an accident.

For instance: a refrigerator tips over when moving and cracks the countertop edge. Or something heavy was dropped on the surface or edge.

Vibration from machinery and/or earthquakes can lead to granite cracks as well.

Granite is tough and durable, but rigid, so it's helpful to keep this in mind.

To avoid cracks in granite countertops:
  • Do not stand or sit on the countertops

  • Do not use countertops as a workbench for home projects

  • Do not set anything heavy (>50 lbs) on granite countertops

  • Do not set hot pots/pans directly on the surface.... use a trivet (granite does take heat well, but a crack from "thermal shock" is possible with extended heat exposure)

  • Fix home foundation movement. (Shifts in the foundation could cause granite cracks)

Also, be sure to follow the granite maintenance guidelines and the Granite Care Do's & Don'ts click here.

Is plywood necessary
by: Ryan

No plywood is not necessary IF your foundation and cabinets are in good shape and offer solid, even support at regular intervals.

Plywood can be useful when installing over old or irregular cabinets or over cabinets that are unlevel due to foundation issues.

There is some controversy in the industry regarding support.

Some will insist it is necessary to "rod" every slab. This is a process to insert metal rods in the underside of the slab.

Others argue that rodding only serves to weaken the slab because grooves or slots are cut into the granite for inserting the rods. But rodding is a bit different than using plywood.

Also, the other issue with using plywood is that you must use a laminated edge in order to cover the plywood that you'll see sitting above the cabinets. Molding matching the cabinets can be used, but looks a bit wonky.

A laminated edge is fine with 2cm, but often doesn't work so well with a 3cm slab since the edge then becomes too big.

So, even with plywood raising the level of the slab, the laminated edge hiding the plywood may interfere with the drawers, etc.

But again, typically not a problem with 2cm.

I'd say forget the plywood, except for the above stated (fairly rare) circumstances.

Is plywood support needed for 2cm granite?
by: Anonymous

Hello, just wondering if plywood support is typically placed for 2cm granite countertop for the kitchen? From what I have read on the internet, it is, but some installers say it's not worth it. We are just wasting our money. What do you think?

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Granite Countertop Crack at Sink Corner

by Barbara
(Portland, OR)

Uba Tuba Granite Crack

Uba Tuba Granite Crack

QUESTION:

Uba Tuba granite countertop. The top is 11 months, 3 weeks old.

There is a crack at the corner of the sink.

I don't know how it happened...no one has confessed to causing it. Should this be covered by the warranty?

Could this have been caused by the undermount sink not being installed correctly?

ANSWER:

Cut outs for sinks and cooktops are weak points and the most likely spots for cracks in granite to occur.

The sink area receives a lot of abuse. A crack could develop from direct impact, someone sitting or standing on the countertop, or stress from using the sink.

Yes... it also could have happened during installation of the granite countertop.

Usually this happens simply because a granite slab is extremely heavy and difficult to maneuver. Despite all best efforts and care sometimes a crack develops in weaker areas.

If a major crack occurs during install any reputable fabricator will, repair the crack, cut out and replace the area if possible or simply eat the cost and start over.

But if only a hairline crack it may go unnoticed or even when noticed installed anyway because these are almost never a problem, will remain stable and do not affect the performance of the counter top.

Highly unlikely it developed because the sink was installed "incorrectly". Not much to screw up with that.

However, eleven months after install it's impossible to tell if the installers are somehow to blame, so not really fair or productive to accuse them at this point.

And it may be nothing to worry about. If the crack can only be felt by running your finger tip or fingernail over it and there isn't any lip, then it probably won't be an issue.

However, if the crack has a lip and/or it looks to go all the way through the entire slab, then you may have an issue and it could get worse, especially around the sink.

Cracks in granite countertops around the sink most often are just hairline cracks without a lip and never really present a problem other than a bit of frustration that it exists.

Possibly a simple repair or extra support could be added to stabilize the area. Check with your installer.

Of course, you can't expect them to do this for free since there's no way at this point to fault them for it.

If there is a lip, you may still be able to level the surface, repair and stabilize the area to eliminate any problem. This will require professional granite repair of course.

Worst case scenario is replacement of a part or the entire granite counter top, but almost never needed.

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Fissure or Crack
by: Anonymous

Article was great in trying to understand how to best approaching talking with my fabricator and installer.

We have a fissure prone granite (Cold Stone) installed in our kitchen and extended counter into the dining area. When last sealing, I noticed what I called a crack in a narrower section because it was physically felt when buffing the sealer.

I contacted the fabricator and they quickly referred to it as a fissure and indicated it is common with our granite, but they would contact the installer for a service call.

Story of the installer being less than responsive aside - I happened to look at the underside, and I can see and feel what appears to be a skim coat of something over the top of the reinforcing mesh that appears to follow the raised area felt on the top of the counter.

Does this indicate it had been a known area of concern identified by the quarry or during fabrication?

If I can feel it on the surface, and it runs from front to back, this would be a crack, not a fissure?

I'm past the fabrication warranty - should I have any recourse knowing it appears the mesh area was additionally reinforced?

===== Countertop Specialty comment:

Just because you feel the same crack/fissure on the underside does not mean it is a crack. Fissures can and usually do run through the entire slab thickness.

However, if you are feeling a lip on the top surface, then yes it is probably a crack. The mesh is normal and commonly used.

Although, if you are feeling some substance like a hardened glue following the same line as the "fissure", it is likely a crack that the installers knew about and tried to reinforce.

It could be a fissure they thought was vulnerable to cracking, though too. But feeling a lip on the surface is usually a crack.

You may have a case that they knowingly installed a cracked slab, but you'll need to get some local help to confirm a diagnosis.

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Hairline Cracks in New Granite

by Donna
(Philadelphia)

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.

Now there are hairline cracks radiating out from three of the four corners of the cook top hole and the stove top is broken.

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.

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.

You will be constantly stressing this area too with additional weight and pots and pans banging around (if you cook like me anyway!).

Plus, with so many cracks concentrated in small areas, they may get worse with more becoming full thickness.

True, epoxy or polyester resin could repair the cracked granite and improve the integrity in the area, but cut-outs are weak areas.

Even with repair and any support that they may be able to add the entire area is compromised.

Epoxy can be very strong and a stellar repair may be sufficient, but I'd want a granite repair specialist to do it.

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.

You 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 is risky... could wreck the slab.

Maybe you get lucky and find one, but this is a bassackwards way of doing it.

I say start over.

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Dirt in Hairline crack
by: Anonymous

My countertop has a hairline crack by the front of the sink. It wasn't very noticeable, but over time, dirt has gotten in. Is there a way to clean out or at least bleach the dirt and then put some kind of glue to prevent more dirt from getting in? Thanks.

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Typically, hairline cracks don't cause any problems or collect dirt since there isn't any separation. But it sounds like in your case there is enough separation of the crack for dirt to collect.

I'd suggest using a stiff-bristle brush to try and clean out as much as possible. You may want to start with an old toothbrush and then move to a more stiff-bristle brush if needed.

You could also use a needle or toothpick to try and scrape out some of the dirt. Just be careful not to damage the edges of the crack.

A third option is to use water to rinse out. If you have something that shoots a stream of water that would be best. A water pick (used to clean your teeth instead of dental floss) would work. Or a squirt gun. Maybe even a spray bottle with water will be helpful.

After cleaning out the crack as best you can you can fill it using the Pit & Chip Repair Kit. It's a clear gel so it will be as invisible as possible.

This will work for short cracks (1-5 inches) and with minimal separation so the gel does not simply run out the bottom of the crack (if it is a full-thickness crack).

But in your case, I think it's the best option and should work to fill the crack so it looks better and stays clean.

Granite Crack Repair Longevity
by: KC

We moved into a new home that advertises a bumper-to-bumper warranty for a year. The house has had this crack in the granite countertop since Day 1.

They attempted to repair it before we moved in.

Now the crack is yellowing. They are saying they will send in an expert to do a better job. If it looks good, I would be willing to accept it.

My fear is how long the repair will last. How long do granite repairs last?

Is it better for me to insist on new granite?

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Well, a granite countertop without a crack is always better, but often it is not practical or the best choice to tear it out and replace it.

The yellowing is probably the epoxy or adhesive used is affected by light and UV rays. Some glues will yellow over time. Those shouldn't be used.

Honestly, that should not be an issue. Common adhesives typically used for filling seams, chips or cracks remain color-stable.

Skilled stone restoration professionals can often repair cracks so they are almost invisible and they will last basically forever.

But, of course, a crack and the repair is a weaker area. So depending on where the crack is and what kind of use and stress that part of the countertop is under, it could be a problem again in the future. But, honestly, that is rare.

Once a crack is properly filled, glued, or otherwise repaired it should remain in the same condition for years and years.

Really, many cracks can remain stable even without repair and even in heavy-use areas like the kitchen sink.

Sometimes a hairline crack may develop or occur during installation. Even with the best care, this can happen as granite is very heavy, rigid, and difficult to maneuver.

But if the crack is not separated and does not have a lip, then it is usually not a problem. It may be irritating to know it is there, but generally, it doesn't get worse or cause any issues.

In this case, it isn't worth replacing the granite because there is no guarantee that the new granite won't possibly get a hairline crack as well.

And there's always a risk of damaging the cabinets when tearing out granite countertops.

The one situation that can cause repeated problems is a home with foundation movement. If the foundation is unstable, then that can cause all kinds of problems throughout the house.

Granite countertops are rigid. So any foundation movement can cause new cracks or old repaired ones to open again.

But it sounds like the main issue in your case is the yellowing.

So, ensure that the stone repair contractor is using an adhesive that will not yellow or discolor over time or exposure to sunlight.

If the crack is wide, long, ugly, and cannot be repaired to blend well, then replacing the slab is worth considering.

But note that you'll want or even need to replace the entire countertop and not just the section that is cracked.

You'll never find a replacement slab that matches the existing granite.

Even if it is a common and abundantly available granite color, any slab you replace it with will almost certainly have a slightly different shade or pattern and that will be just as annoying as the crack.

But a proper granite crack repair should last as long as the countertop.

Honed granite epoxy fix
by: Anonymous

We had our polished granite counter honed. The look is beautiful but there is a large branch looking fissure down the middle that was filled with epoxy...the fill spots appear shiny.

The counter is completely smooth but the fill spots appear shiny compared to the rest of the honed counter.....giving the appearance of a huge crack in certain lights..... even after being sealed with Tenax sealer enhancer.

Is there a way of dulling up the shiny epoxy spots? We tried sanding the spots and then resealing...no effect still shiny....otherwise we love the look.
Thanks

===== Countertop Specialty comment:

If the epoxy was not dulled during the honing process, then I think you're out of luck.

Faulty granite recourse
by: Anonymous

If it's notorious for damage....then why not share that with the customer.

I have a crack in my granite I just saw. Finally picked the tile and got it set.....now I see a crack.

I was with tile setters and plumber.....I truly do not believe they did it. I was there entire time cutting my border tiles into strips.

It's been in my kitchen about 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!! What should I do? Call an attorney?

How to Repair Hairline Cracks
by: KM

We had a countertop installed about a year ago and noticed hairline cracks right where we stand and use the counter the most.

I called the installer and a guy came over. He tried to fill in the cracks and then scrape away the excess with a razor.

It did not turn out very well and now I'm left with debris on the counter and still have the hairline cracks.

I don't want to call them again as I don't think they know how to really fix the problem. What do you suggest?

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

If indeed these are "hairline" cracks, I suggest you leave them alone.

As the above article explains, hairline cracks are rarely a problem. And really nothing you can do to "fix" them. An open crack can be fixed. Additional support could be added in the area possibly.

I know you don't want the cracks, but true hairline cracks that can be seen, but no lip... these generally don't get worse or cause a problem.

If you do want to pursue it, then you are correct... your installer probably doesn't really know how to fix cracks. You need a specialist.... a stone restoration professional experienced at repairing cracks (which is not just filling the cracks).

crack first day
by: Anonymous

Our new bathroom countertop cracked right in front of the faucet.

It is in the shape of a triangle, located right under where the faucet was drilled and goes from the hole (circle) to the edge of the sink. It has a ridge.

There is also another crack on across the backsplash.

The owner of the company tried to tell my husband that the installation of the faucet may have done it. My husband says NO WAY, the washers are plastic etc.

We noticed this the next day! We are not happy and the guy who did the template came out and put some glue in it.

He said the person who drilled the holes did this.

I can still feel it and am not happy and worry this will always be a problem. I can see if from the toilet. I don't want to look at or deal with this for the rest of our days.

Also since there is a triangle shaped crack, he was worried it will break/fall thru and then we'd be really stuck. I am SO not happy paying top dollar and having to "settle" with this guy just using glue and calling it fixed!

Now he won't return my husbands calls. I will go to small claims court and give him some free advertising.

===== Countertop Specialty comment:

This is an unfortunate situation. Sounds like you paid for the entire job and then noticed the cracks, which were almost certainly caused while drilling the holes for the faucet.

A single hairline crack with no ridge or separation is generally never a problem and can't be seen easily, so no issue.

But the cracks you describe are much worse and probably cannot be correctly repaired. Simply filling with glue is not a proper repair.

As described, this is the fabricator / installer's responsibility. In such cases, a reputable fabricator would remove it and start over with a new stone slab.

Sadly, small claims court is likely your only recourse at this point.

Crack around the sink
by: Anonymous

We just remodeled our whole kitchen. When the granite installer guy installed the countertop around the sink I noticed a crack in front of the sink close to the corner that goes toward inside of the sink.

He repaired it and gave us a lifetime warranty that it won't break. I agreed, but after two or three days I noticed another crack the other side of the sink at the same direction.

We haven't finished our kitchen yet. We haven't installed the faucets. What should I do? Is it possible to replace the whole granite countertop without more damage.

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Alert your granite countertop installer to the second crack. Have him stabilize or repair it as he did the first and include it in the guarantee as well.

Unfortunately, granite cracks around sinks and other cutouts can occur even with great care by installers. Granite is heavy, rigid and difficult to move around. The cutouts are weak spots.

Typically, these are hairline cracks that are barely noticeable and rarely move, get worse or cause any problem.

Of course, it is not ideal, but generally not worth replacing. No guarantee it wouldn't happen on replacement.

Question
by: Anonymous

I had white springs granite installed in my kitchen.

Once installed I noticed that it is completely covered with fissures, rough pits and "scraped"areas that have been filled with resin.

Think there is as much dull as polished stone --- looks like countertop is very dirty. Have been told that this is normal for white springs granite.

The pattern is gorgeous--lying flat it looks bad. There are rough edges on the pits.

My question is......

Is this normal for white springs granite? Will the granite chip or harbor mold/bacteria in the rough areas. I am trying to work with my contractor/fabricator to have it repaired/replaced. Would re-polishing make a difference. I am just sick about this. Thanks

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

No, it is not normal for a new, professionally installed granite countertop (of any color) to covered in pits and rough patches.

Now, it is "normal" for granite to be in this condition, but such slabs should not be installed.

All granites can pit. Some are more prone to pitting than others. This problem is rather easily managed by using the Chips and Pits Acrylic Repair Kit.

Rough patches are a different deal. The entire surface should be smooth and evenly shiny. Some granite slabs will polish better than others and for some the composition and structure of the rock is too poor a quality for a countertop and cannot be polished well or at all.

Some of these slabs sneak into the marketplace.

Fissures are completely normal and typically are not a problem. However, these are points of weakness and if the granite countertop has a lot it could be an issue.

Again, pits, fissures, rough patches are all "normal" for granite as a rock from the earth. Slabs exhibiting too many of these features are not used for countertops.

You can fill the pits. You are stuck with the fissures. Re-polishing likely won't change any of the rough patches. If they could be polished, they already would be.

If installer chose the slab, then definitely he should replace it.

cracked granite from install and flood
by: Anonymous

5 months after we moved into our brand new home we had a flood and had then noticed a very large and deep zigzag type crack in the granite in front of the sink.

We could see that a filler was coming out of it and the crack is so bad you can cut your finger when you touch it.

You can tell the crack is right thru the granite. It is obvious the crack existed at installation, but was fixed, however, the shifting of the below cabinets due to the flood in the kitchen could have eroded the crack repair as we discovered it after.

Our builder said they would replace just that one cracked slab of granite which joins to the second slab at the sink.

They will not replace the rest of our granite to ensure the color match. I am wondering if it is standard that they should be replacing all our granite (under home warranty) or am I unreasonable asking them to do so?

We have had opinions form contractors who suggest they replace all of it because the pattern won’t likely match the rest. I have been in process of filing a claim with our Home Warranty company. What is your opinion?

===== Countertop Specialty comment:

Yes, ideally you would want to replace the entire granite countertop with consecutive slabs from the same quarry block/batch.

However, it is not always necessary depending on the color and pattern of the granite. Many colors/patterns are consistent enough that it isn't difficult to find an acceptable match.

I think it is reasonable that the builder replace only the damaged area. The crack may have occurred during install, however, sounds like it was repaired well and it was the flood and shifting foundation that is the current cause.

In other words, without the flood the crack was a non-issue and maybe not even noticed by you. Such cracks typically never get worse or cause any problems at all.

So, since the builder is not responsible for the flood it seems at least reasonable to replace only the one area.

However, if it is agreed that the crack did actually occur at install, it is also reasonable of you to expect a very good match with any replacement slab.

If a very close match cannot be achieved, then you do have a good argument to replace the entire countertop. Also, consider that another repair of the granite crack may be possible.

Not every installer / contractor is good at crack repair, but those that are skilled can make a near perfect and invisible crack repair.


REPLACE!!!
by: Anonymous

Of course, they should replace that. Who the heck wants to look at cracked granite every day. A good job is a job done without damage.

=== Countertop Specialty Comment: Yes, of course a good job is one done without damage, however, there are some situations where you may consider other choices.

For instance: the customer chooses a granite that is notoriously difficult to handle... meaning even with the most delicate cutting, care and placement the granite still cracks.

It's important to understand that lifting, moving and positioning an awkward, unevenly shaped, extremely heavy piece of stone in a confined space without doing any damage to surroundings can often be a big challenge.

Throw in a granite that likes to crack just looking at it and you have a scenario where it may be the best choice to live with a hairline crack that is largely unnoticeable and doesn't cause problems rather than start over with another piece of the same granite that likes to crack.... end up in the same place a second time.

Believe me... this is just as frustrating to fabricators as homeowners. It's just par for the course when working with stone.

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