Granite Crack

QUESTION:

I have an Uba Tuba granite kitchen island and I have just noticed a hairline crack of about 8 inches running from the outside edge in the middle inward to the center.


Should I be concerned? What, if anything, should I do?

ANSWER:

Randy, I'd have your installer determine if actually a crack in the granite, or just a fissure. Fissures are normal features in granite, but are weak spots that can crack more easily.

Hard to say now how a crack may have occurred at this point. Possibly the slab cracked during install, or sometime afterward, or that crack may have been there even prior to installation, but was overlooked since fissures and cracks can look alike.

Probably nothing to get to bent about. You'd rather not have it, of course, but hairline granite cracks rarely get worse or cause any problems.

Just have a pro take a look. A little extra support or epoxy may sufficiently stabilize the area. Also, you can learn a bunch more on this Reparing granite countertop cracks page.

Comments for Granite Crack

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granite crack fixed with steel rod??
by: Anonymous

I recently bought a new home and during the walkthrough I pointed out a crack in the granite countertop at the sink.

The builder had the crack sealed with epoxy, but 6 months later the crack opened up again. It runs from the edge of the sink all the way around the edge of the countertop and when you feel the underside of the countertop you can feel that the crack extends the full depth of the granite.

Since my house is still under warranty I called the builder and they sent someone out to do the same thing and seal the crack with epoxy.

I pointed out to them that this was just a temporary fix and that the last time they did this it only lasted a few months.

The builder refuses to replace the granite and instead had someone come out and insert a thin steel rod in the granite on the side facing the sink and glued that in.

They insist that this will solve the problem, but I'm still a bit skeptical because from what I've been able to find rodding is usually meant to prevent cracks. Will this fix an already cracked piece of granite?

=== Countertop Specialty comment:

Rodding is a bit controversial. Some say it strengthens slabs to prevent cracking, however, others argue that the rodding process actually weakens the granite.

However, in your case it may be that installing the rod will prevent separation in the future since both halves are glued to the rod. The glue would have to fail and that is not likely.

Cracks typically don't separate just because. Usually this involves movement of the foundation, so you may want to check on that as well.
Fixing granite crack around built-in burners
by: david

I just installed granite countertops in my kitchen. The one slab on my built in burner side, has cracked, on the back side of my cutout, and also on the front side..how can I fix them so I can set my burners in?

=== Countertop Specialty comment:

You'll find a lot of info to help you with this issue on this page about repairing granite cracks and in the questions and answers on this page from others with the same problem.

Basically... if the cracks are hairline without a lip, then likely not an issue except you'll want to add additional support in the area.

If the granite cracks have a lip.... you can feel it with a fingernail... then you'll need to hire a qualified (experienced / reputable) stone repair professional.

In other words... you want someone who "repairs" granite countertops rather than just installs them. Different skill sets. Many fabricators try to make repairs, but just don't have the experience to do it well in difficult cases.

So, call around, get references, etc.
7 1/2 inch granite crack around bathtub
by: Diane

Contractor installed granite bathtub top and has a 7 1/2 inch crack at top that wraps around to white enamel of tub.

Contractor said it can be fixed and will not be a future problem.

We are obviously very concerned about this. We think we need a new slab and not a repair job. I appreciate your input. Thank you.

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Depending on the severity, location, etc. of the granite crack, repair is possible.

Now, repairing a crack so it is "like new" requires specific knowledge and skill. If your contractor simply intends to fill the crack and/or glue the pieces back together, then it will be very noticeable.

My advice is to quiz your contractor about exactly how he intends to repair the crack and also get a second opinion from a reputable stone restoration pro with plenty of crack repair experience.

If the crack can be repaired to be nearly invisible, then this is a reasonable solution. No, you didn't pay for a crack in the granite, but if repaired well it won't be a problem and possibly you can negotiate a discount.

However, if after a repair is attempted and an obviously visible blemish remains, then replacing the granite slab is appropriate.
cracks in granite
by: Anonymous

my home was built in 2006 and I opted for granite as an upgrade.

I noticed a crack in the granite at the sink area. It started as a hairline and over time, it was beginning to open up, so I called the builders and they gave me the number of the company who installed.

Found out that the business was sold and the new owner came to see the problem. He ordered some solution and filled in the crack for $100.

He was perplexed, but thought that would take care of it. About a month later, another crack appeared below the first crack and it extends all the way on both sides. they are hairline now, but every day I look at it, the line gets longer and longer.

He is coming again to take a look but expressed that he has never encountered such a problem.

Should I sue the developer or can I claim from my insurance because I will have to replace the entire kitchen.

==== Countertop Specialty comment: Well, I can't give legal advice, but you should discuss that matter further with the developer and possibly have your foundation analyzed.

Typically hairline granite cracks don't get worse or open up unless support of the granite countertop changes and foundation movement will cause this.

Movement could also occur if the granite countertops had very poor support to begin with. Cracks are most often found around the sink and this area gets heavy use, so poor support could cause a continual flexing that would open the crack.

So, check the support around the sink and the house for other signs of foundation movement. This may not be the problem, but the granite has to move somehow for the crack to open and it typically it won't do that on it's own.
fire damaged countertops
by: Anonymous

I need your advice! I had a stove fire in my kitchen. The stove is trash and has to be replaced.

The SIDE of the granite that was next to the fire was damaged. The fire was very hot and even melted the top of the stainless stove. Insurance doesn't want to pay for the granite to be replaced because they said the damaged part can be polished off.

A fabricator was here and he said he was afraid to touch it because it was exposed to such high heat that it may crack. And he said even if it didn't crack now, who's to say it won't crack in 2 months from now.

When I bought our house insurance they promised "same quality, same detail as it was before" and the thought of always being on edge about that section of the granite makes me uncomfortable.

Considering it will be right next to the new stove, it will continually be exposed to high heat daily. I will be happy with all new granite. Do you have an expert opinion that I can use to convince the insurance company to pay up?

==== ADMIN COMMENT:

You didn't say what the "damage" was, but I'm assuming it is simply burns. Apparently the granite is not currently cracked.

When granite cracks due to heat it is due to a rapid change in heat called "thermal shock". I'm not a physicist or geologist, so I cannot say definitively that prolonged exposure to intense heat didn't somehow change the granite, but I doubt it.

The granite got hot and cooled down. I doubt it is more likely now to crack that it was when installed.

If the new stove is just a regular modern oven/cooktop then the granite will not be exposed to high or intense heat. It will be exposed to radiant heat, but not high enough to bother the granite at all.

Granite takes heat very well and a crack from Thermal shock is rare, but it usually happens when you set a very hot pan onto the surface, which causes a rapid change in temperature and expansion in the granite.

Just have the granite re-finished / re-polished and it should be good as new. But find a competent and knowledgeable stone restoration pro... not a fabricator. Fabrication/installation and stone restoration are two completely different skill sets.
granite countertop firepit crack
by: Anonymous

I bought a 42 inch round granite counter top fire table two months ago. The center is cut out for the burner pan. I just found a crack that goes all the way across from the center opening where the burner pan sits out to the edge of the table the crack continues down around the lip/edge. When I looked under the table I can see the crack goes all the way through the granite. It is a jagged line. What could cause this? I have contacted the manufacturer and I am waiting for a return call.

====Admin Comment: It could have been damaged during shipment, but if you just noticed it, then I'd say it is the heat from the fire.

Granite can take heat very well, but all stone can potentially crack under extreme heat / thermal expansion.
New countertop has large crack
by: Anonymous

I just installed new granite countertops. There are 9 different pieces, but only the island has large cracks running across the surface. The island is 30"W and the cracks run from one side to the other. The installers filled all the cracks with epoxy, but it bothers me to no end every time I walk into the kitchen and see all that epoxy and all those cracks. While reading other comments, I realized the installers had also left the webbed backing on the underside of the granite, so if I look under the cabinet, on the inside, I can't tell if the crack runs all the way through because the webbed backing is covering the bottom of the granite. My general contractor and the fabricator are trying to tell me these cracks are natural to the stone. But only the island has cracks. All of the other countertops look great.
can a mixer crack your contertop?
by: Anonymous

I was told if a continue to use my stand-up mixer on my granite countertop, the vibration will eventually crack it. Is this right?

=== Answer:

Well, if a crack already exists, then it could make it worse, but it granite is intact then it is HIGHLY unlikely such vibration will have any impact.
frustrated
by: Anonymous

Our granite counter top is less than a year old and already has a long crack around the stove area. we paid in full and the installer blamed it on the house's foundation and refused fix it. we later found out that his construction lisence has been suspended. we contacted the board of construction and they said they've received lot of complaints about this person and are after him but they suggested that weshould take him to court. Is this something we should do?

===Answer:

Only if you think he has money (suspended license not a good sign) and there's a good chance you can collect damages or a repair replacement, but you'd likely have to prove he was responsible, which will likely be very difficult unless you have some photo documentation,etc.
Cheap Talk
by: Anonymous

Your getting what my very wise father use to call"cheap talk". You should request that they replace the top. They are responsible for "proper" installation. They are suppose to be the professionals. They have admitted that "they" cracked the top and tried to blame you. Start documenting these admissions. You may have to go to court.
Granite Countertop & Backsplash Crack
by: Ryan

Well, that's frustrating.

First thing I thought of was the house foundation. Usually cracks in walls, etc. is a foundation issue especially if the crack in the backsplash is in the same area as the countertop.

So, if there is any chance your foundation is too un-level and becoming worse, then you'll need to fix that before you'll ever permanently fix the cracks in the tops and splash.

Not good if you can feel a lip on the crack. The backsplash (except for looks) is not that big a deal, but a crack that you can feel in the granite countertop is likely full-thickness...not good and you may have to replace.

Without seeing it... hard to say what needs to be done, so call in a stone fabricator or restoration professional and see if any type of repair is possible.


Cracks in granite countertop & backsplash
by: Anonymous

We bought our house 3 months ago, at that time their didn't seem to be any cracks. I polished them about a month after purchasing the home and noticed 2 cracks in the backsplash. Now, I have cracks in the countertop also. You can feel the cracks. What do I do?????
Cracked Sink - what to do
by: Ryan

This is tough. Obviously your installer is trying to do what it can to make it right. Sink cut outs are always tricky because the outside edge is always vulnerable to cracking.

The true test is whether or not you can live with the repair. You didn't pay for a crack and if the repair just doesn't cut it, then you should negotiate for a better solution such as replacing the slab or replacing the sink area in such a way that any seams are better blended.

Or if you do think you can live with it, then negotiate a discount.
Crack near sink
by: Anonymous

When they were installing my 10 foot section of granite counter top with a sink cut out in the center, the piece cracked near the 3" sink area front and back. They took it back to the shop and put reinforcing bars underneath and made the one piece into three pieces( added two seams). The repair looks good mainly because the granite has lots of movement and different colors. The problem is that the sink is centered on a window and the reflection of the crack, filled with epoxy, stands out like a soar thumb and is very visible. I can run my finger and feel the crack. I have only paid them half the contracted amount. what should I do?
Please Help, Thank You
Cracked new Countertops
by: Ryan

I'm assuming you've read the original question and all comments where I've discussed the difference in severity of cracks.

If a hairline you can barely see and feel... don't worry about it. Probably won't get worse.

If crack is visible, easily felt and all the way through.... not good.

Since you paid, you don't have any leverage. You simply have play on the company's good will to do the job and do right by you. Many won't of course, installing a new slab means they lose money.

Luckily, we've only had to do this once (tear out an reinstall) but we did it because the customer was completely unhappy with a particular tricky feature of the countertop, (which he had suggested and which we had warned him wouldn't look right prior to install).

But the guy was a big-time lawyer, didn't care if he signed off on it, and was throwing his weight around.

So, to simply put the issue to rest we ripped it out and re-installed and ate the loss.

You won't find too many companies that will do that, even if they are to blame. So, your only real option is to bring suit. But that's no fun, so you have weigh the pros and cons.

If the cracks form a lip and are real bad, then you'll have to do something. If the original installers won't respond, then you can have your lawyer file a suit and/or send over an official threat of suit, which may be enough to wake em up.

Or you can just suck up the extra cost and hire someone else to come in and fix it.

Good Luck
2 cracks!!!
by: blake

I had granite counters installed and found two cracks, one in each of the cut-outs, stove / sink. They smoothed out the top and tried to buff it, do you think it worked? No, How would you handle the installer/stone company? Oh yeah, paid in full....
Granite crack
by: Anonymous

I just had a granite bathtub with the shower seat installed and walked in on the guys while they were trying to repair a crack. It was set on top of a raised area for the tub. I am not sure what to do I haven't paid them yet. I haven't talked to them about it yet. Do I need to have them pay for a whole another granite slab and fabricate again? The crack goes about 12 inches from he tub opening to the other end of the edge. Not sure what to do?

===

If the granite is cracked all the way through (which I assume it is since they were repairing it), then yes... a new slab is appropriate.

If the crack is in a non-structural area and is not very visible, then maybe you let it go with a discount, but you should only pay for a job you are satisfied with. No installer ever bids a job and no customer ever plans a job to include a significant crack.

--Ryan
New Granite Crack
by: Ryan

Depends on the nature of the crack. If these are hairline cracks that really can't be seen and you can just barely feel them, then you may consider leaving it alone... they could have been there prior to install and likely will not get worse unless there isn't good support to keep them stable.

Also, if you have a lot of foundation movement on houses in your part of the country then you could have future problems.

On the other hand you didn't pay for a cracked slab or an installation that cracked your granite, so if these cracks are visible and/or have a lip on them, then I'd want a new slab.

When slabs crack most often it's around the sink cut-out since that area is narrow and can be stressed during install.

A bit of a judgment call. Blaming it on the cabinets is weak though. If the cabinets are not level then why didn't he create a level surface and properly support your granite?

So, based on his explanation, I'd take issue. Nothing you can do to repair them. You can add some extra glue underneath, but that won't do much if there is a significant support problem.

Also, need to make sure you are not seeing a fissure, which is normal and not an issue. Fissures usually are squiggly or undulating like a river, cracks will be narrower and straighter.

If you decide you want to have them replaced, then you'll need to withhold any remaining payment for leverage. You may consider hiring another fabricator to come take a look for a second on-site opinion.

Good Luck
Cracked new Countertops
by: Anonymous

i just had a installer put in granite countertops. They are cracked in 2 places. The installer blamed my slanted counters. He sealed them and saids they are ok like that. What should i do?

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