Cracked Quartz at Install

4 years ago

We just had quartz in stalled in our remodel. While the fabricator was still onsite I noticed a crack extending from the corner of the sink about 10in into the slab on the island. He said they would work on a repair and I left. Upon returning the had filled the crack with a sealer but you can see it when the light hits.

The material is silestone charcoal soapstone. From overhead you wouldn’t notice but when light hits from the side it’s a different sheen. We’re conflicted as to whether this is sufficient. All things considered it would likely become less noticeable once everything is complete but hard to look at $3000+ with a defect. I also don’t want water to somehow get into the crack or for it to get worse.

Has anyone seen similar and taken action? Or is our repair sufficient?

Featured Answer

PRO

Joseph Corlett, LLC

4 years ago

This is 100% fabricator error. You are not allowed to have 90* corners such as those at your sink cutout according to Silestone's fabrication and installation instructions. Those radii must be 3/8" minimum; the larger the stronger. Page 41 of the Caesarstone manual, but it's all the same stuff.

There is no repair and it may continue to get worse. And when it inevitably fills with contamination, it will scream at you.

Do you have a cantiliver at that island? If so, how is it supported please?

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Comments (7)

PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
4 years ago
And that pencil edge at the sink cutout is a chip factory. Get rid of it on the next one please. And no mechanical fasteners into the Silestone to hold the sink in place either. Page 61. Use a Hercules Universal Sink Harness (BB Industries) or Sink Strap (Granquartaz) or two.
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Tams
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks Joseph. Photo of the island attached. Is it recommended to do a 1/4 round vs the pencil edge?
kculbers
4 years ago
Joseph Corlett is “spot on” in his reply!!! I had Silestone quartz, color soapstone, counters installed a few years ago with my kitchen reno. I have no issues with my counter. The counter fabricator was excellent, experienced, and chosen by my experienced kitchen designer. I dont have any counter seams either in my galley kitchen. I would not be happy with any counter crack or repair of that crack in a newly installed counter.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
4 years ago
Google "Silestone fabrication instructions" and you'll get a downloadable file. Go to page 7 and you'll see that Silestone requires a 20mm (3/4") radius at sink cutouts. Your fabricator is not arguing with you. He is arguing with Silestone.

If you rattle Silestone's cage, they'll probably give him a slab at no charge because they don't want posts like this on the interwebby.
Tams
Original Author
4 years ago
Yep just read through it and I see that 20mm. All our bathroom sinks were done appropriately thank goodness. We’ll discuss further with the fabricator.

We like the look or the square edge sink but not at the expense of compromising material integrity. Thanks for the feedback!
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
4 years ago
"Is it recommended to do a 1/4 round vs the pencil edge?"

The Silestone fab manual allows a pencil edge; I just don't recommend it for countertops. The more rounded the edge, the less likely the chipping.