Software
Houzz Logo Print
jennifer_brule

Cracked Granite Around Sink a Few Days After Install, questions

last month
last modified: last month

We had granite installed a few days ago, we chose the fabricator based on our cabinet maker's recommendation. Today I noticed cracks forming around the sink. they are along the veining for the most part. One is right in the corner of the sink and there is a pretty large gap there. It does not appear that the sink area was reinforced and after doing a bunch of research, I am pretty sure that it should have been. ChatGpt is adamant that the slab should be replaced but I feel like it tells you what it thinks you want to hear a lot of the time. I am hoping to get some expert opinions. The fabricator is a small operation, the owner is coming to look at it tomorrow and I would like to know what I should be asking for in this situation. No further work beyond the plumbing being hooked up has been done on the kitchen since the stone was installed so nothing happened to the granite.







Comments (16)

  • last month

    The fabricator will have resins they put in cracks. Your decision is if this is a product issue (along veining) seems like the stone isn't a great choice for this use.... Or if you are cool with him fixing it as he would any crack? I wonder over time if this stone will continue to show you it wasn't meant for this application?

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Note, I have no expertise, but I would be concerned about it continuing to crack, both these current cracks worsening or new ones forming. They look rather severe.


    Correct, do not count of chatgpt.

  • PRO
    last month

    chatgpt is not who you ask about anything .THis looks like one solid slab was used for this so I ma not sure how badly these cracks will behave since they are in the center of the slab Real stone has fissures these might be those For me other than the pic of the corner seem to just be natural fissures relly hard to tell in close ups . I assum an undermount sink is the plan so maybe Joseph can help here if he is around. Once a slab is installed the movement in the stone is very minimal . I am curious why install before walls are finished but that is something else

  • PRO
    last month
    last modified: last month

    I cannot tell completely from the photographs but it appears that it might be a void in the material. If that's the case, then it's more of a material issue instead of a fabricating issue. I always tell my clients that there are positives and negatives to each material selection, and the possibility of natural voids is one of the possible negatives of natural stone. Just the fact that it is now laying flat on your cabinets and not standing on end at the stone yard means that the stress on the material is different, which can cause this to appear a couple of days after install. If it is only on one surface, and not visible on the other side, then filling it with epoxy is a realistic remedy. As a designer, I've learned to trust my local fabricator's recommendations in these situations over the years. A reputable guy will tell you when there's a flaw in the material that isn't fixable.

  • PRO
    last month

    I am curious why install before walls are finished but that is something else


    Oh, I've been there before on an occupied remodel. It's a couple of weeks before a major holiday, and I'm willing to bet that time crunch was a factor. Looks like they cut the drywall for the old tile backsplash. Not a preferred situation, but when it's going to be concealed again with tile anyway, I've patched that drywall space after install has started.

  • PRO
    last month

    I am always curious that is my nature. I doagree if the fabricator is one I have used before I usually trust thme and yes I have done drywall repair after counter never ideal

  • PRO
    last month

    Fissures can sometimes crack under the vibration of transportation. A quick injection of resin can hold that together, and be stronger than the original stone's bond to itself. Looks like you chose a stone with lots of fissures, so double check any overhangs that you may have for proper support. Steel braces no further apart than 18"-24", and within 3" of the edge, for fissured stones.

  • last month

    Well these comments are making me feel better. Should the sink be better reinforced? Am I wrong in thinking that might be good to prevent any fissures from cracking?


    The walls were not finished because the tiler plans to come in and put up backer board. Our timeline has not been smooth, everything was supposed to be done by tomorrow and what you see is what we have right now.

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    " Should the sink be better reinforced? "

    How was the sink installed? Straps or the clip's that come with? If the clips, get rid of them, always straps. Unfortunately you have what appears to me to be natural stone fissures and veining. I would wait and see what the fabricator has to say but lots stone has naturally occurring veins that look like crack as and never get worse. Most are filled with a resin type epoxy with no issues.

  • last month

    The only thing holding up the sink is the epoxy and some wood pieces at each corner, no clips or straps. I don't like it.

  • last month

    I would not either. The best place for the clips is in the garbage. Use a HUSH or a Pesimoski Sink Strap. Joseph Corlett, LLC

  • last month

    Best practices in general, but you might be able to get it after the fact to help distribute the stresses on the stone.

  • PRO
    last month

    The cracks look natural. Find out the specific adhesive he used for the sink please.

  • PRO
    last month
    last modified: last month

    All looks like pre existing fissures to me. What is the adhesive, was a strap used, and HOW was it supported for a full 24 hours even with all that in place, As in a prop, showed in the sink cabinet, under the sink and snug as a bug.

    What exactly IS the granite?

  • last month

    @ Joseph Corlett, LLC This is the adhesive


    @ JAN MOYER This is Azure Mist granite. There are 1x2s under the sink in each corner, that is how it was held up. No strap and that is what we are going to add.