Granite cracked

[Anonymous]

HELP!
Our kitchen counter top granite & bathroom marble slabs were cracked during installation. We gave them the sinks & faucets to take to their shop for fabrication. We also gave them the spec. sheet for the cook top. When they brought the slabs to the house, the sink faucets had NOT been drilled, the kitchen sink had NOT been attached and the slabs on either side of the cook top had NOT been knotched out as indicated by the spec. sheet. They also put the slabs in place with NO plywood underneath. They said they didn't have the tools with them to drill the holes or put the sink in place that day so they'd have to come back. At least a month went by and they just came last week to drill the sink holes! Well, this is NEW CONSTRUCTION, which means we don't have heat yet and only temp. power. It was VERY COLD when they were drilling the holes and the granite cracked up all around the holes!! They said it was due to the cold temp. and that "just happens some times"!! Isn't that WHY we gave them the faucets in the first place so those holes could be drilled in their shop since it was a temp. controlled environment?!?!?!?!?! They gooped some black apoxy on the cracks and said that was the best they could do!! I'm so mad I could spit!! My husband just thinks I'm being evil, but I don't think it's demanding too much for the cracked slabs to be replaced!! Are we being hood-winked or what?

	Marble MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS This standard includes general information on the characteristics and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems associated with the material. INTRODUCTION Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite (CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed, is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds react differently with marble and produce various by-products, which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration. Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red, yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition. TYPICAL USES Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage to which marble is susceptible.

[Lou Noble]

That is one of the most retarded stories i have ever heard!!!!! I would not pay or something like that, you wouldnt buy new car that had dings and other blemishes on it would you?!?! you have to do something...

Nat, I am sorry you had a bad experience with the installers and or the fabricator.

We gave them the sinks & faucets to take to their shop for fabrication.

I believe this done to predrill the holes to make it easer to complete on the job site.

The kitchen sink had NOT been attached and the slabs

It is common to attach the sink after the install; it is very hard to maneuver when the sink is in place.

They also put the slabs in place with NO plywood underneath.

I have seen many countertops that were install with out plywood, it may be the fabricator preference.

They said they didn't have the tools with them to drill the holes or put the sink in place that day so they'd have to come back.

There is no reason to come to a job not been able to do the job.

It was VERY COLD when they were drilling the holes and the granite cracked up all around the holes!!

That could have happen because the tools malfunction (glazed over).

They gooped some black apoxy on the cracks and said that was the best they could do!!

Now this may have been the best they could do, but that does not mean it was the best that can be done. Instead of spitting contact stone restoration guy and have them repair the stone. In most cases you would not be able to tell the repair from the rest of the stone. If you wish to tell us where you are located, it may be possible that someone in our trade lounge may be able to further assist you.

Nat, what type of stone did you buy?

[JeffC]

is your stone 2cm or 3cm?

what is the material?

natural cracks in stone are common and come to the surface alot when stressed(i.e. drilling holes). but if this happens something as simple as filling it with a penetraiting glue and skimming it down can make it go away, in worst case a little surface polishing will take care of it. THIS IS A NATURAL PRODUCT, i am frustrated to find out how many people expect it to be free of cracks and natural blemishes. a perfect product can only be achieved by man(i.e. corian). to expect someone to have to replace stone because its not perfect is redicules. they either need to fix it to your satisfaction themselves or hire someone else to. In my oppinion you have a bad taste in your mouth from this company. nothing they do will make you happy. i would hire someone else to fix it and send them the bill.

	Polishing Polishing: This is the final stage, which leaves the surface with reflective characteristics.

[rockwell]

Jo is correct, sinks are usually attached after the counter is in place. As for sink holes, if they are given the faucets and spec to measure, it can be done at the shop. But a lot of times they are done onsite. I have personally seen a fabricator drill a sink hole onsite for his very own house.
But they should install the countertop to your satisfaction.

[Mark Lauzon]

when there is a 200 pound mass on the right....and a two hundred pound mass on the left....a huge sink hole in the middle...and only 2.5"s of material holding it together....you want them to drill holes at the shop?

no worries we drill in the field ALL the time (cast iron sinks are the exception...long story.)

cold is good when drilling holes...that part makes no sense.

[Jeff Leun]

We drill almost all holes at the shop, some at the site just my personal preference. It cracked while drilling its because the bit mostly like binded from lack of water. Have it fixed to YOUR satisfaction