Hairline crack in granite and issues with seams

[keisaiguy]

Last week's installation is comprised of three very large 3 cm thick slabs of Volga Blue granite. Two of the slabs join at an 8 cm deep seam behind and a 10 cm deep seam in front of the cutout for an undermount sink. About 22 cm to the right of the rear seam, a hairline crack runs from beneath, through the 3 cm vertical surface, and wiggles across the 8 cm depth to the backsplash. The expanse of stone beneath and behind the sink is supported by a 2.5 cm deep metal cleat affixed to the wall and extending about 30 cm either side of the center seam. The balance of the slab rests on sturdy cabinetry.

I assume the crack is attributable to handling by the installers, either when drilling to install one of the undermount sink cleats or perhaps while maneuvering the huge slab in place against the neighboring piece,

Building settling is unlikely to exacerbate the problem as the kitchen is located on the 4th Floor in a six-story reinforced concrete structure. The supporting cabinetry stands directly on the concrete floor.

Because the area of the sinkside hairline crack wil be exposed to water splash and puddling in normal use, I wonder whether the entire section should be replaced now. Alternatively, should I try first some form of treatment to prevent further damage?

[Huligar]

If this is your stone

It can be fixed. Have your install come back to you home with a penetrating adhesive. It is very possible to reinforce the slab and make the void less noticeable to the point if you did not know where it was, you would not find it. If you can upload and image, we would be very great full.

[Topshop]

I am sure your installer will want to fix it because it is a very expensive stone. If they do not know how to fix it and top polish it - don't let them try. Without the proper knowledge and experience this could turn into a disaster. In the hands of the right person this could be done properly and nobody would know there was ever a problem. Highly crystallin stones like this need to be repaired correctly or simply replaced. Let us know if you need a professional. We have people in your area.

[keisaiguy]

This is a modification of my April post, replete with pix.

The installation is comprised of three very large 3 cm thick slabs of Volga Blue granite. Two of the slabs join at an 8 cm deep seam behind and a 10 cm deep seam in front of the cutout for an undermount sink. About 22 cm to the right of the rear seam, a hairline crack runs from beneath, through the 3 cm vertical surface, and wiggles across the 8 cm depth to the backsplash. The expanse of stone beneath and behind the sink is supported by a 2.5 cm deep metal cleat affixed to the wall and extending about 30 cm either side of the center seam. The balance of the slab rests on sturdy cabinetry.

I assume the Hairline Crack is attributable to handling by the installers, either when drilling to install one of the undermount sink cleats or perhaps while maneuvering the huge slab in place against the neighboring piece,

Building settling is unlikely to exacerbate the problem because the kitchen is located on the 4th Floor in a six-story reinforced concrete structure. The supporting cabinetry stands directly on the concrete floor.

Because the area of the sinkside Hairline Crack is exposed to water splash and puddling in normal use, I wonder whether the entire section should be replaced now. Alternatively, should I try first some form of treatment to prevent further damage? Or should I leave the hairline crack alone?

____

The installers revisited the site and applied a cyanocrylate compound to the Hairline Crack and seams, and polished the seams to some extent.

Within a month the cyanocrylate fill had fallen out from the seam in front of the sink, leaving the result in Seam4.jpg.

[Topshop]

My guess is that your fabricator does not know how to fix it properly. Ask them to hire a stone restoration professional to do it right or replace the tops.

[Huligar]

Topshop is correct. This is a very easy fix for a stone restoration guy.