Q. I had granite countertops installed about five months ago. Yesterday, I noticed the granite had cracked all the way through on both sides of the undermounted sink. What caused this - was it improperly installed?

 

 

A. Cracks of this nature can be caused by any number of issues. If the countertop was not shimmed properly this could place undue stress on the top and cause it to crack. 

 

 

Another cause of cracking is not having the stone properly rodded when called for. Fabricators will install metal rods under the countertop and in the stone to strengthen the countertop to prevent this from happening. If you can get under the top, check to see if there are any grooves where rods have been placed. If the sink was not mounted properly or the sink was too heavy, this could also cause it to crack. In my opinion the fabricator is responsible and should try to repair the crack if possible or replace the top.

 

 

Fred Hueston
Chief Technical Director, SurpHaces
President, Stone Forensics