Q. Hi, the very first time I set a cutting board on the 6" hang over on my new sun gold quartzite island top, I noticed a crack 3 hours later. The crack extends 10" into the island top and also straight through the separate 2 1/2" beveled edge. This... Read More

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... Read More

Q. I just had granite countertops installed and after they left noticed what appears to be a crack running diagonally the full length and edge. you can see and feel it yet it is not so open as to see light. the contractor says it is a vein. how can... Read More

Q. Hello. I just received a new quartzite install, and there is a crack at the sink extending to the hole for the soap dispenser. The fabricator claims it does not affect integrity of the stone, since apparently it's not a full-depth crack. The... Read More

There are several fracture membranes that can be installed to help minimize cracking. These membranes are rubber or plastic-based and are designed to absorb some shock. However, you will not totally eliminate cracking if the tremor is severe.... Read More

Q. We live in San Francisco and are refurbishing our town house. We would like to use marble on our kitchen floor, but are concerned it may crack during an earthquake. Is there any way to install it that would minimize the cracking?   A. There are... Read More

Yes, cracks can be repaired. Depending on the width of the crack, it can be filled with a polyester resin. If the crack is small, clean it thoroughly with acetone, making sure to remove all dirt; a dental pick may prove useful here. After the crack... Read More

The are several reasons why the grout may have cracked. The installer may have used too much water when he mixed the grout causing it to crack or there may be movement in the floor causing the cracking. To repair the grout you can overlay a thin coat... Read More

Small cracks in a terrazzo floor can be repairs as follows: Clean the crack with acetone, making sure to remove all dirt, old wax and other debris. A dental pick is helpful in removing old wax buildup. After the crack is cleaned you will notice that... Read More

Sounds like you are dealing with a tile floor that has not been installed properly. A poorly installed tile will sound hollow when you tap it with a broom handle . The hollow sound is an air pocket under the tile. The material that the tile is set in... Read More