Crack in kitchen granite worktop

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Hi,

I have a huge crack in the kitchen granite worktop starting in front of the sink and expanding both side of the sink over 1 meter maybe.

It was a tiny hairline crack 2 years ago so I did not bother. 2 years of tenancy later and the crack is so big that I fear loosing half of the worktop. The groove is larger and the crack is much longer as it was maybe 20cm only before.

Don't want to spend huge amount of money in that as I plan to redo the kitchen in a couple of years. I can't imaging replacing the worktop by something else similar in style like a laminate as it would look nasty. Just want a repair solid enough to last 2 years.

I did not ask a granite specialist as I am scared of the price they might give me. Could I find something in Wickes or online which I could use to do the repair myself?

Thanks.
Letty
 

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Oh dear!
If you look underneath that crack, do you see a metal insert?
It's used to reinforce the thinned part of the granite where the sink hole is cut.
If so, it's a manufacturing defect.
After they chase the groove they're suppose to stabilise it with a special mastic and then insert the metal bars.
Seen it done in factory.
What i would do now is call an expert and get that crack filled.
They now have mastics of matching colours and once filled and polished they become invisible.
 
Hi Johnny,

I would like to avoid a specialist, it will cost me hundreds, no? Not sure that kitchen is worth it.
There is no metal bar under that section of granite.
I had a trade in the house the other day and he was surprised to see that crack as granite is so tough, he said that probably it has not been damaged but the material might have had a defect from origin. kitchen might be 20 years old. Not me who installed it.

Could I buy a filler to repair myself or can I install a reinforcement thing under that section?

Letty
 
I don't know if there's anything diy for granite.
I'm all for diy, but with certain things i prefer to call in the experts.
A marble/granite specialist will not cost more than an appliance technician.
I would guess at £100 all in.
Seen these repairs done and seriously, it's same as repairing wood.
The only difference is the filler and polishing kits they use.
I suppose it would cost you more to buy the gear than ask a specialist.
Anyhow, I don't think now they will come out, but when it will be possible you can ask a price before agreeing to a visit.
Mind you, I suppose that you will get companies trying to flog you a new granite worktop or an entire kitchen, that's why you need to find a local independent.
 
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Thanks everyone.

I found a "Granite and marble repair" local guy on Google. I asked him to come and have a look just for the piece of mind but if expensive, I will buy that Jolly filler which looks good and easy to use, am I right Andy?

Letty
 
I don't know if there's anything diy for granite.
I'm all for diy, but with certain things i prefer to call in the experts.
A marble/granite specialist will not cost more than an appliance technician.
I would guess at £100 all in.
Seen these repairs done and seriously, it's same as repairing wood.
The only difference is the filler and polishing kits they use.
I suppose it would cost you more to buy the gear than ask a specialist.
Anyhow, I don't think now they will come out, but when it will be possible you can ask a price before agreeing to a visit.
Mind you, I suppose that you will get companies trying to flog you a new granite worktop or an entire kitchen, that's why you need to find a local independent.

You were right Johnny.

This is what the marble repair pro emailed me this morning:
"The crack is due to a mental rod that was inserted into the granite underneath to strengthen the sink cut out however the bar has rusted and swollen the granite making the crack.
The crack can be filled to improve, make water tight & strengthen however would be difficult to disguise due to the size of the crack, damage being on the surface & colour of granite. If your looking for invisibility replace the worktop.
The cost to repair would be £150".

I checked again the kitchen for that rod which I couldn't see before, and I saw!! See pictures.

Thanks.
Letty
 

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Rusted?
They're supposed to be stainless steel.
Well, anyhow, £150 is not too bad and believe me, stone masons are perfectionists.
When he says that the repair will be difficult to disguise, he means to the careful eye of someone who knows about it.
IMO you should have it repaired.
 
Hi again,

I have notice that the undermount metal sink is detached form the worktop. The joint of silicone is dry and rotten and nothing else seems to hold the sink in place. It is resting on the plumbing plastic pipes!
Water must have leaked through the gap left by the missing silicone and this has caused the rod to rust and amplifying the crack in the granite.

Anyway, now I have to re-attach the sink before repairing the crack.

Who do I ask, a plumber or a kitchen fitter or else please?

Letty
 
Have you asked your Granite and marble repair person if they can refit sinks?

I ask as better to have one person do whole job, and I bet he has refitted sinks to worktops when mending them.
Sfk
 
Hi,

No, I did not ask him. As he is a "granite and marble repair" man, I thought he would only deal with the repair of the worktop and when I emailed him about my problem, he did not suggest to repair the sink.

Silly me, I will ask him if he can do the 2 things. If he can't repair the sink, who do I ask?

Letty
 
Hello,

Back with my crack in granite.

My local granite repair expert came to see and say that he can fill the crack but not polish as the repair would not be water resistant. All that for £150. I don't know what to sink about that.

I have contacted 2 other specialists: MagicMan, who said they can't do this, Plastic Surgeon who still have to call me back, and others granite and kitchen pro in vain. No body seems to be interested. Is there anyone using that website that have the skills needed for that kind of repair or that knows someone who has please (I live next to Guildford).

Is it worth to buy this and do it myself: https://www.pureadhesion.co.uk/joll...filler-travertine-repair-kit-black-150ml.html.

I would just need the worktop to be safe for a couple of years as I aim to renew the kitchen completely after that.

Thanks.
 
Yes, that product is good.
I used it to stick some marble skirting on a fireplace surround.
 

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