Granite Countertop Crack Repair in Front of Kitchen Sink
- Home
- Case Studies
- Granite Countertop Crack Repair in Front of Kitchen Sink
The homeowner's attempt to repair the granite.
Granite repair can be messy but we always carefully mask and protect the surrounding areas.
The repair job is complete... only the cleanup needs to be done.
After repair, the crack is completely repaired.
Here is a final shot of the repaired area. Looks good as new!
Countertops,
Granite,
Natural Stone
Introduction
When the homeowners noticed a significant 18-to 20-inch crack in the granite in front of their kitchen sink, they tried to fix it themselves. Unfortunately, their do-it-yourself attempt resulted in a mismatched, uneven repair. Faced with the possibility of replacing the entire countertop, they instead contacted Diamond Tile Restoration, known for their ability to handle even the most challenging stone repairs.
Cause of the Crack
- Poor Maintenance: Over time, the homeowners had not regularly sealed the granite surface and had also neglected the silicone caulk around the sink edge.
- Moisture Infiltration: Water seeped through unsealed or poorly caulked areas and penetrated the granite.
- Rusted Metal Rod: Most granite countertops have metal rods embedded for support. In this case, the rod under the sink area rusted due to prolonged exposure to moisture. As the metal rusted, it expanded—up to three times its original size—causing excessive pressure on the stone and leading to the crack.
Assessment & Preparation
Initial Inspection
- Diamond Tile Restoration investigated the extent of the crack and confirmed that the embedded support rod had significantly corroded.
- They determined that the only way to properly repair the crack was to remove the rusted rod entirely and replace it or stabilize the area.
Surface Preparation
- The damaged area was carefully exposed, and any subpar filler from the homeowner’s DIY attempt was removed.
- The countertop was thoroughly cleaned to eliminate dirt, residue, and potential contaminants before beginning the repair.
Repair Process
- Opening the Crack & Removing the Rusted Rod
- The damaged section was carefully opened to access the corroded support rod underneath.
- All rust and weakened metal were removed to prevent future expansion or corrosion issues.
- Epoxy Application & Structural Bonding
- Once the compromised rod was removed and the area was cleaned, a high-strength, color-matched epoxy was used to bond the granite pieces back together.
- The epoxy was meticulously worked into the crack and any voids, ensuring a secure and seamless fill.
- Finishing & Polishing
- After the epoxy cured, the surface was leveled to blend with the surrounding countertop.
- Diamond Tile Restoration then polished the repaired area, matching the countertop’s original sheen and texture.
- Sealing
- To prevent future damage, the entire countertop was sealed with a premium stone sealer.
- The sink edges were also recaulked with high-quality, water-resistant silicone to prevent water infiltration and maintain the integrity of the repair.
Results & Guarantee
- Virtually Invisible Repair: The once-prominent crack is now nearly undetectable, restoring the countertop’s aesthetic appeal.
- Permanent Structural Solution: With the corroded rod removed and replaced, and the stone properly epoxied, the repair is guaranteed not to crack again under normal use.
- Enhanced Longevity: Proper sealing and maintenance will protect the granite from further water penetration and rust issues, extending the life of the countertop.
Conclusion
By identifying the root cause of the crack—namely rust expansion due to water infiltration—and employing a meticulous repair strategy, Diamond Tile Restoration was able to save the homeowners from a costly countertop replacement. The end result is a strong, seamless, and visually flawless repair that will stand the test of time.