Granite is a naturally occurring material and its molecular composition is inclined to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. Years of repeated thermal cycling can result in fatigue and eventual cracking of granite countertops.
Granite is a rock cut in a big slab 1 1/4 thick out of of the side of a mountain or quarry. It will have hairline cracks and fissures throughout it. If enough weight isn't evenly supported such as too far a extension on a island it can crack. It can crack during transportation.
Natural Fissures
The fissure is not a defect; it is an essential part of the stone as it occurs naturally. They look like colorful small lines. On the other hand, cracks are not good for the stone. It can be a thin hairline crack that may expand further. You can feel crack with your hand.
There is nothing wrong with that seam. If you thought seams would be invisible then you chose the wrong countertops. Also are you sure that is granite?
All granites contain some degree of fissure. Some contain more than others. Because fissures are a natural occurrence in all granites, we do not replace countertops due to fissures. Pitting of the countertop surface, particularly in granite, is a common characteristic of natural stone.
Granite is a naturally occurring material and its molecular composition is inclined to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. Years of repeated thermal cycling can result in fatigue and eventual cracking of granite countertops.
Fissures are a result of naturally occurring phenomenon, such as geological and environmental forces, crystallization of minerals, and other conditions. Cracks are a result of man-made stresses, such as transport from the quarry to the fabricator or from fabricator to a residence or commercial facility.
The surface can also feel somewhat sandy or dusty if a sealer was applied incorrectly or left on the surface to dry for an extended period of time. A granite countertop of sufficient quality should feel as smooth as glass.
The gap between two slabs of granite can be filled using epoxy, polyester glue, or resin. It is important to match the color and pigment of the filler with the color of granite to ensure it is as seamless as possible.
Repairs for granite countertops range from $200 to $1,000. Granite is one of the most high-end materials for kitchen countertops, and it is exceptionally strong, but chips and cracks can appear over time. As with other materials, epoxy is usually needed to repair this damage.
One of the biggest hallmarks of quality for a slab of granite is simply how it looks. Unique colors and patterns will earn a higher grade than more standard appearances. Higher quality granite is also less likely to have flaws, pits, cracks, and other imperfections.
Some Imperfections Require Repairing
Fissures occur in granite naturally, so calling them "imperfections" could be viewed as a misnomer. Yet, whether you view them as imperfections or not, they often get "repaired" by strengthening the stone with a "filler".
While you can cut on granite, this isn't recommended—doing so will dull your knives and can sometimes leave behind a metal residue that can be difficult to remove. Seams. In a typical kitchen, granite countertops will need to have 2-3 seams. Depending on the color of granite you choose, average slab size will vary.
We do recommend Epoxy slightly more than Acrylic. However, either of the two will fill the gap and “glue” the surface back together. A quick tip for if you are using Epoxy, try to find a coloured version which matches closely to your granite surface. This way it will be less visible.
Because of their high heat resistance, any realistic amount of heat applied to granite countertops in your kitchen will not cause them to chip or crack. Even a red-hot cast iron skillet, which radiates at around 1300 degrees, is 1000 degrees shy of the required temperature to damage the stone.
Granite is one of the most durable countertop materials you can buy, and it can certainly withstand cuts from a knife blade. However, if your granite has a sealer on it, cutting can eventually wear down the sealant.
If the slab for your cabinets is long enough to stretch from one side of the wall to the other, you will not need to worry about a visual seam. Otherwise, a pro will be able to make an invisible seam by filling it in with an epoxy resin dyed to match the color of the granite.
We would recommend using a product that is 100% silicone, such as Selleys Wet Area Silicone. Selleys wet area silicone comes in a variety of colours to select from, so you can closely match the surface colour.
Insert high bond adhesive into seam joints and ensure proper curing process.
Granite is a natural material, so is it normal for granite to have rough spots anyways? Actually, in your home, it's not. In many cases, when it comes to a countertop surface, granite is often smoothed to best integrate into the design of your home and offer an even, clean surface.
Both quartzite and granite slabs are extremely durable but also quite heavy, so a sturdy foundation (often referred to as a Fabricator) is required to prevent warping or damage over time.
7) Honed granite is more expensive than polished granite
However, that's not the case. The reason why honed granite costs more is because of its availability.
As mentioned above, cracks can be natural. Granite is known to have natural fissure cracks that can turn into actual cracks. Natural fissures give the countertops character, and they are nothing to worry about.
Anal fissures are common, and not normally dangerous, but they can hurt a lot. Most anal fissures heal in a few days to weeks with a little self-care. But some anal fissures are more complicated and may resist healing. If you have a chronic fissure, don't hesitate to seek medical treatment.