Did you just have your granite countertop installed and they look warped? Or are you planning to get granite countertops and want to know if they can warp?
Granite is a very hard, durable surface that will last many years with proper care. It is possible for granite to warp over time; however, this is usually caused by something other than the natural characteristics of the stone itself.
There are several things that can cause granite to warp. Below is a list of all the possible reasons why granite warps.
- Heat
- Support Underneath The Granite May Not Be Leveled
- Bad Piece Of Granite
- Oldage
- Putting Too Much Weight On The Granite
Consider sticking around as I take you through the details of each one of the things that can cause your granite countertops to warp.
1. Heat Can Cause Granite Countertops To Warp
Heat is one of the most common reasons why granite warps. This usually happens when you put ovens, toasters, or other heat-emitting appliances on the countertop.
The heat from these appliances can cause the granite to expand and warp. As time goes by, this will become more apparent as you see your countertop becoming raised or dented from or into its support.
Usually, if it’s heating causing the granite to bend, the raised or dented spots will be more noticeable towards the corner of your countertop. This is because heat tends to concentrate and build up in corners.
In some cases, the problem will build up over a period of time and will only be noticeable after a few years.
So if you’re planning to install granite countertops and have concerns that it may warp over time, know that this is a possibility but usually not something that will happen right away.
If you want to avoid this problem altogether, then make sure you do not use appliances that heat up on your granite countertops.
So all in all, if a granite countertop is exposed to sustained high heat, it can warp. This could be from something like an oven or stove that is constantly being used and heating up the countertop.
2. Support Underneath The Granite May Not Be Leveled
Another reason your granite may be warping is if the support underneath it is not leveled. This can happen when you have a contractor install your countertops and they do not level out the cabinets or plywood before installing the granite slab.
If there is any kind of unevenness in the surface below, then this will cause the granite to warp over time. This is because the granite will be trying to adjust and conform to the surface below it, which it can’t do if it’s not level.
You will usually notice this almost immediately or as soon as the graphite is installed. So if you have a newly installed granite countertop and it looks warped, the first thing you should do is check to see if the support underneath it is leveled.
If it’s not leveled, then have your contractor come back and fix it. This can be a quick and easy fix if your installer is willing to come back and level the support surface.
If your granite has already been installed for a few years, then it’s unlikely the support may have sagged a little bit in which case leveling out the support will possibly fix this problem.
3. Bad Piece Of Granite From The Supplier
Granite warping can come from factory defects. Factory defects can be something as small as a flaw in the stone or an uneven edge. These will cause the granite to warp over time with use.
In most cases, the defect can be noticed immediately when the granite is being installed. However, there are times when it may not be visible until later on down the road.
If you have a piece of granite that has a defect, then the best thing to do is to contact your supplier and see if they will replace the slab. Most suppliers will want to inspect the slab before deciding whether or not to replace it.
So it is important you have your installer inspect your granite before they are installed so that you do not have to have the countertop torn down if there is a factory defect.
4. The Granite Countertop Being Too Old
Another reason why granite countertops can warp is because of old age. A piece of granite may not have been the best quality to begin with, but it only becomes noticeable after a few years when it has started to wear down and become more prone to warping over time.
This will usually happen slowly as you notice the top of your countertop looking more and more curved. This can also be as a result of the granite support wearing out over time.
In most cases, this will happen when you have a granite countertop that is at least a few years old and was not installed correctly to begin with or did not come from an A+ factory.
It’s these types of defects in your stone slab that can cause it to warp over time.
5. Putting Too Much Weight On The Granite
If you are putting too much weight on your granite countertop then it can also warp. This is because the granite slab will not be able to withstand the pressure and will start to bend or bow under the weight.
This usually happens if you store a lot of heavy items on the countertop or if you are constantly sitting or standing on it.
The problem will be compounded if your granite slab is not properly supported underneath. You can usually tell that this is happening when there are gaps in between some of the stone slabs from where they have bowed outwards instead of snapping back into place.
If you are noticing this happening, then the best thing to do is to move some of the items off the countertop and get it properly supported underneath.
You can do this by either getting a new granite support or adding an extra layer of plywood before installing your granite slab.
How To Check If Your Granite Countertop Is Warping
The best way to check if your granite countertop is warping is by using a level. You can either use a digital level or just a regular level that you would find at your local hardware store.
Once you have the level, place it on the surface of the granite and see if it is level. You should also do this test in different areas of the countertop to get a better idea if it is warped or not.
If your granite slab is not level, then there are a few things you can do:
- Have your contractor come back and fix it
- Add an extra layer of plywood
- Get a granite support
- Replace the slab with a new one from your supplier
If you are seeing any of the signs mentioned above, then it is best to get in touch with your contractor or supplier as soon as possible to see what can be done.
Warping is not something that should be ignored and can cause more damage over time if it is not addressed.
In most cases, granite countertops are a very durable and long-lasting surface that will not warp with use. However, there are some instances where it can happen and it is important to be aware of the signs so you can address the problem as soon as possible.
If you found this article helpful and have friends that might benefit from reading about it as well, then we encourage you to show them the link! We love sharing useful info with our readers 🙂
