If you’ve just installed a new granite countertop and are worried that it may be cracked, you’re in luck. In this article, I will teach you how to tell if your granite is cracked.
We’ll also provide some tips on how to fix the problem if it is. So, whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, read on for all the information you need to know about cracked granite countertops. But before we get into the meat of the topic, let’s first take a look at what granite is, whether or not it can crack and if so, does it happen easily, and why granite cracks in the first place.
What Is Granite?
Granite is a natural stone that is quarried from the earth. It is composed of only natural stone and has a characteristic appearance that varies depending on where it was mined.
Granite is essentially an all-natural stone that is cut and fabricated into various countertop shapes. It is a popular choice for kitchen countertops and other interior applications because of its beauty and durability.
Granite countertops are one of the most common types of countertops and are available in a variety of colors and styles. They are also one of the most durable types of countertops, but that doesn’t mean they are immune to damage.
Do Granite Countertops Crack?
Yes, granite can crack, but it’s not as common as you might think. In fact, less than 10% of all granite countertops will crack during their lifetime.
So, while it is possible for your granite to crack, in most cases it will not be likely. However, there are certain things that can increase the likelihood of your granite countertop cracking.
This means that granite does not crack easily but if it does, the crack will likely be small and not cause any structural damage.
For example, if your granite countertop is not properly sealed or if it is not installed correctly, etc it is more likely to crack. Also, if you live in an area with a lot of seismic activity (such as California), your granite countertop is more likely to crack.
Although I have mentioned that cracks are less likely to occur, if your countertop does develop a crack, there are a few things you can do to fix it. But before we get into that, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why granite cracks in the first place.
Why Does Granite Countertops Crack?
There are a lot of reasons why granite can crack. Below are a few of the most common reasons why granite countertops crack;
1. Some Cracks Are A Natural Part of The Granite Stone
I mentioned earlier that granite is a natural stone and as such, it has some natural flaws. One of these is the fact that it can crack as a result of natural fissures.
While these natural fissures gives your granite some character and distinction, they also make it more susceptible to cracking. So, if your granite countertop has any of these natural fissures, it is more likely to crack.
If you hired an expert, he or she may already have discovered them and made sure they’re not in sensitive areas like the seams, cutouts, and cooktops.
As with all natural things, granite will also have some inherent weaknesses and since it is a hard surface, cracks are one of them. However, these fractures are usually very small and hairline in nature.
They usually do not cause any structural damage to the countertop and can sometimes be easily repaired. However, if you have a large crack in your granite countertop, it is likely that it was caused by something else.
2. Wear And Tear
Over time, your granite countertop will experience some wear and tear. This can include things like;
- Abrasion: This is caused by everyday use and contact with sharp objects, such as knives.
- Scratches: these can be caused by anything from pots and pans to utensils.
- Stains: these can be caused by anything from food and drink to oils and cosmetics.
The more wear and tear your granite countertop experiences, the more likely it is to crack. This is because as the surface wears down, the natural stone becomes weaker and more susceptible to fractures. So, if you have a granite countertop that is heavily used, it is more likely to crack.
3. Stress During Handling
When granite is being cut, it is put under a lot of stress and this can sometimes cause small cracks to form. Also, if the granite slab is not properly and carefully handled during their handling, it can also lead to cracking.
This can be handling during transportation, lifting, or installing. For example, it is important that granite slabs are not carried flat as this will can cause cracks. Instead, they should be carried on their side or edge to distribute the weight evenly.
So, if you are having your granite countertops installed, it is important to make sure that they are handled with care.
This is also the more reason why it’s important you and a qualified professional take a look or inspect the granite before it is installed.
4. Excessive Heat
Granite is a natural stone and as such, it is susceptible to heat. So, if you place hot pans, pots, etc on your granite countertop, it can cause the surface to crack over time.
Also, if you have an appliance like a stove, oven, toaster, that emits excessive amounts of heat, it can also damage your granite countertop over time.
This is because the constant heat exposure will cause the granite to expand and contract which can lead to cracking.
So, if you are going to place hot items on your granite countertop, it is important to use a trivet or hot pad to protect the surface.
You should also avoid placing appliances like stoves and ovens too close to your granite countertops as this can damage the surface.
5. Hard Hit
If your granite suffers a lot of heavy hits, it can also lead to cracking. This could be something like hammering a meat tenderizer, dropping a heavy pot on the countertop, etc.
This is because when granite is hit hard, it can cause the natural stone to fracture and this can lead to cracks.
So, if you are someone who likes to cook and prepare food in your kitchen, it is important not to hit anything too hard on your granite countertops.
Also, if your granite countertop is in an area that is prone to earthquakes, it is more likely to crack. This is because the sudden and intense movement can cause the granite to fracture.
6. Putting A Lot Of Weight On The Granite
If you like sitting, standing, or storing heavy items on your granite countertops, it can also lead to cracking. This is because when you put a lot of weight on the surface, it puts a lot of stress on the natural stone and over time, this can cause fractures.
So, if you are someone who likes to use their countertops as an extra workspace or storage area, it is best to avoid putting a lot of weight on them.
7. Improper Installation
This is probably one of the most common causes of granite countertop cracking. If your granite is not installed correctly, it is more likely to crack. There are a lot of ways this happens without you knowing.
- Not Properly Shimming Before Installation
One of the first ways is failing to shim the granite countertop properly. This is the process of leveling and supporting the countertop with small pieces of wood or metal. If this is not done correctly, it will cause your granite to crack.
This is a common error because walls and floors are usually not perfectly level, so it’s important to make sure your granite countertop is shimmed correctly before installation.
- Not Using Good Adhesives
Another way improper installation can cause your granite to crack is by not using the proper adhesive. There are many adhesives on the market that claim to be suitable for granite, but not all of them are.
If you use an adhesive that is not designed for granite, it will not hold as well and could cause your countertop to shift causing it to crack.
- Using the Wrong Screws
Another common installation mistake is using the wrong screws. There are special screws that are made to be used with granite countertops, and if you use regular screws, they will not hold as well and could cause your countertop to crack.
- Failing to Support Overhangs
If you have an overhang on your granite countertop, it is important to support it properly. Granite is a very heavy material and if it is not supported correctly, it will eventually crack. One way to support an overhang is by using corbels. These are small decorative brackets that support the overhang and prevent it from cracking.
- Sealant Issues
If your granite countertop is not properly sealed, it is more likely to crack. Granite is a porous material, so it needs to be sealed to prevent stains and damage. If you don’t seal your granite, it can absorb liquids and stain.
Granite can also crack if it is not sealed properly. If the sealant is not applied evenly or if it is not the right type of sealant, it will not protect your countertop as well and could cause it to crack.
- Cutting Tools
Another common installation mistake is failing to use a wet saw when cutting the granite. A wet saw creates a much cleaner cut than using a standard circular saw and if you don’t use a wet saw, it can cause your granite to crack.
- Not Letting the Granite Cure
After your granite countertop is installed, it needs to cure for 24-48 hours before you use it. This is because the adhesive and sealant need time to set and if you use your countertop too soon, it can cause it to crack.
So, now that we know some of the reasons why granite countertops crack in terms of installation, let’s take a look at how you can tell if your countertop is cracked.
How to Tell If Your Granite Countertop Is Cracked
There are a few signs that will help you determine if your granite countertop is cracked.
1. Look For Physical Cracks
One of the first ways to tell if your granite countertop is cracked is by looking for physical cracks. I do not mean to be captain obvious but this is definitely a sure way to tell. If you see any physical cracks, then your granite is cracked.
You will want to look closely because sometimes the cracks can be small and hard to see. Also, keep in mind that not all cracks are created equal. Some cracks are more severe than others and some can cause more damage.
Physical cracks can be a sign that the granite is weak and over time, it will crack more and more. So, if you see any physical cracks in your granite, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible.
If you’re not sure whether or not your granite is cracked, there are a few other ways to tell.
2. Check For Water Damage
Another way to determine if your granite countertop is cracked is by checking for water damage. If you see any water damage on your countertop, it could be a sign that the granite is cracked.
Water damage can be caused by a number of things, but if you’re not sure why there’s water damage, it’s best to take a look at the granite closely to see if you can find any cracks.
Water damage is not only a sign that your granite is cracked, but it can also be a sign of other problems such as improper installation or sealant issues. So, if you see any water damage on your countertop, make sure to have it checked out by a professional.
3. Using The Fingernail Trick
You can also use the fingernail trick to determine if your granite is cracked. This involves running your fingernails over the surface of the granite countertop. If your fingernails stumble or get caught up on any irregularities, it could be a sign that the granite is cracked.
This method is not as accurate as looking for physical cracks or water damage, but it can help you to rule out certain possibilities.
If your fingernails stumble over any irregularities in the granite, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the granite is cracked and you still need to have a look with your eye to see if you can find any physical cracks.
If you’re not sure whether or not your granite is cracked, it’s always best to have a professional take a look. They will be able to tell you for sure if the granite is damaged and they may also offer repair services.
4. Look For Chips And Gouges
Another way to tell if your granite is cracked is by looking for chips and gouges. If you see any chips or gouges on the surface of the granite, it could be a sign that the granite is cracked.
Chips and gouges can happen for a number of reasons, but if you’re not sure what caused them, it’s best to take a closer look at the granite to see if you can find any cracks.
Chips and gouges are not only a sign that your granite is cracked, but they can also be a sign of other problems such as improper installation or sealant issues. So, if you see any chips or gouges on your countertop, make sure to have it checked out by a professional.
5. Check For A Dull Spot
Another way to tell if your granite is cracked is by checking for a dull spot. If you see a dull spot on the surface of the granite, it could be a sign that the granite is cracked.
A dull spot can happen for a number of reasons, but if you’re not sure what caused it, it’s best to take a closer look to see if there’s a crack.
If you think your granite might be cracked, it’s important to get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. A cracked granite countertop can cause a lot of damage to your home, so it’s best to be safe and get it fixed as soon as possible.
6. Check For Stains or Spots
Similarly, you can also check for stains or spots on your granite countertop. If you see any stains or spots, it could be a sign that the granite is cracked.
Stains and spots are another common sign of a cracked granite countertop. They can often be a sign that water has gotten into the crack and is causing damage to the surface of the granite. If you see any stains or spots on your countertop, it’s a good idea to investigate further to see if the granite is cracked.
7. Check For Gaps or Misaligned Seams
This was told to me by a contractor. If you have a seam in your granite and one side is raised up, it’s likely the result of a crack that has propagated over time.
If you’re not sure if your granite is cracked, one of the best ways to tell is by checking for gaps or misaligned seams. If you see any gaps or misaligned seams, it could be a sign that the granite is cracked.
Gaps or misaligned seams can often be a sign of a cracked granite countertop. They can happen when the granite has been installed improperly.
And of course, this usually is a huge course of alarm as a cracked granite countertop will only get worse over time.
8. Frequent Mold And Mildew Growth
Another way to tell if your granite is cracked is by checking for frequent mold and mildew growth. If you see any signs of mold or mildew, it could be a sign that the granite is cracked.
This is often the case if you clean or has the mold treated only for it to reappear shortly thereafter.
Mold and mildew can often be a sign of a cracked granite countertop. They can happen when the sealant on the granite is damaged or when water gets into the cracks of the granite. If you see any signs of mold or mildew, it’s a good idea to investigate further to see if the granite is cracked.
If you think your granite might be cracked, it’s important to get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. A cracked granite countertop can cause a lot of damage to your home, so it’s best to be safe and get it fixed as soon as possible.
Mold and mildew is another common sign of a cracked granite countertop. They can often be a sign that water has gotten into the crack and is causing damage to the surface of the granite.
9. Ants Appearance
Last but not least, if you notice ants around your granite countertop, it could be a sign that the granite is cracked.
Ants are attracted to the cracks in the granite because they offer a safe place for them to hide. If you see ants around your countertop, it’s a good idea to investigate further to see if the granite is cracked.
While ants aren’t always a sign of a cracked granite countertop, they can be a sign that there’s something wrong. If you see ants around your countertop, it’s best to take a closer look to see if there’s a crack.
