Natural stone countertops, such as granite and marble, don’t just look great in your home, but they are also extremely tough and durable. Still, they might develop scratches or dents over time, particularly if the proper care isn’t taken with them. You can read our tips on how to deal with this kind of minor damage here.
But what about more severe damage to your marble or granite countertops? Due to their durability, deeper cracks are extremely rare. However, it is still possible, so it helps to know what to do if you find yourself in that situation.
How can cracks occur in natural stone countertops?
Natural stone such as granite can have natural fissures occurring within the stone. While these generally aren’t a problem, they can make the stone weaker if it is subject to certain conditions, such as pressure or heat. So, if you regularly do things like putting hot pans and plates down onto the counter, or adding too much weight to your countertops by leaving heavy objects there for long periods of time or regularly climbing on your countertops, cracks can occur.
This is why it’s so important to take proper care of your granite countertops, helping them stay in good condition for longer. There’s also a chance that cracks could occur if the installer didn’t do a good job or if the slab was damaged while being moved, so make sure you choose a reliable provider for installation.
How to repair a cracked countertop
If the crack in your countertop does not create a ridge or a lip and is cleanly inside the stone, this is known as a hairline crack and may not need replacing. It shouldn’t cause any further damage and won’t produce sharp edges or get in the way when cleaning. You can just think of it as an addition to the unique pattern of your stone. But keep an eye on the crack to see if it starts to get larger over time.
If the crack produces a gap or a ridge in the stone, however, a granite repair specialist may be needed. Cracks in granite can be filled with acrylic or epoxy, made to match the color of the stone as closely as possible. The surface of your countertop will then need to be repolished to blend the repair in properly and remove any rough edges. You may then need to reseal your granite countertop.
Whether you’re looking for countertop repair or a new granite countertop for your bathroom or kitchen, Amanzi Granite are here to help. Get in touch to inquire about our design, installation, and maintenance services across Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville, NC.
