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Quartzite crack and manufacturer response??

3 years ago

Had Island countertop installed and within 3 hours discovered significant cracks...one which can be felt along the side and top shattered into a significant spider web of cracks...company responsible completely washing hands of the situation saying that it was an act of nature

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PRO

Joseph Corlett, LLC

3 years ago

Those may disappear with an application of Tenax Pectro. You must use the clear, not the black. I use the black on dark colored stones regularly; it's a lifesaver in the sink replacement business.

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Comments (13)

H D
3 years ago
Hello, I am not one of the experts here, but if you can post some photos of the crack, it will help you get feedback. Hope this helps
J Ladouceur
Original Author
3 years ago
Yes....definitely here are some photos of the cracking...
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Before I read Joseph's post, I was thinking that crack is a leveling issue, not really the radius that is the problem. But Joseph is the expert, so I would listen to him. Regardless, it's installer error. Having said that, your counter is 9 years old. You should have brought this up at the first appearance of the first crack. Now in 2019 it is time to move on. You won't be able to pin this on anyone after 9 years of use, or get anyone to buy you a new counter at this point.
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H D
3 years ago
Wow that’s terrible. Had you seen the labs previously at the stone yard? Also have you already paid them?
J Ladouceur
Original Author
3 years ago
Yes....it is terrible....did not see it on the slab at the stone yard however have no idea which slab they actually sent as we did not pick anything out specifically (they sent whatever slab they chose)....they would not deliver until the balance was paid in full so has already been paid. I have phoned the owner / manager twice today and have not had my calls returned.....nor have they sent anyone to look at it....
Susan Murin
3 years ago
Was fabricator same as stone yard? Otherwise get ready for the finger pointing! Was the crack through edge there immediately or happened after they left? Do you have a GC involved who can advocate for you?

FWIW my counter guy only had me pay half before install, the other half when job complete.
J Ladouceur
Original Author
3 years ago
I believe that they work hand in hand....the fabricator dealt with this particular stone yard....which were both recommended by the general contractor and they have had a business relationship for over 10 years - the GC is saying he has tried calling as well and sent an email and has not had a reply either....they were adamant that the delivery wouldn't happen without full payment of balance.
J Ladouceur
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks so much....the rest of the counter tops are really beautiful and so if that were to disappear would be great....would those cracks spread further over time?
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
3 years ago
Unlikely.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
. They do not usually spread once installed but I will say you always should choose your slabs at the stone yard take pictures and have the slabs labelled while you are there and take more pictures with the labels than at least you know you got what you chose. Those spider webs are pretty usual in quartzite though. I would listen to Joseph and see if the supplier will at least try that first. IMo never pay for something you do not have in place period.
J Ladouceur
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks to you both for the information....reassuring will not spread and great advice on the selection process! Update: finally received a call back this morning and installer returning to look at and see what he can do with web which is positive. Hopefully can send a better pic next time.
chispa
3 years ago
Quartzite can be very hard and brittle, so I'm not surprised with what you show in the photos. I can feel some cracks/fissures in my quartzite. I used a very good fabricator, so I blame the material I picked!
anna_682
3 years ago
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