What can you do about cracks on stone slabs, showers, vanities or countertops? In some cases,
an expert can repair them almost invisibly – here’s how to know if yours is one of the lucky ones.
Architects, designers, and homeowners love stone for its luxurious finish and durability.
Unfortunately, even with care, accidents happen. And natural hairline fissures in the stone itself
can cause issues you wouldn’t be able to anticipate.
What causes cracks on stone slabs?
Sometimes the problem is a single traumatic impact: someone drops a heavy object on the
stone, for example. But cracks on stone slabs are also very common in high-traffic, high-water
areas including:
shower saddles,
benches,
kitchen countertops
and even bathroom vanity tops near the sink area.
And that damage is often caused by metal reinforcement rods used underneath the slab.*
Have you seen rust stains where you don’t expect them? Cracks sometimes are first visible as
rust stains. Why would that be? Moisture that seeps or leaks down to the metal causes rust,
then the metal expands, causing the stone to crack.
Most often moisture gets to the metal through the perimeter joints where surfaces come
together, such as where sink meets stone countertop:
SINK joints, usually sealed with silicone or caulking, will start to detach as time passes, letting some moisture go through (seals need to be replaced at least every two years);
in SHOWERS, moisture can seep through the hairline cracks that occur on grout joints around the slab.
*Fortunately, since about 2017, stone fabricators have begun to move away from metal rod
reinforcement, preferring fiberglass mesh and epoxy in order to avoid these issues with metal.
How can cracks in stone and marble be repaired?
While every installation is different, and an in-person consultation is usually required in order
to evaluate the cause of cracks and discuss repair solutions, it IS often possible to fix cracks and
breaks, and remove associated rust stains.
Epoxy is often an adhesive used in the process, though some applications may require other
materials. In general repairing cracks involves:
removing the broken pieces,
cutting out the metal rods,
thoroughly cleaning the area,
rebuilding them back,
filling the cracks (choosing a color that will be a close match to the stone),
allowing the appropriate cure time to ensure the adhesive lasts,
sanding and polishing the surface(s).
With stone and marble, it’s important to note that there’s no one-type-fits-all adhesive. Experts
know how to choose the right product for the stone and its setting.
Following are some examples of common cracks on stone slabs, and how experts in marble
repair, (like us at TersoMR!), can salvage your one-of-a-kind marble and stone installations:
If you discover rust stains, breaks or cracks on stone slabs in your home, be sure to give us a call
(or consult with a local expert in your area), before you decide to renovate. You may be able to
save time, money, construction disruption – and of course the beautiful stone in your home!