Granite is one of the most popular kitchen countertop materials out there. But that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have any imperfections. This is why you need to maintain your granite kitchen countertops. If you want to know more about cracks and fissures in granite countertops, how to fix them, and how to prevent them, read this guide.

Cracks Vs. Fissures In Granite Countertops

Fissures and cracks may look and sound the same, but the main difference is how they occur.

Granite Countertop Fissures

Believe it or not, fissures are naturally occurring imperfections in granite. They are either very small embedded cracks in the granite stone and that can be the reason for when it was being made, when it was cut and transported.

Fissures have two points of reflection and you can always see that distinction. So, even though fissures are not ideal, they are innate, so there’s not much you can do to change that. However, that doesn’t mean that fissures can’t deepen. They can turn into cracks if you’re not too careful.

Granite Countertop Cracks

As for cracks, they are formed because of outside factors and what people do to the countertops. Cracks are inflicted on the granite countertops. Think of them as injuries but for stones. They can be shallow and they can be deep, but the depth depends on how damaged the countertop is.

So, cracks can be more of a problem than fissures, because they only have one point of reflection, which is a clear indication that they’re caused by something external, and it wasn’t there before the fact.

How To Fix Cracks And Fissures In Granite Countertops?

Now that you know what cracks and fissures are, you can’t live with them. So, here are some ways by which you can remove them.

Use An Epoxy Filler

The easiest way to fill in a crack or a deep fissure is to use a clear epoxy filler. If you can get your hands on it, then a tinted epoxy will do wonders too. For this, you need to follow the instructions carefully, because half the battle is getting the consistency right. So, make sure that you mix the epoxy solution in so that it doesn’t have any streaks and before applying it, make sure that the crack is clean and taped off from the rest of the countertop.

Apply the epoxy, spread it out, and then let it dry. Once it’s dried, you can buff the area to make it smooth and have it flush against the actual countertop.

Granite Powder

Tinted epoxy can be hard to find, especially if you have an exotic color of granite. So, to make the perfect epoxy filler for your countertops, all you need is clear epoxy and granite powder of the same color as your countertops.

You need to mix in the powder and epoxy as per the instructions. Then apply it in the same way as you would a normal epoxy and let it dry. In the end, sand it down and you’re pretty much good to go.

Attach The Pieces

Sometimes, cracks and fissures can be really deep and if they’re on the edges of the countertops, the cracks can cause the edge to break and fall off. If you still have the broken piece with you, then that is perfect because you can attach it back.

All you need is a clear but really strong adhesive. Use an industrial-level glue if you can get your hands on it. Apply it on evenly the broken piece and let it get tacky. Then fuse the piece together and let it dry. You pretty much fixed your countertop.

Sand The Countertop

Sometimes, the cracks aren’t as deep and you don’t need to go through the whole debacle of filling up the space with epoxy filler. So, if the crack is not too deep, then you don’t need anything but sandpaper or a buffing tool. You want to gently buff the surface where the crack is.

The shavings of the granite countertops will fill in the crack automatically and you will see that the crack is filled. In the end, you can just set everything in place by applying a layer of clear epoxy sealant and you’ll be good to go. You can also get in touch with a granite countertop installer Durham NC to repair your countertop.

How To Prevent Cracks And Fissures In Granite Countertops?

Fixing the cracks and fissures is one thing, but you need to know the different ways to prevent them so that you don’t need to do the things mentioned above.

Use Cutting Boards

Cracks can normally happen when you use something sharp and heavy directly on the countertop surface. Even though granite is a very durable material, you still want to ensure that you’re protecting it. Scratches can turn into cracks and deep fissures, so you want to do everything you can to prevent that.

For this, always use a cutting board when you’re cutting up anything whichever countertop material you have. This is not only sanitary, but it will also save your countertops.

Maintain The Countertops

This one goes without saying, but if you’re not taking care of your countertops, then they’re going to get worse for wear. This is something that you need to take care of. Make sure that you’re cleaning the countertops daily, removing stains quickly, and protecting them from all sorts of things that can lead to damage, a.k.a. cracks and fissures.

It’s a simple thing, but it will pay off in the end. If you can, try to deep clean the countertops once every month or so. This is going to highlight all of the problems you’re having with it and you can get them fixed in no time. It’s really that simple to fix things when they’re minute.

Don’t Put Too Heavy Things On Countertops

This is also another thing a lot of people are guilty of doing. They are not mindful of how they’re slamming things on top of the granite countertops. Now, even though granite is a very sturdy and strong material, that still doesn’t mean that it can endure anything you throw at it – literally.

You need to remember that it is a stone at the end of the day and it can also get cracked. If there are already small fissures on the countertop, then they can turn into deep cracks sometime later, so you want to ensure that you’re not throwing or slamming things down on the countertops.

Keep You Granite Countertops Sealed

Water can also lead to cracks and fissures deepening than usual. How? Well, that can happen when you don’t seal the countertops. Granite is not a naturally waterproof material, so water can penetrate it like it does in a sponge.

So, you want to ensure that you’re sealing the countertops. This will not only protect the countertops from stains and water damage, but it will also prevent the deepening of cracks and fissures, which can be a whole problem in itself and it’s not pretty.

Conclusion

Granite countertops can get cracked, even though they’re very durable. So, now you know the difference between cracks and fissures and how to fix them. However, if your countertop is severely damaged, you should consider countertop replacement Raleigh NC.