If you notice a crack in your bathroom countertop, it’s important to determine what caused the crack before you start attempting repairs. Repairing a crack can be a simple task, but if the source of the problem isn’t remedied, the crack will likely return or worsen.
Much of the time, cracked countertops are the result of impact damage, and when this type of crack occurs, the homeowner is often aware of what fell on the countertop and cracked it.
However, a crack may also show up seemingly without warning. Some small cracks form naturally, especially fissures that appear along the grain of stone material. Other times, cracks are the result of uneven weight distribution, uneven or unlevel cabinets, or storing items that are too heavy on one section of the countertop.
Finally, some materials can crack when exposed to excessive temperatures, but this is unlikely to be the source of cracks in bathroom countertops.
DIY Crack Repair
You might be wondering how to fix a cracked countertop. Depending on the size of the crack and the specific countertop material, there are a couple of ways a homeowner can repair a countertop crack.
Glue Repair:
Some thin cracks can be repaired using an industrial-strength superglue product. Clean the crack with a toothbrush and hydrogen peroxide so that no debris prevents the crack from closing. Once clean, heat the crack with a hairdryer to shrink it, then fill the crack with a thin line of glue. Let the glue harden for twenty-four hours and gently sand off any excess.
Epoxy Resin Repair:
For larger cracks, especially cracks in stone countertops, a color-match epoxy resin is likely the most ideal filler. Clean the crack so that it’s free of debris, then pour color-matched epoxy into the crack, ensuring that it sinks all the way in. Remove most of the excess, leaving a bit of epoxy protruding from the crack. Allow it to cure for twenty-four hours.
Note: Epoxy resin releases harmful fumes so wear proper safety equipment and keep the room ventilated for this method.
Professional Countertop Repair or Replacement
Sometimes the crack is too big to repair in the above-mentioned ways. Sometimes, DIY repair methods don’t mesh well with countertop grains, and the crack and/or repair attempt is noticeable from a distance.
In these situations, it’s best to either have a professional repair the crack in your countertop for you or have the countertop replaced. Many times, professional repair jobs are sufficient, but when they aren’t, a brand-new countertop is a great investment for your bathroom space.
If you’ve recently noticed a crack in your countertop and you’re considering replacing the surface, look no further than Washington Marble Works. We carry a selection of beautiful stone countertop materials and the design tool on our website helps our customers choose the best possible surface.
