Expert: Fabiano Silva - 3/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: I had professional installation of 75 sq ft of new granite on top of brand new custom cabinets. The installer glued directly to my new cabinets (no plywood). There is a gap that goes from 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch. The installer said it would be covered by my backsplash. It won't. My backsplash ends before the granite. The installer filled the gap with a white caulk and said just paint it. I told him to fix it. He offered to remove caulk and fill with resin and again said paint it. I was told by my general contractor the gap was to big for resin. Now the installer has offered to install a 3/8 inch piece with resin.  Is this the correct method of repair?

ANSWER: Where's the gap? it is on the back, against to the wall? what kind backsplash do you have? tile or granite?

If you have a tile backsplash , I believe it should be 1/4 to 3/8 thick, so it's not enough to cover the gap, so The granite guys screw up the granite.

I can't say how to fix it without see it, but is there any way to build the wall, maybe install a 1/4 thick sheetrock, so when you install your backsplash it will cover the ugly gap?

Please if possible send me pictures

Good Luck

Fabiano Silva
www.RevolutionGranite.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: There are three pieces that run the length of the counter and another piece that is seamed to form an L. The gap is the last wall piece. The problem is the edge continues slightly past the end of the wall and along an angle to match an outcove and accommodates the overhang to the nook. The backsplash will end at the kitchen wall. There will be about 2 inches not covered.

ANSWER: Hi

Ok now I see the problem! What you will use for backsplash? Can you also install the backplash all the way to end of the granite, and try to hide all the gap?
Can you send me a picture of the whole piece, I want to see why the left with this huge gap

Good Luck

Fabiano Silva
www.RevolutionGranite.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Tile. Backsplash will end at the overhead cabinet line. The granite continues for 2 or so inches. The piece is seamed to two others in an L shape. The didn't cut the corner were they meet correctly. So instead of fixing it putting it to the wall and recutting corner after the dry fit (I am assuming, they denied the notice it) they glued it down anyway. Of course I didn't know till the had glued and caulked it.

Answer
This is sad, this kind of installation is unacceptable, if you didn't install the backsplash yet, ask then to come back, and redo the installation. They will problem give you excuses that's not possible to remove the granite because of the seam or because it's glued on the cabinet, don't worry the kitchen can be removed without damages.
Don't be afraid to tell then that you are not happy, they will need to give you a proper installation or refund all the money.

Good Luck

Sincerely;

Fabiano Silva
www.RevolutionGranite.com