Granite worktop installation - help!

StatisticallyChallenged

Is this a good time to mention that I don't think there is any silicone underneath either...The only silicon is around top edges between the worktop and the upstands. There certainly isn't any around the front edge as with those gaps I would be able to see/feel it. The sink unit was the one adjacent to the join, and it hadn't been leveled at all. It was off by about 10mm before he adjusted it when he came back. I also saw him put the biggest part of the worktop in place and didn't see him putting any underneath.

I've also just been looking online and am a little worried about the sink. We got a new, undermounted sink installed. It's just glued in place basically - he put a wooden baton underneath to hold it in place while this set (looks like silicon) and said "once that dries you'll be able to stand in it". But I'm looking online and seeing some info suggesting that it needs a frame.

I don't think the existing units are particularly bad btw - they are pretty new and could easily have been adjusted. With the last worktop being a fairly solid laminate which was screwed to them the height issues were leveled out - take the worktop off and that's gone and some adjustment was needed. They were rigid carcasses from DIY kitchens, but it's an old house and they've probably moved a little over the time they've been in place and just needed re-leveled.

I feel like screaming, we've really been done over here I think

suisidevw

Don't worry about the silicone bed. Our silestone isn't on Silicone underneath. It was templated properly i.e without worktops so the fit is so good and it's in good and tight resting on the properly aligned carcasses. It's going nowhere.

Again, don't worry about the sink. Ours too was adhered with a super strong glue that has made it rock solid and again, a piece of batton to hold in place. No need for the frame so don't let the internet panic you!

StatisticallyChallenged

Thank goodness the sink is Ok, wouldn't much fancy that collapsing! I think that given we were templated over worktops and the fit /level isn't perfect we probably could have done with some sort of silicon bed.

The problem is now I just don't trust anything he's done to be correct! He's currently ignoring us - funny that!

Ainsley1

I expect suicide is right as far a silicone is concerned for the worktops. Not essential but of definite benefit. It also help to seal if you get drips running round the edge onto the underside.

Interestingly Rangemaster undermount sink bowl fitting instruction show the use of brackets, tapped holes & inserts in the granite for screw fixing of some of their sinks. See http://www.rangemaster.co.uk/media/1156174/3960-09-SS-undermount-sink-28-01-14.pdf. Silicone is used as a seal.

Proper bonding with adhesives is frequently used in industry so is not a total non starter. Silicone can be surprisingly strong (there are specialist grades) and may well stick an under mounted sink in position but I prefer support too. ( I did say proper bonding!) Our sink manufacturer's installation instructions were followed to the letter and did not rely in a 'hanging' silicone fixing. You only need a little shifting or weak bond and there is the potential for problems with maybe a leak onto your carcases or shelves and resulting damage if not the sink breaking free.. Better if the silicone only provides the seal! It's all a matter of risk, is it not?

Others on the site who live in your area may well be interested to hear who did the work for you?

StatisticallyChallenged

I'm holding off naming just now in the hope they come through, but if I don't get anywhere I will definitely name and shame! Our last contact was, basically, replace it, write it off or take us to court. I've never refused to pay for anything but I'm not paying for this.

Anybody recommend any good repairers that would cover Edinburgh?

Ainsley1

...suggest you would only get a decent installer to start from scratch again.

andyhop

StatisticallyChallenged wrote: »

I'm holding off naming just now in the hope they come through, but if I don't get anywhere I will definitely name and shame! Our last contact was, basically, replace it, write it off or take us to court. I've never refused to pay for anything but I'm not paying for this.

Anybody recommend any good repairers that would cover Edinburgh?

We generally use Edinburgh granite and marble at loanhead .

suisidevw

FWIW, We have a Franke undermounted sink and iirc the options in Frankes brochure were either silicone in place or use brackets (which then means drilling into the stone I think). Anyway, the guy who fitted said he only ever bonds into place and never had an issue, so I wouldn't worry about that

StatisticallyChallenged

I've just managed to find the installation guide for the sink, and it's supposed to have what they call dowels, but looks rather like screws, attaching it at the front with a retaining bracket. I've just looked under the sink and there are two holes at the front for them. The irony is, we went for a specific sink brand because it was the one he said he was used to fitting!

We're still waiting on a response. We're torn as to what to do as these coming out will make one heck of a mess. I've spoken to a joiner we've used before and who is fairly decent, hes going to come and have a look at it, see if he can do anything to support the joint, adjust the cabinets etc. Even if we do replace them it's worth him having a look in case we need to put support in for round 2!

Interestingly he also recommended the company at Loanhead, so if we do end up doing a full replacement I think we'll go there. I know there are some "granite doctor" type people who do surface repairs which might be an option if we can find someone good, and do something structural underneath.

I think it'll end up coming out one way or the other, but we've just had the kitchen redecorated and I'm loathe to mess it all up again.

cyclonebri1

StatisticallyChallenged wrote: »

Can I ask those of you who know more about fitting granite, would you expect the granite to be directly in contact with the tops of the units the whole way along (ignoring the floating section!) or should there be a small amount of clearance? I just had a closer look i.e. got down to eye level, and most of the main run isn't actually touching the units at the front. It's not by much, but there is probably 2-6mm of clearance almost the whole way along. There are two big corner units, and looking at one of them the worktop is hard against the end panel, but not actually touching the front of the unit or the corner post.

Just wondering if it is worth us trying to adjust the unit legs to improve the support (in case we are stuck with these!)

Bejuessus, they should be touching at all points, the sealant is just that, it stops leaks and holds the stuff, (not that it needs holding considering the weight), in place.., it can't take up irregularities and will not support the granite:mad:


Given your earlier info, you really have engaged a "wrongun", without recommendation. Water under the bridge at this stage.

Don't pay, invite trading standards in. Don't capitulate please, he's done a poor job and expects being paid, disappoint him.