Is there a recommended location for a seam that is near the sink cut out (under-mount cut). My fabricator wants to place it in the center of the sink opening? Does this make a stronger install or create problems with water down the road?

 

Dear Trish:

I've always been against seaming at the center of an under-mount sink-hole. The strips in front and back of the sink are the weakest part of the whole structure and should be properly rodded (with steel rods) at the shop, before installation. Such highly-recommended practice automatically excludes the possibility of seaming there.

In a few cases, however, i.e.: exotic “granites” ands/or small slabs, it may turn out that the only logical place to seam is right there. But there are provisions (metal “biscuits” and other devices that a good fabricator will use to make sure that the seam will not fall apart after a while.

So, make sure that the seaming at the sink is strictly necessary to start with, and that it's done right; not just by putting some glue to hold the two pieces together.

Now remember, it's never too early to think about the proper maintenance of your stone. The issue of what you'll be doing day in and day out to your stone is far more important than its sealing (if and when possible and/or advisable) and it's all too often neglected. As you can tell by reading many of this site's postings, you're not likely to get good information about it from your dealer or installer. Don't become another statistic! By logging into the Helpful Hints section of our website at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/helpful-hints.htm , you will be able to get the short version of our maintenance guidelines at no charge. The full version of it – a 7-page document considered by many as an industry benchmark – is available in pay-per-download format in our Educational Literature section at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/literature.htm .  

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Ciao and good luck,

Mauri z io Bertoli

 

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