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11-22-2014, 06:08 PM
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#1
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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Crack in our kitchen countertop
This will be something we have AS address under warranty, but I thought I'd put it out there to see how folks who know what they are doing have successfully fixed this kind of issue.
So, we just found this crack in the Corian kitchen countertop in our 2014 International Signature 27FB. Is this something others have seen and fixed?
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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11-22-2014, 08:18 PM
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#2
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2 Rivet Member
2013 25' FB International
Gig Harbor
, Washington
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 38
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With a new AS, I would go back to the dealer to have this covered by warranty. It most likely happened while towing it and they should replace it for you.
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11-22-2014, 09:25 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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It seems like there ought to be something flexible between the inflexible Corian top and the flexible cabinet attached to the flexible Airstream structure. Maybe a very thick bead of soft sealant/adhesive.
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Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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11-22-2014, 10:06 PM
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#4
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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Thanks. We'll definitely go back to the dealer for warranty service on this, possibly insisting they replace the entire countertop, as I don't want a cracked countertop with a silicon bead on it. That just seems a recipe for unhappiness. I just wondered whether other people have had this happen and if so, what typically fixes it once and for all, aside from a complete replacement.
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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11-22-2014, 10:23 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkottum
It seems like there ought to be something flexible between the inflexible Corian top and the flexible cabinet attached to the flexible Airstream structure. Maybe a very thick bead of soft sealant/adhesive.
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This was really not meant as a fix to repair the present crack but a possible way to mount the new replacement. If it broke once and they just put a on new one same as before it'll probably crack again. Something caused it to crack.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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11-22-2014, 10:24 PM
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#6
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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Right you are - some kind of flexibility in the mounting that allows for the inevitable flexing during travel seems well-advised.
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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11-23-2014, 12:35 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton
, Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
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Crack in our kitchen countertop
Or a high spot under the edge that cracked off.
1/2 Ton 4WD Truck, 72 Sovereign Hensley Arrow
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The fact that I am opinionated does not presuppose that I am wrong......
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11-23-2014, 01:10 PM
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#8
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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Thanks for that suggestion. I'll ask them to check for this and level off any high spots before making the replacement.
I've heard that Corian can be repaired in ways that make the original injury invisible. Here's one quick search result that says cracks can be repaired, though I don't want a repaired crack showing - it would have to be blended in somehow. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/repair-...ops-30237.html
So, I'll ask them to replace the countertop under warranty, ensure a level plane across all the cabinet tops, and consider whether they should be putting something between the counter and the cabinets that would help absorb flex instead of transferring it to the counter and introducing another crack.
While we're at it, we'll have them take a look at the outside light above the door, which once again requires a good slap on the fixture to get it working after I turn it on. That connection must have come loose again.
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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11-23-2014, 01:16 PM
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#9
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KatieMacSC
1975 31' Sovereign
Morganton
, katherynhartzell
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 6
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Talking to a local granite installer, he has replaced RV countertops. He says be sure you have a flex gap between the front of the cabinet and the rolled edge. This looks like the cabinet may have been flush with the under edge of the countertop. He also leaves flex space on all wall sides that will be covered by backsplash, then shims up the backsplash for space and finishes with flexible caulk.
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11-23-2014, 01:51 PM
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#10
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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Crack in our kitchen countertop
Ah, thanks for that idea, much appreciated. I just sent email with photos and suggestions about possible causes to my dealer to start the chat about fixing this under warranty. We'll see what develops. They've been really good thus far about warranty work, so I'm confident we'll get this resolved as well.
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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12-02-2014, 07:52 PM
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#11
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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So, Airstream says they want to repair the counter vs. replacing it. If they repair the cause and then repair the crack so that it cannot be seen, I'd be willing to let them do that. Otherwise, I'm going to press them hard for a replacement.
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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12-02-2014, 08:40 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1972 31' Sovereign
1975 31' Excella 500
Currently Looking...
Benton
, Arkansas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,868
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If they can fix it well in place I would be inclined to think this is the best solution.
The idea is that they will not need to take so much apart. As a rule I think that the less factory stuff that needs to come apart the better.
1/2 Ton 4WD Truck, 72 Sovereign Hensley Arrow
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The fact that I am opinionated does not presuppose that I am wrong......
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12-02-2014, 09:22 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2002 30' Classic S/O
Fleming Island
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,667
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Is that the crack continuing on the gray surface next to the ivory counter top?
I'd be interested in their repair process. If they don't remove the top, how are they going to determine why it cracked? If there is a high spot on the front edge or corner and they patch the crack it will just crack again. If they are going to remove the top, why not replace it?
Al
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Al, K5TAN and Missy, N4RGO WBCCI 1322
2002 Classic 30 Slideout -S/OS #004
2013 Dodge 2500 Laramie 4x4 Megacab Cummins
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12-02-2014, 11:36 PM
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#14
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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Hey, John, let's hope you're right, though I'm concerned that whatever caused the crack will continue to stress / damage the counter after they fix the crack.
Still, I'm willing to let them give the crack-fix a shot, for the same reason - the less they tear apart, the better, as long as they can figure out what broke it and eliminate that cause.
Al, I will also be interested to know how they're going to fix it.
Oh, and the crack does not continue into the gray surface - that's actually the aluminum wall, and it's reflecting the image of the crack.
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12-03-2014, 08:10 AM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
1976 Argosy 22
cranbrook
, British Columbia
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 72
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Been making Corian countertops for 20 years. The repair, if done properly will be stronger that the original material. The countertop should be removed for proper perpetration, clamping and sanding. At which time the mounting surface can be inspected for high spots. After the repair is blended into the countertop, it needs to be re-polished. This sometimes means doing the whole countertop to get a consistent sheen. If the repair is not invisible, I would expect them to provide you with a new replacement countertop.
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12-03-2014, 08:41 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,655
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kootenayken
Been making Corian countertops for 20 years. The repair, if done properly will be stronger that the original material. The countertop should be removed for proper perpetration, clamping and sanding. At which time the mounting surface can be inspected for high spots. After the repair is blended into the countertop, it needs to be re-polished. This sometimes means doing the whole countertop to get a consistent sheen. If the repair is not invisible, I would expect them to provide you with a new replacement countertop.
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I have been using a Corian "polish periodically, and it helps for awhile, but is there a product to be used every few years to perform a deeper scratch removal polish?
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-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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12-03-2014, 10:05 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
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When I had a corian sink and countertop I was into keeping it like new. I used automotive rubbing compound, two different grades, followed by polish. If there were real scratches I used emery cloth, the grade depended on the scratch depth, but then rubbing compound and polish.
Larry
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12-03-2014, 11:06 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
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Just a silly observation - everyone's taste is different - but I just don't why anyone really wants granite, quartz or marble countertops. And concrete? Uh, the aesthetic? Poo on the aesthetic - the stuff has to be resealed often or it becomes a bacteria haven. Drop a glass on any stone like surface and it'll explode not merely break. Formica surfaces will allow sturdier glassware to bounce, not break. Corian I understand - mainly because you can get a totally integrated sink, countertop and backsplash which means no moldy or leaky joints, and yes it CAN be repaired, but NO don't put a really hot pan down on it because it will melt.
Why has "fashion" made plain old Formica (and equivalent brands) so undesirable? New Formica is attractive, the surface is pretty durable and very inexpensive. After 5-10 years if it starts to look shabby - rip it out and redecorate without guilt or huge expense.
I'm just amazed that people will spend a year's college tuition for countertops - then when they put the house up for sale, lo and behold the prospective buyers will hate the counters and want a price allowance for the cost of brand new counters.
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Back on topic - looking at the picture of the crack, it almost looks like the corner has been pried away from the cabinet front. All the cabinets flex, but it could be that the sidewall of that cabinet is not properly anchored at all.
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Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
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12-03-2014, 08:16 PM
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#19
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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Thanks, guys. I think we'll give them a chance to find / repair the cause and then repair the countertop. Then we'll see what it looks like. If the crack is invisible, as I expect it to be, then we'll be just fine with that vs. a new counter.
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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01-02-2015, 02:07 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
1978 25' Tradewind
Metro Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,524
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Foiled Again
<snip>
Why has "fashion" made plain old Formica (and equivalent brands) so undesirable? New Formica is attractive, the surface is pretty durable and very inexpensive. After 5-10 years if it starts to look shabby - rip it out and redecorate without guilt or huge expense.
I'm just amazed that people will spend a year's college tuition for countertops - then when they put the house up for sale, lo and behold the prospective buyers will hate the counters and want a price allowance for the cost of brand new counters.
<snip>
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I'm actually looking hard at the Formica 180FX with the bullnose IdealEdge for the new countertops in our coach. Should I start a new thread on it?
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"Between what matters and what seems to matter, how should the world we know judge wisely?" - E.C. Bentley, Trent's Last Case
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