Why has my worktop bowed?
Occasionally we have had issues of bowing reported to us. Unfortunately a majority of the time the issue is down to incorrect storage or acclimatisation but it can be corrected.
In general, worktops need to acclimatise before being fitted and stored as per the manufacturer's guide. If bowing has occurred, this is usually a storage issue and not a manufacturing fault. Please see the information below which we hope helps you to resolve the issue
When you receive your worktops: Worktops, splashback or upstands need to be stored flat with bearers separating them if there is more than one, and, in the room, they will be fitted in before installation.
Worktops are mainly stored in a cold warehouse, loaded onto a vehicle, and depending on the time of year can then be subject to hot or freezing cold temperatures. They need time to adjust to the temperature of the room they are going to be fitted. Time is needed to do this.
If however cupping or bowing has occurred, it is easily rectified, by turning the worktop over and placing the tops on a flat surface, and in the area, they are being fitted.
*Place the worktop upside down with weights on top or at each end. After 24 to 48 hours this slight bow should drop out depending on the severity of the bow or cupping they may need longer to adjust.
Once the bowing has been resolved and the tops are fixed down correctly, the issue should not reoccur. Please speak to your fitter and allow time for the worktop to correct itself before attempting to fit them
Please see our guide below
Handling
Do: Always carry your worktops on their edge, they should be lifted and handled by at least 2 people – please check the label on the worktops for this information. This will prevent the worktops from bowing and cracking under their own weight.
Do: Handle the worktops as little as possible, they are very heavy and the edges can be easily damaged by their own weight.
Do: Always order your worktop in good time so you can resolve any storage issues before a fitter is due to begin work.
Storage
Do: Prepare the storage area for your delivery, it should be a dry room at normal room temperature (18 - 20°C ), away from direct heat sources and damp floors or walls.
Do: Store worktops flat on at least 4 equal thickness support bearers (see above) – keeping the worktop vertical on edge, lowering one edge carefully onto the bearers, and then letting down the other edge flat onto the bearers.
DO NOT: Store in an outhouse, shed, damp garage, or any room that is not weatherproof, with an unstable temperature, or in an unoccupied property.
DO NOT: Store vertically, on the edge, or directly on the floor, this will cause the worktops to bow and distort.
Do: Acclimatise the worktops to their installed room 24 – 48 hours before installation – move the worktops into or next to the installation site and unpack, and store flat on the floor as before but with dividing bearers between each worktop to allow good air circulation.
DO NOT: Install in any room that is freshly plastered, with any residual dampness, or unheated.
DO NOT: Install in any newly built unoccupied property unless it is properly heated and ventilated.