Forums › Kitchen DIY Forum › Kitchen DIY Advice › Sealing body of worktop against wall, cooker, hob/sink
This topic has 2 voices, contains 1 reply.
| Author | Posts |
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| Author | Posts |
| April 26, 2004 at 8:54 pm #5328 | |
 jpedley |
My worktop (made by Bushboard) has been fitted by professional kitchen fitters. I believe the cut surfaces have not been sealed; the manufacturer’s fitting instructions are absolutely explicit - “all edges must be sealed… either with laminate… or a coat of silicon adhesive or .. 2 coats of polyurethene varnish” It has been extensively cut on sides, back edge and for hob/sink . It has a right angle joint also, don’t know if that has been sealed. Tiles / splashback not yet installed so the worktop not yet sealed to the back. In any case, the sealing I am referring to here is about blocking the porous exposed cut surfaces The people who sold me the kitchen (who recommended the fitters) at first said that sealing should be done then, rather disingenuously, said that “different fitters have different standards”. (I am asking them to confirm their position and recommendations in writing). My question then: I feel certain that silicone sealant applied to joints alone cannot be relied upon to keep the worktop dry over the life of the kitchen. I know because the way my shower seal leaks! Regards Julian |
| April 27, 2004 at 9:28 pm #5331 | |
 timfoley |
High quality silicone sealant alone is sufficient when applied to joints and the correct sealing of the worktops is important particularly where it is most vulnerable i.e. sink, hob cut outs and the exposed rear edges. Although sealing is not regulatory it is recommended by the manufacturer and certain quality worktops arrive pre-sealed on the rear edge. In answer to your questions Is it best practice to do so? Absolutely. It is hard to ignore the recommendations of the worktop manufacturers if you are fitting their products weekly Should I insist that they dismantle the worktop and apply the sealant in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. I haven’t paid them yet! If, as you state, the retailer reffered to the importance of sealing prior to fitting then this may strengthen your case for a reduction in cost or a commitment to a longer than standard workmanship guarantee but it may be rectifiable if access to the edges are possible after installation. In any case it may only require removal of your sink and hob to correct the problem. |
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