How can I stabilize granite installed over a Formica counter?
I just moved in to my new home. A remodeled kitchen with new appliances, new back splash, and granite counter tops. I thought I had it made!! Then a tile fell off the side of the counter. It did not hold up because the previous owners put the granite right over the formica counter! The lip of the formica counter was slightly rounded and only a small part for motor to hold the granite tile on. How can I fix this? I have the tile. I'm hoping this isn't going to happen to the other tiles along the sides.
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Here is a very good article https://homeguides.sfgate.com/installing-granite-tile-countertops-over-laminate-60436.html
Epoxy - buy at a home store / hardware store.
If you can scrape off the old mastic. Rough up the Formica surface and clean away the dust. Use construction adhesive too set the tile and hold it in place with tape until the adhesive cures, then grout around tile. You can get small tubes of strong adhesives at the hardware store. When you apply it try to do it so it doesn't squeeze out around the edges of the tile because it can be a bother to remove. It is very likely that this will happen with other tiles along the edge because they have such a small surface below the bullnose to stick to.
Yes, you will continue to have falling tiles. Keep you mastic handy. They did a resale mini fix up.
I agree to scrape off the old mastic. I think I would using a caulk product instead of grout though to help hold it on for longer. Or, honestly, even a heavy duty construction adhesive might be a better choice. Once you apply it, tape the tile in place with painter's tape to hold it until it dries.