Why we don't template over existing laminate

A potential client called with a few questions. One of her questions was, "My neighbors had their Silestone top installed by (competitor unnamed) and it cracked. We don't want that to happen to us. How do you keep it from happening?"
My answer was...if a Silestone top cracks, it is often due to templating over existing laminate (aka formica) or templating poorly (same thing really). We don't cut corners this way. We take the time and effort necessary to make sure the old tops are removed PRIOR to templating, the templates are checked and double-checked, and the new tops are shimmed if necessary. That way an egg or orange will not roll off. As discussed previously, most cabinets (90%) are not level underneath laminate tops. Sometimes they are 1/4" out of level and sometimes they are so badly out of level (over 1/2") that we require cabinets be pulled and reset. There is no way to know for sure that they are out of level, UNTIL you remove the existing tops. If your new granite tops are over 1/2" out of level and resting on small plastic shims and some person jumps up there, you could have a crack. Besides cracking, there are other disadvantages to templating over existing tops; mainly GAPS, especially if you are not getting a backsplash made of stone. Your tile setter will not appreciate skewed countertops, as he will have a hard time trying to disguise a huge gap with grout. And, last but not least, if you have a free-standing stove, it WILL be level due to the fact you cook with hot water and oil. BUT, what if the countertops are not level. It will be painfully obvious to everyone who looks at your stove. How embarrassing to have someone say, "Look, your countertop is tilted." Lesson learned, choose an installer that templates over bare cabinets and doesn't cut corners by templating over existing laminate.
Michelle Bruno, www.brunobuiltgranite.com