Expert Answers in Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

ANSWER - You didn't mention what kind of tile you had.  Natural stone of various types are known to contain ferrous oxide that can lead to staining in the tile or the adjacent grout. Since…

ANSWER - Bleach is high in alkalinity with a pH value of about 12.  Strippers used to remove paint and sealers, so it can be very harsh. High gloss black glazed ceramic tiles is known…

ANSWER - The best way to clean a ceramic tile floor is to purchase a neutral based cleaner/detergent and apply it to the floor.  Let it sit for 10 minutes or so.  Then use a…

ANSWER - The trade-off of etching a tile floor to make it more slip resistant is that it will alter the appearance of the tile and the tile can be come more difficult to clean…

ANSWER - As long as the tumbled travertine tile is installed correctly or a correctly installed radiant floor system, it should not be a problem. Note that using a natural stone will require more maintenance…

ANSWER - Severe efflorescence is a symptom of an excessive moisture problem.  Removing the efflorescence stain is treating the symptom rather than the problem. Efflorescence is a mineral stain.  Minerals are forms of salts that…

ANSWER - If the water is consistently coming up through the tile grout joints when the washing machine drains, and you don't see any water in the wall at the drain pipe, then the water…

ANSWER - The tile and stone industry standards require that an ASTM C920 sealant (caulk) is used for movement joints and transition joints between changing planes or materials.  ASTM C920 are normally 100% silicone or…

ANSWER - There are smooth floor tiles as well as smooth wall tiles.  Often floor tiles are used on walls as well as on floors. On shower floors they should be using a tile that…

ANSWER - Even though the tile floor was installed 15 years ago, if it was installed correctly it should not have loose grout; unless it was abused in some way.  I am assuming that these…