Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers Granite installation Installation Guidelines Pool and Spa stone

How do I replace my Spa Spillway Surface?

ANSWER - I assume you will remove the existing spillway.  Assuming it is bonded to a mortar bed or to the gunite/shotcrete substrate, after removing the existing spillway, make sure you scarify it and it…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cracks Expert Answers Indent Fractures Moisture Problems Optical Haze Stains

What are these Shadow Needle Shapes on my Porcelain tile?

ANSWER - With your description it is hard to determine exactly what is the condition. It could be intend fractures.  That is when there is excessive shrinkage and it causes intents in the tile that…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Concrete Substrate Slab Debonding Tile Expert Answers failures Hollow Sounding Tiles Moisture Problems Movement Joints Tenting

Can moisture in a Concrete Floor cause the Thin-set Adhesive to Deteriorate and result in Hollow and Tented Tiles?

ANSWER - Thin-set mortars should not deteriorate from being exposed to moisture.  Most thin-set mortars are used in showers and in pools and fountains. Moisture that migrates into the concrete slab from the ground and…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers installation Mastic Showers

Can I use Organic Mastic in Showers?

ANSWER - There is a type 1 and a type 2 organic mastic.  Type 1 mastic is more water resistant, but only suitable for limited water exposure. Using the mastic on the kitchen backsplash is…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cracks Expert Answers Grout Repairs

Why is my Unsanded Grout Cracking and how do I fix it?

ANSWER - There are many reasons why a grout will crack and come loose.  Unsanded grout is recommended for grout joints 1/8" wide down to 1/16" wide.  Sanded grout is recommended for grout joints that…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cleaning Efflorescence Staining Expert Answers sealers

Will Sealing a Saltillo Tile prevent the White Efflorescence Staining?

ANSWER - Sealing a Saltillo tile doesn't waterproof the tile. Sealing the tile only makes it moisture resistant.  A sealer should help to minimize the white efflorescence staining, but it may or may not stop…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers installation stone

Can I adhere Tile to a Stucco Wall?

ANSWER - You should never adhere anything to a stucco finish on a wall.  The stucco is typically a cementitous material with a low amount of cement that makes it relatively weak.  You should remove…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers installation Plywood Substrate Waterproofing

Is it required to have a Waterproof Membrane under a Floor Tile Installation in a Mud Room, Laudry Room or in a Bathroom floor

ANSWER - It depends on what type of mat was used over the plywood on whether it is an acceptable installation method.  Although it would be ideal to install a waterproof membrane in areas that…

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Backer Board Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cracks Expert Answers Exterior failures installation Plywood Substrate Standards

Why is by Exterior Covered Deck Tile Backer Board Installation Causing Tile to Crack?

ANSWER - Normally when you get cracking over a suspended floor following the joints of the tile backer board that the tile was bonded to, it is due to a combination of excessive deflection in…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cleaning Expert Answers Maintenance

How do I remove the Dull Appearance of my Tile Floor

ANSWER - I doubt that you have a glazed porcelain tile floor.  A glazed tile is a tile with a glass-like coating on the surface that can't be altered unless you have abused it in…

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