Expert Answers in Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

ANSWER – There really isn’t anything you can do about correcting the short stair treads as there is no stair nosing extending out over the edge of the stair riser.  You really just need to…

ANSWER – First of all, the way you construct a shower pan is to first apply a pre-sloped mortar bed to establish a slope to the drain of 1/4″ per foot.  You can float over…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…