Expert Answers in Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

ANSWER - If the ceramic tile is installed correctly it can be used in cold environments without cracking as long as it isn't subjected to moisture during freeze thaw conditions.   Some tiles like porcelain ceramic…

ANSWER - Considering it is a porcelain tile, I would think that the warped corners were that way when they were installed.   Porcelain tiles are not moisture sensitive and they would not be expected to…

ANSWER -  There are standards for what is acceptable tile lippage.  Hollow sounding tiles are not a defect in itself, but a hollow sound may or may not be an indication there is an underlying defect.…

ANSWER - Allowable tile lippage for ceramic tile, including porcelain tile, which is a type of ceramic tile, is based on the grout joint width and the amount of allowable warpage that the tile itself exhibits.…

ANSWER - Yes there are industry standards for workmanship.  ANSI A108 .08-2013 4.0 General requirements for tile installations provides many of the workmanship requirements for the installation of tiles. Walls cannot be out of plumb,…

ANSWER - Per ANSI A108 and per the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tiles they say that the thin-set adhesive coverage under the tile should be 80% with full support along tile edges…

ANSWER -  You say you have a glazed porcelain tile.  A glazed tile has a glass-like substance fired on the clay bond surface. You then say the tiles are lappato tiles.  Lappato normally means that…

ANSWER - If the tile was installed correctly, it should not be damaged by being submerged in water.  Although quite often tiles are not installed correctly, and there can be resultant damages from a flood. Whether…

ANSWER - I am assuming that when you say head joint that you are referring to the vertical grout joint on the 12" short side of the 12 x 24 inch tile you are installing…

ANSWER - I assume that the concrete slab is an interior application.  Generally speaking you don't what to install tile over a concrete slab that has a hydrostatic water problem unless it is remediated first.…