Expert Answers in Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

ANSWER – I assume you have a glazed porcelain tile.  The name Tuscan suggest that it is suppose to have a somewhat rustic look.  Sometimes tiles are manufactured in a way to give them a distressed…

ANSWER – There is no standard for seconds other than it doesn’t meet the ANSI A137.1 standards in some respect. On the other hand it isn’t expected to represent any unlimited degree of flaws. In the…

ANSWER – Porcelain tile, which is a type of ceramic tile, can crack for a variety of reasons, although if installed correctly it should never crack.

ANSWER – The ceramic tile should not crack if it is stepped on or something is dropped on it.  It could chip.

That fact that it cracked suggests that it wasn’t properly installed and there are…

ANSWER – Silicone residue is normally removed with a razor blade scrapper. If it still leaves a film residue on the surface of the tile you could try to use xylene, acetone or goof-off with a scrub…

ANSWER – Buckling or Tenting of tile is a problem that is caused by compounding deficiencies. When there is a failure it is never only due to one factor, but rather it is generally due to…

ANSWER – First of all, if you have cracked tiles that suggests that there is an underlying problem.  Cracks in the shower can lead to leaks in areas that could cause other water damages within or…

ANSWER – I assume you mean silicone sealant (caulking).  Silicone can normally be removed with a razor blade if none carefully. A textured and polished porcelain is normally resistant to scratching, but you should be careful…

ANSWER – Organic mastic is not considered a long lasting product, and depending on the type of mastic you used (ANSI A136.1 type 1 versus type 2, and the quality of the product) it can…

ANSWER – Exterior decks are known for commonly being constructed incorrectly.  Generally when there is a problem it isn’t due to any single deficiency, but rather due to compounding deficiencies.  It is not only whether the…