Expert Answers in Concrete Substrate Slab
What is Post-Tensioned Concrete and Can I Install Tile Over it?
Post-Tensioning is a method of compressing the concrete with high-strength steel tendons and end plates installed prior to pouring the concrete that counteracts the natural tensile forces created by subsequent loading of people and equipment. …
Read MoreWhat are the Industry Standards for Installing Tile and Stone?
ANSWER - Too often tile and stone installers don't follow industry standards because they have never been formally trained and don't know what are the standards. They generally have learn from others and assume those…
Read MoreCan 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…
Read MoreWhat is the Acceptable Moisture Content in a Concrete Slab for a Tile Installation?
Answer - The ASTM F1869 Calcium Chloride membrane was the dominate test for years and depending on the tile installation manufacturer they would request a value of anywhere from 3% to 12% per 1,000 sf…
Read MoreWill residual water from a leak cause damage to my tile installation?
ANSWER - If the tile was installed correctly the residual water/moisture should not harm the tile. Tile is often installed in showers, fountains, and pools and the moisture should not harm them as long as…
Read MoreWhat is the proper Installation Method for Installing Large Format Tiles?
ANSWER - It is hard to see exactly what they did. Your message says “photo thin set 1/16” is on the floor, 1.5” to 2.5” of mortar mix with less than 90% coverage, and thin-set 1/16”…
Read MoreWas my Ceramic Tile Damaged Due to Water Loss? And Why did the Insurance Company Deny the Claim?
ANSWER - If the tile was installed correctly, it should not be harmed by a flood caused by a water heater failure. There is no way the water could have migrated 10-15 feet below the…
Read MoreShould we replace the discolored Tile and concrete base in the Shower?
ANSWER - Normally installing tile over damp mortar doesn't cause staining. We call that a wet set method if the mortar is installed at the same time as the tile is installed. A thin-set adhesive…
Read More