Expert Answers in Concrete Substrate Slab

Sand-setting tiles is not considered the best way to install ceramic or natural stone tiles, although it is done and has been done for many years and is normally less expensive than pouring a concrete…

Always take what the contractor says with a grain of salt and make sure there is documents backing it up.  Don’t assume they are doing things correctly and read the directions that they likely don’t…

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. …

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…

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 - 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…

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…

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”…

ANSWER - There are rapid setting concrete mixes that can be purchased like QUIKRETE® Fast-Setting Concrete Mix.  It sets up within an hour, but doesn't stop shrinking right away.  If you heat up the area, some…

ANSWER - If the water is consistently coming up through the tile grout joints when the washing machine drains, and you don't see any water in the wall at the drain pipe, then the water…