Backer Board Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cracks Expert Answers installation Installation Products - Adhesives Interior

How to install a Porcelain tile over an Elevator Floor?

ANSWER - Limestone isn’t so soft that it will crack easily.   The ASTM C568 standard for limestone breaks it down into low-density limestone, medium-density limestone and high-density limestone.  So limestone can be very durable. I…

Read More
cracks Expert Answers failures Indent Fracturing Inspections stone

How can you determine the cause of Indent Fracturing in Natural Stone?

ANSWER - Indent fracturing in natural stone is due to some sort of shrinkage.  It could be excessively thick thin-set and/or too wet and rich mortar.  Also it could be due to the kind of underlying…

Read More
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cracks Expert Answers failures Grout Repairs

Why is our grout cracking and what can we do about it?

ANSWER - Grout can crack for a varied of reasons, and it might be because of a combination of different deficiencies. First of all, not manufacturer of grout would recommend mixing non-sanded grout with sanded…

Read More
cracks Expert Answers failures Floor Warming installation Movement Joints Repairs stone

What causes Stress Fractures or Indent Fractures in Natural Stone?

ANSWER - We have seen this condition in marble before.  They are referred to as indent fracturing or stress fracturing veins.

You said that the veins went all the way through the stone, the…

Read More
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cracks Expert Answers failures Leak Repairs Waterproofing Wet Areas

Was the Shower Leak Repair done Correctly?

ANSWER - When there are tile failures generally it is never due to one deficiency, but rather due to multiple compounding deficiencies. First of all your grout should not crack.  If water that goes into…

Read More
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cracks Expert Answers failures Wet Areas

Can Hurricane Winds cause a Crack in a Tile Floor?

ANSWER - When there is failure in a tile installation it is generally not due to one condition or deficiency, but rather due to several compounding deficiencies. There are a number of different reasons of…

Read More
Balcony Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cracks Expert Answers Exterior Exterior Decks & Balconies failures Grout installation Leak Moisture Problems Sealant Caulk stone

How do I stop our Exterior Tile Deck from leaking?

ANSWER - The leaking of deck causing damages in the ceiling below is the symptom of the cause of the problem.  Treating the symptom will not remediate the cause of the problem. If the deck…

Read More
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cracks Expert Answers Floor Warming Freeze-Thaw

Will Ceramic Tile crack in cabins that are not heated during the winter months in cold climates?

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…

Read More
cracks Expert Answers failures Moisture Problems Slab stone

Can a leak in a concrete slab cause a travertine tile to crack?

ANSWER - The only way to determine whether or not the travertine tile cracked as a result of the hot water leak is to perform a forensic inspection by a qualified inspector such as our…

Read More
cracks Expert Answers failures Floor Warming Repairs stone

How do I repair the crack in my travertine floor over electric radiant heating?

ANSWER - I assume there was a wood subfloor under the carpet.  The cementitious backer board should have been glued and screwed every 8" to the subfloor.  The 3x5 foot sheets should have been staggered…

Read More