Backer Board Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cracks Expert Answers Exterior failures installation Plywood Substrate Standards

Why is by Exterior Covered Deck Tile Backer Board Installation Causing Tile to Crack?

ANSWER - Normally when you get cracking over a suspended floor following the joints of the tile backer board that the tile was bonded to, it is due to a combination of excessive deflection in…

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Brick cleaning Expert Answers Exterior Maintenance Repairs

Can I Stucco over an Existing Brick?

ANSWER - I would be surprised if the brick is made of porcelain clay which is very dense and has 0.5% absorption or less.  There are some very dense clay brick. Stucco is a weak…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers Exterior Free Tile and Stone Installation Guidelines installation Installation Guidelines Pool and Spa Repairs stone

Can I Install Mosaic Tiles over an Old Eroding Sandstone Flagstone Tile?

ANSWER - I assume this is an exterior application of the sandstone in a flagstone irregular shape.  Sandstone is Quartz stone from a geological point of view, but it is a class 1 that is…

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Brick Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers Exterior Free Tile and Stone Installation Guidelines Glass Tile Glazed Tile installation Installation Guidelines Installation Products - Adhesives

Can a Tile Mosaic Mural Be Installed Outdoors with High Temperatures?

ANSWER - You didn't indicate if the mosaics are ceramic mosaics or glass mosaics. Ceramic mosaics are normally produced at over 1200 degrees F.  Normally custom ceramic tiles are dried and then fired in a…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers Exterior installation Installation Guidelines Installation Products - Adhesives Standards stone Vapor Barrier Waterproofing

What kind of Water Resistant Barrier or Vapor Barrier should be used For Exterior Tile Veneer Installations?

ANSWER  - W244E can be a ceramic or glass tile or a stone application for an exterior framed wall with cement backer board over it.   If it is a cementitious backer board then they would put…

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cleaning color Variation Expert Answers Exterior Maintenance sealers Stains

Can I stain my natural stone so it has a consistent darker color?

ANSWER - Staining natural stone isn’t something that is recommended by the natural stone industry.  Using enhancer sealers is what is typically done, but they only last so long.  So if you want to maintain a…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers Exterior installation Moisture Problems Wet Areas

What is causing water to collect on the clubhouse deck that makes it slippery?

ANSWER - A vapor retarder goes under the concrete slab and doesn't have anything to do with water pooling/collecting on the tile surface. Industry standards require that the exterior tile surface that is subjected to…

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cleaning Debonding Tile Efflorescence Staining Expert Answers Exterior failures Inspections Maintenance Stains stone

Why is my Bluestone Patio Tiles coming Loose and Have Efflorescence?

ANSWER - If the flagstone shaped Bluestone is loose and has excessive efflorescence staining then it wasn't installed correctly.   If the patio had been designed correctly and the stone installed properly it should perform well…

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Balcony Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers Exterior Exterior Decks & Balconies Exterior Decks & Balconies failures installation Leak Moisture Problems Repairs Waterproofing

What is the best way to repair my tile roof deck that leaks?

ANSWER - It is possible to install tile over tile if the existing tile is in good condition.  If the existing tile is cracked then the new tile installed over it will crack.   In order…

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cleaning Expert Answers Exterior Maintenance Moisture Problems sealers Stains stone

What has caused my Blue Stone to show rust stains?

Questions -  Most stones contain some ferrous oxide minerals that when subjected to excessive moisture can cause a rust-like stain.   For it to occur the stone has to be subjected to some level of moisture.…

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