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…

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

What is Efflorescence and How to Avoid it?

ANSWER – Excessive efflorescence staining (generally a whitish substance) on stone, tiles,  grout, or adjacent surfaces is a generally a symptom of an excessive moisture problem. Read More

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Exterior failures Standards Tenting

What is causing my tiles to bulge up?

ANSWER – I believe what you are describing is a condition called Tile Tenting.

Ceramic tiles, particularly those that are more absorptive, will expand when subjected to heat or moisture.  If the tile installation doesn’t…

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Counter tops Exterior installation Maintenance sealers selection Slab stone

What should I take into Consideration in Selecting a Granite for an Exterior Countertop?

ANSWER – First of all let me give you some background info to consider.  Not all granite, or stones in general, are made equal by mother nature.   Being a natural material the physical properties can…

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Exterior installation Wet Areas

Is it ok to have plywood on a Balcony with tile over it?

ANSWER – The tile nor the stucco should be installed directly over plywood.  The plywood will expand and warp when exposed to moisture.

The balcony should be fully waterproof with a slope to drain.  If it…

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Exterior installation

Where can i get frost proof fixer and grout please, cheers?

ANSWER – Normally when you add a tile thin-set mortar latex additive to the thin-set mortar and the grout, it makes it freeze thaw stable.   Check with companies like Laticrete International and Mapei who do…

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Exterior Slip Resistance stone Testing

What is the Coefficient of Friction on Slate Roof tiles?

ANSWER – We deal a lot with static coefficient of friction and dynamic coefficient of friction on stone and other hard surfaces per ASTM C1028 and ANSI A137.1 respectively.   There are many types of slate…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Exterior installation stone

Can I install mosaic tiles over flagstone?

ANSWER – Flagstone is a shape and not a specific type of stone.  It can be a sandstone, granite, slate or ?

Regardless, if the stone is properly installed and structurally sound then you could install a…

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Exterior Moisture Problems sealers stone

What can I use to harden and seal my sandstone exterior patio?

ANSWER – I assume you have a class 1 sandstone which is the most absorbing and has the lower physical properties within the quartz geological classification.

This stone is suitable for many applications, including back yard…

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Exterior installation Standards

How do I prepare my outdoor patio for a tile installation?

ANSWER – To install tile on your outdoor covered patio you need to consider several things.  Are you in a freeze-thaw climate area?  If so you need a tile that is freeze thaw resistant.  If…

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