Expert Answers in Exterior

ANSWER – For Chicago weather you need to use a tile that is freeze thaw stable.  Generally speaking that is any ceramic tile that has less than 3% absorption, but you need to test the tile…

ANSWER – Buckling or Tenting of tile is a problem that is caused by compounding deficiencies. When there is a failure it is never only due to one factor, but rather it is generally due to…

ANSWER – Exterior decks are known for commonly being constructed incorrectly.  Generally when there is a problem it isn’t due to any single deficiency, but rather due to compounding deficiencies.  It is not only whether the…

ANSWER – Granite is normally one of most durable natural stone and normally very resistant to climatic conditions.  Although today stone comes from all over the world in various…

ANSWER – You can install ceramic tile or stone outside in a freeze thaw climatic condition if you use the appropriate tile.

First, the ceramic tile or stone can’t have an absorption rate greater…

ANSWER – If the absorption of your tile is 3% or less it is considered frost proof.  Normally that is only an issue if it is an exterior application because if the tile is…

ANSWER – You are asking a very big question that would take a lot of investigation. I’ll give you a few comments to help put it into perspective, but ultimately you will have to…

ANSWER – I assume you have a porcelain wood looking tile that you want to use on the exterior deck of your home in MD. If so, yes, porcelain tiles can be used on exterior…

ANSWER – I know there have been lots of exterior veneers where porcelain tile has been used in freeze thaw climates over the last 20 plus years.  We have worked on several ourselves over the years.

ANSWER – First you need to verify that your mosaic is frost proof/freeze thaw stable.  If it is porcelain or vitreous clay tile it is possibly frost proof.  If it is a stone mosaic then it…