Expert Answers installation Moisture Problems Stains stone Waterproofing

Does Xypex Additive in Concrete help prevent Efflorescence in Bluestone Tile?

Xypex is suppose to waterproof the concrete.  So in theory it should prevent moisture migration in the concrete wall to help reduce the possibility of efflorescence.  You can still get efflorescence from the mortar or…

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Expert Answers Glass Tile installation Movement Joints

How to Cut Glass Tile to prevent Chipping and how to install Expansion Joints?

ANSWER - The proper way to cut glass tile is either with a continuous rim diamond blade either wet or dry.  Also you can cut glass tile with manual tile cutters.  The glass tile is…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Counter tops Expert Answers installation Movement Joints stone

What is the Best Caulking to Use between a Tile Backsplash and a Granite Countertop?

ANSWER - You should use an ASTM C920 silicone sealant suitable for granite. Laticrete has a product called Latasil that comes in many colors. Dow Corning has a product called 795 or 790 that comes in a…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers installation Wet Areas

Do you recommend using Mastic Adhesive on Vertical Shower Walls?

ANSWER - The term mastic in the ceramic tile industry is an organic adhesive per ANSI A136.1.   Type 1 and type 2 organic adhesives are to be used only in interior wall and ceilings…

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

Why is my exterior tile deck leaking?

ANSWER - Exterior decks are one of the most common failures in building construction because they are normally constructed incorrectly. When there is a failure it is normally due to compounding deficiencies rather than only one…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers Grout installation Wood Subfloor

Why is my tile floor and making crunchy and popping sounds and why is the grout coming out?

ANSWER - I am assuming that the ceramic tile was bonded directly to the wood subfloor.  There are acceptable methods for installing ceramic tile over wood substrates in interior dry applications.  It is always considered better…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers Hollow Sounding Tiles installation Standards

What are the allowable size of voids under porcelain tiles?

ANSWER - First of all not all hollow sounds are voids.  Having hollow sounds is not a deficiency and there are no standards addressing hollow sounds, other to say that hollow sounds don't necessary mean…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Counter tops Expert Answers installation selection

Can Tile be installed on Counter Tops so it does not make noise when plates come into contact with it?

ANSWER - Ceramic tile or porcelain, which is a type of ceramic tile, are dense materials so they do make noise if you bang something against it. It is possible to install a foam backer…

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Brick Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers installation Standards stone

Is Spot Bonding Tile an Approved Installation Method?

ANSWER - Spot bonding tile is not a legitimate method for installing ceramic tile, including porcelain tile, which is a type of ceramic tile, or stone tile, unless an epoxy adhesive is used in an interior…

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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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