Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers installation stone

Can I adhere Tile to a Stucco Wall?

ANSWER - You should never adhere anything to a stucco finish on a wall.  The stucco is typically a cementitous material with a low amount of cement that makes it relatively weak.  You should remove…

Read More
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers installation Plywood Substrate Waterproofing

Is it required to have a Waterproof Membrane under a Floor Tile Installation in a Mud Room, Laudry Room or in a Bathroom floor

ANSWER - It depends on what type of mat was used over the plywood on whether it is an acceptable installation method.  Although it would be ideal to install a waterproof membrane in areas that…

Read More
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…

Read More
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers installation Installation Guidelines Showers Standards Steam Showers Waterproofing

Is it a problem if Schluter Ditra is installed on the walls of a Steam Shower?

ANSWER - Based on the Schluter literature, although they only show floor applications, they don't say it is only for floors. The Ditra is waterproof if installed correctly for waterproofing.  It does have a key…

Read More
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Efflorescence Staining Expert Answers installation Installation Guidelines Moisture Problems Remodeling Vapor Barrier Waterproofing

What should we do if there is evidence that there is high Moisture coming up our Concrete Slabs?

ANSWER - Carpet might be allowing the moisture to evaporate through it, but as dirty as carpets get you could develop some microbial growth in the carpet.  Adding more carpet doesn't solve or prevent problems.…

Read More
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers Grout installation

Why hasn't my grout harden?

ANSWER - If you are using a cementitious grout it should harden.  If you used too much water in mixing the grout and/or too much water in cleaning the grout during the installation of the…

Read More
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers installation Installation Guidelines stone Waterproofing

Is it necessary to waterproof under tile installations?

ANSWER - It depends on the application on whether waterproofing under a tile installation is necessary.  If it is in a wet application and in some exterior applications, then it is necessary to waterproof the…

Read More
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cracks Deflection Expert Answers failures Grout installation Movement Joints Repairs Sealant Caulk Waterproofing Wet Areas

How do I repair the Horizontal Grout Joint between the Bathtub and the Tile wall?

ANSWER -  The transition joint between the top of the bathtub flange and the wall tile is not supposed to be filled with a cementitious grout.  It should be filled with a resilient ASTM C920…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More