Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cleaning installation

Are ceramic tiles cleaned by acid in the factory or in the installation process?

ANSWER - You should always avoid using any acid on ceramic tile. It can etch and cause staining in the tile. I've never heard of it being used during manufacturing.Some do using it to clean…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Exterior installation selection

Can I Use Porcelain Tile on an Exterior Veneer in a Freeze Thaw Climate?

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.…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile installation

Can Ceramic Tile be Installed over CMU (concrete masonry unit) block?

ANSWER - Yes you can install ceramic tile over CMU (concrete masonry unit) blocks. You need to properly prepare it to make sure it is free of any structural cracks, clean, and plumb. You can…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Grout installation Standards Waterproofing

What is the Max Acceptable Vapor Transmission for Porcelain Tile w/ Epoxy Grout?

ANSWER - The allowable vapor emission rate depends on what installation and tile products you are using. Generally speaking the standard for the floor covering industry and what most installation product manufacturers publish is 3…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Exterior installation Waterproofing Wet Areas

How do I install Mosaic Tiles to be Freeze Thaw Proof?

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…

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Balcony Exterior Exterior Decks & Balconies installation Wet Areas

How do I install Tile on upper Exterior Patio Deck over a room?

ANSWER - Exterior decks are very problematic if they are not installed correctly, particularly if there is occupied space underneath it. There are several steps necessary to make sure your tile deck will perform as intended. …

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installation

How can I be sure the tile installer installs correctly?

ANSWER - The key to a quality and successful tile installation that will last many years is to have a quality control plan to ensure your installer is installing the tile correctly per industry standards.…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile installation selection stone

What type of Tile should I use on my Patio?

ANSWER - Porcelain tile is considered one of the best tiles in terms of durability and resistance to moisture.  There are other types of ceramic tile that will perform well too, but you need to…

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Concrete Substrate Slab installation Standards Waterproofing

Vapor Barrier needed under Concrete Slab?

ANSWER - Yes, you always need a vapor retarder (barrier) per ASTM E1643.  The vapor retarder should continue up the sides of the foundation to prevent lateral migration of moisture.  Sometimes a sand bed can be…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile installation Removal

Is there any way to get ceramic tile up without damaging it?

ANSWER - The only time this might be possible is if the ceramic tile had been installed poorly. Particularly if the adhesive used did not bond well to the ceramic tile, then it might be…

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