installation

Will painted floor affect tile installation in the future?

ANSWER – There are adhesives that will allow you to adhere ceramic tile or stone to paint. The problem is that if the paint ever peals loose then the tile comes loose. You can remove…

Read More
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Debonding Tile installation

Does Temperature Variation Cause Ceramic Tile Debonding?

ANSWER – Ceramic Tile debonding is always due to compounding deficiencies.  The primary deficiency is an inadequate bond that can be due to a variety of reasons.  Movement then can compound the condition as the deficient…

Read More
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile installation Waterproofing

Can I adhere Ceramic Tiles to a Waterproof Membrane on an Exterior Deck?

ANSWER – Ceramic tile can be adhered directly to certain types of waterproof membranes, which are designed for ceramic tile or stone.

A roof that has a concrete substrate, over interior occupied space, can have…

Read More
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…

Read More
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.

…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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. …

Read More
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.…

Read More