cleaning Debonding Tile Efflorescence Staining Expert Answers Exterior failures Inspections Maintenance Stains stone

Why is my Bluestone Patio Tiles coming Loose and Have Efflorescence?

ANSWER – If the flagstone shaped Bluestone is loose and has excessive efflorescence staining then it wasn’t installed correctly.   If the patio had been designed correctly and the stone installed properly it should perform well…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cleaning Expert Answers Grout Maintenance Stains stone

What is the cause of my grout staining, and how can I remove the stain?

ANSWER – You didn’t mention what kind of tile you had.  Natural stone of various types are known to contain ferrous oxide that can lead to staining in the tile or the adjacent grout.

Since…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers Floor Warming selection stone

Can I use Travertine Tile over a Radiant Heated Floor, if not, what should I use?

ANSWER – As long as the tumbled travertine tile is installed correctly or a correctly installed radiant floor system, it should not be a problem.

Note that using a natural stone will require more maintenance…

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cleaning Expert Answers Grout Stains stone

How can I clean the Grey Limestone Pebbles to remove the Brown Stain from Grouting?

ANSWER – There are different types of limestone.  The low density limestones are porous and more susceptible to staining.  Medium density limestones are less porous, and high density limestones are even less porous.   All of…

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cleaning Expert Answers Maintenance Moisture Problems Physical Properties sealers Spalling stone Workmanship

Why do I now have Problems with my Limestone After it was Cleaned and Re-Sealed?

ANSWER – Refinishing or restoration of stone floors is a common maintenance process.  There are many levels and degrees of what that might involve.

Typically the stone floor will be cleaned with cleaning solutions and…

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Brick Expert Answers Grout installation stone

Is it better to install Travertine Stone over a Brick substrate instead of a Backer board Substrate?

ANSWER – If the existing brick facade is stable, then it would be better to install the travertine ledger stones over it.  It should be a more structurally stable surface to adhere to.  You will…

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Expert Answers Grout stone Storage

Could my Cararra Marble be Damaged from leaving it outside? Can I use non-sanded grout?

ANSWER – I don’t know why someone would say the marble could crack, if it isn’t already cracked.  I don’t know what evidence there could be to suggest the marble could crack if it isn’t…

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installation Lippage stone Workmanship

What is the allowable Lippage for Cleft/Ungauged Natural Stone?

ANSWER:  According to the NSI-MIA Dimension Stone Design Manual VIII, the maximum allowable lippage (the amount of vertical difference between two adjacent tile edges) for a calibrated smooth finished natural stone is 1/32″.

Although the…

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Expert Answers Grout Repairs stone

How can I change the color of the grout used on my Travertine Tiles?

ANSWER –  Travertine naturally has large voids/pores in it  and it can be purchased either filled or unfilled.  If the travertine is filled, it is filled with a blending color to the travertine.  Some people…

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Counter tops cracks Expert Answers Inspections Slab stone Workmanship

What is the standard if a Stone Fabricator damages a slab and they can't find a matching replacement?

ANSWER –  It isn’t clear from your description  exactly what the  conditions are, but generally speaking, if you have a countertop that is book-matched or if the veining is contiguous, and one of the slabs…

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