Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers installation Standards stone

What are the proper Methods and Standards for applying Thin-set Mortar to Tile?

ANSWER – What they did is called spot bonding, which is against industry standards unless the adhesive is an epoxy on an interior wall application over cementitious backer board application.

It does no good skim coating…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cleaning Expert Answers Maintenance Stains stone Wet Areas

Can the Stains on my Shower Tile Floor be Removed?

ANSWER – I saw the photo.  I couldn’t zoom in to get a good look at the tile.  It looks to either be an unglazed porcelain or ceramic tile mosaic or it is a natural…

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cleaning Expert Answers Maintenance Polished Repairs Stains stone Stone Restoration

How do I repair my polished granite floor that was stained by my dog's urine?

ANSWER – Urine is acidic.  Even though natural granite is very chemical resistant, if it is subjected to something acidic and it either isn’t cleaned timely or properly, then it can etch the surface of…

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cleaning Expert Answers Grout installation Maintenance sealers Stains stone

Why are my newly installed Travertine Tiles have a White Haze and Texture?

ANSWER – If your travertine was dark and rich before it was grouted and sealed, then it should be able to be returned to that condition since it is a natural stone the surface can be…

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Expert Answers Exterior installation stone

How long should we wait to install bluestone pavers over a concrete porch?

ANSWER –  The general rule is to wait 28 days for the concrete to cure, although that depends on the thickness of the concrete, the temperature and humidity,  and the concrete mix.

If you use…

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cleaning Expert Answers Maintenance Polished stone Stone Restoration

How can I Polish my Marble Tile to get a good Shine?

ANSWER – Assuming when you say marble that it is a true calcium carbonate marble you can buy kits with diamond pads and a powder compound with water to re-polish a marble that has scratches…

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Expert Answers sealers Stains stone

What can I use to darken limestone rock?

Answer:  There are sealers that will darken natural stone and give it a wet look.  They are called enhancers.  They make the stone water resistant too.  There are surface sealers, which I wouldn’t recommend as they…

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Expert Answers installation Polished stone

Should both sides of my granite backsplash be smooth and shinny?

Answer – I will assume that when you say both sides of the 4″ tall granite backsplash you are talking about the front side which you will see, and the back side that is bonded…

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Counter tops Expert Answers Slab Standards stone

Are there tolerances for natural stone edge profiles to be consistent looking?

ANSWER – The Marble Institute of America (MIA) Dimension Design Stone Manuel Version 8 says for bullnose or other rounded shaped profile edges that the allowable tolerance is no more variation than +/- 1/32 (+/-…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cleaning Expert Answers Flood Leak stone

Will a Water Flood Damage my Tile or Stone?

ANSWER –

You are right in that if the tile or stone was installed correctly with properly placed movement joints that the flood should not affect the tile.

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If the tile wasn’t installed correctly…

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