Expert Answers in

ANSWER - The Natural Stone Institute, formally the Marble Institute of America, Dimension Stone Design Manual states that "Cracks occur in stones as a result of man-made mechanically induced stresses during handling, fabrication, transport, or…

ANSWER - First of all the data sheet for Mapei Ultracare says not to install it on the surface of the tile.  It sounds like that is what you did. I'm not sure why it…

Answer - Unfortunately when you acid etch the surface of a glazed tile it chemically alters the glaze and it can't be restored. If the etched area is contrasting in color to the tile color,…

ANSWER: According to Pizzul Marmi Aurisina's website blog, due to their technical characteristics, stones are particularly suitable for different applications and, indeed, have been used since the ancient times of the Bronze Age in any kind of…

ANSWER - There are 3 subcategories of limestone per ASTM C568.   Their physical properties vary from being vary porous to very low absorbing. How fast the limestone will dry depends on how absorbing it is,…

ANSWER -  Normally if you have a  yellow/brown rust-like color stain it is due to a combination of the stone being subjected to excessive moisture and due to the presence of metal, or that the…

ANSWER -  When tiles tent/buckle up it is normally due to the combination of lack of resilient movement joints and due to the tile not being bonded as well as it should. Movement joints are…

ANSWER - There is no standard that says whether an entire installation should be replaced versus repaired based on the percentage of deficiencies. We always provide the option for repairing.  From an installer point of view…

ANSWER - If the ceramic tile was installed correctly over a suitable substrate for a shower application then it will not be harmed from being subjected to prolong hot water, steam, and condensation. Ceramic tile…

ANSWER -  First of all having tiles that sound hollow is not a defect in itself.  Normally when tiles are installed over a membrane of some sort; like Ditra it will cause hollow sounds because…