Expert Answers in

ANSWER - The dark color spots could possibly be due to underlying moisture below the granite tiles or they could be stains in the granite tiles. Granite is suppose to be technically impervious meaning low…

ANSWER -  If water squirts out of the removed grout joint 2 feet in the air, then that is an indication that the water is under pressure.  I assume that the water squirting in the…

ANSWER -  Hollow sounds  on a ceramic tile isn't a defect in itself, but it can be a symptom of a defect depending on the circumstances.   If portions of a tile is hollow sounding or…

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…

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…

ANSWER - Bleach is high in alkalinity with a pH value of about 12.  Strippers used to remove paint and sealers, so it can be very harsh. High gloss black glazed ceramic tiles is known…

ANSWER - The best way to clean a ceramic tile floor is to purchase a neutral based cleaner/detergent and apply it to the floor.  Let it sit for 10 minutes or so.  Then use a…

ANSWER - The trade-off of etching a tile floor to make it more slip resistant is that it will alter the appearance of the tile and the tile can be come more difficult to clean…

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…

ANSWER - Severe efflorescence is a symptom of an excessive moisture problem.  Removing the efflorescence stain is treating the symptom rather than the problem. Efflorescence is a mineral stain.  Minerals are forms of salts that…