Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cracks installation Movement Joints Standards

Why is my Tile Floor Squeaking?

ANSWER – The fact that there is a squeak under the tile suggests that the wood underlayment subfloor is moving to some degree.  I doubt that it is the tile assembly itself moving independent of the…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Expert Answers failures Grout installation Standards

Why did my Tile Grout Crack? Was the tile installed properly? What Tile method should be used to Replace the floor?

ANSWER – It is acceptable per the industry standards to adhere tile to a wood subfloor in dry applications.   The plywood subfloor should have a plywood underlayment over it and the configuration of the floor…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Concrete Substrate Slab Expert Answers installation stone

How Long Should Concrete Cure before Installing Tile?

ANSWER – Generally speaking allowing the concrete to cure for 28 days allows it to achieve 90% cure and there is no significant shrinkage in the concrete after that in terms of installing ceramic tile over…

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Counter tops Exterior installation Maintenance sealers selection Slab stone

What should I take into Consideration in Selecting a Granite for an Exterior Countertop?

ANSWER – First of all let me give you some background info to consider.  Not all granite, or stones in general, are made equal by mother nature.   Being a natural material the physical properties can…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile installation Standards

What TCNA Installation Method is Recommended for Quarry Tile

ANSWER – There are a lot of variables and depending on the application, what conditions it will be subjected to, and what the condition of the slab is will depend on what is the appropriate installation…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cleaning Stains

How can we remove rust makes from a ceramic tile deck?

ANSWER – Depending on whether it is a glazed ceramic tile (has glass-like surface coating) or an unglazed (same material from top to bottom), you may have to approach it differently.

I would expect that…

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Exterior installation Wet Areas

Is it ok to have plywood on a Balcony with tile over it?

ANSWER – The tile nor the stucco should be installed directly over plywood.  The plywood will expand and warp when exposed to moisture.

The balcony should be fully waterproof with a slope to drain.  If it…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cleaning Stains

How can I get acid stains off from bathroom tile?

ANSWER – Generally speaking with some glazed ceramic tiles, which porcelain tile is a ceramic tile, or with some geological types of stone, they can etch when subjected to acid or some substance that is acidic.

…

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cleaning sealers Stains

How do I get my dull granite tiles to shine?

ANSWER – Normally a true polished granite is very resistant to abrasion.  So even if you used sanded grout, I don’t think it is likely that you scratch or abraded the granite surface.    There is…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile installation Standards

What is the correct adhesive for installing my ceramic mural?

ANSWER – I had said to use the ANSI A118.11 if you were bonding to wood, although it also works to bond to concrete or backer boards.

If you are bonding to Hardiebacker board, I think…

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