Expert Answers in

ANSWER – Normally when you add a tile thin-set mortar latex additive to the thin-set mortar and the grout, it makes it freeze thaw stable.   Check with companies like Laticrete International and Mapei who do…

ANSWER – Keep in mind that when there is problem it is generally  not due to a single deficiency, but due to multiple compounding deficiencies.

Looking at photos I note the following, but I can’t state…

ANSWER – First of all, green board is not an acceptable substrate in a wet area per the tile and stone industry standards, and per the Gypsum GA-216.   Green board is water resistant but will…

ANSWER – Per the Tile Council of America Handbook for the installation of tile detail F144-15 it recommends a minimum 19/32” exterior-glue tongue and grove plywood with 1/8” gap between sheets as base over 16” oc…

ANSWER – The recommendations of most grout manufacturers is that use non-sanded grouts for grout joints less than 1/8’ wide, but can use it up to 1/8” wide.  Grout joints 1/8” up to ½” wide grout…

ANSWER – There are modified epoxy adhesives and epoxy adhesives that will bond to most woods.   Of course you need to first sand off any coatings on the wood surface before bonding.   There is…

ANSWER – There are ASTM standards for the minimum/maximum physical property requirements for a travertine stone, which is ASTM C1527.   They do classify the stone as either Class I Exterior or Class II interior use,…

ANSWER – The color of the grout can greatly affect the appearance of the tile installation.   Using one color versus another can change the apparent color of the tile.

There are grout colorants available that…

ANSWER – 1×1 inch tiles might look great, but it doesn’t make a great surface to prepare food on.

The ideal solution, if practidal, is to install a granite slab countertop or soap stone countertop, which…

ANSWER – I’m surprised that Pine-Sol would leave a shiny surface on your wood looking glazed porcelain tile.   Looking at Pine-Sol’s ingredients it shows that it is water soluble.   The glazed porcelain tile is…