Expert Answers – Page 44

How do I restore a ceramic tile that has concrete over it?

Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – If there is a thick layer of concrete on top of the tile then you have to carefully chisel it off until there is only a cementitious film that remains. This process could…

installation

Can I Install Tile on a Retaining Wall?

Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – It is possible to install your mosaic tiles on the retaining wall if it is properly prepared.

Retaining walls should have a waterproof membrane on the back side where the dirt is up…

installation Standards

What is the proper requirements for Thin-Set Adhesive Contact for Tile?

Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – If you simply email me a photo and I can answer the question within 5 to 10 minutes we don’t charge for our time. Otherwise if you needed our quality control consulting services…

stone

How Should Marble Tile be Stored?

Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – There isn’t a document that I am aware of on where to store marble tile. Although some rule of thumb recommendations are to store the tile on its edge, if it isn’t prone to…

cleaning Maintenance Wet Areas

How do I make my Mat Ceramic Tile Easier to Clean in a Shower?

Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – I don’t know if you have a mat glazed or unglazed ceramic tile on your shower walls, but either way, you can apply a penetrating sealer on the tile surface, which will act…

Repairs stone

Can the Legs to Our Granite Counter Be Replaced Without Damaging the Granite?

Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – Any time you adjust something there is always a chance that something will get damaged. I think any stone countertop installer would make that disclaimer just in case something goes wrong.

I would…

Grout Standards

Where do I find the proper mixture of Grout?

Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – ANSI A108.10 Installation of Grout in Tilework provides ratios for on-the-job mixture of cementitous grout.

1 part portland cement to 1 part fine graded sand is used for grout joints up to 1/8…

Exterior installation Standards

How do I prepare my outdoor patio for a tile installation?

Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – To install tile on your outdoor covered patio you need to consider several things. Are you in a freeze-thaw climate area? If so you need a tile that is freeze thaw resistant. If…

failures Stains

Why does my Tile have a Cloudy Appearance (Optical Haze)?

Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – The photos aren’t great, but I suspect it is a condition called “Optical Haze.” It looks like you have a polished porcelain tile. During the polishing process at the factory there can…

Debonding Tile failures Movement Joints

Does the Lack of Movement Joints Cause Tile to Debond?

Donato Pompo · Mar 22nd, 2015

ANSWER – All tile installations require movement joints of one type or another at perimeters and within the field of tile. Interior applications should have movement joints at all perimeters and transitions and every 20…

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