Expert Answers in

ANSWER – Organic mastic is not considered a long lasting product, and depending on the type of mastic you used (ANSI A136.1 type 1 versus type 2, and the quality of the product) it can…

ANSWER – Exterior decks are known for commonly being constructed incorrectly.  Generally when there is a problem it isn’t due to any single deficiency, but rather due to compounding deficiencies.  It is not only whether the…

ANSWER – Ceramic (porcelain) tile or stone tile are passive solar effective to the extent of its mass.  The thicker the tile the more mass.  The more mass the more heat/cold stored, the more effective it…

ANSWER – ASTM C648-04 (2009) Standard Test Method for Breaking Strength of Ceramic Tile does not take into consideration the thickness of the tile sample being tested.

It is generally true that the breaking strength of…

ANSWER – Cementitious grout when installed correctly should be hard and last the life of the tile installation.  It should not crumble or powder, which is referred to as punky grout.  Generally when grout is soft…

ANSWER – If it is polishing wheel marks from fabrication per the Marble Institute of America Dimension Stone Design Manual (MIA) it is unacceptable to have polishing wheel marks or other scratches caused during fabrication on honed or polsihed…

ANSWER – I am assuming you have a glazed tile floor.  Your description sounds like the glaze is wearing off, which isn’t normal.  If it is a good residential glazed floor tile the glaze should…

ANSWER – True geologically classified granite stone is normally very resistant to staining and chemicals.  There are some stones sold as granite that are not true granites and they could be more susceptible to staining and…

ANSWER – Generally speaking when a tile tents (lifting up) the failure is due to debonding that is caused by compounding reasons.  Part of it could be that there was a contaminate on the substrate to…

ANSWER – It is odd that you are saying that a ceramic tile edges on your shower wall are flaking.  Normally ceramic tile would not flake. It could chip, but normally you don’t see chipping…