ANSWER - Yes, you always need a vapor retarder (barrier) per ASTM E1643. The vapor retarder should continue up the sides of the foundation to prevent lateral migration of moisture. Sometimes a sand bed can be…
ANSWER - There are grout colorants, which are epoxy based used to change the color of grout. Maybe that is what is meant by the latex paint or maybe they in fact did paint it with…
ANSWER - The only time this might be possible is if the ceramic tile had been installed poorly. Particularly if the adhesive used did not bond well to the ceramic tile, then it might be…
ANSWER - To replace the grout in a freeze thaw climatic area you should first cut out and remove the existing grout. Make sure you first use a wet/dry vacuum to remove all the dust and…
ANSWER - I understand that you only want to darken the grout adjacent to the polished marble. This is sort of a trial and error process. There are grout colorants that are epoxy based sold…
ANSWER - If the installer said to stay off wet tile and the grout was dirtier later maybe they applied a sealer without buffing it dry that can lead to a tacky floor that will pick…
ANSWER - There are penetrating enhancer sealers that might give a slight sheen and there are other sealers too. They will wear and need to be reapplied every 6 months to a year, but they shouldn't…
ANSWER - There are different types of sealers. Some sealers are breathable and others are not. The most common type of sealer used today for sealing grout and the adjacent tiles, whether glazed or unglazed, is…
ANSWER - What you are describing may be the result of using a surface non-breathable sealer over your Mexican pavers. The moisture from the flood may have migrated through the grout joints, or else where,…
ANSWER - Generally speaking you can't remove scratches from glazed tiles unless they are very slight. There is no standard method for removing scratches in glazed ceramic tiles. That is assuming you do mean a…
