Expert Answers in

ANSWER - If you tap on a ceramic or stone tile with a hard dense material, like a steel ball, where the tile is not bonded it will sound hollow (lower pitch sound) than areas…

ANSWER - Saltillo tiles that are made in the region of Saltillo, Mexico, where that local source of clay has that distinctive Saltillo look, can vary in quality substantially, which can affect how it will…

ANSWER - I would have to guess that the reason you are getting dusty foot prints on your Saltillo tiles is because either it doesn't have a sealer on it or the sealer you have on…

ANSWER - Normally when a sealer turns cloudy, particularly if it isn't a breathable sealer, it is because the tile has excessive moisture within it.  To remove the sealer you have to use a stripper…

ANSWER - Most travertine stones have natural voids and it is sold either filled or unfilled. Sometimes the fill from the factory isn't well done or if the floor is subjected to a lot of…

ANSWER - It is difficult to fully understand your situation without investigating it first. I assume that these cracks are new, and were not there when it was installed. Some stones do have veining that…

ANSWER - Glazed ceramic tiles are considered the most suitable for kitchen countertops because the glazed surface is somewhat impervious and more stain resistant. Porcelain tile is a type of a ceramic tile. Most glazed…

ANSWER - I understand your concern about the discoloration in your granite counter top. It is not uncommon for natural stone to have veins and areas of different mineral content that causes color differences, which…

ANSWER - Any type of a clay based ceramic tile, which includes porcelain tile, is suitable around heat. Most quality ceramic tiles are fired in kilns near 2,000 degrees F, so they can withstand the…

ANSWER - I normally do recommend using a sealer on a glazed tile just to help avoid the maintenance problem you are experiencing.  Glazed tiles do not absorb, but if you apply a penetrating sealer…