cracks failures stone Wet Areas

What caused travertine cracks in shower floor?

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…

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cleaning failures Slab Stains stone

Not happy with discoloration in Granite Countertop

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…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile selection

What to select for a Ceramic Tile for Countertop

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…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile selection

Is there a specific kind of tile for wall around the wood stove?

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…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cleaning Maintenance

Is There an Easy Way to Clean Glazed Ceramic Tile?

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…

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cleaning stone

How to Remove Cement Haze on Flagstone?

ANSWER – Generally speaking it is not recommended to use acid on stone or ceramic tile, although the only time it does make sense is when there is a cement haze on the stone. NEVER…

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Debonding Tile failures stone

Marble installed over hardibacker, but didn't get bond

ANSWER – The coating on the back of the stone is likely a resin back that is applied to some type of stones that are more fragile. It may have a fiberglass mesh suspended within…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cleaning Stains

How do I get rid of marks on glossy Saltillo Tiles?

ANSWER – Chances are the spider web black stains are due to the shiny surface sealer having micro cracks and dirt has collected within it.  It is possible that the sealer can get warm and flow,…

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cleaning Maintenance sealers

What brand/type of sealer can I use to not show dirt?

ANSWER – Properly applying sealers to tiles will help in maintaining the tile and grout. The sealer helps prevent staining. The sealer will help reduce the tendency of the tile and grout to pick up…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile cleaning Maintenance sealers

Why is my Porcelain Tile turning dull when cleaned?

ANSWER – There are a lot of questions you need to answer to determine what is causing your tile to turn dull.  Is it an unglazed, polished or glazed porcelain tile? Was there any type…

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