Have Questions About Floors, Countertops and Other Surface Restoration Jobs?

Should I seal my natural stone surfaces in my new bathroom?

Thu, Aug 21, 2008 sealing marble, sealing travertine, how to seal travertine shower 0 0 339 1/5 (2 Votes)

Q. I'm totally confused and need help. I'm looking to redo my bathroom and getting different answers on the use of stone tiles for the bathroom and shower. I have been told everything from it is very easy to seal and should only to be... Read More

Marble Table Flaking

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Thu, Oct 22, 2015 Marble, marble table, sealant, flaking, resealing, stripping sealer 0 0 669 0/5 (0 Vote)

Q. I have a coffee marble table, and it has been stored in a garage for a year. The legs of the tables are peeling or flaking. How can I remove the flaking and add a sealant or protection that was once there? what products do you recommend? Thank... Read More

We live in San Francisco and are refurbishing our town house. We would like to use marble on our kitchen floor, but are concerned it may crack during an earthquake. Is there any way to install it that would minimize the cracking?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 609 0/5 (0 Vote)

There are several fracture membranes that can be installed to help minimize cracking. These membranes are rubber or plastic-based and are designed to absorb some shock. However, you will not totally eliminate cracking if the tremor is severe.... Read More

The caulking on my tub surround has turned black. I have tried all kinds of mildew cleaners, but nothing works. I hope you have a suggestion!

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 639 0/5 (0 Vote)

Mildew can be difficult to remove from silicone caulking because it grows into the caulking. I suggest removing the caulking with a putty knife and replacing it with new caulk. If replacement is out of the question, you may want to try applying Soft... Read More

My granite floor appears to be developing cracks beneath its surface. These cracks do not go all the way through the tile, but can be seen only in a bright light and only at certain angles. It almost looks as if they’re cracking from the bottom

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 600 0/5 (0 Vote)

The condition you are describing is called compression cracking. It is caused by movement of the substrate to which the granite is attached. If the granite tile is set over a plywood floor supported by joists, movement in the floor may be responsible... Read More

The silicon caulking around my granite shower wall seems to be staining the granite. Is there a way to remove this stain?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 654 0/5 (0 Vote)

Staining from silicon can be very difficult to remove, but not impossible. First remove all the silicone caulking; removal of the stain will require the application of a poultice and a strong solvent such as methylene chloride. Several applications... Read More

I have been asked to polish a newly installed marble floor and the grout is cracking. What causes this and can it be repaired?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 699 0/5 (0 Vote)

The are several reasons why the grout may have cracked. The installer may have used too much water when he mixed the grout causing it to crack or there may be movement in the floor causing the cracking. To repair the grout you can overlay a thin coat... Read More

In the process of grinding a marble floor. I am getting a lot of the corners of the marble cracking. Why is this happening?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 806 0/5 (0 Vote)

The marble tile was most likely improperly installed. Before you grind a floor you should sound the floor by tapping on each tile with a broom handle. If you hear a hollow thud sound then there is a strong chance that the tile has no setting material... Read More

Can steam be used to clean stone surfaces? We have silicone caulking on a granite sidewalk and steam from a hotsy machine is the only method that will take it off.

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 679 0/5 (0 Vote)

Steam can be used effectively on stone surfaces but be careful if you use any chemicals such as alkalies. Rinse the surface throughly if using alkaline cleaners. TIP Another good method for removing caulking, tar or chewing gum from granite surfaces... Read More

How do I prevent water from leaking through the baseboard edges and down onto the first floor. There is a small space between the tile floor and the wall.

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 820 0/5 (0 Vote)

The best way is to seal this space with silicone or acrylic caulking. Run a bead around the perimeter of the base. When you are done with the job the caulking should easily peel off or you can leave it in place. CAUTION If you use silicone caulking... Read More

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