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

Moss and Lichen Growth May Deteriorate the Limestone

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 616 0/5 (0 Vote)

Lichens and mosses produce oxalic acid, which can destroy calcium-based stones. Since they are considered plants, they will also attract moisture, which can cause all kinds of problems with the stone, including spalling. They can also cause the stone... 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 0 620 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

We have a beautiful set of stone steps leading to our front door. They are polished and very slippery when it rains. Is there any treatment we can apply to make them less slippery? I am afraid someone will fall and break their neck.

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 586 0/5 (0 Vote)

There are several options for making the steps less slippery. Option 1. The steps can be honed and the polish removed. The high-gloss shine will be gone, but the steps will be less slippery. Option 2. Slip tape can purchased at your hardware or home... Read More

How should a newly-installed flamed granite floor be cleaned for the first time?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 663 0/5 (0 Vote)

Flamed granite has a rough texture which will tend to hold dust and dirt. Prepare a solution of stone soap or neutral cleaner and warm water. Flood the floor with this solution and either agitate with a scrub brush or machine-scrub. Pick up the... Read More

What’s the best way to remove a polyurethane finish that was placed on my slate floor?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 759 0/5 (0 Vote)

Unfortunately, most polyurethane finishes require strong solvent-based chemicals for removal. Methylene-chloride strippers as well as a number of safe strippers are available, but be forewarned: removing polyurethane is a messy job. I know several... Read More

We just installed a new green marble foyer. The problem we are having is that the tiles are 1. curling up on the corners. Why is this occurring, and can it be corrected?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 592 0/5 (0 Vote)

Curling in green marble can be a serious problem when the marble is set in a wet mud or thin-set. The Marble Institute of America recommends that green marble be set with an epoxy-based compound. Check with the installer and see what has been used to... Read More

The Mexican tile floor on my back porch is turning yellow. Help?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 688 0/5 (0 Vote)

First, has the tile been sealed? There are several urethane coatings on the market that are used to coat Mexican tile. These urethanes are sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light and will turn yellow. Strip the floor and apply a Mexican tile sealer.... Read More

My customer’s granite tile floor has developed several white streaks. They’ve tried several things but they don’t seem to go away. What can I suggest they use to clean them off?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 599 0/5 (0 Vote)

These white streaks may be hard-water deposits, which can prove very difficult to remove. Suggest that they try a sulfamic acid-based tile-and-grout cleaner -- Stonecare PRO Signature’s HEAVY DUTY Tile and Grout Cleaner. CAUTION Make sure to... Read More

Here is a question my customer is asking: “We installed a stone floor in my son’s nursery. Because of his allergies, we have been told to clean the floor with a disinfectant. What can we use that will disinfect without ruining the high polish o

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 621 0/5 (0 Vote)

I suggest you contact a local janitorial supply house and tell them you need a disinfectant with a neutral pH. There are several dozen on the market that will do an excellent job. It will be very important to dust mop the floor as much as possible.... Read More

What type of dust mop should I recommend that my customers use on their marble floors? I was told to stay away from treated dust mops.

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 684 0/5 (0 Vote)

The advice you received was correct. Most treated dust mops are treated with an oil-based chemical. Certain stones can absorb this oil, causing staining. Strongly recommend only untreated dust mops. TIP Also, tell your customers this: When purchasing... Read More

Articles Search Results