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

Tiles popping

Wed, Jan 20, 2010 thinset, mosaic tile installation, hollow tiles, epoxy grout bonding 0 0 353 0/5 (0 Vote)

Q: I'm laying "penny" mosaic tile on top of a heating system. I had to use a light amount of thinset in some spots due to leveling issues. As a result I have some tiles that are coming up (I have not yet grouted). I am going to use spectralock... Read More

How to remove white stains from rubbing alcohol dripping on saltillo tile.

Tue, Jan 6, 2009 saltillo tile, sealer, stains 0 0 375 3/5 (2 Votes)

Q. How can I remove white stains from rubbing alcohol dripping on my saltillo tile? The tile is sealed but the sealant probably needs to be redone. A. The alcohol has removed the existing sealer. The best thing to do is to strip the existing... Read More

Our travertine floor is developing black dull spots that won’t clean up. What can we do?

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 677 0/5 (0 Vote)

Travertine marble typically contains soft fillers that have a tendency to collect dirt. The black spots are probably dirt, and can be cleaned with heavy-duty cleaners. Apply a solution of cleaner and water and allow it to soak on the floor for... 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 0 615 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

We have been in our new house for three months and are starting to see cracks developing in the marble floor. The contractor told us these were “settling cracks.” Will this continue to be a problem? Can the cracks be repaired, or should we replace th

Fri, Jan 21, 2022 0 0 665 0/5 (0 Vote)

Settling cracks are common in newly constructed homes. These cracks may continue to develop for over a year. I would suggest replacing the tiles after approximately one year, or until the settling subsides. Be sure to purchase extra tiles—and... Read More

We have a Mexican tile deck all around our swimming pool. It is developing a whitish cast to it. Can this be cleaned and with what?

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

This white cast is very common with Mexican tile. Hard water and chlorine from your swimming pool are depositing a white salt on the surface. To remove this white haze, a mild acid washing is necessary. Use a mild acid such as sulfamic acid ... Read More

My technician has told me that after completing the routine maintenance then finishing off with mopping a marble tile floor on a hotel maintenance contract, there are streaks across it when it dries. We have tried several different cleaners, yet I al

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 584 0/5 (0 Vote)

The streaking may be caused by any one of a number of problems. The mop you are using may be dirty. Use a clean string mop and make a point of only using it for the marble floor. Wring the mop out several times as you clean the floor. Are you using... Read More

What’s the best method for cleaning a flamed granite floor. I have tried using a black stripping pad but it doesn’t seem to get into the low areas, what do you suggest?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 654 0/5 (0 Vote)

The best way to clean a flamed granite floor is to use a brush known as a nylo-grit brush. These brushes are designed to reach into the low areas of uneven surfaces such as flamed granite. Nylogrit brushes are available at most janitorial supply... Read More

We have a pink marble tile that has some brown veins and the veins are soft and coming out. Is there anything we can do to stop these veins from softening?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 584 0/5 (0 Vote)

The material you are describing is probably a marble known as rossa perlinio. This type of marble, when it is formed has mud running through it and this is what the soft veins are---mud. Unfortunately the only cure is to fill the veins as the erode... Read More

I have to hone and polish a marble floor in a department store. The marble butts right up against carpeting. Is there an easier way to protect the carpeting then taping it with plastic?

Thu, Jan 20, 2022 0 0 640 0/5 (0 Vote)

I have found that you can insert a thin sheet of metal roof flashing between the carpeted edge and the marble. This creates a barrier and a splash guard and installs in minutes, is reusable and can be moved as you work. You will only need about a... Read More

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