Stone and Tile Blog

Thursday, March 30, 2023

How to Choose a Good Tile Contractor

How to Choose a Good Tile Contractor By Frederick M. Hueston Stoneforensics.com Choosing a tile contractor is an important decision when planning a home renovation or construction project. The right contractor can help ensure that your tile work is installed properly, looks beautiful, and lasts for years to come. Here are some tips on how to choose a tile contractor: Do your research: Look for tile contractors in your area and check their online reviews, website, and social media pages. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. It's important to research a few contractors and compare them before making a decision. Check their credentials: Verify that the contractor has the necessary licenses and insurance. This ensures that they are qualified and protected in case of any accidents or damage during the job. Look at their portfolio: Check out the contractor's past work to get an idea of their style and quality. A reputable contractor should have a portfolio of completed projects that you can view. Get estimates: Request written estimates from at least three different contractors. This will help you compare prices and ensure that you are getting a fair deal. Be sure to ask for a breakdown of the costs and any additional fees. Ask for references: A good contractor should be willing to provide references from previous clients. Contact these references and ask about their experience with the contractor, including the quality of the work and their professionalism. Communication is key: Make sure the contractor is easy to communicate with and responsive to your questions and concerns. A good contractor should be willing to explain the process and answer any questions you may have. Understand the timeline: Ask the contractor about their estimated timeline for the job. It's important to have a clear understanding of when the work will start, how long it will take, and any potential delays. Get it in writing: Make sure all the details of the project, including the scope of work, timeline, and cost, are clearly outlined in a written contract. This protects both you and the contractor and helps avoid any misunderstandings. By following these tips, you can find a reputable and reliable tile contractor for your project. A good contractor will help ensure that your tile work is installed properly, looks beautiful, and lasts for years to come.

Friday, March 17, 2023

Rectified vs Non-Rectified Tiles

Rectified vs Non-Rectified Tiles By Frederick M. Hueston, stoneforensics.com Tiles are a key part of any building or remodeling job. They are used both to make things work and to look nice. One thing to think about when choosing the right tile is whether it is rectified or not. Rectified tiles are ones that have been cut by a machine to exact sizes. This process makes sure that each tile is the same size and shape, with sharp corners and straight edges. Rectified tiles also have very clean and even edges, which makes them easier to install with less grout. On the other hand, traditional methods are used to make non-rectified tiles by firing clay in a kiln. Because these tiles aren't cut to exact sizes, there may be some small differences in size and shape between them. Non-rectified tiles also have slightly rounded and uneven edges, which can make them harder to install. The best thing about rectified tiles is that they look clean and modern, which is popular in modern design. They are usually used for large tiles, like those used for floors or backsplashes, where the edges need to be very precise. Also, rectified tiles are easier to clean and keep up because the space between them is smaller. On the other hand, tiles that aren't straight have a more traditional and rustic look. They are often used in classic or vintage designs, where small differences in size and shape are seen as part of their charm. Non-rectified tiles are also easier to install because their sizes and shapes vary just a little bit. This makes it easier to adjust for any bumps on the surface. Cost-wise, rectified tiles are usually more expensive than non-rectified tiles because they have to go through more steps to get their exact sizes. But the benefits of their uniform look and ease of maintenance often make up for the difference in price. In the end, the choice between rectified and non-rectified tiles comes down to how you want the space to look and function. Both types of tiles have their pros and cons, so the decision should be made based on what the project needs. In short, rectified tiles look clean and modern because their sizes and shapes are exact, while non-rectified tiles look more traditional and rustic because their sizes and shapes vary slightly. In the end, the choice between the two depends on how the space is designed and how it needs to work.

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

How Do I Clean My Marble Shower

How Do I Clean My Marble Shower

By Frederick M. Hueston, Stoneforensics.com

Marble showers are a beautiful addition to any bathroom, but they require proper care and maintenance to stay looking their best. Marble is a natural stone that is porous and can easily be damaged by harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools. To keep your marble shower looking new, it’s important to follow these simple steps for regular cleaning and maintenance.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start cleaning your marble shower, it’s important to gather the right supplies. You will need a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge, a pH-neutral cleaner designed for marble, and warm water. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface of your marble shower.

Step 2: Prepare the Shower

Before you begin cleaning, remove any items from your shower, such as shampoo bottles or soap dishes. Then, wet the entire surface of your marble shower with warm water. This will help loosen any dirt or grime and make it easier to clean.

Step 3: Clean the Marble Shower

Apply the pH-neutral cleaner to your soft cloth or sponge, and begin cleaning your marble shower. Be sure to work in small sections, starting at the top and working your way down. Avoid using too much pressure, as this can scratch the surface of your marble. Rinse your cloth or sponge frequently in warm water to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 4: Dry the Marble Shower

After you have finished cleaning your marble shower, use a clean, dry cloth to dry the surface. This will prevent water spots from forming and keep your marble looking shiny and new. Be sure to dry all surfaces, including the walls, floor, and fixtures.

Step 5: Regular Maintenance

To keep your marble shower looking its best, it’s important to maintain it regularly. This means wiping down the surface after each use to remove any soap scum or water spots. You can also use a marble sealer to protect your shower from stains and damage. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any cleaning or maintenance products on your marble shower.

Cleaning a marble shower requires gentle care and the right tools. By following these simple steps, you can keep your marble shower looking beautiful for years to come. Remember to always use pH-neutral cleaners, avoid abrasive tools, and dry the surface thoroughly after cleaning. With a little bit of maintenance, your marble shower will be a stunning addition to your bathroom.

Are my Weep Holes Clogged? Why my shower floor is darkening

Are my Weep Holes Clogged? Why my shower floor is darkening

By Frederick M. Hueston

Shower drains are an essential part of any bathroom, but over time, they can become clogged with debris, soap scum, and hair. Weep holes are an integral part of shower drains as they help to prevent water from pooling in the shower pan, but they can also become clogged, which can lead to problems such as mold growth, unpleasant odors, and even water damage. The most common sign of clogged weep holes in stone shower is a large discoloration around the drain.

Cleaning the weep holes in your shower drain is a relatively easy task that can be done in a few simple steps. Here's what you need to know:

Gather the necessary tools and materials.

Before you start cleaning the weep holes in your shower drain, make sure you have the following tools and materials:

Rubber gloves

Screwdriver

Wire brush or toothbrush

Vinegar or baking soda

Warm water

Remove the shower drain cover

To access the weep holes, you'll need to remove the shower drain cover. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the cover in place. If the cover is stuck, use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry it up.

Clean the weep holes

Once you've removed the shower drain cover, you should be able to see the weep holes. Use a wire brush or toothbrush to scrub away any debris that may have accumulated in the holes. If the weep holes are severely clogged, you may need to use a small tool such as a toothpick or tweezers to remove any stubborn debris. You can also use a awl with a right angle bend at the tip.

Use vinegar or baking soda to clean

If you notice that the weep holes are still clogged, you can use vinegar or baking soda to help break up any remaining debris. Pour a cup of vinegar or a quarter cup of baking soda down the drain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, pour warm water down the drain to flush out the debris.

Reinstall the shower drain cover

Once you've cleaned the weep holes and flushed out the drain, you can reinstall the shower drain cover. Use the screwdriver to tighten the screws and ensure that the cover is securely in place.

Cleaning the weep holes in your shower drain is an essential part of maintaining your bathroom's plumbing system. By following these simple steps, you can keep your shower drain free of debris and prevent water damage, mold growth, and unpleasant odors. Remember to clean your shower drain weep holes at least once every six months to ensure that they are functioning correctly.

Friday, March 3, 2023

What’s the Dark Ring Around my Granite/Quartzite Sink

What’s the Dark Ring Around my Granite/Quartzite Sink

By Frederick M. Hueston

You've probably heard of ring around the collar, and in the stone business, we sometimes refer to it as "ring around the sink" or "ring around the profile." Recently, I have been inundated with inquiries on the reason why particular granites and quartzites begin to form a dark ring around the perimeter of the sink and sometimes around the top edge of the profile. This darkening can occasionally appear shortly after the installation, while other times it can take several months before it becomes noticeable. What factors have contributed to this darkening, and more importantly, how can it be remedied?

The formation of a dark ring around the sink or profile of granite and quartzite is a common occurrence, and several factors can contribute to its development. One primary factor is the accumulation of soap residue, body oils, and other substances that are not entirely removed during regular cleaning. Over time, these substances can create a dark and unsightly ring that can be difficult to remove.

Another factor is the porosity of the stone. Certain granites and quartzites are more porous than others, which makes them more susceptible to staining and discoloration. Additionally, the type of sealer used during installation can play a role in the formation of a dark ring. If a low-quality sealer is used, it may not provide adequate protection against staining and discoloration.

Not sealing the underside or sides of the stone can also cause moisture to soak in causing these rings.

Also, the use of certain caulking types such as silicone and acrylics that are used to seal the sink to the stone can bleed into the stone causing it to darken.

Fortunately, there are several remedies for these issues. The first step is to thoroughly clean the affected area using a mild soap and warm water. For stubborn stains, a poultice can be used to pull the stain out.

To check for moisture use a moisture meter to see if the darkening is moisture. If it is moisture, it can sometime be dried out by carefully using a hair dryer or heat gun.

If the staining is caused by the caulking used than the sink may have to be removed, the caulking scraped away, a poultice applied and then reinstalled with a non-staining caulk.

Once the darkening has been removed, it is crucial to apply a high-quality sealer to protect the stone from further staining and discoloration. The seal should be applied to the sides as well as the overhang on the sink.

While ring around the sink may be an unsightly and frustrating issue, it is a common one that can be remedied with proper cleaning and the application of a high-quality sealer.

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Choosing the Right Floor Pad for Your Stone: Key Considerations Before Buying Buffing Pads

Choosing the Right Floor Pad for Your Stone: Key Considerations Before Buying Buffing Pads

By Frederick M. Hueston, StoneForensics.com

Keep in mind that every floor pad has a particular purpose and shouldn't be used on every type of stone. The following are some important queries to make before buying buffing pads.

I have what kind of stone am I polishing? Is it marble, granite or whatever?

What type of tasks am I doing? Polishing, cleaning, heavy-duty cleaning, removing a coating

What size pad do I need? Can I use a larger pad than my pad driver.

All these questions need to be answered in order to select the right pad for the task at hand.

Method of Color Coding for Floor Scrubber Pads

In order to make it easier for you to understand how harsh a particular pad will be on your floor; floor pads have an industry-standard color-coding scheme. Darker colored pads are often more aggressive, whereas lighter colored pads are thought of as light duty. Because they are used to buff at extremely high rates, floor burnishing pads generally be aggressive despite not adhering to the industry standard color-coding system.

White

The softest floor pad you can choose from is a polishing pad, which works well for daily duties. To give your floors a smooth finish, use white polishing pads with a low-speed floor polisher and a fine water mist. White pads are often used as the final dry buff after the stone has been polished. They can also be used in place of steel wool with some crystallization polishing systems. White pads can also be used with stone polishing powders but often are not aggressive enough to achieve an acceptable shine. White polishing pads are not made for high-speed machines and won't hold up on rough surfaces.

Red

Red buffing pads produce a brilliant polish and sheen while removing minor scuffs and grime from stone flooring. For light-duty use, buffing pads are ideal because they won't harm most stone flooring. They are made for a low speed buffing machine and are suited for the majority of daily cleaning activities. Some red pads will bleed with polishing powders that contain oxalic acid So I would avoid them for use with these powders.

Green and yellow

These pads are more aggressive than the red pad but not as aggressive as the black pads. They can be used to remove heavy soil along with heavy duty cleaners as well as for stripping light coatings. They can scratch the surface of marble and limestone, so care is required.

Black, Brown and Purple

These pads are used to completely remove finish, sealant, waxes, and grime. These should only be used with low-speed machines since they are quite abrasive and harsh and will scratch most marble and limestone flooring

Stripping pads are typically black, however they can also be found in purple and brown. You can select the ideal color stripping pad for you based on the type of floor stripping you are performing.

Burnishing Pads

Burnishing pads are used on high-speed buffers for burnishing certain wax finishes. However, they are the mainstay for polishing marble, limestone and other stone surfaces using a 175-300 rpm buffer. They are just abrasive enough to generate the right amount of heat along with standard polishing powders to produce a factory shine. These pads go by many names depending on the manufacturer, but most all are generically called hogs hair pads.

Diamond Impregnated Pads(DIP)

These pads are used for resurfacing marble and other stone types. They are impregnated with diamond abrasives and are available in various grit sizes ranging from 100 to as high as 11000 or more. The higher grits can be used on a burnisher but the lower grits generally work best on a standard 175-300 rpm buffer.

Not all manufacturers stick to the industry’s color-coding system so make sure to ask what the recommend use is for from each pad.

Pad sizes

Pads sizes are typically sold in a 16 -22 inch size but you may find other sizes as well. Small sizes, less than 16 inches, can be hard to find but you can always cut down a larger pad to fit small drive plates.

Buffing Pads are an essential tool for restoring and maintaining the shine and polish of marble, granite and most stone surfaces. By selecting the correct pad for the job, you can ensure that your natural stone surfaces remain in pristine condition for years to come. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these pads, and if in doubt, seek advice from a professional.

Quartz vs Quartzite Countertops

Quartz vs Quartzite Countertops

By Frederick M Hueston, StoneForeniscs.com

When it comes to kitchen countertops, there are numerous options available, ranging from natural stones like granite and marble to engineered materials like quartz and quartzite. Two such popular options are quartz and quartzite countertops. While their names might suggest a similarity, these materials are vastly different in their composition, durability, and maintenance requirements.

Quartz countertops are an engineered material that combines quartz particles (usually about 93%) with resins, polymers, and pigments. This mixture is then molded into slabs, which are used as kitchen countertops. The primary benefit of quartz countertops is their durability, as they are scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, and non-porous, which makes them resistant to stains and bacteria. They are also available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing homeowners to achieve their desired aesthetic.

On the other hand, quartzite countertops are a natural stone product formed from the metamorphosis of quartz sandstone. This natural process creates a hard and durable material that is resistant to heat, scratches, and etching. One of the primary benefits of quartzite countertops is their unique veining and color patterns, which add a distinctive character to each countertop. Quartzite countertops are also resistant to bacteria and staining, making them easy to maintain.

While both quartz and quartzite countertops are durable, there are several key differences between the two materials. Quartz is an engineered product, which means it is not a natural stone. This can be a downside for homeowners who are looking for an all-natural product. Additionally, while quartz is non-porous, it is not completely heat-resistant, and exposure to high temperatures can cause discoloration and damage.

In contrast, quartzite is a natural stone product, which makes it a popular choice for homeowners looking for a natural and unique look for their kitchen countertops. It is also heat-resistant and non-porous, making it a low-maintenance option for homeowners. However, due to its natural formation, quartzite can be more expensive than quartz.

When it comes to maintenance, both quartz and quartzite countertops are relatively easy to clean and maintain. Quartz countertops can be cleaned with mild soap and water, while quartzite countertops require regular sealing to prevent staining and etching.

In in both quartz and quartzite countertops have their unique benefits and drawbacks. Quartz is an engineered product that is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, is scratch-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance. Quartzite is a natural stone product that is heat-resistant, has unique veining and color patterns, and is low-maintenance. Ultimately, the choice between quartz and quartzite countertops will depend on individual preferences, budget, and lifestyle.