How to complete a successful ceramic tile installation for the DIY

How to complete a successful ceramic tile installation

Frederick M. Hueston, Stone Forensics  www.stoneforensics.com

 

If laying ceramic tiles is totally new to you, “how to complete a successful ceramic tile installation” is a set of basic but important tips that you will help you avoid making costly mistakes on your next bathroom or ceramic tile installation.

” Plan which Tile
” Shop around if you want to save
” Prepare the surface for a long lasting job
” Lay the tiles
” Finishing touches

Plan which Tile

This step is often underestimated and sometimes even forgotten (can you believe it?). Planning your ceramic tile installation from A to Z is probably one of the most important steps for a smooth, easy going and problem free bathroom tile installation.

Some things to take in account are;

” Suitability of the tile
” Pattern /color of the tile
” Size of the tile
” Size of the area to be tiled. (This is important data that will be vital to know how much tile, grout, etc, you have to buy)
” Adhesive, mortar or grout to suit your needs

Not all ceramic tile installations are the same, different tiling installations may require different mortar or grout. DO NOT feel shy about asking the suppliers for advice or help in calculating how much you need. They will gladly help you, as they are likely to make a sale.

Shop around if you want to save

This isn’t as difficult as the first step, however when the budget is tight it can be tricky to find the right tile for the tile installation you want. You are going to have to make some compromises and so don’t get carried away by the beauty of some of the tiles. Prices can vary a lot between different tiles, so some end up rather expensive for only a few square feet .

Always shop around, it has never been easier. Just sit in front of the computer and use the Internet. Use local directories to find the suppliers close to you and pay them a visit.

Before making your final decision always check the chosen tile under different lights as the results can be surprisingly different.

Prepare the surface for a long lasting job before laying the tiles
The surface to be tiled (floor, wall or any other) will often need to be prepared, this can include work like filling, levelling, smoothing, priming and sometimes water proofing.

The right preparation will be directly affect the lifespan of the tile installation. Unless you want to be tiling again soon, you want to get this right from the start.

This is probably the most important point to ensure a long lasting tiling job. Don’t rush it.

Laying the ceramic tiles safely

The technique of laying tiles is not especially difficult. It only takes a little bit of practice before anyone can easily master it. Clearing the room to be tiled before starting will help you to do the job safer and easier. Don’t forget to wear your safety goggles when cutting or chipping tiles.

Laying tiles can also be a bit messy, if you don’t want dust all over the house we suggest sealing the room you want to tile whenever possible. A large piece of plastic tacked to the door frame will do the job quite well.

Try not to allow any adhesive to get on your skin and never forget to read the manufacturer’s directions before even opening the tin. If some ends up on you, just clean it with water as soon as possible. Even though tile adhesives aren’t usually abrasive, if you leave it for some time it may cause an allergic reaction.

Use a level to help you with the depth & level of the tiles and spacers to maintain an even distance between them.

The finishing touches

Once the tile adhesive or mortar has cured (dried) and the tiles are firm and even, you can start with the finishing touches.

You’ll have to fill the spaces between tiles with grout making sure you don’t leave any gaps as these cause damp problems, in a shower for example.

The technique is very simple, use a rubber faced trowel to spread the grout and a cotton cloth to clean the excess grout from the tiles afterwards.

There are many different types of grouts; you’ll have to choose the right one depending on the surface and chosen tile.

Now that you have your tiles laid down, you only need to take care of them, usually manufacturers provide information on taking care of their tiles and only minimal effort is required. Most household cleaning products will do the job well, if some particular stain is stubborn, there are many commercial stain removers, just make sure you use the right product for the right tile.

You are now closer to discovering how satisfying it can be handling a tile installation yourself; just follow these 5 steps to get the best result.

There are also numerous video on youtube that can show you how to properly install tile. If your not comfortable than hire a professional tile installer

 

Why Choose Radiant Floor Heat

Why Choose Radiant Floor Heat

Throughout the ages, humankind has sought to transform a wide variety of structures into warm, inviting environments where family and friends may comfortably gather. Presently, home owners strive to please the human senses through enticing aromas, coordinating colors, velvety textures, and even relaxing music or sounds of nature. In recent years, a revolutionary appeal to touch has been developed creating a new level of luxury within the home. This radiant floor heat system is safe and durable, versatile in application, remarkably efficient, and perhaps, most important, soothing and luxurious to all beneficiaries.

Low-voltage radiant floor heat ensures not only comfort, but also a sense of security knowing that even wet bathroom floors are safe to the touch. Through computer technology, radiant floor heat systems are monitored continuously for proper temperatures, run automatic self-checks, and are programmed to shut off under abnormal conditions. In addition to safety, many of these heating products are marked by unmatched durability and a 25 year limited warranty that is unavailable anywhere else in the heated floors market. Radiant floor heat is solid state, meaning there are no moving parts requiring conscientious maintenance. For nearly 30 years, these products have been thoroughly tested and improved to provide the highest quality, longest lasting results in the industry. Eliminate upkeep concerns and enjoy the benefits of soothing, heated floors, resting assured of the reliability of the source.

In addition to withstanding the test of endurance, radiant heated floors are also noted for their versatility in meeting a variety of customer needs. Heated floors may be installed by trained professionals for those who appreciate the finished product more than the process. Other products offered target do-it-yourself enthusiasts who desire labor savings or find fulfillment in being heavily involved in home improvement projects. Furthermore, radiant floor heat is versatile in its coverage abilities. It may be effectively installed in small bathroom areas or throughout an entire house depending on the desired outcome. For some home owners, heated floors provide a pleasant, supplemental heating source whereas for others, it serves as an efficient alternative to forced-air heating units. Finally, versatility lies in its capacity to be installed in connection with new construction projects, remodeling plans, or simply under existing floors. Without creating unnecessary build-up, radiant floor heat products are successfully placed under any assortment of floor coverings including carpet, tile, hardwood, vinyl, marble and other stone varieties. A relaxing layer of heat is then efficiently transmitted through the surface and into the air above.

The efficiency of radiant floor heat comes from its ability to transform 100 percent of the energy consumed to run the system into heat output rising directly into the rooms in which it is installed. Because the heating element is evenly distributed throughout the surface area, the heat is emitted consistently and effectively warms floors, furniture, and people all located in the lower portion of the room. This avoids the energy that is lost with air- vent, heating systems in which the warmest air escapes to the ceiling areas causing a need for thermostats to be raised to compensate for the loss. Homes employing radiant floor heat as either a supplemental or main heat source are more environmentally friendly and efficient as a result of their increased use of energy consumption.

Radiant floor heat serves many practical purposes including a lack of maintenance through durability, versatility in application, and energy efficiency, but perhaps its greatest appeal is that of comfort and well-being. Imagine the enchantment of watching a blizzard outside while stepping onto cozy, kitchen tile to make a soothing cup of hot cocoa. Envision warm, inviting hardwood floors where babbles of delight emanate from children contentedly discovering life. In a stressful and fast-paced world, indulge the senses with the luxuries they deserve. Allow high-quality, radiant floor heat products to enhance that calming sense of warmth and security that radiates at home.

 

Removing Urine Stains and Odors from Stone Surfaces

Removing Urine Stains and Odors from Stone Surfaces

Frederick M. Hueston, Stoneforensics.com

 

Your new puppy made a mess on your new marble floor. The granite floor in front of the urinals in the men’s room is stained and smells of urine. These are just a few of the issues with odors emitting from your stone surfaces.  Weather it’s your puppy or your husbands poor aim the following should remove the stain and the odor.

The Chemistry of Urine

Urine is unique in that it is a substance that comes our of the body as an acid and when it starts to dry becomes an alkaline crystal. For you amateur chemist it starts at a pH of 5-6 and converts to a pH of 10-12. These alkaline crystals are hydrophilic which simply means they absorb moisture. As these crystals absorb surrounding moisture the stain can grow in size. If the stone is a polished marble or limestone it can become dull due to the initial acid reaction but can also dull from the strong alkali. If this is the case the stone may need to be repolished.

Removing the Stain

Removing urine stains can be tricky and timing is everything. The quicker you can get to the stain the easier it will be to remove.

As soon as you can blot the urine up with some dry paper towels. Do Not wipe since this will only spread the stain.  Clean the stain with some dish soap and water. Mix about one teaspoon of dish soap in a gallon of water. Apply this solution on the wet area and allow it to sit for a minute or two. Blot the solution up and rinse with clean water. If there is still a stain, then you will need to apply a poultice.

 

The following is a basic procedure for stain removal More detailed stain removal instructions can be found here. http://stoneforensics.blogspot.com/ or www.SurPHaces.com

 

What you’ll need:

1.     Flour(use only white flour)

2.     Hydrogen Peroxide 20 Volume(You can purchase 20 volume peroxide at most beauty supply stores)

3.     Plastic wrap (saran wrap or equivalent)

4.     Plastic putty knife

5.     Low contact painters’ tape

6.     Mixing bowl or cup

7.     Plastic or wooden spoon

 

 

1. Wet the stained area with distilled water. Pre-wetting fills the pores of the stone with water isolating the stain and accelerating the removal by the chemical.

2. Prepare the poultice.  Take a small amount of flour and pour the peroxide into the flour and stir until you reach a creamy consistency.

3, Apply the poultice to the stain being careful not to spill any on the non stained areas. Apply approximately 1/4-inch thick over-lapping the stain area by about one inch.

4. Cover the poultice with plastic (food wrap works great). Tape the plastic down to seal the edges. It also helps to poke several small holes in the plastic so that the powder will dry out. Failure to do this may result in the poultice staying wet.

5. Allow the poultice to dry thoroughly. This is a very important step. The drying of the poultice is what pulls the stain from the stone into the poultice material. If the poultice is not allowed to dry, the stain may not be removed. Drying usually takes from 24 to 48 hours.

6. Remove the poultice with a plastic putty knife. Rinse with distilled water and buff dry with a soft cloth. If the stain is not removed, apply the poultice again. It may take up to five applications for difficult stains.

Step 2 Odor removal

 

Once the stain is removed the urine smell may still be present. The following is how to neutralize the odor:

The nasty smell you experience is the result of bacteria using the urine as a food source. So, in order to eliminate the odor we need to kill the bacteria. There are numerous products out there that are designed for eliminating the odor in carpets. These same chemicals can be used for stone.  If you use these products make sure they are enzymatic. Many products are only mask the odor, you want to eliminate it, so an enzymatic product is necessary.

 

Instructions for applying an enzymatic cleaner

 

• Spray the affected surface liberally with the cleaner using a pump sprayer or spray bottle.
• Cover with plastic  for 1 to 2 hours to slow the evaporation rate and allow time for the first application to soak deeply into the stone.
• Note that as the first application of cleaner goes to work, the urine odor may intensify at first. This is typical with old or heavy urine deposits and indicates that the urine being loosened and is rising to the surface.
• Remove the plastic and blot the floor dry with paper towels or cloths. Expect the blotting towels or cloths to be colored yellow and smell heavily of urine. Dispose of the soiled towels or cloths.
• Reapply the cleaner. Allow to dry 1 to 2 hours. (In humid climates lacking AC, drying may take longer.)
• Reapply as needed, with 1 to 2 hours drying time between applications, until odor is removed.

 

The above processes are time consuming but will be well worth the effort if done properly.

 

 

 

 

Removing Ivy and Other Vegetation from Brick and Stone Walls

Removing Ivy and Other Vegetation from Brick and Stone Walls

Frederick M. Hueston

 

Ivy growing on the side of a home or building ads a unique look, however the tendrils or aerial roots can grow into the brick or stone work causing it to flake and fall apart. If you decide to remove the vegetation from the wall it needs to be done carefully to not further damage the masonry. The following is a procedure that should remove the ivy safely.

 

Before attempting any removal make sure you are wearing the proper personal protective equipment such a glove and googles.

 

Step 1. If there is any living ivy it will need to be killed using a weed remover such as Round Up of similar product. Looking for a product that contains Glyphosate.  Spay the ivy making sure to saturate it. It may take several days for it to complete turn brown. Reapplication may be necessary. Make sure to do this in dry weather to give it time to work.

Step 2. Once all the ivy is dead cut the main trunks with a saw or shears as close to the ground as possible.

Step 3.  Remove as much of the top growth as possible with shears. DO NOT pull the ivy. Pulling can cause additional damage to the brick or stone.

 

Step 4. Once all the top growth is removed scrape the remaining aerial roots with a putty knife. Be careful not to dig the putty knife into the brick or stone. Hold the scarper at a 30 degree angle.

 

Step 5. Remove any remaining aerial roots with a wire brush.

 

Step 6. Rinse the brick and stone with clean water.  You can scrub with a soft scrub brush if desired. DO NOT use a metal brush with water. Use only a nylon brush

Step 7. Clean the brick or stone with a good quality stone cleaner.

Step 8. If repairs are needed than I would call a reputable stone restoration contractor. Repairs are not a DIY project.

 

 

 

I repeat..>DO NOT yank or pull the ivy off the wall. Otherwise you will pull apart the brick or stone.

Difficult aerial roots can be burnt off with a torch.

Is it a Crack or a Fissure on my Stone Countertop

Is it a Crack or a Fissure on my Stone Countertop

Frederick M. Hueston

 

You wake up one morning and go into your kitchen to pour a cup of coffee and you notice a long pattern on your granite countertop that looks like it cracked.  You run your finger across it and wonder if it was always there or just occurred overnight.  Later that morning you call the fabricator who installed it, send him a picture and he says its just a natural fissure.  You have your doubts and wonder if there is way to tell the difference between a fissure and a crack. The following should help you decide if your granite, marble or quartz is cracked or if it’s a natural fissure..

First, almost all-natural stone has some degree of fissuring or veining.  In layman’s terms fissures and veins are inherent elongated openings in stone resulting from geological formation, environmental impact, mineralogical crystallization, and other factors.  They are sometimes referred to as “hairline cracks.”  The even smaller micro-fissure is only detectable through a microscope. 

Fissures or veins usually have minimal unevenness, chipping, separation, movement, and fracturing.  Field measurement of a fissure’s width is difficult and prone to error.  A slight break in the reflection, an indentation and a less reflective finish are three factors that mostly indicate the presence of a fissure.

On the other hand, cracks are quite different than fissures and its indicators are readily apparent.  Cracks usually have noticeable unevenness, chipping, separation, movement, fracturing, and obviously broken pieces of stone.  With stress carefully placed on the area in question, movement leading to additional chipping and fracturing may be evident.  Also, noticeable separation allows an accurate measurement of the width.   Cracks are generally caused by mishandling or from improper support.

 

How to tell the difference

One test to perform is to see if your fingernail catches across the crack.  Gently run your fingernail across the vein/crack. A natural fissure and a vein will not catch. If your fingernail catches it is most likely a crack.

Another indication that it is a crack is to see if the suspected crack runs through or around individual crystals in the stone. If it run across and crystal it is most likely a crack. If it runs around the crystal it can be a fissure. 

Of course there are exceptions to these rules and if in doubt consult a an expert who can do an evaluation to be sure.

 

The Care and Feeding of Slate Flooring( Wiping the Slate Clean)

By Frederick M. Hueston, Technical Editor

Slate flooring is become increasing popular in the US today. Years ago slate was basically gray and pale and there weren’t many varieties to choose from. Today there are literally hundreds of slate colours. In India alone there are several hundreds running every imaginable color and well as texture.  The problem with slate for flooring is that it differs somewhat from the typical highly polished marble, limestone and granite. This article will explore the proper care and feeding of slate flooring. Sections of this article can also be used to give your customers so they know the proper care of their new slate flooring.

 WHAT IS SLATE

 Slate is a stone, which has been metamorphosed from shale—that is, it consists of clay-like materials that have undergone change under heat and pressure.  In other words, slate can be recognized by its sheet-like structure.  The material is usually thin and if broken in half, will flake off into sheets.  Slate is seldom highly reflective unless a coating is placed on it, and its surface is usually uneven unless machine- sanded.

Although slate can be purchased in 12" x 12" tiles, the most popular size is random patterns of varying shapes.

 For those of you who would like to know more. Slate is made up of minerals of quartz and illite. You will also find minor amounts of mica, calcite and other mineral.  Red colored slates contains hematite, which gives it is red color. Greens contain chlorite and blacks and grays contain carbon and or graphite.  The reddish tans are the result of iron oxides.

 BASIC SLATE FLOOR CLEANING

           OK, lets get down to what this article is all about—the actual care and maintenance of your slate flooring. It is not a complicated subject.  In fact, most of the mistakes that are made, and the main reason slate flooring gets dirty or ruined can be traced to simple neglect.

          Let’s suppose you’ve just purchased a brand-new car—and you never wash it. Soon enough the paint will fade, the body will rust, and the car will cost you a small fortune to restore.  On the other hand, if you make the effort to wash it on a regular basis and throw a coat of wax on it every now and then, it will look as good as new for years.  This is exactly what you need to do for your slate flooring.  Keep it clean and protected, and it will last till the kids move out—and may even be around when they move back in. The following maintenance tips will tell you what you need to know to make this possible.

     

 DAILY CLEANING

 

          To keep your slate flooring in tip-top condition, a few simple maintenance procedures are necessary.  For best results, they should be followed very closely.

 DUST-MOPPING

          Of all the procedures used to maintain slate flooring, dust mopping is probably the most important.  Dust, dirt and grit are what cause most surfaces to scratch & mar; if we could somehow eliminate them, this would cease to be a problem.  Several studies have indicated that floors, which are dust-mopped often, stay cleaner and shinier longer.

           Do dust mop your floor daily.  If traffic is heavy, or the floor is located in a commercial building, do it several times a day. Remember do not use oil-treated dust mops on slate flooring.

           When dust mopping, be sure to run the dust mop in one direction only. Do not move it back and forth.  Think of it as pushing the dirt in only one direction.  When you have accumulated enough dirt and debris, pick it up with a dustpan and brush and take the dust mop outside to shake any remaining dust.  When storing the dust mop, be sure to keep its head off the ground. Hardware store sell various hangers, which are excellent for storing mops and  brooms.

           Designate only one dust mop for each type of surface.  For example, you should use one dust mop for your slate flooring and a separate one for other tile or wood floors.  Do not get the dust mop wet; if the floor is wet, be sure to dry it before dust mopping.

           Purchase a good-quality machine-washable mop and keep it clean. Wash it in cold water with laundry detergent and machine-dry.

 WELCOME MATS, RUGS, AND WALK-OFF MATS

          Another important tool necessary for keeping dirt and debris off your slate floors is some type of mat, rug or what is commonly called a walk-off mat.  A good-quality mat will capture dirt before someone walks on the floor.  If it is placed outside your door, it is only human nature and common courtesy for people to wipe their feet before entering the house.  Studies have shown that it takes approximately seven steps to remove most loose dirt from one’s shoes.  For this reason, I would recommend placing mats both inside and outside.

 

 MAT AND RUG TYPES

           There are hundreds of mats and rugs on the market today.  Be sure to purchase one of good quality. Be careful about using rubber- or jute-backed mats or rugs on slate flooring; either kind of backing can bleed into the slate, causing a stain that may be difficult or impossible to remove.  A mat should be at least as wide as the doorway it serves.

           Clean your mats often, daily if possible. Take them up and clean under them when you dust mop.  Be sure the floor is dry before returning them to the floor. Never place a mat down on a wet surface or put a wet mat on any surface.

 DAMP OR WET MOPPING 

           All slate flooring needs to be cleaned. How often you will need to damp or wet mop will depend on  the amount of traffic and the finish (honed, coated, textured).  The following frequencies are recommended:

 

Residential: Once a week

Light commercial: Twice a week

Heavy commercial: Daily

 

 

          These are only recommendations; you will need to adjust the frequencies to suit your own conditions.  For example, during a heavy rainstorm, dirt is tracked onto the floor and should be mopped up as quickly as possible.

  

REMOVING OLD WAX FROM SLATE FLOORING

           Suppose your slate floor  has been covered with a wax or some other type of coating. How do you remove this coating, and what chemicals should be used?  The procedure used to strip a slate floor is relatively simple, and is outlined below. But before you run out and buy a chemical floor stripper, it is important, as always, to  find out what is on the floor.

  WHAT'S ON MY FLOOR?

           Today’s technology has delivered  hundreds of different types of floor coatings—natural and synthetic waxes, acrylics, thermoplastics, polyurethane’s, epoxies, etc.  To choose the proper chemical for removing them, we must know what type of coating we are dealing with. I suggest the following procedure:

           1.  If you already know what coating is on the floor, contact the product’s manufacturer for removal instructions.

           2.  If you have no idea what is on the floor, perform the following test. Mix one cup of household ammonia in one gallon of warm water; pour a small amount of this mixture on the floor and agitate with a soft scrub brush. Pick up the solution with a wet vacuum or a dry rag.  Examine the area; if you have removed the coating, you will need to use a commercial wax stripper to remove the remaining wax. These coatings are water based and are easily removed with commercial strippers.  Visit your local janitorial supply house and ask for an alkaline acrylic finish stripper.  If the coating has not been removed with the ammonia, there is a good possibility that the finish is urethane- or epoxy-based.   What this means is that some very strong solvents will be needed to remove the finish. At this point, it might be wise to call in a professional.  If you wish to attempt stripping these urethane-based coatings yourself refer to the stripping procedure in this book.  It is common to find urethane-based coating on slate flooring. They can be very, very difficult to remove. The removal process may be so aggressive that the surface  may become damaged. Always test a small area first to make sure you get the desired results.

  STRIPPING PROCEDURE(Acrylics)

 

          To strip a slate floor with commercial alkaline strippers, use the following procedure. A janitorial floor-buffing machine and a wet vacuum are highly recommended. Before setting up to strip the slate be sure to remove all furniture and protect painted surfaces such as baseboards with plastic drape.

 

          1.  Mix the stripper solution in a separate bucket, following  the instructions on the label.

 

          2.  Apply the mixed solution with a string mop to one small section at a time.  Do not apply more than can be scrubbed effectively.  Let the stripper sit for several minutes; this will allow the chemicals to break up the coating.  If the stripper begins to dry, add more of the solution to keep it wet.

 

          3.  Scrub the floor using a 175-rpm standard buffing machine equipped with a black stripping pad or stripping brush (pads and brushes are available at most janitorial and rental supply houses). Continue scrubbing until the coating breaks up.  Some slate may be scratched by stripping pads and brushes; always test a small area first before proceeding with the entire project.  If the pad scratches, your janitorial supply house can  recommend a softer pad or brush.

 

          4.  Pick up the solution with a wet vacuum and rinse immediately.  Use a separate string mop, bucket and wringer for your rinse water. 

          5.  Examine the area thoroughly. If any of  the coating is still present, re-strip.

 

          When you’re through, be sure to rinse the floor thoroughly; most alkaline strippers have a tendency to leave a film. Adding several ounces of a good neutral cleaner or stone soap to the rinse water will help neutralize the stripping solution.

If a coating is to be applied, re-apply according to manufacturers instructions. If a penetrating sealer is to be used, make sure the floor is thoroughly dry.  Allow at least 24 hours before sealer application.

 

 STRIPPING PROCEDURE(Urethanes)

 

          To strip a slate floor that has a urethane coating, use the following procedure.  Before setting up to strip the floor be sure to remove all furniture and protect painted surfaces such as baseboards with plastic drape.

 

Caution: Some of the strippers for removing urethane contains solvents such as methylene chloride that is extremely dangerous to work with.  Make sure to wear protective clothing and goggles and to ventilate the room to avoid being over come with fumes. Many of these strippers also require you to wear a respirator.  These strippers will damage all surfaces so make sure everything is protected. If you do not feel comfortable with these procedure, I recommend you contact a professional.

There are also what are known as “safe strippers” available that do not pose as much as a danger but they take a very long time to react. Some of these strippers require as much as a 24-hour dwell time to remove urethane effectively.

 

          1.  Apply the stripper with a paintbrush or roller. Apply liberally and try not to reapply once you have place the stripper down.  Most of these strippers are in a form of a thick paste..

 

          2. .  Let the stripper sit for several minutes to several hours; this will allow the chemicals to break up the coating. Do not scrub the floor with brushes or a floor machine.  These strippers are flammable and machinery should not be used.  You can tell when the stripper is working by a bubbling or softening of the coating. Take a metal putty knife and try scraping the coating. If it is soft and easily comes off, then it is ready to be removed.

           3. Scrape the coating with a putty knife and place the soften coating into a metal bucket. These materials will need to be disposed of in an approved hazardous waste container and will need to be picked up by a hazardous waste company.  Refer to your yellow pages under hazardous waste. Some counties and cities also will take these containers. Call you’re your local county government and ask how to dispose of these materials.

           4. Once all the coating has been removed restrip the slate as outlined above using a commercial floor stripper for acrylics . 

           5.  Examine the area thoroughly. If any of  the coating is still present, re-strip.

           When you’re through, be sure to rinse the floor thoroughly; most alkaline strippers have a tendency to leave a film. Adding several ounces of a good neutral cleaner or stone soap to the rinse water will help neutralize the striping solution.

If a coating is to be applied, re-apply according to manufacturers instructions. If a penetrating sealer is to be used, make sure the floor is thoroughly dry.  Allow at least 24 hours before sealer application.

  

Important- it is very important that the slate is thoroughly dry before applying any finish. Placing a coating on wet slate will cause the coating to turn a milky white color.

         

Stone Myths

Stone Myths

 Over the past 20years I have heard many stories about the reasons stone will fail, turn color, fade or what ever. Many of these stories are funny and almost all of them are just plain false. The following is a brief synopsis of these stories and myths along with the real reason for these conditions.

 

Green Marble warping;

Many season installers who have tried to install green marble tiles with ordinary thin set or other water based setting materials have experienced warping problems.  I cannot tell you how many times I have encounter the same problem as an inspector. The following are some of stories I have heard for the reason that green marble will warp.

 “Green Marble will warp because it contains living plant material. As water is added to the marble the plants start to grow and this makes the marble warp.”  This is an absolute true story. I heard an installer telling a customer this and about fell to the floor, trying not to laugh. When I asked him if he was kidding, her said no and really believe this was the reason.

 “Green marble will curl on the edges because the installer did not put enough setting mortar on the edges. The green marble will have a tendency to lift off the floor where there is not mortar and hence it will curl.”  This falsehood isn’t as bad as the first one, but it is just as wrong.

 FACT:  The real reason green marble warps is a condition known as hysterisis. Green marble’s are very sensitive to moisture and what happens when water enters the stone, it causes the marble to release any internal stress it has and hence it warps.

  Your Stone Floor has an Effervesce problem,

 The key word here is effervescence. I have lost count on how many times I have heard contractors refer to efflorescence as effervescence. Lets clear this up right now. Efflorescence is the deposit of soluble salts on the surface of the stone. It is caused by water that carries the salts from the setting bed or the stone to the surface; it is often deposited as a white powder like residue on the surface of the stone. Effervescence is what happens when something fizzes. A good example is when one drops an alkazelser in a glass of water. The fizzing is referred to as effervescence.  I have never seen a stone effervesce, unless someone was pouring acid on it.

Along the same topic I have had so-called experts instruct people who have an efflorescence problem to seal the stone to help it. This is wrong, sealing will only block or reduce the pore size of the stone and this in turn will not only cause more efflorescence, it could also cause spalling.

 Your Stone Floor needs to be homed!

 No, this is not a spelling mistake, the word use was HOME.  I have run into several sales people who have called the honing process, homing.  Maybe they also worked with pigeons , but I have never heard of homing a floor. The proper term of course is HONE, which means to abraded a stone.

 That’s not a crack, it’s a fissure!

Now I don’t want any letters or emails from you fabricators out there. The following is an explanation of both of these terms. Many fabricators will try and  blame cracks that occur in stone installations on natural fissures that occur in the stone. Sometimes they are right and sometimes they are wrong. If one looks up the word ‘fissure” in the dictionary, guess what? A fissure is a crack. What I believe most fabricators need to do is describe the natural fissures in the stone as “natural occurring as part of the formation of the stone.  Cracks on the other hand should be called “Breaks” caused by external forces on the stone. This would mean that if someone stands or sits on the stone, it could develop a break.  Of course, the most likely place for a break to occur is on a natural fissure. For this reason it must be handled carefully and the stone needs to be examined carefully.

This is a tricky topic and is open for debate, however, you need to communicate to your customer what the difference between natural occurring fissures and those caused by external forces.

 Vinegar and water

 To clean your marble or limestone, just use some vinegar and water. Now, hopefully most of you in the stone business know that vinegar is an acid and it will etch calcium based stone. However, I cannot believe how many times I have heard tile installers make this recommendation. In case you don’t know…never, never use vinegar on any stone surface. Marble and limestone’s are generally the most susceptible but there are also some granite that will become damaged from vinegar.

 

 To remove oil from stone saturate it with water and the water will force the oil out.

I heard this one recently from one of my students who told me that some expert told him this is how you remove oil stains out of stone.  Believe me, it does not work. In theory since oil will float on water you would think that this makes sense. However, the oil is trapped in the pores of the stone and no amount of water is going to force it out. The best way to remove all is with a poultice and a degreasing chemical. For instructions on poulticing see our web site at www.ntc-stone.com.

 

 All Marble have Veins

 This is another fib I hear all the time. Many people in our industry believe that if a stone has veins then it must be marble. Of course this is totally false, since veins can be observed in granite and limestone as well.

The Darker the stone the softer it is!

Again, Untrue. There are some really dark granites that are as hard or harder than some of the lighter colored granites. The same can be true for marble and limestone.

 Of course we should not forget the myths about granite harboring bacteria and emitting harmful radon gas. In past articles I have dealt with both of these falsehoods. Here is a brief summary.

 

 There is a report circulating that granite countertops are unsafe, harbor bacteria and can produce disease. This is absolutely FALSE, NIOSH and the CDC have no reports of granite or any other stone used as a countertop as being unsafe. Think about this for a moment, if stone was unsafe and unsanitary why would there be cutting boards sold made of stone. Why would stone be used in food laboratories. There has been no known proof of any illness caused by using stone as a countertop.

 There have also been rumors that granite contains harmful radon gas. This again is untrue. There is so little radon in granite that one would have to live to be 10,000 years old for it to have an ill effect.  There is more likely more radon coming from the ground and the concrete that your house is built on.

 As the years progress and I get grayer, I hear more and more falsehoods and myths. I keep readers posted any new ones I hear.