A message from Fred Hueston
Stone Forensics utilizes decades of experience to provide vast knowledge in the science and geology behind natural and engineered stone, including terrazzo, tile, concrete, and masonry-related installations and failures.
Our clients are located worldwide and include government, general contractors, insurance companies, tile contractors, attorneys, and architectural and engineering firms. We also serve the owners and property managers of casinos, hotels, and other commercial, industrial, and retail properties, and high-end homes.
Our Clients Say It Best
We provide in-person and virtual inspections around the globe.
How can we help ?
Hard surface materials pass through a lot of hands: design, specification, selection, repair, restoration, ongoing maintenance, etc. We can provide the sound and unbiased scientific and technical expertise you need regarding new or existing installations.
STONE
We have decades of experience working with marble, limestone, travertine, granite, and all other natural stone, as well as terrazzo and engineered stone on floors, walls, countertops, vanities, showers, and more, both indoors and out. We also have extensive knowledge about the life cycle of stone, from…
TILE
Our many years of experience includes working with tiles of all sizes, from mosaic to large format, and materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, clay, and more, as well as grout lines, on floors, walls, countertops, vanities, showers, and more, both indoors and out. We also have extensive knowledge about the life cycle of tile, from raw materials and production to distribution and installation.MASONRY
Our expertise with masonry includes veneer to solid material, concrete, and the most popular of masonry materials, brick. The mortar that holds masonry in place is also an important component of an installation. We also have extensive knowledge about the life cycle of masonry, from raw materials and production to distribution and installation…
Don't hesitate to ask. Call us today!
Frequently asked questions
Browse through our FAQs to find answers to common stone, tile, and masonry questions. We also encourage you to read through our informative articles. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us.
There are a number of causes for yellowing marble—and a number of possible cures. The most common culprit for white marble turning yellow is iron, which can be found in many natural stones. When exposed to water, acids or bleach, the iron in the stone will begin to oxidize and turn it yellow. Other causes may include wear and tear, improper cleaning, wax buildup, and crystalization.
Spalling, cracks, breaks, crumbling, and other problems usually are not the result of some problem with the stone itself, but with the stone's environment. There are many potential causes for stone installation failure, including temperature fluctuations, moisture, installation methods, materials used during installation such as adhesives or mortar, shifting and settling of supporting surfaces, and other factors.
Loose tiles are most often a result of debonding and delamination. Debonding happens when two materials are supposed to stick together, but don't. Delamination happens when layers of laminated material separate. There are numerous reasons why these problems occur. The most common causes are poor substrate preparation, improper mixing of setting materials, improper setting methods, and flooding.
Monument stain removal should be performed with extreme care by a professional stone restoration contractor. Improper stain removal methods can result in damage to the stone. Stain removal methods will depend on the source of the stain, the type of stone, and other factors. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
Training and Seminars
Learn from Fred Hueston! Take your expertise to the next level.
Courses offered by Fred Hueston at the SurpHaces Learning Institute
Reach out to us today
We look forward to hearing from you!
Latest Publications
Fred Hueston is a prolific author of articles, books, and manuals. Read some of his articles here.
Sealing Stone in Wet Areas
This article explains why stone in wet areas should not be sealed.
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Resin Slabs-The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
The resining process uses polyester resins. There are several methods that are used to apply and ...
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Does Your Counter Top Need Sun Screen?
Over the past few years, my firm Stone Forensics has been called into to investigate several prob...
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