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.
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.
Your approach to restoration, repair, and maintenance of historic interior stone and tile surfaces should stay within the Secretary of Interiors Standards for Rehabilitation.
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.
Getting confirmation on specifications is crucial to the success of your project. There are numerous resources to reference, depending on the type of material and application. Any specification should be reviewed or written by a qualified professional.
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.
Flooding may or may not ruin a floor, depending on several factors. If moisture is absorbed into stone, it must be removed properly and immediately in order to avoid permanent staining or other damage. Time is of the essence when it comes to flood damage. Don't delay scheduling a consultation!
Cladding failures are usually caused by poor anchoring or improper installation processes. Sometimes moisture can be a factor, but not as often as these other issues. The only way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with a professional who specializes in troubleshooting and inspection.
The obvious things you can do to reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents are to clean up spills, install quality walk off mats to absorb moisture brought in from outside, and make sure walkways are clear of obstructions.
