1. Efflorescence - Removal and Prevention   Efflorescence - Removal and Prevention   By Frederick M. Hueston www.stoneforensics.com The crystallization of soluble salts in Historic masonry causes severe deterioration of the substrate. This crystallization is called subfl... Read More
2. Efflorescence - Removal and Prevention Efflorescence - Removal and Prevention By Frederick M. Hueston www.stoneforensics.com The crystallization of soluble salts in Historic masonry causes severe deterioration of the substrate. This crystallization is called subflorescence. These salt... Read More
3. What do I use to reattach glass mosaic tiles? Q. I have installed a stained glass wall and pond. The mosaic sits on a mortar base, redguard sealer, then more mortar to level the surface. The glass mosaic is put up with latacrete. All of this is put on to a 8 x 16 block wall. One side is peeling ... Read More
4. What is the proper grout for exterior limestone walkway? Q. What is the proper grout for an exterior limestone walkway? Is there a dry grout that can be swept between the stone? Where would I look for stonedust? A. The proper grout will depend on how the stone is set. Will it be set in mortar or placed o... Read More
5. Slate installation Q: Refacing a fireplace with 30cm slate tiles. What is the best adhesive to use (only about 25 pieces of tile involved so don't want to have to purchase a 50lb. bag of anything)? Would a premix mastic work? Will I need to provide support for the... Read More
6. travertine tile bathroom Q: I have a 2nd floor shower with moisture resistant sheetrock. I want to put 18" travertine tile on the walls above the pan. Using modified mortar, can these tiles be put on the wall with mortar blobs leaving an air space behind tile or do the tiles... Read More
7. My new marble floor has a white powder on it. It cleans up with water, but keeps coming back. Is there anything I can use to clean it off permanently? This is a common condition, especially if the floor is new. When the marble is installed, it is set in a mortar base that is wet. As the moisture evaporates, it carries with it dissolved salts which are deposited on the surface of the stone. This con... Read More
8. Stone Myths Stone Myths By Frederick M. Hueston www.stoneforensics.com 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 fals... Read More
9. Can cement tiles or ceramic tiles be installed on top of Corian or Avonite? Q. Can cement tiles or ceramic tiles be installed on top of Corian or Avonite? I am restoring a kitchen on a tight budget, and I prefer to cover the existing countertops vs rip out and replace. A. Yes, you can install them directly over the... Read More
10. We have Italian marble on the lobby floors in our commercial office buildings. Recently, we have noticed several problems: 1. Entire tiles are evenly discoloring yellow or grey and 2) Rust-like stains are appearing in an area near the door. What is c The yellowing and graying of certain Italian and Greek white marbles is a common problem that I see all over the world. There are several possible causes for this condition:  Maintenance technique: Take a close look at your maintenance progra... Read More