Ask The Expert About Commercial Floor Coverings

My grout is faded and discolored what are my options?

admin — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:59:07 +0000

My tile contractor said the fade and discoloration of our tile grout “Sounds like it might be efflorescence?”

You have two options:

Option (1) you could router out the grout and re-grout the area, but the downside of this is that you may damage the tiles if you are not careful. Once you have taken the grout out, you may want to re-grout with an epoxy based grout which will not fade, discolor or grow mold or mildew.

Option (2) you could purchase a grout painting kit. It is exactly what is sounds like, you clean the grout with soap and water, let it dry and then with a small paintbrush paint over a new color. Much easier and cleaner to do than option 1.

My tiles sound hollow ?

admin — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:42:02 +0000

If your tiles sound hollow then the problem you have is that the ceramic tiles are no longer bonding to the substrate. If it is an isolated area there is a quick fix remedy. You will have to remove the grout at the affected tiles, then you will have to purchase a mortar with a liquid latex additive (ex. Mapei Keralastic). Then mix a small batch that is very runny, with a small cup pour in the grout joints as much liquid that it will take, let it dry and repeat this process if necessary. If this does not work then you will have to replace the lifting tiles. it is very important that you do it right the first time or you will be paying more to do it a second time.

How do I ensure the right materials are used ?

admin — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 22:12:26 +0000

Proper shower pan membranes, high temperature membranes for steam rooms, floor backer-boards, vapor barriers, crack suppression membranes, sound reduction materials ?.

Any time you hire a contractor ask about the process and the materials being used, you are paying for it ultimately. Once you know the process and the products investigate it on line or through a second party.

You will be able to find any product online that your contractor is using, if it is reputable. Also ask for 6 to 7 references and check them out, if the contractor refuses or doesn’t have any (references) alarm bells should ring.

Our contractor forgot the expansion slots in our new ceramic floors can we cut them in after the fact ?

admin — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 21:35:44 +0000

“More haste less speed”

Schluter®-DILEX-MOP

Here is what the expert had to say:

If you can determine within 2 to3 inches where the expansion joints were cut into the concrete, yes you can cut them in after, but it is more efficient and practical to do them as you go. The whole reason for putting in expansion joints is to allow the concrete to expand and contract without the tiles breaking, that is why it is so critical to install the expansion joints within 2 to 3 inches of the cut concrete joints. C.D.

Our office building (new) has no windows in yet but we really need to finish our marmoleum floors is it ok to do so ? its to cold to rain

admin — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 21:07:58 +0000

Under constant pressure in the commercial environment often things get crazy .

This post is based on a real scenario circa winter 2008 in Canada?

Here’s what our expert had to say:

……..you should never install any flooring especially marmoleum until the building has its air handling units on, the windows and doors are in and the temperature has been stable for 5-7 days. C.D.

When should I consider a moisture barrier under my ceramic floors?

admin — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:39:43 +0000

Often a great deal of time and effort is spent on moisture concerns with vinyl and Marmoleum products and other resilient floors.

But what about commercial ceramic ?

C.D. our expert explains:

A moisture barrier system should be used when the concrete has a high moisture content or whenever you have a lot of moisture on top of the ceramic tile, ie. a shower.

We are going to get things rolling with an FAQ

admin — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 01:55:06 +0000

Welcome..we are going to get things started with an FAQ ….don’t forget to comment