A Resource of Stone and Tile Restoration

Efflorescence - Removal and Prevention

Dec 23, 2008 0 0 505 0/5 (0 Vote)

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... Read More

Moss and Lichen Growth May Deteriorate the Limestone

Jan 21, 2022 0 0 750 0/5 (0 Vote)

Lichens and mosses produce oxalic acid, which can destroy calcium-based stones. Since they are considered plants, they will also attract moisture, which can cause all kinds of problems with the stone, including spalling. They can also cause the stone... Read More

The Best Time of Year to Clean an Old Stone Building

Jan 21, 2022 0 0 747 0/5 (0 Vote)

When you should clean an old stone building will depend on which climate your building is located in. If located in the northern hemisphere never schedule cleaning during the winter months, since freezing temperatures can cause the stone to spall.... Read More

We just installed a new green marble foyer. The problem we are having is that the tiles are 1. curling up on the corners. Why is this occurring, and can it be corrected?

Jan 21, 2022 0 0 728 0/5 (0 Vote)

Curling in green marble can be a serious problem when the marble is set in a wet mud or thin-set. The Marble Institute of America recommends that green marble be set with an epoxy-based compound. Check with the installer and see what has been used to... Read More

Our green marble floor has never looked very shiny in comparison with the black marble in our bathroom. Can it somehow be given a very deep shine like the other marble?

Jan 21, 2022 0 0 773 0/5 (0 Vote)

It depends on what kind of green marble you have. I would guess that the green marble in your bathroom is an Asian green. If this is the case, you will never get a deep shine on this marble. These stones characteristically have a clouded shine. If,... Read More

The green marble floor in our bathroom is acquiring a specked white appearance that won’t clean off. What can I use to clean it?

Jan 21, 2022 0 0 737 0/5 (0 Vote)

First, you need to determine whether or not the white specks you describe are on the surface of the marble. If you can’t clean them off, chances are they lie below the surface of the marble. If this is the case, it is possible that there are... Read More

The white veins in the black marble floor in my customer’s bathroom appear to be crumbling and disintegrating. What’s causing this, and can it be repaired?

Jan 20, 2022 0 0 746 0/5 (0 Vote)

Black marble, especially Negro marquina, is very susceptible to spalling. Spalling is a condition in which the stone flakes off and falls apart. Several factors can cause spalling: excess moisture, choice of setting material and method, the polishing... Read More

We have a black marble floor that appears to have raised veins. In other words the white veins in the marble appear to be lifting up and in some places are falling apart. What causes this to happen?

Jan 20, 2022 0 0 745 0/5 (0 Vote)

I am assuming that the black marble you are referring to is negro marquina. If this is the case you will find that this type of black marble is very susceptible to spalling of the veins. Over-polishing with either powder polishes or recrystallization... Read More

I just looked at a marble floor that had some type of a wax on it. There appears to be a blotchy appearance as if something is coming up from the marble and just under neath the wax. What is this?

Jan 20, 2022 0 0 757 0/5 (0 Vote)

It sounds like moisture is trying to escape from the marble. This is a problem if a non breathable coating is placed on the marble. You will need to strip the coating off the floor and allow it to dry for several days. I would suggest polishing the... Read More

I was called to remove a heavy wax coating on a granite floor. I’ve discovered that the janitorial company has been stripping and waxing this floor for several years. The problem is the granite is developing small pits and appears to be falling

Jan 20, 2022 0 0 701 0/5 (0 Vote)

The problem may be with the strippers that have been used. Many strippers have an alkaline pH and this can lead to the deposit of alkaline salts in the pores of the granite. If the stripper is not rinsed throughly and any stripper residue is left... Read More