Expert Answers in Concrete Substrate Slab

Post-Tensioning is a method of compressing the concrete with high-strength steel tendons and end plates installed prior to pouring the concrete that counteracts the natural tensile forces created by subsequent loading of people and equipment. …

ANSWER - Too often tile and stone installers don't follow industry standards because they have never been formally trained and don't know what are the standards.  They generally have learn from others and assume those…

ANSWER - Thin-set mortars should not deteriorate from being exposed to moisture.  Most thin-set mortars are used in showers and in pools and fountains. Moisture that migrates into the concrete slab from the ground and…

Answer - The ASTM F1869 Calcium Chloride membrane was the dominate test for years and depending on the tile installation manufacturer they would request a value of anywhere from 3% to 12% per 1,000 sf…

ANSWER - If the tile was installed correctly the residual water/moisture should not harm the tile.  Tile is often installed in showers, fountains, and pools and the moisture should not harm them as long as…

ANSWER - It is hard to see exactly what they did.  Your message says “photo thin set 1/16” is on the floor, 1.5” to 2.5” of mortar mix with less than 90% coverage, and thin-set 1/16”…

ANSWER - There are rapid setting concrete mixes that can be purchased like QUIKRETE® Fast-Setting Concrete Mix.  It sets up within an hour, but doesn't stop shrinking right away.  If you heat up the area, some…

ANSWER - If the water is consistently coming up through the tile grout joints when the washing machine drains, and you don't see any water in the wall at the drain pipe, then the water…

ANSWER -  If the tile was installed correctly, it should not be harmed by a flood caused by a water heater failure.  There is no way the water could have migrated 10-15 feet below the…

ANSWER -  Normally installing tile over damp mortar doesn't cause staining.  We call that a wet set method if the mortar is installed at the same time as the tile is installed.  A thin-set adhesive…