Q: Hello, I have a problem with a few cracked ceramic tiles in an entryway. The tiles have cracked due to cracks (mostly hairline) in the concrete foundation. I have heard of some kind of membrane material that can be used when such cracked tiles are... Read More

Q. We live in San Francisco and are refurbishing our town house. We would like to use marble on our kitchen floor, but are concerned it may crack during an earthquake. Is there any way to install it that would minimize the cracking?   A. There are... Read More

Q. We are building a new house in South Louisiana. We have a 4-inch concrete slab on the ground. Because we are in a flood zone, we had to build up. So, we have concrete piers and wooden beams that our house actually sits on. We then have 1 1/4"... Read More

Q. I bought lagos azul limestone back in December and it is getting installed in sections. I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me. I am hoping you might know a solution or can refer me to someone. My kitchen contractor installed the tile... Read More

There are several fracture membranes that can be installed to help minimize cracking. These membranes are rubber or plastic-based and are designed to absorb some shock. However, you will not totally eliminate cracking if the tremor is severe.... Read More

Q: We are building a new house in South Louisiana. We have a concrete slab with concrete piers on top. My tile installer used a polyethylene membrane with thinset directly over the plywood subfloor. We installed a honed limestone tile. Now that... Read More

Q. Can an impregnator be used to waterproof stone? A. Not exactly. An impregnator will make the stone water resistant, but it will not make it waterproof. Impregnating sealers are designed to penetrate the surface and fill the microscopic pores... Read More