LATICRETE Conversations

It’s a stone or tile floor…you can’t possibly damage it with a simple household cleaner, right? Well dear reader, that’s not the case at all. Many common household cleaners can do long lasting damage to your stone or tile floors, stripping them of sealers, dulling their finish, and making your grout susceptible to stains. So, before you grab that “all-purpose” cleaner, put down the mop and bucket and get some tips on how to clean stone & tile floors throughout your home.  

Now more than ever, homeowners are doubling down on their investments to add comfort to their private sanctuaries and increase the value of their homes. Often the best home improvements are the ones that go unnoticed but make a world of difference in the comfort and efficiency of the home. In particular, radiant floor heating is making waves in the home improvement space. The addition of radiant floor heating systems elevates the luxury of a space by providing a uniform and efficient heat source – which is ideal once the temperatures start dropping.

The quality of cement based grouts continues to improve throughout the tile, stone and adhered masonry veneer industries. New technologies mean that grouts get harder, minimize efflorescence and are easier to install than previous technologies. It is important to note that no cement based grout is self-cleaning or absolutely stain-resistant. Regular and routine maintenance is required to maintain the long term beauty of the grout, and, wiping up spills quickly and thoroughly will help minimize the possibility of staining the grout. The following information will help to maintain the grout for many years.

A home’s exterior is constantly exposed to water from a variety of environmental elements. Therefore, large-format tile exterior renovation projects are considered a challenging installation if not properly executed. Utilizing the proper waterproofing products is the solution. 

In the tile and stone industry, mortar and grout products are materials that are constantly being innovated with each iteration. One ongoing development in this sector includes pre-mixed grout, which is a no-mix, less mess alternative to traditional grout that aids workers in doing their jobs more efficiently.

Considered as some of the most demanding and intricate projects, a mosaic tile design is not just an aesthetically pleasing feature, it is a true work of bespoke art. When designers are creating a mosaic masterpiece, making sure their art will stand the test of time should be the least of their concerns. This is where the importance of choosing a quality mortar for mosaic tile.

With rising demand from industry stakeholders to improve our social impact and reduce construction’s negative effect on environmental health, building materials manufacturers have a unique role in providing sustainable solutions that both offer enhanced performance and create a better future. 

Are heated floors worth it? Radiant floor heating systems have gone from an uncommon nicety exclusively seen in wealthy estates to an eco-friendly and affordable concept. Learn how STRATA_HEAT radiant floor heating systems can increase energy efficiency while providing uniform heat throughout your floors.