Hi, We have a new home with Carrara marble tile in the bath. The tiles around the outside of the shower have all started to darken ( they look like they are water-stained). It extends out by 2-3 tile in some areas. The tile in the shower and elsewhere in the bath look fine. There is some water staining on the ceiling beneath the bathroom. Though it is not now damp. What could cause this? We are concerned there could be a mold problem going on underneath? Thank you.

 

Dear Shari:

You do know how the saying goes, right? “If it looks like a duck, moves like a duck, etc….”

If it looks like your tiles are soaked with water it is because they are soaked with water!

Now, where is that water finding its way under your tiles?

Well, it looks like a pretty easy guess to me: since they're next to the shower stall, they must be coming from there

I've seen that many times, and, in every instance, I was able to find some crack in the grout or caulking inside the stall near the door that was where the water was finding its way in. In a couple of other instances, it turned out that the plumbing was the coulprit.

Of course, only a thorough physical inspection of your installation will determine the real cause of the problem, but you should consider my (almost) diagnosis as a very educated guess based upon my vast experience in matters like that.

The water staining of the ceiling beneath the bathroom is further confirmation that your stall most likely has some major installation (or plumbing) issues. You must address the problem right away by consulting with a reputable tile setter specializing in natural stone shower stall installations. In the meantime stop using that shower stall effective immediately.

I'm truly sorry when I'm the bearer of bad news, but you have to face the reality and the sooner you address that serious problem of yours, the better.

May I ask you now to please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri zio Bertoli

 

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