Marble Tiles in a shower

We have had marble tiles in our shower for 15 years. Recently two or three tiles showed signs of dampness leaving a 'crusty' surface when dry. I have allowed the tiles to dry out thoroughly and find that most but not all of the 'crust' has gone. Have the tiles come to the end of their natural life or can they be restored? If so should they be sealed?

Dear Ken:

Obviously you lost some grout and water found its way behind those three tiles. The consequence of the migration of the moisture through the core of the stone (osmosis) is the so-called efflorescence, which can vary depending on the type of stone.

If the affected tiles are indeed completely dry and you have addressed the problem that caused the damage, a good stone restoration contractor should be able to fix them back to factory specifications.

And thank goodness they had not been sealed! If they were, the slowing down of the osmosis due to the presence of the sealer could have rotten those tiles through and through.

As I always say: it is never a good thing to seal stone set in a wet envirionment!

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,

Maurizio Bertoli

www.marblecleaning.org – The Only Consumers' Portal to the Stone Industry Establishment!

Article ID: 757
Created On: Wed, Nov 7, 2007 at 9:43 PM
Last Updated On: Wed, Nov 7, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Authored by: Maurizio Bertoli [mail@mbstone.com]