Grout haze or grout smears as it is often called can be a huge problem when laying tiles. Grout haze is basically grout that has been left to dry on the surface of the tile after installation. It’s a common problem which is exacerbated by the use of quick drying products. Take for example this interesting Wood Effect Ceramic Tile installation at a house in Guildford following installation by a builder. I was a bit slow in following up on the initial enquiry as we had been very busy so by the time, I got in touch I was told they had employed someone else to carry out the work. I apologised for my late response and said to call me if he needed help in the future. Three days later I got a call so we arranged a visit so that I could carry out a test and quote a price. As it turns out the builder had returned and failed to remove the grout haze and so had a rival firm that seemed more interested in selling unnecessary sealer than fixing the problem. I was astonished to see what a state the builder had left his floor. Grout was all over the floor with footprints walked across thresholds and more. I could understand it if there was some grout was missed after installation but not to this level! I carried out a successful test and confirmed to the customer that there was absolutely no need to rip and replace his £2k floor. We agreed a date to resolve the problem and to say he was relieved was an understatement! The builders had used Mapei grout which contains polymers. Polymers offer better flexibility and adhesion, however in order to remove the grout haze we would first need to break down the polymers in the grout first and this is why the rival firm failed. With that in mind, my first action was to apply Tile Doctor Remove and Go to the floor and leave it to dwell for five to ten minutes. I then worked it into the tile using a scrubbing pad fitted to a rotary machine. After washing the soil away with warm water and extracting with a wet vacuum I applied Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up to treat the grout. Grout Clean-up is an acid-based product that breaks down the grout so it can be rinsed away and extracted as before. Afterwards I rinsed the floor with warm water and extracted again to remove any trace of product and neutralise the floor. After removing as much moisture as possible with the wet vacuum I speed dried the tiles with a blower. Ceramic tiles won’t accept a sealer so once the floor had dried the job was finished and it took less than a day. The customer was over the moon with the difference. While his floor was in such a state, he has been unable to bring in new furniture as the serious possibility of removing the tiles was hanging over him. Relieved that the problem was now resolved he kindly left the following review: “I had a floor that had just been laid with very heavy grout haze. I had already had advice from two other professional floor cleaners who had advised me that the floor was irreparable and would need to be pulled up. As soon as I spoke with Rupert, it was clear he was extremely knowledgeable. He asked questions none of the other companies had. By understanding the specific nature of the problem, he was able to solve it by first removing the grout polymers and then applying an acid wash. The floor came up brilliantly. Rupert was the only person I spoke to that could fix this, everyone else told me I needed to replace my floor! Superbly knowledgeable, professional and did an excellent job. Don’t bother speaking to anyone else, just call Rupert! “ Rupert Mcleod West Surrey Tile Doctor

Collaboration with Canonbury Homes and Frank Neely Design Associates.
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Gorgeous master bath finished with Dal-Tile's Fabrique porcelain tile in the color Noir Linen polished. Tile size is 12"x24" installed in a brick joint pattern. The floor boasts underfloor heating on a timed thermostat.

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Grabell Phase 1 – In this phase of the project, we transformed the entire first floor by gutting it down to studs and subfloor. We replaced rotted exterior walls, completely removed all exterior siding and installed vinyl simulated cedar shingle siding. We removed the chimney and installed central AC and gas heat and on demand hot water. We then installed white oak floors, recessed lights, and converted front porch into a mudroom with a coat closet and custom bench. We created a completely redesigned kitchen, living room, bathroom and two bedrooms to complete the first floor.

Glass Front Entry Doors that Make a Statement! Your front entry door is your home's initial focal point and glass front doors by Sans Soucie with frosted, etched glass designs create a unique, custom effect while providing privacy AND light thru exquisite, quality designs! Available any size, all glass front doors are custom made to order and ship worldwide at reasonable prices. Exterior entry door glass will be tempered, dual pane (an equally efficient single 1/2" thick pane is used in our fiberglass doors). Selling both the glass inserts for front doors as well as entry doors with glass, Sans Soucie art glass doors are available in 8 woods and Plastpro fiberglass in both smooth surface or a grain texture, as a slab door or prehung in the jamb - any size. From simple frosted glass effects to our more extravagant 3D sculpture carved, painted and stained glass .. and everything in between, Sans Soucie designs are sandblasted different ways creating not only different effects, but different price levels. The "same design, done different" - with no limit to design, there's something for every decor, any style. The privacy you need is created without sacrificing sunlight! Price will vary by design complexity and type of effect: Specialty Glass and Frosted Glass. Inside our fun, easy to use online Glass and Entry Door Designer, you'll get instant pricing on everything as YOU customize your door and glass! When you're all finished designing, you can place your order online! We're here to answer any questions you have so please call (877) 331-339 to speak to a knowledgeable representative! Doors ship worldwide at reasonable prices from Palm Desert, California with delivery time ranges between 3-8 weeks depending on door material and glass effect selected. (Doug Fir or Fiberglass in Frosted Effects allow 3 weeks, Specialty Woods and Glass [2D, 3D, Leaded] will require approx. 8 weeks).

Modern luxury meets warm farmhouse in this Southampton home! Scandinavian inspired furnishings and light fixtures create a clean and tailored look, while the natural materials found in accent walls, casegoods, the staircase, and home decor hone in on a homey feel. An open-concept interior that proves less can be more is how we’d explain this interior. By accentuating the “negative space,” we’ve allowed the carefully chosen furnishings and artwork to steal the show, while the crisp whites and abundance of natural light create a rejuvenated and refreshed interior. This sprawling 5,000 square foot home includes a salon, ballet room, two media rooms, a conference room, multifunctional study, and, lastly, a guest house (which is a mini version of the main house).

Check out this beautiful garage floor coating on display in the Fall Parade of Homes, 2842 Deer Hill Road in Medina. Now is a great time to consider updating your garage with a beautiful, functional floor coating.

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