The Benefits of Installing Mexican (Saltillo) Tile

Mexican tile has long been a favorite way to capture a rustic, southwest or Spanish look in your home. Professionally known as Saltillo tile, it can add the perfect flavor of a rich outdoor feel. 

Saltillo is compromised mostly, if not completely of clay. It is very porous and therefore very versatile. It can be colored, sealed and finished in infinite ways to create many different looks to suit any decor. Please have a look at The Stone Medic website to see different examples of Saltillo tile in homes and outdoors.

The key to keeping this porous tile looking new is using proper sealer and re-sealing it when needed. Saltillo tile may need more maintenance than other types of tiles depending on foot traffic and abrasive cleaning techniques. If your Saltillo tile has not been maintained properly it may need to be stripped and resealed. Stripping is completed by using a serious of products suitable to remove the specific type of sealer. Once it has been stripped and detailed, it can be treated as though it is a new installation, allowing for beautiful coloring, staining and finishing.

The Stone Medic specializes in making old Saltillo with old grout look brand new again. We hand apply only the best sealer and guarantee our work. If would rather have a professional handle the tedious work of giving your floor a facelift, please contact us at 813-818-7555 or 727-530-3555. We guarantee our work and are locally owned and operated in the greater Tampa Bay area. We also give free estimates.

Please visit our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and have a look at our website for more information and before and after pictures of our work.

Repairing Tile and Grout in the Shower

Most home owners will eventually see damaged tile and grout on the walls or floor surrounding their shower or bath. But what many homeowners do not realize is that something as simple as chipped, cracked or hollow grout and tile, can lead to more serious damage. 

 Have you ever walked across tile and heard a hollow sound? This means the thin set has worn away. If you do not repair these tiles they will eventually crack.  The Stone Medic has a process that places a concrete bonding under the tile without removing it. This bonding will restore the tile to its original new integrity.  If the tile is broken or cracked it should be replaced.

Shower Restoration

Proper preparation for shower restoration is essential in order to secure a solid bond to the flooring or walls.  The last thing you want is another repair job on the same problem. In a shower, the damaged area can lead to serious problems behind the tile due to water leaking through to the backer board. This can also eventually damage the sheet rock. The Stone Medic uses and recommends Wonderboard. It is extremely strong and known for its concrete backing and fiberglass mesh. It will never  rot  and leave  your  tile  looking wonderful for years.

If you are interested in repairing or replacing tiles yourself please visit our website for tips. If you do not want to bother with the hassle, the Stone Medic is affordable. We offer a free estimate and guarantee our work. We service the surrounding Tampa Bay area and are locally owned and operated. Please give us a call today at 813-818-7555 or in 727-530-3555.