Owner Manual

Industry Standards,
Warranties & Recommendations
Natural stone is a product of nature. No two tiles are exactly alike. Customers must inspect the material prior to installation to check color, veining, thickness,
sizing and finish required to meet approval. Installation is deemed acceptance of materials. Dry laying prior to installation to determine proper placement is
highly recommended.
Variation in Color and Aesthetic Appearance
Variation in veining, fissures, pits, texture, color and shade are inherent characteristics of all natural stones and will vary from tile to tile as well as from lot to
lot, depending on the type of stone you select. There are various types of stones available on the market with the most popular being granite, marble, onyx,
limestone, travertine and slate. Some species and colors are more consistent than others and will range from V1-V4 shade variation. Hand selecting colors is
impractical and is generally not accepted industry wide. However, where a specific range or aesthetic value is required, range samples can be requested to
represent the current lot prior to purchasing.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence can be a common occurrence in natural stones when they are exposed to moisture and it is not considered a defect of the product. The source
of the problem must be identified before cleaning or replacing the stone as these occurrences can be install related and a replacement installation may be
subject to the same effect. Efflorescence is a concentration of soluble salt trapped in the stone that will appear cloudy and white as water passes through the
stone. It is common in hot climates where the water escapes from the stone quickly, leaving a trace of salt closer to the surface. This effect may also expose
itself as foam coming out of the surface of the rock and is a natural occurrence as a result of moisture transmission.
Rust
It is not uncommon to see rust appear in certain stones and is especially visible on slate and light colored granite and marble. Rust appears when the metal
minerals inside the stone react to water or humidity in the air. It is imperative that the stones be properly sealed before and aer installation to prevent this
occurrence from happening. Proper waterproofing membranes are required where product will be exposed to weathering or is in direct contact with water.
Grades of Marble
Marbles and other natural stones are categorized by soundness classifications and are rated A-D. Some C and D stones are manufactured with resin reinforced
mesh backing,
holes are filled with cement or epoxy fillers, and rods are used for stability. Veining and
coloring can be inconsistent between modules, and chipped
edges are engineered from epoxy.
Some species of stone have more inconsistencies than others, however, this is not a defect of the stone. The grading system
accommodates a stones natural characteristics and is an industry standard as long as they are graded correctly.
All travertine, regardless of manufacturer and many common colors of marble, are always considered a class C due to the natural presence of veins, pits and
fissures. Some quarries will grade their stones into sub-categories within the soundness classification and will identify products as “Premium”, “Plus”, “Classic
or “Select” to distinguish aesthetic consistency between lots. Class C is considered for aesthetics and not quality of a product.

Summary of content (4 pages)