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IMPERFECTION? OR PERCEPTION?All materials – natural materials in particular – are perfectly imperfect.
Materials will have a wide range of characteristics (i.e. factory-repaired holes,
cracks and fissures). There will be variation from piece to piece. Materials will
stain, scratch, etch, patina and/or effloresce. And there’s no such thing as a
“perfect” installation.
ALL OF THIS IS PERFECTLY NORMAL AND IS PART OF THE INHERENT
BEAUTY OF THE MATERIALS; THESE ARE NOT MATERIAL DEFECTS.
Our goal is to minimize surprises and help set realistic expectations. Our
experience tells us that when clients know exactly what to expect, they
are perfectly satisfied with their materials after installation. When they
haven’t been properly educated about what to expect, they perceive many
characteristics as defects. This guide is designed to help you – the architect,
designer, contractor, sub-contractor or client – understand and appreciate
these inherent characteristics.
• ACID ETCHING
Surface erosion of natural stone.
• CRACKING
Tiles are cracking following installation.
• EFFLORESCENCE
A white or dark film appears on the surface of a material, generally found
in exterior applications or wet areas.
• FACTORY-FILLED HOLES
Holes in the stone appears to have been filled with some kind of putty that
is discolored.
• FACTORY-REPAIRED CRACKS & FISSURES
The stone appears to have a crack running across the surface, though it is
smooth to the touch.
• LIPPAGE
The floor appears to be uneven after installation.
• PICTURE FRAMING
There appears to be a halo around the edge of the stone.
• SCRATCHING
Scratch marks and abrasions appear on the surface of the material.
• STAINING
There are wine, oil or grout stains on the surface of the stone.
• VARIATIONS
The final installation doesn’t look like the sample.
• SETTING EXPECTATIONS FOR NATURAL STONE
It’s critical to know what to expect with natural
stone prior to making a selection.
• SETTING EXPECTATIONS FOR GLASS TILE
It’s critical to know what to expect with
glass tile prior to installation.
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