Care and Maintenance
	- What's the difference between a sealer and an impregnator?
	- Should natural stone be sealed?
	- How should I clean my stone tile?
	- Over time, I notice that it seems that the ''fill'' is popping out of my stone?
	- How do we clean the metal tile?
	- Can you suggest how to maintain and clean our mesquite wood flooring?
	General Questions
	- What do some of the terms mean regarding natural stone?
	- Does UBC provide a design service?
	- Can you tell me more about your metal tile?
	- Can you make suggestions for installing glass tile?
	Installing Products
	- How do we install the metal tile?
	- Can you install glass tile in a swimming pool or water feature?
	Selecting Products
	Care and Maintenance
	What's the difference between a sealer and an impregnator?
	A sealer is a topical application that adds a coating to the surface of the tile. This is normally done to protect against water, oil, or other contaminants. An Impregnator is designed to penetrate below the surface and acts like a repellent. Again, it is suggested that you speak with a tile care professional or installer as to what appilcation makes the most sense. Generally, topical sealers aren't recommended in exterior applications, becuase they can trap moisture within the stone which may lead to problems during freeze/thaw cycles. In some resined stone products, impregnators can cause dicoloration or fading. As a general rule, always ask the stone professionals if the stone needs to be treated in the first place? Back to top
	Should natural stone be sealed?
	Generally, a properly sealed stone will be protected against everyday dirt and spills. However, a careful review of many factors should be considered when determining how to protect your stone, such as type of stone, its finish, its location etc. UBC recommends consulting with a knowledgeable installer before adding any sealer or impregnator as to the pros and cons. Back to top
	How should I clean my stone tile?
	Natural stone is sensitive to harsh cleaners, vinegar, or strong alkaline agents. UBC recommends sweeping or vacuuming prior to wet-mopping with warm water or a pH-balanced neutral cleanser. If you spill acidic juices or alcohol on the stone, immediately blot dry the area. Don't place any hot items on any stone, but rather use coasters or privets. Please remember that natural stone is subject to natural wear and tear, scratching, and dirt, so a licensed professional stone care company can be used to return the stone to its more pristine condition. Back to top
	Over time, I notice that it seems that the ''fill'' is popping out of my stone?
	The fill doesn't come out of the stone, but it is really just subterranean holes being exposed. Normally, during the first year, some number of voids may be exposed which can be touched up with grout but usually stops over time as the tile and foundation settle. Also, in new construction, stone can crack due to naturally settling of the foundation of the home and isn't a defect in the tile. UBC suggests allowing this to settle down before replacing any stone as it could crack again. Back to top
	How do we clean the metal tile?
	It can be as simple as using a damp soft cloth with soapy water, or a light application of a non-abrasive cleaning compound pH neutral. Carefully follow any cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. Never use any acid or corrosive solutions, soft scrubs, or vinegar. In restoring the Copper to its original lustre, you can use a liquid metal polish following the instructions closely. However, this process may stain the grout joints if the grout hasn't been properly sealed, so selecting a very small section as a trial test is advisable. Back to top
	Can you suggest how to maintain and clean our mesquite wood flooring?
	We suggest regular sweeping or vacuuming. However, the manufacturer recommends the PoloPlaz lines of products out of Arkansas, and their hardwood cleaner for maintaining your floor's beauty. This cleaner can be ordered over the Internet or by calling them directly @ (800) 421-7319. Back to top
	General Questions
	What do some of the terms mean regarding natural stone?
	Marble, travertine, limestone, slate, quartzite, sandstone are products of nature, and no 2 pieces are exactly alike. All stones can have shading variations, veining, fissures, pitting and color variations which are part of the beauty of natural stone, and normally will not affect the function of the stone. As with any purchase, we recommend fully inspecting the product, using only licensed installers/contractors, and that these are natural products that can require routine maintenance to preserve their beauty. Honed finish- this is a smooth, almost satin type finish of the stone which is usually applied at the factory. Polished finish- this refers to a high gloss finish which is applied by machine grinding and buffing the stone. While this can greatly enhance the beauty and color of the stone, it can scratch. Tumbled- this is achieved by tumbling the stone to create pitting, voids, and more rounded edges creating an old-world, time weathered look. Unfinished- this is the stone in its natural finish which can contain pores, cavities creating an open texture. Please remember that natural stone is unique, highly durable, and has a timely charateristic that never seems to go out of style. It is important to ask questions if you have concerns, and remember that you should look at several different pieces and not just 1 sample when making your decisions. Back to top
	Does UBC provide a design service?
	UBC does offer an interior design service with a experienced designer. UBC doesn't currently charge for this service, but it often does requires making an appointment. If a design consultation isn't necessary, our sales professionals can often help in providing some design ideas, getting samples, or in answering questions regarding our products. However, UBC does have a number of resources that we can make available to any designer that you may be working with already, and always encourage those relationships first and foremost. Back to top
	Can you tell me more about your metal tile?
	The Antique Copper tile is made from solid copper, and can oxide over time. This beautiful patina gradually stabilizing over time, and is caused by airborne sulphur particles reacting with the copper. However, you can help return the original luster by using a liquid metal polish, following the product's instructions closely. While the Antique Copper isn't sealed, we do suggest using a penetrating grout sealer to help reducing grout staining, and making it less porous. We don't recommend outdoor installations becuase of the patina, and as for wet applications, use appropriate adhesives and grouts for waterproofing following the manufacturer's recommendations closely. The metal tile can be slippery on floors, and Arizona's hardwater build-up can cause staining which can affect the beauty of the tile. Back to top
	Can you make suggestions for installing glass tile?
	It has often be said, ''that the beauty of glass tile is only as good as the installation.'' UBC recommends using only licensed, knowledgeable contractors that have experience installing glass tile. Often a beautiful job is in the details such as proper setting materials, properly preparing the surface (substrate) that the tile will be laid over, laying out the tiles before installing to inspect any possible variations and creating a gameplan on how it will be installed, making sure grout lines are properly aligned,and lastly using a proper grout color. It is important to remember that lighting and location can play an important role in the look of the finished product. In pools, spas, and fountains there are many other variables that need to be addressed for a proper installation. UBC recommends a marketing piece that has been prepared by Laticrete entitled, ''Pools, Spa and Fountain Systems,'' or refering to www.laticrete.com for more information. Laticrete Platinum 254 is an excellent bonding material for pools, as well as most interior and exterior applications. Also, Laticrete SpectraLock Pro Grout and Latapoxy Sp-100 come in a variety of colors and are ideal for water applications as well as most interior and exterior applications. Back to top
	Installing Products
	How do we install the metal tile?
	When installing the metal tile, UBC recommends using only knowledgeable, licensed installers. Lay the tile flat, removing the protective film. Use a flexible acryllic, white thin-set mortar as an adhesive (such as Grani/Rapid from Mapei) following the manufacturer's recommendations closely. Apply the adhesive to the substrate with a notched trowel, laying the tile directly on to the prepared surface. Press with a clean rubber float firmly into the bed of adhesive, gently patting the tile to remove any voids, and ensuring good contact. Allow the adhesive to cure according to any instructions. When grouting, use an unsanded grout to avoid scratching, spreading the mixture with a clean rubber float. Compact the grout firmly into the tile joints, being sure to remove as much excess grout as possible before it dries. Clean the tile lightly with a damp soft cloth or sponge, using a minimum of water so that you don't overwork the grout joints before they have had a chance to dry. After the grout has dried, polish the surface with a soft cloth to remove any dried grout powder. UBC recommends sealing the grout joints to help reduce staining and making it less porous. Back to top
	Can you install glass tile in a swimming pool or water feature?
	Most of UBC's glass tile collection is fine for swimming pools and water features. However, it is imperative that proper installation protocols are followed and that a licensed, knowledgeable contractor is used. There are some colors that aren't recommended for outdoor or the swimming pool until some proper precautions are followed. For example, our Spice series with the paint sparkles and a few others are baked at a lower temperature with a special paint additive. In direct contact with the blazing Arizona sun, this additive can fade over time causing the glass tile to loose its beautiful luster. UBC also suggests not using glass tile for the waterline becuase the water has a tendency to be hard and can leave hard water deposits due to the evaporation on the glass, but more importantly, the grout lines. This will require ongoing cleaning and maintenance to restore the tile to its pristine condition. Please remember that the intensity of the Arizona sun, chemicals, hard water, and other variables can have an effect on glass tile over time. If you are going to use glass tile in a swimming pool make sure all ses will be used in swimming pools, it is important to let your installer or contractor know. Also, feel free to ask if you are unsure. Back to top
	Selecting Products