Dr. Fredrick M. Hueston: "Re-crystallization Revisited"

The following is a reprint of an article I wrote in 1990.  I have edited some of the text to bring it up to date.  My opinion on this process is still the same as it was in 1990, “re-crystallization” can damage your natural stone or terrazzo, sometimes beyond repair.  To read full article, please click here.

Dr. Frederick M. Hueston: "Sustainability and Stone Restoration and Maintenance"

Everywhere you look individuals, government agencies, universities and schools and even private businesses are going green. To read full article, published in February's issue of Cleaning & Maintenance Management Magazine,please click here.

Dr. Fredrick M. Hueston: "Designing a Sustainable (Green) Stone Floor Maintenance Program"

Walk into any stone, terrazzo or janitorial chemical supplier and you will find an endless selection of cleaners, sealers, restorers, etc to keep you terrazzo and stone floors looking new. The problem is many of these chemicals can be harmful to the user, occupants and the environment. How does one design a program that is not only sustainable and safe but to also keep your terrazzo and stone flooring in like new condition?  To read full article, please click here.

Dr. Fredrick M. Hueston: "How to Make Slippery Floor Safe?"

There are many treatments that can be purchased and applied to a tile surface to make it slip resistant. These treatments fall into two categories: Coatings or treatments which chemically or physically alter the surface of the tile. To red full article, please click here.

Dr. Fredrick M. Hueston: "What's Under Your Carpet?"

If your building was built prior to 1980 chances are you are hiding one of the most beautiful, elegant and sustainable floor materials. That material is known as Terrazzo. Today, sustainability or what is more commonly known as Going Green is rapidly being required by many school systems, governments and private industry. To read full article, please click here.

Dr. Fredrick M. Hueston: "Training and Education for the Stone Industry"

Many industries have formal training programs where you can learn the trade. There are programs for general contractors, electricians, plumbers, carpenters etc. Many of these classes are offered by community and technical colleges. What about the stone Industry? Where does one go to learn how to install, fabricate or restore stone? To read full article, please click here.

Dr. Fredrick M. Hueston: "Comparison of Two Maintenance Systems for Stone"

The purpose of this study is to compare the advantages and disadvantages of these two methods as well as their labor and material requirements. A third method becoming popular is the use of fluorosilicate compounds applied to the stone. This method is commonly called re-crystallization or vitrification and is applied as a final finish in place of powder polishing or it is applied on top of the polished finish for added shine. This study will not address this process. To read full article, please click here.

Dr. Fredrick M. Hueston: "Deicers are Killing Your Stone and Terrazzo Floor"

The deposit of salts in the pores of stone and masonry is the major cause for deterioration of these surfaces. These salts are contained in many popular snow and ice melters. When snow and ice melts the salts used in deicers become soluble. The water wicks into the pores of the stone and masonry carrying the salts with it. To read full article, please click here.

Dr. Fredrick M. Hueston: "Are Floor Strippers Safe?"

Almost all schools systems and public buildings apply acrylic finishes to their terrazzo and stone flooring to keep them shiny and looking clean. Often these finishes have to be striped off and a new finish applied. The strippers that are used to remove these acrylic coatings often contain hazardous chemicals that are harmful to humans, animals and the environment. To read full article, please click here.