Request Expert

Expert has over 30 years of experience with stone, tile, and masonry from installation to fabrication as well as restoration and maintenance. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical and Physical Science (Limnology) (University of Central Florida 1981). He is a certified master stone craftsman and Architectural Conservator, a member of the ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) C-18 committee. He is a Technical Editor for Stone World Magazine and instructor for Certified Marble and Stone Inspectors via IICRC and has appeared on several television shows including The Discovery Channel, HGTV, and several local talk shows.

Expert frequently presents seminars and presentations for stone, tile, and historical associations. He has published over 100 articles on stone installation, care & restoration in both the United States and foreign publications and journals.

He is the author of over 30 books on stone and tile and has produced ten instructional videos, and writes a syndicated newspaper column "Around the House” for several papers across the US. He has served as technical advisor, consultant & expert witness for numerous projects across the US, Canada, Asia, and Europe.

Expert is currently the only individual who is recognized by the IICRC to train other stone inspectors.

Problem: Architectural firm needs specifications for the proper installation of limestone floors, walls, cladding, etc at a major casino in Las Vegas
Investigation: Conducted several meetings with the design team to look at what was required to install stone material.
Conclusions: A detailed installation specification was written including details of installation techniques and materials to be used.
Summary and Solution: Specifications and owners representations services assured that the installation was installed properly and within industry specifications. These services will reduce the event of future failures.

Problem: Terrazzo expansion joint in the airport is chipping and coming out in pieces.
Investigation: This expansion joint bridges two sections of the building. The terrazzo on one side appears higher than the other. A sounding test showed that the terrazzo has delaminated in several places
Conclusions: it was determined that the expansion joint was not installed properly and was not leveled. Baggage and foot traffic hits the high side causing it to chip
Summary and Solution: Recommend that the expansion joint be replaced and prepared a detailed specification for a replacement

Terrazzo, expansion joint, control joint
Problem: Bank Lobby floor with Tennessee marble scratched and in need of restoration
Investigation: Marble floor tile was inspected to determine the best restoration method for returning the stone to its original like-new condition.
Conclusions: The stone has a heavy coating of floor finish that will need to be removed. Several cracked tiles will need to be repaired and the floor refinished and polished.
Summary and Solution: Recommended a repair and restoration procedure

Problem: International airport looking to eliminate coating and traditional waxes and find a technique that is Green and Sustainable.
Investigation: A detailed inspection of current maintenance practices was studied as well as an investigation of the chemicals used.
Conclusions: It was discovered that the cleaners, waxes, and floor strippers being used are hazardous to workers and occupants. VOC's carcinogens, as well as oxidizers and other harmful chemicals, were discovered.
Summary and Solution: Designed and recommend a Chemical Free Maintenance System. Expert provided the specifications for this work as well as oversaw the process. Many airports, elementary and high schools as well as colleges and universities are looking at implementing sustainable maintenance practices. The system is completely sustainable.

Stone Expert for Legal Case
Problem: A lawsuit was filed between a stone installer and a building owner. The owner claimed the installation was not performed properly and not within industry standards. Expert was hired to investigate.
Investigation: A detailed investigation was made of the stone flooring including both destructive and non-destructive testing to determine if the installation was performed within industry standards and practice.
Conclusions: It was discovered that the installation was installed well within industry standards.
Summary and Solution: Expert was deposed and appeared in trial to present our findings. Expert is often called on by attorneys to serve as an expert in cases ranging from improper selection of stone and tile to failures, specifications, etc.