FAQs Archive - Atlantic Tile

Q: What is causing the black mildew in my tiled shower and why can I not get rid of it?

We field this question a couple times a week. There is no quick fix for this. If you are troubled with controlling black mildew where the shower floor meets the shower walls and in corners about 10” to 15” off the floor, this indicates trapped water. Over the course of time, poorly constructed shower pans become saturated with water, soap scum, organic matter & bacteria - the perfect scenario to encourage mold & mildew. The trapped water has no way to escape and becomes a perpetual resource for mildew. No amount of bleach will solve this problem. If it is not addressed, it’s very possible that water will start to compromise walls in the adjoining room, often a closet that goes un-noticed. Other tell-tale signs: paint bubbling & discoloration on base boards, stains on drywall, musty odors and damp flooring in the adjacent room. Don’t wait to have this checked by a professional. We do not recommend removing the shower floor and replacing it: this shortcut compromises the integrity of the shower substrate. Best to bite the bullet, tear out the faulty shower and construct a properly water-proofed shower. Atlantic Tile stocks shower water-proofing systems. Staff can explain how they work and recommend local contractors that are familiar with water-proofing systems.

Q: What is Through-Body and Color-Body Porcelain Tile?

Through-Body is a term for porcelain tile that has pigment mixed throughout the body of the tile. The color on the surface of the tile is homogenous throughout the tile; from the top to the underside. It is also referred to as “Un-Glazed Porcelain Tile”, as it does not have a glazed surface. It is extremely durable, has a very high abrasion resistance and is the best type of porcelain to be used in airports, shopping malls, hospitals and other heavy commercial sites. For most homes, this type of porcelain tile is an overkill and often has a commercial or institutional look that doesn’t suit residential settings. Color-Body is porcelain tile that has pigments mixed throughout the body to coordinate with the colors of the glazed surface of the tile. The glazed surface is the part of the tile that provides its decoration, look and style. If the glazed surface is chipped, the “color body” matches the overall color of the surface; thereby making a chip less noticeable.