Can I use blue tape or masking tape on the counters to mask off during tile installation or painting.
No.
Can I use Squak Mountain Stone™ outdoors?
To date, pieces of Squak Mountain Stone™ have been left in buckets of water for several weeks, left outside in the rain for days on end, etc. but nothing long enough, yet, to help TMI get a picture of long-term performance. TMI found in all of those instances that some paper got soft, and the material, unsealed, absorbs as much water as it can. But the stones never softened or broke apart.
With paper being a large component in the material, one must be concerned of the paper’s ability to decompose. Generally, for paper to decompose, it needs access to oxygen, water and light. These elements spur on the bacteria needed to break down the paper. Paper that is confined within the center of the stone is not getting all of these components and therefore is not likely to break down fast, if at all. (Think of paper in landfills that have not decomposed even after decades.) Plus the paper does have some of the stone paste impregnated in at as a result of mixing which also limits decomposition. Paper on or near the surface, however, may soften and “fall” out of the material, leaving the stone behind. Since the paper starts out as very small pieces, you would not see large areas or pockets of paper pulling out or away from the material.
Another consideration for Squak left in the outdoor environment is the stone itself. Even concrete can crack under exposure to water and intense heat (from sun). Cracking may occur and this will provide access for air, sunlight & water to reach other parts of the stone. Also, freeze-thaw conditions can wreak havoc on masonry materials. Unlike masonry pavers or concrete masonry units, Squak Mountain Stone™ has not been purposefully designed with entrained air pockets for freeze-thaw conditions.
If you choose to use Squak Mountain Stone™ in an outdoor application, with little or no protection from the elements (meaning uncovered by structures or canopies), then treat it like “wood” rather than stone. With that said, we don’t have any information to let us know how it will perform outdoors over a period of several years, so TMI does not make a guarantee of performance for Squak Mountain Stone™ in outdoor conditions.
Can I use the tiles on the floor?
We have temporarily discontinued the Squak Tiles. We anticipate reintroducing them in 2010.
I am an interior designer inquiring about using Squak Mtn stone outside at a BBQ. It would be under a protective eave. I’ve read the question about outdoor use. What about non-combustibility butting up to a gas BBQ and putting hot dishes on top. I read the question about putting hot dishes on the surface but I don’t believe staining and appearance would be a major concern outside. Would it be best to leave off any sealer as it may melt?
Thanks
Hi Kate,
Sorry for the delay in replying! No, heat from the BBQ or dishes shouldn’t be problem. If the area near the BBQ gets particularly hot, small cracks could form. But if the BBQ has heat shielding between the unit and the surround, all should be well. Using a Tung Oil finish outside will still provide some protection from BBQ sauce, dirt, etc. and not have the melting problem.
Thanks for the question! I hope this helps!
-Amee