Comprehensive Manual for Diagnosing and Investigating Failures in Natural and Engineered Interior Stone Surfaces

Whether you're a contractor, inspector, restoration specialist, architect, or consultant, Professional Manual for Inspecting Failures in Stone Surfaces is the must-have reference for diagnosing and understanding stone and tile failures in the real world. Written by one of the top forensic experts in the industry, this manual is the culmination of over 40 years of hands-on experience investigating and solving problems with marble, granite, travertine, slate, quartz surfaces, and more. Fred Hueston breaks down complex failures into simple, logical steps—helping you figure out what went wrong, why it happened, and what can be done about it. Inside, you’ll get practical guidance on: Identifying cosmetic vs. structural failures Common causes of cracking, spalling, staining, and delamination Diagnosing installation errors like lippage, hollow tiles, and adhesive failure Understanding material properties: porosity, mineralogy, and finish vulnerabilities Evaluating engineered stone issues like resin yellowing and thermal shock Using the right tools: moisture meters, borescopes, crack gauges, UV lights, and more Proper documentation, reporting techniques, and expert witness preparation Real case studies that show how failures were diagnosed and resolved A full chapter on how to market your inspection services and grow your consulting business This isn’t a theory book—it’s a professional field guide. You’ll find sample forms, glossaries, reference charts, and inspection checklists to use on the job. Whether you’re doing inspections, troubleshooting restoration issues, or getting into forensic consulting, this book will save you time, money, and guesswork. Bonus: Purchase of this manual includes one free 15-minute consultation with the author.