Shower and Bath Renovating - Wall Coverings and Choices

Choosing what to cover your shower or tub walls with can be just as difficult as choosing flooring in your home. There really is a lot to choose from: natural stone tiles, ceramic tile, ceramic porcelain tile, (Yes, there is a difference between ceramic porcelain and ceramic!), cultured marble panels, or one-piece fiberglass or PVC shower/tub insets. Also a decision is needed on covering the walls to the ceiling or just part way.

In choosing a wall covering for your shower or tub/shower combo here are a few points to consider:

Some of these decisions will be decided by existing factors such as the size of your shower, only a tub or only a shower, whether it is a addition, remodel or just changing the existing style and decor. Stand-alone showers also have the added choice of what to do with the shower floor. Install a prefabricated shower pan, a "hot mop" shower pan, PVC or other waterproof membrane lined shower pan.

The prefabricated shower pan is generally made of PVC; you can also order pans in cultured marble or fiberglass with an acrylic coating. These types of pans sit directly on the unfinished floor (sub-floor) of the shower. The only additional work after demo of the existing shower is adding the sub-floor atop the floor joist. Once the shower pan is in place and secured, you are done with the floor.

If you are going to tile your shower floor, you have a choice of which shower pan process to complete. A "hot mop" shower pan is hot tar poured over the mortared shower floor, which is a very smoky and smelly process. This type of shower pan is not as favorable as the membrane shower pan in recent years, partly due to the hot mop shower pan tendency to leak and cause mold odor and growth in your shower. The only way of ridding that is by removal of the shower pan. The membrane shower pan is covering your mortared shower floor in a PVC liner. This has been reputed to be the longer lasting shower pan if properly installed.

Deciding to cover the walls all the way to ceiling or not is a personal choice but one that needs to be considered. The pros and cons are basic: If the walls are covered only part way to the ceiling, there is a lip or ledge to collect dust and dirt, if the walls are covered all the way to the ceiling, there is not.

Tiled walls: While a freshly tiled shower is beautiful, no matter what type of tile is used, it is necessary to perform a rigorous maintenance routine to keep it beautiful. It is necessary to clean (wash down with clean water and wipe any left over soap, shampoo or conditioner off) and dry your tiles after each shower for long lasting beauty. For natural stone tiles, remember to check any cleaning agents used for acceptable use with natural stone tiles.

Natural stone tiles are porous and absorb moisture and chemicals. Soap, shampoos and conditioners can dull your tiles over a short period of time. Mineral deposits in the water can also dull your tiles. If choosing natural stone tiles for your shower walls, be sure and seal your tiles and grout. Sealing the tile and grout is not waterproofing or a one-time application. Tile and grout sealers aid in the prevention of the tiles and grout absorbing chemicals that can damage the tile finish and be absorbed into the grout. Most manufacturers and contractors recommend that you seal the tiles and grout at least once a year.

Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles do not require sealing, however the grout between the tiles does. As with natural stone tile, ceramic and porcelain tiles also need to be cleaned and dried after each shower for long lasting shine.

As stated above, there is a difference between ceramic porcelain and ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles are made of clay and have a water absorption rating of more than .05% with color or design being a coating on the surface. Ceramic tiles are easily scratched or chipped and drilling holes for shower valves or tub spouts is easier than with ceramic porcelain.

Ceramic porcelain tiles are generally made by dust pressing (dust from quartz, clay, feldspar and other inorganic raw material) which causes a denser tile leading to a lower water absorption rate. To be considered porcelain tile, the water absorption rate must be less than or equal to .05%, additional classifications as to their strength and durability are also made. Porcelain is stronger than ceramic and is harder to chip, scratch and drill a hole through. Some porcelain tiles called "full body" porcelain carry the color and design throughout the thickness of the tile. These are generally more expensive.

Cultured marble panels: In past years, these panels would discolor and turn dingy looking even with proper maintenance. Heat, moisture and chemicals affected them. However today the industry claims this has been resolved. Cultured wall panels are nice for the installer, but spendy for the customer. Maintenance of cultured marble is relatively easy as there are no grout lines to contend with. A simple squeegee after the shower is all it takes. If hard water deposits accumulate, they can be removed with vinegar, to restore the shine, a gel-gloss can be applied. (Recommended for shine maintenance once a year.) For more detailed cleaning, be sure to use a product that is non-abrasive.

One-piece fiberglass or PVC shower/tub insets: These are generally used in new construction or remodel projects for the simple reason of access. These one-piece shower/tub insets will not fit through a bathroom doorway, even with the door removed. Installation is relatively easy but cumbersome. Costs can be high if a custom size is needed, but for a standard size, they are pretty inexpensive compared to installing individual components of the shower pan or tub and installing tile or cultured marble.

In choosing shower/tub wall coverings, deciding how much time you are willing to devote to maintenance of the walls after the installation can be more important than how much you want to spend on the project.

MJ is a handyperson with 13 years experience in the plumbing industry and 5 years in home repair and maintenance. MJ has experience in bathroom renovations, plumbing, tile, drywall repairs, painting, electrical, and other general home maintenance tasks.

http://mj-dakota.blogspot.com/

Window Safety Checklist - Homeowners Must Read

Broken glass is definitely a health hazard, for anyone who is near it, when the glass is actually broken. After the glass is broken and is laying on the ground in pieces, people can still get hurt. Here's a basic window safety checklist for homeowners that everyone must read. It will provide you with some simple tips that could prevent a loved one from getting seriously injured in the future.

1. Contact your local building department or fire department, to get the basic requirements for using your window as a fire escape. Your windows can be used to jump out of, if there is a fire inside your home.

2. Make sure that young children avoid playing around windows. You should always teach your children, never to throw large objects or balls in the house.

3. You might think about installing a window ladder, if you live in a two-story home, which could be made of rope or chain. These latter's can be thrown out of the window, while latching onto the window sill, in case there's a fire. It would provide you with an alternative from jumping out of the window. Don't under estimate these fire ladders, they can be extremely difficult to climb down.

4. If you leave large sliding glass doors open on a regular basis and clean them spontaneously, others might not realize they're closed, because they're so clean. Simply put a piece of tape on the window to prevent other people from thinking there open. You would be surprised how many accidents happen, from clean windows.

5. Last but not least, one of the most important problems with windows. Think security, if you leave your windows open and leave the house, someone now as easy access. There are plenty of ways to make your windows secure, using locks that clamp on to the side of the window. This will allow you to leave the windows open about 4 inches, leaving you the desired ventilation and preventing burglars from entering your domain.

If a window is cracked, or broken it should be replaced as soon as possible. Try to avoid fixing broken glass your self if you don't have any experience. Plenty of people get hurt every year, simply underestimating how sharp broken glass can actually be.

Home Window Ideas

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Looking for some new Home Improvement Ideas

Making Slip Covers

Slip covers offer many excellent opportunities for introducing color and pleasing design into a room that would otherwise appear dull and cheerless. They add an informal atmosphere in either summer or winter months and also serve for recovering shabby or uninteresting furniture that does not harmonize with the other decorations.

There are two types of slip covers to be taken into consideration; the temporary ones used during the summer months, and the permanent ones that form part of the decorative scheme of a room and remain on all the year. It is proper taste to use them all through the year provided they are well tailored and fit snugly over the piece of furniture and the material harmonizes with the decorations already existing in a room.

When choosing material for slip covers, the character of the room should he considered as well as the type of the chair or sofa to he covered. In general, as far as the pattern is concerned, the same principles should be applied as when selecting any other type of upholstery material.

The laws of harmony and contrast should be considered, particularly when designer window toppers are taken into consideration. As a rule, slip covers should be made of the medium weight fabrics, such as glazed and unglazed chintzes, plain and printed linens, cretonnes, plain and striped taffetas, satins, sateens, silk and cotton repps.

Other materials which are often suitable are mohair, plain and striped poplins, ginghams and crash. Patterned fabrics may be found in practically all of the above mentioned weaves to harmonize with historic or modern period types of rooms, formal and informal.

Where economy is to be considered, and no particular style is to be adhered to, there are many varieties of inexpensive cretonnes with all-over flower patterns which are always in good taste. Checked ginghams and percales are smart and effective for covers for small boudoir chairs and can be found in striking color combinations. Such designs are also appropriate for covering French Provincial and quaint Colonial chairs.

For sun porches and semi-outdoor rooms, awning striped material is very durable and it makes striking and colorful slip covers. There are also waterproof glazed chintzes and rubberized materials which are practical for such rooms. For the purpose of obtaining unity in a room, the furniture covers are often of the same material as the curtains and even the picture frames.

In many instances colorful glazed chintz that has been chosen for the curtains may be repeated in slip covers for one or two chairs or a sofa with cushions made of a plain material - either plain glazed chintz, taffeta or satin repeating colors appearing in the chintz pattern.

Plain glazed chintz is a particularly good choice for use in rooms where wallpaper has been used and a patterned rug. Slip covers of plain material will be found more attractive when the seams are bound with a contrasting color.

However much may be said in favor of other materials, it is the decorative character and gay colors of flowered chintz and cretonne which gives them first consideration for the purpose of slip covers. Besides the color interest they add to a room, they may also give unity to a color scheme which appears disconnected.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer specializing in do-it-yourself home improvement, interior design, and fashioning designer window toppers and one of a kind picture frames. For the best in the hardwood moulding industry, please visit http://www.ferche.com/.

Subfloor Damage From Poor Bathtub Installation - Read Bath Tub Fixture Manuals

You should never under estimate the amount of damage that water can do to your wood subfloor. Especially if this wood is underneath your bathtub. If the bathtub is not installed properly, you could find yourself replacing the wood underneath, within a short period of time. This repair is not uncommon and as more homeowners and handyman seemed to be doing projects like these, without the proper experience, it's becoming even more common.

I wish I had a solution to the problem, however, I don't. The best advice I could give anyone who is going to be involved in any home remodeling project, would be to get some books on what ever task you are about to undertake and read all of the information that you possibly can about the products you are going to be installing. This is extremely helpful for anyone who has never installed a bathtub or any bathtub fixtures.

If the product fails and was installed properly, the manufacturer should be responsible for the water damage. I have been reading the manufacturer's installation manuals for quite some time now and every once in a while, I find something that is of great value to me and I get to pass it on to my readers. That's what I'm doing right now.

Whether you want to remodel your bathroom to save money or you want to accomplish a task that you haven't done yet. I would recommend, taking the time to understand, exactly how the water flows off of and on to another section of the bath tub or shower on its way to the drain. Understanding the basics of bathroom remodeling can save you big money in the future.

Save yourself some money and make sure that you install your bathtubs properly. Taking a little time before you start to read the bath tub fixture manuals, can save you some money and grief in the future.

Find More Facts On Home Water Damage.

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Check out These Amazing Home Damage Videos.

Make Your Holidays More Enjoyable!

After the terror attacks in Mumbai on 26 November, five-star hotels across the country have beefed up security measures. Pune and Varanasi are frequented by numerous visitors. Both the cities have varied culture and traditions. Both are traditionally and culturally rich. Varanasi is noted for its prime pilgrimage spots. It is known by the name of Kashi and Benaras. It attracts a huge number of tourists every year. The city has rich cultural background. In the backdrop of terror attacks, security measures have been made more severe everywhere.

Aftermath of the incident, hotels across the country witnessed a decline in the number of visitors. Hence, the hospitality industry has incorporated various measures to beef up security. Most of the hotels have increased the number of guards, installed CCTV cameras and iron gates. Moreover, security in all the city's five-star hotels, railway station, airport and Pune-Mumbai Highway has been stepped up. Iron gates are being installed all around the hotels. This is being done primarily to reinstate the faith. The number of security guards guarding the hotels have been increased at prominent hotels. Besides, the security department is also keeping a constant vigil over all activities taking place in the hotel's campus.

Such attacks on hotels had not taken place in the past. This incident indeed shook the entire nation and gave rise to debate over the security of people. Security gained an all together new dimension. International airports are under strict vigil. The same holds true for railway stations and bus stands. The Indian government, is also pressurising International community to take a strict stand against the countries involving in such activities. Foreigners were the target of these attacks.

Keeping in mind, such a situation, the hospitality industry has taken stringent measures to provide upgraded security. Foreigners visiting these places can be rest assured about their safety. The hotels offer the best of luxury and comforts amidst traditional hospitality. They are also equipped with all modern amenities, to make your vacation a pleasant and memorable affair. The various hotel packages at these hotels come with state-of-the-art facilities in terms of dining, lodging, business facilities and related services. Visitors can be assured of the best rates. The hospitality industry is doing everything to strengthen security following the Mumbai attacks. Earlier guests could reach the lobby easily. Now, visitors will be screened a couple of times. Similar will be the situation in most star category hotels in Pune.

Sadhna D, Expert Author, Platinum author

For more information on Pune Hotels: Pune Hotels

Information on Varanasi Hotels: Varanasi Hotels

Mirrored Medicine Cabinet - Home Tips

When I grew up I had a tiny bathroom, but I didn't care because it was entirely my own. You could barely turn around it was so small. But it had the features I needed including a medicine cabinet with a three way mirror for doing my hair.

Honestly, I don't know how anyone could get ready in the morning with just a single paned mirror. I rely on those three mirrors to angle around and see the back of my head. I now combine it with the full length mirror in the larger bathroom I now have to bounce my reflection off so many surfaces I can see everything easily. Even things I don't want to see so often.

Behind that mirror is the usual medicine cabinet. Mine is stuffed full of beauty supplies and other miscellaneous items that otherwise wouldn't have a home. I'm sure there's several things in there that need to be thrown out. Old perfumes, 3 bottles of mousse, earrings I never wear, maybe I'll go clean that out tonight.

Medicine cabinets are really important. I don't keep much medicine in them, those have to be locked away from the children. So hair products take their place. My cabinet is the of the usual variety, but I really like those recessed ones that look like just a plain mirror and then surprise people when it turns out to have storage space. Even funnier is when people assume the plain mirror is a medicine cabinet and end up ripping it off the wall when they try to open it.

If you want more information on the various styles of recessed medicine cabinet or get a mirror medicine cabinet please visit our website.

How to Protect Foundation Plumbing Pipes?

If you install any underground plumbing pipes, in your concrete building foundation, you will need to protect them, from the concrete. You can use a variety of products and the most common of them will be a Styrofoam wrapping that can be purchased at most plumbing supply stores.

Let's start with the waste pipes, that are made out of plastic. The concrete could actually start to put pressure on the plastic pipes as the concrete starts to expand and this pressure could actually damage your new waste pipes.

You don't need to wrap all of the plastic waste pipes, only the parts of the waste pipes that will be exposed or in direct contact any concrete, but you do need to protect every copper water supply line that will be buried under the ground or exposed to the concrete, with a plastic sleeve. These products can be purchased again at most building supply or plumbing supply stores.

If these pipes aren't protected properly, you could find yourself within a short time, repairing the pipes that are either inside of your concrete foundation or buried underneath your concrete foundation. Either way, this isn't going to be a good thing.

You definitely need to wrap a plastic sleeve around the water supply pipes that are going to be buried or in direct contact with the concrete. This is a must and most building departments will require your plumbing pipes to be wrapped, before it they will sign off on your rough foundation plumbing inspection.

However, for the waste pipes, you can actually use cardboard to protect them. If you're short on funds, why not grab some cardboard boxes, dismantle them and start using cardboard to wrap the pipes, with a little duct tape.

There are plenty of ways to save money in the construction business, buy a few books, read a couple of articles, with a lot of pictures in this can provide you with lots of construction information, from experience building contractors.

Check out some of the best selling Home Building Plumbing Books all on one website

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repairs. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

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