Ceramic Tile Removal in a Bathroom Remodel
On this step of removing the ceramic tile it’s going to get dusty so what I did first was remove everything that I could so I wouldn’t have to clean it when I was done. Even though I was not going to reuse the tile, I wanted to be careful because I wanted to put the tile on Freecycle or Craigslist so someone else might be able to use them. The only tools I used were an old flat tip screw driver, hammer and a box cutter.
I should say that the tiles that are offset from the wall about 1/2″ with a mortar mix. The way that the mortar stays on the wall is a wire mesh that is attached to the wall with staples and nails. I started by cutting the bead of caulk around the top edge of the tile being careful not to cut to deep and into the drywall. Now the first tile off is the most critical so you have to be real careful. I just started the screwdriver back behind the tile and pried a little bit at a time at tile I could remove without damaging the wall or the tiles next to it. From that point it gets easier. I worked a line straight down to the floor and then made my way around the room.
Being how we are still using the bathroom I had to work around a few things. The first was the toilet. The tank of the toilet was real close to the tile so it made it difficult to get the tiles off around it. The next thing was the vanity. I should tell you that when they built this house they custom built the vanity and everything before they put up the tile so there is allot of things to cut around. I would have to say that when I got to the mirror I had to be real careful because the mirror was resting on top of the tile. Now I am the kind of guy that if something can go wrong it probable will. I got lucky on this part and didn’t break the mirror.
Another nice thing about doing all the work myself, I get to see how thing’s are built. I am a project engineer for a manufacturing company and I am always looking at how things are built. Okay I better get back to the tile work. Now I mentioned that the tile was about 1/2″ off the wall with a mortar mix. When I got to the door way there was the mortar mix on one side and on the other they built it up with a piece of plywood and used liquid nails to hold the tiles up. Needless to say, I couldn’t save any of the tiles that were glued to the wood. Then I found an area that the tile was glued straight to the drywall. I have to replace some drywall now. Luckily that was the end of removing the tile.
I stacked all of the good tile in a box and threw out all bad ones. Swept up all the debris and put everything back in its place. As I mentioned at the beginning I am going to list the tiles on Freecycle since they are in good condition and hopefully someone else can use them instead of them going into the land fill. As I remodel I’m always looking for ways that I can recycle materials instead of throwing them into a land fill that is already overloaded.
In the next article I’ll be removing the mortar mix and the wire that was attached to the wall.…
Bathroom Fixtures: Energy-Efficient Fixtures
Water Efficient Fixtures
The greatest benefit of water efficient bathroom fixtures is the savings it provides in both water and sewer bills. Further, such fixtures reduce the need for high-cost water supply equipment, waste water treatment systems, and thereby help in the maintenance of aquatic and riparian ecosystems. These fixtures also reduce the need for pumping, heating, or treating water. It also leads to water efficiency in product life cycles thereby preventing pollution.
High-efficiency Toilets and Urinals
These bathroom fixtures have been introduced by the plumbing industry with clear intentions of water conservation and energy efficiency. High-efficiency toilets use 1.3 gallons per flush as compared to the mandatory 1.6 gallons. The high-efficiency urinals that were created in co-operation with the water authority have a flush average of less than the mandatory 1.0 gallons.
High-efficiency washing machines
These bathroom appliances are believed to use technological advances to ensure water and energy efficiency in the process of washing clothes. Most of these high-efficient models use 35% to 50% less water as compared to the traditional models. This transfers to water conservation and savings in energy for heating lesser water.
Pre-Rinse Spray Valves
Pre-rinse spray valves are bathroom fixtures that are used in restaurants to clean the food particles from dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. The dishwashing process accounts for two-thirds of water consumption in such establishments. By installing high-efficient spray valves, you will consume only 1.6 gallons or lesser water per minute as compared to the conventional 3.0 gallons per minute.…
Kitchen Lighting Ideas – the Most Popular Lighting Trends You Can Apply in Your Own Home
In remodeling your kitchen, it is important that you do not forget about implementing some interesting kitchen lighting ideas. Lighting can complement well the interiors of any home and hence it is very crucial that all the lighting fixtures are placed strategically and accordingly. It can really go a long way in making your kitchen look brand new.
The most common error that most people commit in implement their own kitchen lighting ideas is installing just a single fixture right in the center of the kitchen. This could result to shadows which could be inconvenient when you do a few tasks around the house. To give your kitchen a total makeover through lighting, you should combine natural and artificial lighting in a balanced way.
You should also take note that your lighting should be related to the colors of your kitchen. You must also plan out your budget well since lighting fixtures can really cost a lot more than you imagine. In terms of your kitchen cabinets, you can decorate it with lights to enhance its plain look. You can install them on sides of the kitchen so that it can minimize the shadows.
The cove style of lighting is also one of the most important kitchen lighting ideas you can implement. This is utilized for the even distribution of light in correct proportions all throughout your entire kitchen. It can also be used to highlight the overall shape, design and layout of your kitchen area. Recessed lighting can also be applied if you want to enhance the architectural design of your kitchen.…
How To Keep Your Roof In Great Shape
No homeowner is excited at the prospect of a large roof repair project. Because of this, you need to be proactive about your roof maintenance, addressing small issues immediately. Maintaining your roof means you’ll put a little effort in now to prevent a lot more work later on down the road. Look to these tips to help you know how to proceed.
If you need to walk on your roof, it is important that you do it at a time when it is not too cold or hot. Extreme weather tends to make shingles very brittle, so walking on them during this time can cause a lot of damage. Morning is the best time during summer months, and afternoon is best in the winter.
When working on the roof yourself, make sure that the weather conditions are clear for your own safety. Hose off the shingles so you can have a clean workplace without a mess of leaves or other debris. You can also use the hose to find a leak in your roof.
Before entering a contract with a roofer, consult the Better Business Bureau. They’ll be able to tell you if complaints have been entered against this roofer in the past, and may be able to give you insight that the roofer’s own references won’t. The integrity of your roof is important, and you don’t want to get scammed.
When a storm blows through your area, beware of roofers who knock on your door. They often follow a storm and offer their services to everyone on the block, then they put up a cheap, inadequate roof while taking all the money your insurer will offer on your claim, ripping you off.
Since replacing your roof can be one of the most expensive projects besides the cost of the home itself, make sure you know who you’re hiring. Avoid the temptation to hire a friend of a friend, or inexpensive “handymen.” Look for a licensed contractor who guarantees his work and comes with many good reviews and recommendations.
If your home needs a new roof but you are short on funds, consider the relatively inexpensive composite shingle. This type of shingle is rated from 15 to 25 years, and the more you pay the longer the life of the shingle. Consider how long you will own your home before you invest in a new roof.
Home Repair
Remember to be safe when it comes to roofing. Roofing is dangerous work. Do not rush things. When the weather is bad, wait until tomorrow. It isn’t anything that is worth hurting yourself over. It is important that you make sure you know what you’re doing and that you are cautious.
Remodeling
Invest in the highest quality roofing tiles your money can buy. This is especially important if you are living in the house you are remodeling. The best roofing materials for your home depend on the climate of your location, so be sure to research the best roofing tiles for your climate.
You can’t ignore your roof. This could lead to very serious problems down the road. Use what you’ve learned here to take good care of your roof. This can save future headaches.…