| Q: |
What is re-glazing? |
| A: |
Re-glazing a tub (or sink or shower) does not involve re-coating with a new porcelain glaze. It is painting the tub with an epoxy paint which is not as durable as porcelain. With regular use, the re-glazed surface quickly becomes decrepit. |
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| Q: |
Why would I want a concrete mortar-bed as a tile foundation? |
| A: |
A concrete mortar- bed float used as a tile base is superior to Wonder Board, Hardi Board, Dura Board, Green Board, etc. because:
1) it is a waterproof surface unlike most boards which can get mushy and release tiles when wet,
2) unlike boards, a float is seamless which greatly reduces the possibility of the tile cracking as it can along the seam lines of the boards,
3) a float can be made perfectly straight and level allowing the tile to be set plumb and with a tight grout joint. |
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| Q: |
What is the difference between a tight and a wide grout joint? |
| A: |
When ceramic tile is set, the width of the grout joint determines the type of grout which may be used. With a tight grout joint, unsanded grout is used. Sanded grout must be used on joints 1/8 inch or wider. Sanded grout is much more difficult to clean. |
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| Q: |
Are there any toilets available that flush well with only 1.6 gallons of water? |
| A: |
Yes, there are some excellent flushing 1.6 gal toilets on the market today. I would be more than happy to recommend several to you. |
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| Q: |
What are some desireable characteristics of kitchen and lavatory sinks? |
| A: |
KITCHEN SINKS:
An under counter sink installation is preferable.
1) Because in the kitchen it is necessary to wipe crumbs off the counter and into the sink, a drop in self rimming sink is not a good choice. An under counter installation is much more practical.
2) An under counter sink, if the sink gets damaged, is very difficult to
remove without damaging/destroying the countertop. Therefore, a quality 18 gauge stainless steel sink is a good choice. Unlike porcelain sinks, it will never chip and is very hard to damage.
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| A: |
LAVATORY SINKS:
Self rimming vitreous china sinks are a good choice for bathroom countertops.
1) Under counter installations tend to develop an unsightly and impossible to remove black mold at the sink to counter join. As the join is above the water line in a self rimming sink, that does not occur.
2) Replacing a damaged, self rimming, drop in sink is usually possible without counter damage.
3) Sinks that show a rim are usually more attractive than under counter sinks.
4) Avoid porcelain clad steel and cast iron sinks as they tend to rust. |
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| Q: |
What is the difference between Type "M" and "L" copper pipe? |
| A: |
In domestic hot and cold water systems, Type L copper pipe should be used because it is thicker and is much more dependable. Type M is prone to developing leaks. |
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| Q: |
Why would I spend more money to buy stainless steel jacketed feeds? |
| A: |
Un-jacketed vinyl and rubber hose feeds commonly found connecting washing machines, sinks, and toilets to the wall valves in homes can herniate, leak at full force, and cause extensive damage to homes. Flexible hoses should always be the type that have a webbed stainless steel jacket to prevent this from happening. |
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| Q: |
Is using combination heat/fan/light fixtures a good choice? |
| A: |
Combination heat/fan/light fixtures generally perform poorly. They are often energy inefficient, loud and ineffective. Installing separate components is usually a better choice. |
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| Q: |
What are the characteristics of the common materials used for countertops in bathrooms and kitchens? |
| A: |
CERAMIC TILE: Most ceramic tiles provide a very durable surface. Tile surfaces do not require sealing.
GRANITE: Granite provides a very durable seamless surface and once sealed, granite will not stain or discolor. Natural granite usually has characteristics like embedded crystals and a pattern of movement.
SYNTHETIC GRANITE: Synthetic granite has a very consistent pattern and is as durable as natural granite but does not require sealing.
CORIAN: Corian also has a very consistent pattern, is softer than granite and tile but doe not require professional maintenance. It can be honed (scratches buffed out) with common household cleaners.
SOFTER STONE: Travertine, limestone, and marble are soft and require regular professional maintenance. |
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| Q: |
What is the difference between face frame and Euro cabinets? |
| A: |
Euro cabinets are less expensive to build and provide much more usable storage space than do face-frame cabinets. Because there is no wasted space between drawers/doors, finger-pulls are not an available for Euro cabinets. Knobs or handles are required. |
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NOTE: The above comments are opinions based on my personal experience. If you have any questions or any suggestions for items that should be in the "Helpful Hints" section, please contact me.
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Thank you, Mike Tenenbaum
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