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Saturday, December 17, 2016

Copper Shower Pans vs. Rubber Membranes

Copper Shower Pans vs. Rubber Membranes 

shower head
I always want to give my customers and blog followers the best advice on the most economical yet highest quality tile-related installations. I've learned this information from years of hands-on doing of the jobs myself. As you may know from my actual web site I do all my jobs personally and have over 34 years of experience.co

In all those years out on the job I have pretty much seen it all. So when I make a recommendation on what's the best way to go, it's because I've weighed 
out the best options for my customers out there on he job. I also do repairs and always have: many in my industry overlook the repairs as not being lucrative enough to warrant their time, so I do get a lot of repairs.

The most costly repair is the leaky walk-in shower panwhich can sometimes be in 

excess of $500. I've done well over 100 of these repairs in my career and only 1 or 2% of these were rubber membrane repairs, while the other 98% were copper pans. In the instances of the rubber membrane repairs it was always improper installation by nails being nailed below the waterline. As we have all heard from the eco criers, it takes hundreds of years for plastic and heavy rubber products to deteriorate in the environment, so it only makes sense that a rubber membrane would almost never be affected by water and would surely last past my lifetime when installed correctly.

The copper pan, on the other hand, is metal and starts the deterioration process

almost immediately when in contact with water. We've all seen a green copper penny, and that green on the copper is just like rust on iron and steel. I have removed so many copper pans that were rusted through (for lack of a better word). I've seen it again and again: tearing out a shower floor and 12 inches up the wall because water was dripping into the living room ruining the ceiling and requiring more costly repairs.

Furthermore, copper pans are very costly even without repairs: most have to be 

custom-made and the plumbing labor is very expensive. The cost is $400 to $800 and even more depending on the layout of the shower floor to be dried in. On the other hand, I install rubber membrane to dry in the shower floor at a total cost of $175 and that includes the concrete in the floor to slope to the drain. I have several contractors who used to use copper who now call me to come out just to dry-in showers for them at a huge savings for a much more reliable and longer-lasting product. Using logic and common sense, it seems obvious that for less money and a longer-lasting, dependable shower floor the rubber membrane is the best call.
I don't supply materials on any of my jobs and don't ever gain monetarily on any of my recommendations: I speak only from experience and the desire for my customers to get the most for their money.
For more answers to all of your tile-related questions, visit my "Ask Chris" blog here
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Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Whiter than White ! Architects overjoyed as Developers release the Whitest Ceiling Tile Ever Made

Whiter than White! Architects overjoyed as Developers release the Whitest Ceiling Tile Ever Made.


To the average customer the ‘Tile’ is a mundane and not that particularly interesting aspect of Wall Coverings or Suspended Ceilings. The ceramic component, or occasionally Plywood or even insulated rubber, is simply a tool used to cover plaster in either the Bathroom or Kitchen.

A way of adding decoration or colour to the living space…and that is all!

For architectural planners or professional decorators however the Tile is an enhancement for a special look and mood. It is a manoeuvre of grabbing guest’s attention and an illustrative signifier of the property owner’s personality.
Interiors are enriched with a sense of permanence and timelessness due to the ceramic square or rectangle according to manufacturer’s Heath Ceramics. Tiles can make a room bold and sometimes overwhelming through brash colourations, engraved textures and selected material. In other instances the piece can defy simplification and modernism due to delicate tonal White or pastel swatches with a smooth finish (compared on Figure 1).

They are also a great technique in order to disguise potential moisture, mould and sagged plasterboard.

Regarding the influencers of the Tiling system it is the contemporary White or pastel colours of Blue that the majority of architects appear to favour. The reason behind the favouritism, especially towards Whites, is that they are clean and can act as a canvas in which to personalise. It can either be an endorser of the clinical and futuristic or…

“An installation that feels warm, soft and homey because of reflected light, surface finish and texture”.

Catherine & Robin Petravic, Heath Ceramics

The character White Tile has been adored by professionals for decades. It, as with any ceramic, has the ability to be attached to the surface area and left bare or painted and for the room itself as a barrier or partition to the potential spread of engulfment, thus surrounding rooms are further protected. Of course the little additions the White Tile provides to a social space is important, but it is the durability that is adored.
A component part can be cemented to a domesticated kitchen and bathroom (compared on Figure 2), and for working areas the entrance, refurbished office and washrooms. Within those compartments the neutral visual can influence or even manipulate Office Storage, Space Planning and can realise the authenticity of flexible and moveable Folding Screens.



https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrSJNcVhoiSzj9jpAIiP8GgHygT7VYYDZIYoQJ7t4fu7mKQm7MqfZlh_cCbmGgBB8v2I4jSMcBwQEWbxmqphqurHCj1XajyVoAp2rgaslcffTK-k0XSlvl13nv7Z6ezhGoQvPRUtmj4k/s1600/kitchen-backsplash-color.jpghttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcNQxwRRQDhqorWKTfziNrEQ0okI8ecVVNNJSx7476J1GwtuwsXgSH7JJVEO14boyZvLJdMawg_EZ_ZerVSGXeZ3wuk4FkujTJf-vyEiC_yDPtZ1RlTQQaaHRc_znGT8yOuFsQquddnc/s1600/clean+subway+tile+backsplash.jpg

  
Figure 1


Architectural firms see the White Tile as the more safer and reliable option. They rely on the supplementation of Tiling manufacturers such as British Ceramic Tile, Johnsons Tiles and Craven Dunnill to name a few. From these they can acquire the gloss or satin Tundra, Chroma, Trace or Hemingway. All basic and selective Whites do the job of implanting freshness and openness to a living or working area, but have a slight issue.


Most White Tiles are not completely White in depth, i.e. there are slight pigmentations of other tones within the mixture, and can consist of additional grain or decors that can masquerade the full benefits of a clean and smooth surface. These attributes can either be a preference or irritant to architects and structural designers and fitters.

http://www.clickinteriores.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cozinhas-trendzona-2.jpghttp://housetohome.media.ipcdigital.co.uk/96/000013025/0004_orh550w550/White-tiled-bathroom-Homes--Gardens-Housetohome.jpg
Figure 2

Images taken from www.housetohome.co.uk and www.clickinteriores.com.br     

The majority of professional developers would be jubilant if there was just a smooth textured Tile with pristine White consistency rather than mixing or impressions.
It is evident when either a bathroom, kitchen or office space showcases dominant White tone that the furnishings of sinks, baths and Office Chairs are more highlighted and illusive than the duller Wall, Floor and Ceiling ceramic fittings. This problem however is coming closer to being prevented and architects idealisms closer to reality.

The manufacturing brand Rockfon have launched their new batch entitled Rockfon Blanka. The specially coated matt has been sourced from as far as the US space industry in order to guarantee a high performance wool core. The easily installed Tile is durable as to be fitted in any direction which leads onto saving time and reducing waste. They are also 100% resistant to humidity to prevent the ceramic mould losing its shape.

‘The ‘ultra-white’ Rockfon Blanka tiles feature light reflection and light diffusion properties to maximise the uniform spread of natural light. Independent tests have shown that Rockfon Blanka has a light reflection index above 87% and an L Value of 94.5+’.     
The product is sound absorbent and insulated and finally adjusts ceiling lighting to compete with other Whites (see Figure 3).
http://djx5h8pabpett.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2015/10/3D-ROCKFON-Blanka-Open-plan-office-A-edge-620x330.jpg





Figure 3
To take suspended ceilings to the next level, we asked our customers what the ultimate improvement would be to them. The architects said they want a ceiling that combines aesthetics – especially whiteness and smoothness – with technical performance, such as fire resistance and acoustics’.  Figure 3 Image taken from www.buildingproducts.co.uk

Anders Juhl Thomsen, Rockfon Managing Director

Install Beautiful Bathroom Wall Tiles to Decorate Your Home

Install Beautiful Bathroom Wall Tiles to Decorate Your Home



By: Icon Tiles | Posted: Aug 23, 2008



Everyone knows that the tiles are the best way to cover the surface of walls and floor you can use in the bathrooms. Bathroom wall tiles are ceramic tiles which has properties such as durable, non-flammable, hygienic and easy-to-clean material. These ceramic tiles have a 4000 year older history, which is continues to evolve today. Bathroom wall tiles are waterproof, easy to clean and have protective surfaces which enhances by the beauty that tiles have on walls and floors of the bathrooms. Ceramics for flooring comes with slip proof surfaces; can be co-ordinate with bathroom wall tiles and the only limit to style and individuality is your imagination.

According to need you can mix and match styles and colors, turn tiles on their side, add borders, design your own style with the use of bathroom wall tiles that will be unique and stunning. Bathroom wall tiles add a great look to your interior design of your home. Proper planning and installation of bathroom wall tiles can be very economic while constructing your bathroom, if you keep a few things in mind. 

Good bathroom wall tile installation can make ultimate look of your bathroom. You can place tiles anywhere in the bathroom, where you would like to add ceramics such as bathroom floor, bathroom walls, bathroom vanities, bathroom showers and shower stalls and countertops. Bathroom wall tiles pattern is the initial step in choosing a ceramic tiles for your bathroom. Nowadays, you can find a variety of ceramic tiles right from your home while surfing on the internet. Online you can get tiles for every end of your home for example bathroom wall tileskitchen wall tiles, kitchen tiles, bathroom tiles, wall tiles, floor tiles, ceramic tiles etc. Ceramic bathroom tiles are classified under two main categories: porous tiles and non-porous tiles.

As we know that bathroom is the area which gets easily moist and damped, water may get clogged and deposits of soapy condensations and grime can be found and things can get dirty and stained easily. So usage of nonporous ceramic tiles which are waterproof is the best option to make your bathroom clean and good looking.

According to the size of bathrooms bathroom wall tiles should be preferred for example we must use smallersized bathroom wall tiles with small designs and patterns for bathrooms with limited space. Basically, bathroom wall tiles are placed around shower areas and baseboard. However nowadays, people like install bathroom wall tiles around bathroom vanities and other areas too.



About the Author

Icon Tiles leading supplier of bathroom wall tiles, kitchen wall tiles, floor tiles, wall tiles, ceramic tiles, bathroom tiles, kitchen tiles. Order the latest rang of Bathroom wall tiles, kitchen wall tiles, floor tiles, wall tiles, ceramic tiles, bathroom tiles, kitchen tiles direct to your door. for more detail visit: www.iconbathroomtiles.co.uk and seoservices

Printed From http://www.articlesbase.com/bath-showers-articles/install-beautiful-bathroom-wall-tiles-todecorate-your-home-533349.html



Saturday, January 2, 2016

Basic Tools You Need to Lay Tile

The basic tools needed to lay tile are available at Home Depot, Lowes and most tile stores.


Tile tools are pretty cut and dry, and the basic set of essentials will cost you about $100. I've taken photos of my tools for this blog  and these are not new tools  They have been well used  on a daily basis. These are the required tools to do a tile job in or around your home.  The wet saw is included but not required. All the cuts can be made with the 4 inch grinder and the tile cutting machine

Tools necessary to lay tile for floors and walls

Tools for Laying Wall and Floor Tile

Picture 1: notched trowels used to spread thinset on floors and walls .The notches allow for consistent thicknesses of thinset before you lay your tile. from left to right the first is a 1/2 notched trowel used for natural marble and slate tile, The second is a 3/8 inch trowel for large format floor tiles. The third is a 1/4 inch notched trowel, The most common used for floor and wall tile. Finally there is a finishing trowel for skin coating  thinset smoothly on a surface.,
Tile Tools: Stone Chipping Hammer, Margin Trowl,Tile Nippers

Tile Tools: Stone Chipping Hammer, Margin Trowl,Tile Nippers


Picture two (2) shows from left to right, a stone chipping hammer for chipping concrete, flattening nails and basic hammering, which will be required every now and then. Then there is a margin trowel use for spreading thinset and mixing thinset in a bucket. The third tool is also a margin trowel bit it is a 1/4 inch notch margin trowel used to spread a consistent 1/4 inch thickness of thinset in corners and around edges. Finally there are tile nippers used to take small nips of tile off of the edge of cuts to make precise fits when cuts are just a bit too large to fit,
12 inch speed square and 6 inch speed square plus 2 levels

12 inch speed square and 6 inch speed square plus 2 levels

Picture three (3) shows 2 speed squares. One is a 12 inch square and the other is a 6 inch square used to draw straight square lines on tile to make cuts. There are also pics of two  levels . One 2 ft level and the other is a 4 ft level used to check rows of tile for levelness and also to keep lines straight.
Bag of spacers. Used to keep tile staight and lines even

Bag of spacers. Used to keep tile staight and lines even

Picture four  (4) shows a bag of spacers. These are very important  in the tool bag for keeping tile     straight and lines even.
Hand broom, tape measure, grout float and razor knife tile laying tools

Hand broom, tape measure, grout float and razor knife tile laying tools

Picture five (5 ) from left to right : the all important hand broom to keep all surfaces free of debris and dust before laying tile, On top, the tape measure, used often . In the middle, the grout float used to grout finished tile. Finally,  the razor knife to sharpen your pencil and also will be useful for many other tasks.

4 inch grinder with a 4 inch diamond blade

4 inch grinder with a 4 inch diamond blade

Picture six (6).  This picture is of a 4 inch grinder with a 4 inch diamond blade to cut tile. Very useful on the job and will cut tile ,stubborn toilet boltscopper pipe, steel  nd just about anything that hampers you from laying flat tile.

Hand Tile Cutting Machine

Picture severn (7) is a  hand  tile cutting machine for straight tile cuts and may take some time to master its use  but will really be helpful along walls where many cuts the same size are needed.

Picture of a tile cutter

Tile Cutter

Picture 8:  Another view of a tile cutter

Tile Cutter Ready to Cut Piece of Ceramic Tile

Tile Cutter Ready to Cut Piece of Ceramic Tile

Picture nine (9) a side view of a tile cutter with a tile on it ready to be cut

Picture of Wet Saw Used by Professional Tile Installers

Wet Saw Used by Professional Tile Installers

Picture ten (10)  is a wet saw used mostly by a professional tile installer and needed for any marble installation.
Picture of Wet Saw

Picture of Wet Saw

Picture 11. Another view of the wet saw

7 inch diamond bladee wet saw

7 inch diamond bladee wet saw

Picture 12:  Final picture of wet saw  equipped with 7 inch diamond blade
Picture of bucket used for mixing thinset

Bucket for water and mixing thinset.

Picture of sponge after using it to lay tile.

Sponge Used in Laying Tile

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