Which water-saving shower head is best?
DeBow Home Remodeling Service area is 10 mile radius around the Charlottesville, VA UVA Rotunda (so neither Crozet nor Ruckersville). We often use Zoom meetings for initial contactless-consult if possible for clients and are already booked thru JUNE/JULY 2022.
Bathroom remodeling question of the week, "What is the best water-saving SHOWER HEAD you recommend?" Answer: Shop for water-sense rated that measure "gallons per minute" (gpm). Models like Delta H20Kinetic multi-setting shower head that is available locally at Ferguson's bathroom showroom.
Or ADJUSTABLE WATER FLOW water pressure with "Statement™" by Kohler
"Innovative water-saving design, the Statement showerhead uses as little as 0.5 gallons per minute (gpm). Using Kohler’s Katalyst® technology to infuse AIR into the water for FULLER-droplets and more thorough coverage, the Statement showerhead can be adjusted at any point between 0.5 gpm and 1.5 gpm, saving up to 60% more water than a traditional showerhead."
This question above was emailed from a Charlottesville, Virginia homeowner in the Johnson Village neighborhood.
See VIDEO of it in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7dj1Yw5nmgwww.youtube.com/watch?v=N7dj1Yw5nmg
We can install new bathroom fixtures for you too, email us a picture of your current fixture at debowcontracting@gmail.com
#bestbathroomremodelercharlottesville #showerheadcharlottesville #charlottesvillehomeremodeling #bathroomremodelingcharlottesville
Bathroom remodeling question of the week, "What is the best water-saving SHOWER HEAD you recommend?" Answer: Shop for water-sense rated that measure "gallons per minute" (gpm). Models like Delta H20Kinetic multi-setting shower head that is available locally at Ferguson's bathroom showroom.
Or ADJUSTABLE WATER FLOW water pressure with "Statement™" by Kohler
"Innovative water-saving design, the Statement showerhead uses as little as 0.5 gallons per minute (gpm). Using Kohler’s Katalyst® technology to infuse AIR into the water for FULLER-droplets and more thorough coverage, the Statement showerhead can be adjusted at any point between 0.5 gpm and 1.5 gpm, saving up to 60% more water than a traditional showerhead."
This question above was emailed from a Charlottesville, Virginia homeowner in the Johnson Village neighborhood.
See VIDEO of it in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7dj1Yw5nmgwww.youtube.com/watch?v=N7dj1Yw5nmg
We can install new bathroom fixtures for you too, email us a picture of your current fixture at debowcontracting@gmail.com
#bestbathroomremodelercharlottesville #showerheadcharlottesville #charlottesvillehomeremodeling #bathroomremodelingcharlottesville
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Window problem: “Beth, Our shower has a OLD WINDOW in the middle and the wood-trim is water-damaged! It’s an older home and apparently there was only a tub beneath it years ago. What should I do with the window in our shower?
Answer: Yes, we have dealt with many windows in the bathroom!! 1. We could repair, waterproof and seal it, 2. replace it with a new vinyl-window and frosted-glass , 3. replace with glass-block or 4. remove and seal-up the window, depending on your needs. Removing the window is usually the least expensive option. Windows do allow for sunlight, fresh air and ventilation. Consider if the window faces the front of your house it would detract from the curb-appeal to remove or downsize it. This question from a Belmont neighborhood homeowner. Email us at debowcontracting@gmail.com – with a photo of the window you have, our service area limited to 10 mile radius around the UVA Rotunda (so neither Crozet nor Ruckersville). #windowinshowercharlottesville #bestbathroomremodelercharlottesville #glassblockwindowinstall #charlottesvillehomeremodeling #bathroomremodelingcharlottesville |
DESIGN tile layout tool? Try Crossville Inc website tool.
Bathroom remodeling question of the week,
"Beth, I cant stand this OLD SHOWER. Where can I try to visualize & design with new tile?"
Answer: Bathroom design tile VISUALIZER tool from Crossville TILE: https://lnkd.in/dTFNRYr Experiment with bathroom tile sizes, colors, grout colors. Upgrade your bathroom to clean, carefree, ceramic and porcelain tile like you always wanted and can finally afford to do. Ceramic tile and porcelain are KING & QUEEN of the shower!
We are already booked thru February 2022, so we could begin after then. Email us at debowcontracting@gmail.com - our service area limited to 10 mile radius around the UVA Rotunda (so neither Crozet nor Ruckersville).
Crossville Inc is based in the USA too. #tileshowerdesigncharlottesville, #tileshowercharlottesville, #bathroomremodelingcharlottesville #Crossvilleinc
"Beth, I cant stand this OLD SHOWER. Where can I try to visualize & design with new tile?"
Answer: Bathroom design tile VISUALIZER tool from Crossville TILE: https://lnkd.in/dTFNRYr Experiment with bathroom tile sizes, colors, grout colors. Upgrade your bathroom to clean, carefree, ceramic and porcelain tile like you always wanted and can finally afford to do. Ceramic tile and porcelain are KING & QUEEN of the shower!
We are already booked thru February 2022, so we could begin after then. Email us at debowcontracting@gmail.com - our service area limited to 10 mile radius around the UVA Rotunda (so neither Crozet nor Ruckersville).
Crossville Inc is based in the USA too. #tileshowerdesigncharlottesville, #tileshowercharlottesville, #bathroomremodelingcharlottesville #Crossvilleinc
Can you replace the bathroom tile backsplash in Charlottesville, VA? Picture has Kohler faucet.
Bathroom remodeling question of the week: Beth, I want new bathroom TILE to refresh the plain drywall behind the vanity and up the wall to the ceiling. ANSWER: Yes, we will measure to order the correct amount of tile and Mark will install it for you. Start looking at what style backsplash you might like on Pinterest and make a VIRTUAL appointment with Thomas or Pete at Sarisand Tile's beautiful showroom in Charlottesville to discuss options and pricing of tile locally.
Question from a homeowner in Charlottesville, VA. Our service area is limited to Charlottesville, VA (neither Crozet nor Ruckersville). Lets upgrade your bathroom tile too, email us at debowcontracting@gmail.com
Can you replace my toilet with the right size, smooth base, water sense toilet?
What is the best GROUT for new tile showers?
Cost to replace Jacuzzi tub with a shower?
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DeBow Home Remodeling Service area is 10 mile radius around the Charlottesville, VA UVA Rotunda (so neither Crozet nor Ruckersville)
Bathroom remodeling question of the week: Mark, I want a new TOILET. Could you come by and see if you think I should order a 10” toilet? I measured from the wall and I think that’s what I need, but I’d appreciate your opinion before I order it (1 choice via Ferguson’s). Then fix the flange, remove the old one and install a new water-sense toilet for me? Answer: Yes we will measure so you get the right-sized toilet and install it for you. We also provide info on a low-flow toilet rebate of $100 that you could receive if your home was built before 1994 and you replace a 3.5 gallon per flush with a Water Sense certified low-flush toilet. Question above was from a Charlottesville, VA homeowner in the Greenbriar neighborhood. Lets upgrade your old water-wasting toilet too, email us at debowcontracting@gmail.com #bestbathroomremodelercharlottesville #newtoilet #charlottesvillehomeremodeling #bathroomremodeling Question: What is the best GROUT for a new bathroom tile shower?
A: Epoxy-based grout (not cement based grout) has MANY advantages well worth it. It never needs sealed, it is nonporous, the water content and color are consistent. We like Mapei Flexcolor CQ ready to use and its available in many colors. Copy & paste this video link on youtube to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L48Zc4SXWs0&list=PL3G3ahVY8-2EASPBzk3QvNTe7Q9P6dAGA&index=5&t=0s Why? Because the daily moisture-level in showers, from both direct water, steam and condensation, if mismanaged (no exhaust fan, poor drainage) leads to all sorts of problems for the wrong old cement-based grout that can be problematic because it is POROUS and easily absorbs moisture. This can lead to a breakdown of the grout itself or to the risk of cracking, shrinkage, or spots of mold over time. So epoxy-based is a much BETTER choice. #Mapeiflexcolorcqgroutbathroomshower #bestbathroomgrout #charlottesvillebathand tileremodel Bathroom remodeling question of the week, "How much is it to REMOVE this jacuzzi-tub so we can have a new, bigger, tile shower?" Answer approx. $1100. due to complex tile, electric & plumbing.
This question above was emailed from a Charlottesville, Virginia homeowner in the Redfield's neighborhood. What would it cost to remove a plain bathtub so we can have a bigger tile shower? Answer: Is the bathtub steel, cast iron, acrylic, or fiberglass? Builtin bathtub or freestanding? What is on the walls above the bathtub, tile or wall kit? Lets get rid of your old tub too, email us a picture of your tub at debowcontracting@gmail.com #bestbathroomremodelercharlottesville #tubs #charlottesvillehomeremodeling #bathroomremodeling |
How to shop for bathroom ventilation fan?
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Bathroom remodeling question of the week, How to shop for a bathroom ventilation fan? Answer: 1. Get the right size fan for your room.
2. Energy-star rated 3. Need a durable, quiet motor that won't overheat. 4. Noise level is measured in "sones", so less than 1 sone is quiet (0.5 or 0.3). 5. Compare features:Do you want a led-light, movement sensor, adjustable speed, timer? 6. Measure to see if the bracket will it fit between the rafters in the attic above your bathroom ceiling? 6. For a 5x8 bathroom we like the basic Panasonic Whisper FV-0511 VQ1 model. |
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What is the least expensive, easy to clean, durable replacement for bathroom shower WALLS?
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Bathroom Remodeling Question: The tile and grout around our tub and shower is old, what is the least expensive, easy to clean, durable replacement for shower WALLS? Answer: Bathrooms endure a lot of water and soaps/shampoos so professional cleaning is a surprisingly effective first step on tile. Replace with porcelain tile, ceramic tile, or wall kits. Large format tiles 12x12" or larger often have a lower labor cost to install than smaller 3x6 subway tiles (fewer cuts to fit and less grout around them). Showers look less busy with larger tiles.
PORCELAIN tile is most durable, environmentally friendly, absorbs less water since its made from a finer clay and fired at a higher temp so its dense, mold resistant and is a great long-term value. Stone and wood-grain looking porcelain tile is very popular. GLAZED CERAMIC tile is affordable, durable, low-maintenance, easy to clean and available in many colors and 6x6" and larger sizes. GLASS tile is impervious to water, mold-resistant and translucent and reflects light beautifully but is higher priced and could be limited to one wall as an accent. Its available in many colors. Caution: Glass is slippery and should not be used on floors. Ceramic tile and porcelain are KING & QUEEN of the shower! Tub and shower surround KITS vary in quality but are usually most affordable and install quickly (less labor). Kits by Swanstone and Kohler appear to have better quality finishes. Read reviews on kits before purchasing. STONE: Although beautifully textured, natural stone is most porous (absorbs water) and requires the most maintenance (resealing) in a shower and and can be expensive both for materials and labor (harder to cut). Slate, marble, travertine and granite are used on shower walls. Tips: Natural stone pieces can VARY in color, pattern, thickness SIGNIFICANTLY (sample may be from different part of quarry). Make an appointment at a tile store (Sarisand, Morris, etc) to discuss options, properties and costs of tile and stone. Consider PORCELAIN that LOOKS like natural stone and marble for greater durability, non-porous, color consistency. Floor TIP: Select 2x2 sized-porcelain tiles,not the smaller 1x1 tiles. Avoid most white marble on wet shower floors to avoid discolorations and the need to maintain and reseal frequently. Lets replace your old shower walls too. Contact debowcontracting@gmail.com after you select your tile or wall kit. #bestbathroomremodelercharlottesville, #bathroomremodelingcharlottesville, #replaceshowerwallscharlottesville |
Can you replace my bathtub shower door?
Bathtub shower door AFTER replacement. Much easier to keep this clean.
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Bathroom remodeling question of the week: I need a new bathtub door that is easier to clean. The old frame traps dirt in the track above the tub. ANSWER: Yes, we will measure to help you order the correct door and Mark will install it for you. Homeowner also requested a quiet exhaust fan and a handheld sprayer.
Question from a homeowner in Ivy neighborhood of Charlottesville, VA. Our service area is limited to Charlottesville, VA (so neither Crozet nor Ruckersville). Lets upgrade your bathroom too, email us at debowcontracting@gmail.com #bestbathroomremodelercharlottesville, #bathroomremodelingcharlottesville, #replacebathtubshowerdoorcharlottesville, #Newbathtubdoorcharlottesville |
How to Clean Porcelain Tile
"Ceramic surfaces make maintenance easy for you with many easy-care benefits.
How often depends on the level of foot traffic in your home, how much you use a space, and if you have any mess-making humans or pets. Where and how your porcelain tile is used — such as flooring, countertop, or shower tile — also determines when you need to clean.
For regular light cleaning of ceramic surfaces, all you need to do is:
How to Deep Clean Porcelain Tile
Sweeping and wiping with water may not be enough to clean up every mess that life throws your way. Likewise, periodic deep cleaning is essential to any home cleaning routine.
Deep cleaning means swapping out water for a cleaning solution.A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that one-third of Americans are cleaning wrong, so listen up: The best cleaners for porcelain are those that are formulated especially for tile and grout. Makes sense, right?
When you can’t find a tile-specific cleaning product, look for a pH-neutral cleaner or slightly alkaline cleaner, such as Spic and Span or Mr. Clean. Don’t use oil- or wax-based cleaners because they leave a residue on your surfaces that may attract dirt more readily. For more information on different types of cleaners and what’s recommended, scroll down. Plastic and nylon scrubbers are great for these instances.
Rinse thoroughly with clean, clear water after cleaning to remove any residue from the cleaner. Otherwise, residue will attract dirt and may leave your surface with a dull appearance. Using clean water to rinse the porcelain is very important, so refill your bucket with new water rather than reusing dirty rinse water.
Dry thoroughly — just give your surfaces a bit of time to air dry or wipe with a clean, dry mop or cloth.
How to Disinfect Porcelain Tile
We may now be more concerned with disinfecting our surfaces than ever before. Ceramic surfaces don’t require the use of harsh cleaning chemicals, which is an advantage for those of us wanting to keep these substances out of our kitchens. However, note that the occasional use of harsher disinfectants will not dull or damage porcelain such as may be the case with many other nonceramic surface materials.
Consult the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) list of registered disinfectants when deciding on which to use, and keep in mind that different disinfectants may be more appropriate for fighting specific bacteria or viruses. Be sure to thoroughly rinse away the suds after cleaning to prevent residue from drying on your porcelain.
Note: Always follow the label’s instructions for safe use when cleaning with disinfectants and chemicals, such as ensuring proper ventilation and wearing gloves.
How to Clean Textured Porcelain Tile
Do you have textured tile? If you’re not sure if your porcelain is textured or not, just reach out and touch it! Textured tile may have a three-dimensional surface, so you may feel rising and falling slopes, angles, ridges, or other convex and concave spaces. You can clean textured porcelain tile the same way you would clean regular ceramic surfaces, with just a couple extra steps:
It’s logical that you will clean your grout at the same time that you clean your porcelain, without any extra steps. However, grout may develop stains or other issues over time that require a little extra care:
Types of Tile and Grout Cleaners
Cleaners fall into three categories: alkaline (cleaners with a pH above 7), acidic (cleaners with a pH below 7), and neutral (cleaners with a pH of 7). Prolonged use of cleaners that are highly alkaline (products with a high pH like un-diluted household bleach) or highly acidic (products with a low pH like vinegar) may break down some sealers which are there to help prevent soap scum, oils, and dirt from penetrating into the grout. If use of highly acidic or alkaline cleaners is needed, consult with the grout manufacturer for their recommendations.
source- Tile Council of North America (TCNA).
#cleanporcelaintile, #cleanceramictile, #neutralcleanserfor tile
"Ceramic surfaces make maintenance easy for you with many easy-care benefits.
How often depends on the level of foot traffic in your home, how much you use a space, and if you have any mess-making humans or pets. Where and how your porcelain tile is used — such as flooring, countertop, or shower tile — also determines when you need to clean.
For regular light cleaning of ceramic surfaces, all you need to do is:
- Sweep: Your first step is to sweep away dust, crumbs, and other debris that have accumulated since your last cleaning. Take this time to sweep or clean any throw rugs. If you’re cleaning a porcelain tile counter rather than flooring, simply wipe off crumbs.
- Wipe with water: Next, wipe the porcelain with clean water. That’s right: water alone is enough to clean lightly soiled ceramic surfaces. No harsh chemicals are necessary! If you choose to use a mop for your flooring, be sure you have swept up debris beforehand and use a flat mop rather than a sponge mop to keep from pushing dirty water into the grout lines.
- Dry: Dry your porcelain thoroughly after wiping with water, either by air-drying or using a microfiber cloth (a dry flat mop is great as well).
How to Deep Clean Porcelain Tile
Sweeping and wiping with water may not be enough to clean up every mess that life throws your way. Likewise, periodic deep cleaning is essential to any home cleaning routine.
Deep cleaning means swapping out water for a cleaning solution.A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that one-third of Americans are cleaning wrong, so listen up: The best cleaners for porcelain are those that are formulated especially for tile and grout. Makes sense, right?
When you can’t find a tile-specific cleaning product, look for a pH-neutral cleaner or slightly alkaline cleaner, such as Spic and Span or Mr. Clean. Don’t use oil- or wax-based cleaners because they leave a residue on your surfaces that may attract dirt more readily. For more information on different types of cleaners and what’s recommended, scroll down. Plastic and nylon scrubbers are great for these instances.
Rinse thoroughly with clean, clear water after cleaning to remove any residue from the cleaner. Otherwise, residue will attract dirt and may leave your surface with a dull appearance. Using clean water to rinse the porcelain is very important, so refill your bucket with new water rather than reusing dirty rinse water.
Dry thoroughly — just give your surfaces a bit of time to air dry or wipe with a clean, dry mop or cloth.
How to Disinfect Porcelain Tile
We may now be more concerned with disinfecting our surfaces than ever before. Ceramic surfaces don’t require the use of harsh cleaning chemicals, which is an advantage for those of us wanting to keep these substances out of our kitchens. However, note that the occasional use of harsher disinfectants will not dull or damage porcelain such as may be the case with many other nonceramic surface materials.
Consult the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) list of registered disinfectants when deciding on which to use, and keep in mind that different disinfectants may be more appropriate for fighting specific bacteria or viruses. Be sure to thoroughly rinse away the suds after cleaning to prevent residue from drying on your porcelain.
Note: Always follow the label’s instructions for safe use when cleaning with disinfectants and chemicals, such as ensuring proper ventilation and wearing gloves.
How to Clean Textured Porcelain Tile
Do you have textured tile? If you’re not sure if your porcelain is textured or not, just reach out and touch it! Textured tile may have a three-dimensional surface, so you may feel rising and falling slopes, angles, ridges, or other convex and concave spaces. You can clean textured porcelain tile the same way you would clean regular ceramic surfaces, with just a couple extra steps:
- When sweeping, sweep in two directions: first in the direction of the tile and then diagonally.
- When mopping, wiping, or scrubbing, follow the same two-direction process. For highly textured or rough porcelain, scrubbing with a brush will be more effective than wiping with a cloth
It’s logical that you will clean your grout at the same time that you clean your porcelain, without any extra steps. However, grout may develop stains or other issues over time that require a little extra care:
- How to deep clean grout: Scrub the grout using a grout brush (or an old toothbrush) and a cleaner specifically formulated for tile and grout. If possible, vacuum up the dirty water with a wet-dry vacuum to lift the dirt off the joint. Then rinse with clean water and vacuum that up as well to remove any residual soap. (If you don’t have access to a wet-dry vacuum, thoroughly rinse with clean water and dry the grout with a towel.)
- How to remove stains from grout: Tough stains may be simple to remove with a steam cleaner. The pressurized steam brings the stains to the grout’s surface, where you can more easily scrub them away.
- How to prevent grout from staining: Many grouts are now self-sealing to protect against staining. If you are using a old cementitious grout that isn’t a self-sealing grout, seal it after installation and then regularly reseal to maintain the stain and moisture resistance, decrease maintenance, and help the grout retain its original color. See the sealer’s product information for instructions. Note: Epoxy grout does not require sealing (we use this grout at DeBow Home Remodeling).
- How to remove mold or mildew from grout: As with all ceramic tile, porcelain is a hard-fired surface, making it inert and inhospitable to bacteria, mold, and mildew. However, a breakdown in your grout’s sealant could allow water, soap, and oily dirt into the subsurface and lead to bacteria growth. If you use an alkaline cleaner such as bleach for a rare deep cleaning, you should thoroughly rinse the area, dry the grout thoroughly, and apply a sealer within 24 hours to prevent future mold and mildew growth. Note: Ceramic surfaces are bleach-safe and will not be harmed or fade from bleach as with some other nonceramic surface materials.
Types of Tile and Grout Cleaners
Cleaners fall into three categories: alkaline (cleaners with a pH above 7), acidic (cleaners with a pH below 7), and neutral (cleaners with a pH of 7). Prolonged use of cleaners that are highly alkaline (products with a high pH like un-diluted household bleach) or highly acidic (products with a low pH like vinegar) may break down some sealers which are there to help prevent soap scum, oils, and dirt from penetrating into the grout. If use of highly acidic or alkaline cleaners is needed, consult with the grout manufacturer for their recommendations.
- Alkaline cleaners: Use this type of cleaner when you need to remove stubborn grease or other substances that will not come off with water alone. While highly alkaline cleaners may not harm tile or grout when used occasionally, they can strip away sealant from the grout over time and you may need to eventually rejuvenate your sealant. Highly alkaline cleaners may also chemically burn your skin so wear gloves and avoid splashing. With a pH of 12, un-diluted household bleach is an example of an alkaline cleaner and should not be used on tile and grout on a regular basis. For cleaning and sanitizing, the CDC recommends a dilution of one cup of bleach to five gallons of water. Diluting bleach decreases the alkalinity and is safe for regular use on all types of ceramic tile surfaces. Thoroughly rinse any cleaner from the surface and do not allow residue to dry on the tile and grout.
- Acidic cleaners: Highly acidic cleaners are corrosive but in a different way than highly alkaline cleaners. Since cement grout is alkaline, the acid reacts with it and dissolves a thin layer on top, exposing clean grout below. While these cleaners may appear to “clean,” most manufacturers do not recommend them because of their eroding effect on grout. Acidic tile and grout cleaners should only be used by professionals when removing and replacing grout.
- Neutral cleaners: Neutral solutions with a pH of 7 (just like water) are preferred for tile and grout. Consider cleaners made specifically for tile and grout first or turn to a mildly alkaline detergent (i.e. Mr. Clean, Spic and Span). Note, neutral cleaners are the only cleaners recommended for colored grout.
source- Tile Council of North America (TCNA).
#cleanporcelaintile, #cleanceramictile, #neutralcleanserfor tile
