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	<title>Bathroom Remodeling Chicago</title>
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		<title>All About Fixtures</title>
		<link>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/all-about-fixtures/</link>
		<comments>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/all-about-fixtures/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 06:05:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bathroom Remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gallery]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/?p=89</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Clearing the way for your bathroom remodeling project is mainly a task  of loosening nuts and bolts, disconnecting pipes and dismounting counter  tops. You will need simple tools like screwdrivers, a basin wrench and  other adjustable wrenches or hammers. If your bathroom contains older  fixtures or difficult to remove pipes such [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Clearing the way for your bathroom remodeling project is mainly a task  of loosening nuts and bolts, disconnecting pipes and dismounting counter  tops. You will need simple tools like screwdrivers, a basin wrench and  other adjustable wrenches or hammers. If your bathroom contains older  fixtures or difficult to remove pipes such instances may require  specialist tools and the assistance of a plumbing contractor. Whether  you&#8217;re doing this remodeling project yourself or you have hired a  remodeling professional, it&#8217;s good to be well versed in this removal  process.</p>
<p>To prepare for clearing out the old appliances, you must  first shut off the water supply nearest the fixtures being removed. If  you have an older house, you may have to shut down the entire house&#8217;s  water supply. Otherwise, more recent appliances will generally have a  shut-off valve on the supply line.</p>
<p>Look closely at how the  fixtures are mounted and connected: wall mount, floor, suspension, or  even mounted on a pedestal. Faucet assemblies can extend through holes  in the fixture or may not be attached as they extend through the wall or  holes in the counter top.</p>
<p>Toilets, however, are much easier  with a greater incidence of mess. In a matter of minutes, you can empty a  tank and dismount toilet. The mess occurs from the toilet&#8217;s trap, where  water remains until the bowl is tilted – discharging water.</p>
<p>Removing  a bathtub is easier if you have an access panel to the pipes.  Otherwise, you&#8217;ll have to disconnect the plumbing from inside the tub  improvising a tool to unscrew the chrome strainer and overflow plate.  The rest of the removal requires careful handling and some strong  helpers. You may have to remove the toilet and lavatory to have room to  maneuver the tub from its recess. If your tub is cast iron – it&#8217;ll  require a team of four people to remove it as they generally weigh about  300 pounds. Two people can lift out steel or fiberglass tubs.</p>
<p>Generally,  you can salvage all or part of a removed fixture for usage elsewhere.  You must be careful in your removal of fixtures as they are fragile.  Made of porcelain, china, or steel; they can crack, chip, or get dented.  If you save fixture parts, make a sketch for later use noting size and  shape. Remember, they may not fit your new fixture and you may have to  give up that great looking faucet.</p>
<p>Once you remove your  fixtures, you&#8217;ll need to seal the open supply lines and drain outlets  immediately with caps or plugs that match the construction material.  This prevents sewer gas seepage into your home – a very stinky  situation! It also protects the pipes from clogging due to construction  debris. If your pipes were run through a plumbing wall, they may need to  be removed, rerouted or cut back to the floor before the openings are  sealed. Removing and correctly rerouting plumbing lines should be left  up to a plumbing contractor because there are codes and regulations that one should abide by for the plumbing system to function properly.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Updating Your Bath</title>
		<link>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/updating-your-bath/</link>
		<comments>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/updating-your-bath/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 06:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bathroom Remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gallery]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/?p=86</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
A  great number of bathrooms in apartments and some houses have pedestal  or wall hung sinks with little place for storage. If your bathroom has a  wall hung sink first check to see if it is separating from the wall at  the top, or if there is an excessive amount of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
<p>A  great number of bathrooms in apartments and some houses have pedestal  or wall hung sinks with little place for storage. If your bathroom has a  wall hung sink first check to see if it is separating from the wall at  the top, or if there is an excessive amount of caulking hiding a wide  gap. These might be signs the sink is slowly falling off the wall,  inform your landlord immediately if you are renting and have the sink  re-hung if you own the house. In order to fix the problem of a sink  falling off the wall a reputable contractor needs to be selected, visiting Remodeleze.com will start you on your path to finding the appropriate and qualified contractor for your issue.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p>Otherwise  if your wall hung sink is fine you can create a hidden area below the  sink for a trash can and or and out of the way place to store cleaning  chemicals. Now this is not a good place for cleaning chemicals if there  are children or investigative pets in the house. Using a sheet or other  fabric, simply attached hooks or rings to the bottom of the sink and  string a wire or string through the fabric and hooks/rings. Using two or  more pieces of fabric will allow you to access the area below the sink  and make use of this usually unused space.</p>
</div>
<div>
<div>Magazine  racks and toilet paper holders are some points of additional personal  expression within your bathroom. A clean modern magazine holder with  design publications gives off a much different vibe to your guests than  an old rack filled with smut or literally bathroom humor. Either way  there is a specific expression to each type of rack and its contents, it  is up to you how you wish to present your bathroom experience to your  guests.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>On  the other hand toilet paper holders can be as simple or kitschy as you  want. I have seen hidden toilet paper holders in the wall, dogs holding  the roll of toilet paper, clean wire conical holders for multiple rolls  in a vertical format and some that are a dowel or rod for the rolls to  be stored on.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>These  are just a handful of the immense possibilities available to anyone  wishing to update their bathroom with a non-invasive sort of remodeling project</div>
</div>
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		<item>
		<title>Easy Bathroom Changes</title>
		<link>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/easy-bathroom-changes/</link>
		<comments>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/easy-bathroom-changes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 05:57:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bathroom Remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gallery]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/?p=83</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many  people think that they can not modify any part of their apartment  because they don’t own the unit or building. On the other hand some  people seem to consider signing a lease as temporary ownership which can  create major problems with the landlord or even physical issues to the  [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many  people think that they can not modify any part of their apartment  because they don’t own the unit or building. On the other hand some  people seem to consider signing a lease as temporary ownership which can  create major problems with the landlord or even physical issues to the  building if projects are incorrectly constructed. Here we will review a  couple simple tips anyone can do to spruce up their bathroom no matter  if they own their house or are residing in an apartment.</p>
<div></div>
<p>First  of all is your shower curtain, I have moved into some apartments that  didn’t even have a shower curtain never mind a shower curtain rod. There  are many stores that provide bathroom and shower supplies and some that  will only provide accessories. Depending on your taste purchasing a  shower curtain at the supply store might be fine, although some may  require a type of design or print that is not offered at a supply store.</p>
<p>While looking for bathroom accessories or plumbing supplies it would be smart to ask an expert if there are any ways to obtain discounted prices for purchases of  enough accessories or supplies. Experts can also direct you to plumbing  supply stores that are less expensive than others while stocking a great  number of options. Refer to your remodeling social network also for suggestions on local businesses you can support rather than the large retail chain stores.</p>
<div>
<p>Another  simple change to your bathroom is to add wall hung selves or cabinets  above your toilet in order to save vital floor space in notoriously  small bathrooms. Also an inexpensive shoe organizer that can hook over  the bathroom door and be a great way to organize the vast array of  products found in the average bathroom. Within the shower there is a  slue of options for shelves to hold shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p>Some  units hang from the shower head, which if heavy enough can actually  damage the plumbing behind the wall. One type of shelving unit for  showers which I have used is the compression rod which fits between the  ceiling and an edge of the shower basin. These rods, when installed  correctly, remain in place longer than suction cups and shower head  hangers in my experience.</p>
</div>
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		<item>
		<title>Tub Styles</title>
		<link>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/tub-styles/</link>
		<comments>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/tub-styles/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 05:51:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bathroom Remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gallery]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/?p=80</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Modern  bathtubs have come a long way from just being places to get ready for  the day. Master bathrooms are becoming more and more like private  retreats and sanctuaries, complete with the luxury amenities usually  found in hotels and spas. In addition to new shapes and styles of tubs,  new [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="ctl00_cphContent_uxArticleItem_uxArticleContent">
<div>Modern  bathtubs have come a long way from just being places to get ready for  the day. Master bathrooms are becoming more and more like private  retreats and sanctuaries, complete with the luxury amenities usually  found in hotels and spas. In addition to new shapes and styles of tubs,  new materials are being used for tubs. Stainless steel, stone, and  concrete are examples of some of the materials being used in custom  designed bathrooms as a way to make them more unique. Gone are the days  of tile upon tile in bathrooms as people are opting for a variety of  textures in the bathroom.</div>
<div>
<h3></h3>
</div>
<div>Sunken Tubs: These  tubs are typically recessed into the floor or sometimes into a slightly  elevated platform. Though visually interesting, these tubs are difficult  to get out of and easy to fall into in the middle of the night.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Overflow Tubs: Similar to infinity pools, these luxury tubs continually  re-circulate and re-heat water that spills over the edge. A way to  continually keep the water warm, this style of tub is often recessed  into the floor.</div>
<div>
<h3></h3>
</div>
<div>Soaking Tubs: While whirlpools still have quite the following, soaking tubs are  showing up more and more in bathroom remodels. Instead of behemoth  whirlpool bathtubs, people are deciding on smaller, more sculptural  soaking tubs that don’t take up as much space in the room. Soaking tubs  are designed to be a little deeper that traditional tubs, allowing your  entire body to be immersed in water. Plus, these are actually relaxing  since there are no noisy jets to interrupt the silence of the room.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Freestanding Tubs: Though not a “new design”  per se, freestanding tubs have made a comeback. Once popular in the  1800’s, freestanding tubs are breaking free from walls and platforms,  and are standing on their own once again (sans the cast-iron claw feet).  Some freestanding tubs are elevated on legs, but one of the hottest  trends is for the base of the entire tub to be flush with the ground.</div>
<div>
<h3></h3>
</div>
<div>Walk in Bathtubs: Accessibility counts, and walk in tubs are the way to go  if a traditional tub poses too much of an obstacle. Taking a cue from  the Japanese style of soaking tub, called an ofuro, these tubs are  narrower than American style tubs, and are much deeper, allowing the  user to sit comfortable on a platform within the tub while soaking.</div>
</div>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Bathrooms For Kids</title>
		<link>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/bathrooms-for-kids/</link>
		<comments>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/bathrooms-for-kids/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 05:46:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bathroom Remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gallery]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/?p=77</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Remodeling your bathroom to adjust for children’s usage can include just a few minor changes in order to create a safer bathroom. If a bathroom remodel is in your future, here are a few suggestions to make it more family-friendly.
Having a soft-close toilet seat is an inexpensive and affective way to keep the level of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Remodeling your bathroom to adjust for children’s usage can include just a few minor changes in order to create a safer bathroom. If a bathroom remodel is in your future, here are a few suggestions to make it more family-friendly.</p>
<p>Having a soft-close toilet seat is an inexpensive and affective way to keep the level of kid’s injury in the bathroom low. Adjustments you can make for a safer bathroom include putting a grab bar inside the shower stall, this is helpful for everyone not just kids—it can get slick in there! Also, having a pedal sink, with no cabinet doors, that is anchored to the wall, can also improve the safety level.</p>
<p>Also think about a hand shower in addition or instead of a wall shower. Not only is it great for you washing shampoo off of your little ones, but children are less scared of hand showers, which will be especially helpful when they are transitioning from taking a bath to taking a shower. Having a hand shower also benefits you while cleaning your shower/tub unit, it makes it a lot easier. You can use a hand shower to replace a regular shower head (that slides up and down on a bar, adjusting to height), or you can have both.</p>
<p>Another factor to consider when remodeling for kid’s safety include cleaning supplies. If you do keep cleaning supplies in the bathroom, think about adding a special shelve, above the door frame where you can store them. This way they are out of reach for the kids, yet easily accessible for you. Keeping them in a plastic caddy that you can just grab would add to the ease of keeping the cleaning supplies up there.</p>
<p>If the bathroom is strictly a children’s bathroom, make it functional for kids. Ideas for this include hanging towel racks at heights so it is easier for them to grab. Also consider making the bathroom cabinets and shelves low enough so that they can reach them without climbing on anything (like the toilet, tub, or sink, giving them a chance to injury themselves). Also, providing storage containers for items (bath toys, towels, etc) that is easily accessible to young kids will also give them less likely chance of injuring themselves in the bathroom.</p>
<p>Making these adjustments will allow for a safer bathroom for your children. If you think there are additional things you would like to do, you should check out the Child Safety Store, just browsing their website will inspire some other ideas as well.</p>
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		<title>Bathroom Designs</title>
		<link>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/bathroom-designs/</link>
		<comments>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/bathroom-designs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 05:40:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bathroom Remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gallery]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/?p=74</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Bathrooms are a critical part of any home renovation project. If you ask anyone who has ever been involved in real estate, bathrooms are the rooms that sell homes. These rooms have a lot of value, and making yours look great is only half the battle. While a good looking bathroom can increase the value [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Bathrooms are a critical part of any home renovation project. If you ask anyone who has ever been involved in real estate, bathrooms are the rooms that sell homes. These rooms have a lot of value, and making yours look great is only half the battle. While a good looking bathroom can increase the value of your home, a good looking bathroom that is functional will serve to increase value and make your own life easier and more efficient. There are many ways to utilize bathroom spaces, and finding the solution that works for you is just a matter of getting creative.</p>
<p>Start by figuring out how much renovation you will be doing. If you are completely gutting the room and starting over, you have a lot more ideas to play with than if you were only making small changes. You can design the perfect bathroom, as long as you remember to think about the functionality of the space as well as the aesthetic design. When you start planning, think about the strategic placement of the shower or tub, the sink, the toilet, and light fixtures within the area. You will need to consider different options and think outside of the box to get a unique, functional bathroom that you can turn into a beautiful space.</p>
<p>If you are not renovating the entire room, you can still make big changes in functionality by replacing little elements here and there. Change out light fixtures for more energy-efficient models. Choose compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) that gives off a daylight type of light for a more natural lighting solution. Even better, put in a window or two, or expand the existing windows if they are small. More outside light means you need less artificial light in the room. Consider changing the shower, faucets, and toilet to energy-saving models. You would be surprised at how many beautiful fixtures you can find that are also eco-friendly, allowing your bathroom to become more functional AND better looking at the same time.</p>
<p>You can still go to the store and pick out the items that you like based on looks. Just make sure that you check the information to ensure that you are picking products that look good AND work well. After all, if a bathroom isn’t functional, it doesn’t matter how pretty you make it look with your renovations. Utilize the resources that you have available to you, because today’s bathroom fixtures and materials allow everyone to have a space that looks great and provides the functionality that they need.</p>
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		<title>New Bathroom Fixtures</title>
		<link>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/new-bathroom-fixtures/</link>
		<comments>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/new-bathroom-fixtures/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:08:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bathroom Remodeling]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/?p=53</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Clearing the way for your bathroom remodeling project is mainly a task of loosening nuts and bolts, disconnecting pipes and dismounting counter tops. You will need simple tools like screwdrivers, a basin wrench and other adjustable wrenches or hammers. If your bathroom contains older fixtures or difficult to remove pipes such instances may require specialist [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Clearing the way for your bathroom remodeling project is mainly a task of loosening nuts and bolts, disconnecting pipes and dismounting counter tops. You will need simple tools like screwdrivers, a basin wrench and other adjustable wrenches or hammers. If your bathroom contains older fixtures or difficult to remove pipes such instances may require specialist tools and the assistance of a plumbing contractor. Whether you&#8217;re doing this remodeling project yourself or you have hired a remodeling professional, it&#8217;s good to be well versed in this removal process.</p>
<p>To prepare for clearing out the old appliances, you must first shut off the water supply nearest the fixtures being removed. If you have an older house, you may have to shut down the entire house&#8217;s water supply. Otherwise, more recent appliances will generally have a shut-off valve on the supply line.</p>
<p>Look closely at how the fixtures are mounted and connected: wall mount, floor, suspension, or even mounted on a pedestal. Faucet assemblies can extend through holes in the fixture or may not be attached as they extend through the wall or holes in the counter top.</p>
<p>Toilets, however, are much easier with a greater incidence of mess. In a matter of minutes, you can empty a tank and dismount toilet. The mess occurs from the toilet&#8217;s trap, where water remains until the bowl is tilted – discharging water.</p>
<p>Removing a bathtub is easier if you have an access panel to the pipes. Otherwise, you&#8217;ll have to disconnect the plumbing from inside the tub improvising a tool to unscrew the chrome strainer and overflow plate. The rest of the removal requires careful handling and some strong helpers. You may have to remove the toilet and lavatory to have room to maneuver the tub from its recess. If your tub is cast iron – it&#8217;ll require a team of four people to remove it as they generally weigh about 300 pounds. Two people can lift out steel or fiberglass tubs.</p>
<p>Generally, you can salvage all or part of a removed fixture for usage elsewhere. You must be careful in your removal of fixtures as they are fragile. Made of porcelain, china, or steel; they can crack, chip, or get dented. If you save fixture parts, make a sketch for later use noting size and shape. Remember, they may not fit your new fixture and you may have to give up that great looking faucet.</p>
<p>Once you remove your fixtures, you&#8217;ll need to seal the open supply lines and drain outlets immediately with caps or plugs that match the construction material. This prevents sewer gas seepage into your home – a very stinky situation! It also protects the pipes from clogging due to construction debris. If your pipes were run through a plumbing wall, they may need to be removed, rerouted or cut back to the floor before the openings are sealed. Removing and correctly rerouting plumbing lines should be left up to a plumbing contractor because there are codes and regulations that need to be abided by for the plumbing system to function properly.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.remodeleze.com/HomeRemodelingArticles/bathroom-remodeling/new-bathroom-fixtures">Source</a></p>
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		<title>New Bathtub Trends</title>
		<link>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/new-bathtub-trends/</link>
		<comments>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/new-bathtub-trends/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:07:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bathroom Remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gallery]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/?p=51</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Rub-a-dub-dub! It’s time for a new tub.
Modern bathtubs have come a long way from just being places to get ready for the day. Master bathrooms are becoming more and more like private retreats and sanctuaries, complete with the luxury amenities usually found in hotels and spas. In addition to new shapes and styles of tubs, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Rub-a-dub-dub! It’s time for a new tub.<br />
Modern bathtubs have come a long way from just being places to get ready for the day. Master bathrooms are becoming more and more like private retreats and sanctuaries, complete with the luxury amenities usually found in hotels and spas. In addition to new shapes and styles of tubs, new materials are being used for tubs. Stainless steel, stone, and concrete are examples of some of the materials being used in custom designed bathrooms as a way to make them more unique. Gone are the days of tile upon tile in bathrooms as people are opting for a variety of textures in the bathroom.</p>
<p>Sunken tubs</p>
<p>Pretty? Yes. Practical? Probably not. These tubs are typically recessed into the floor or sometimes into a slightly elevated platform. Though visually interesting, these tubs are difficult to get out of and easy to fall into in the middle of the night.</p>
<p>Overflow tubs<br />
Similar to infinity pools, these luxury tubs continually re-circulate and re-heat water that spills over the edge. A way to continually keep the water warm, this style of tub is often recessed into the floor.</p>
<p>Soaking tubs<br />
While whirlpools still have quite the following, soaking tubs are showing up more and more in bathroom remodels. Instead of behemoth whirlpool bathtubs, people are deciding on smaller, more sculptural soaking tubs that don’t take up as much space in the room. Soaking tubs are designed to be a little deeper that traditional tubs, allowing your entire body to be immersed in water. Plus, these are actually relaxing since there are no noisy jets to interrupt the silence of the room.</p>
<p>Freestanding tubs<br />
Though not a “new design” per se, freestanding tubs have made a comeback. Once popular in the 1800’s, freestanding tubs are breaking free from walls and platforms, and are standing on their own once again (sans the cast-iron claw feet). Some freestanding tubs are elevated on legs, but one of the hottest trends is for the base of the entire tub to be flush with the ground.</p>
<p>Walk in bathtubs<br />
Accessibility counts, and walk in tubs are the way to go if a traditional tub poses too much of an obstacle. Taking a cue from the Japanese style of soaking tub, called an ofuro, these tubs are narrower than American style tubs, and are much deeper, allowing the user to sit comfortable on a platform within the tub while soaking.</p>
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		<title>Repair Moldy Tile Grout</title>
		<link>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/repair-moldy-tile-grout/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:04:58 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Wondering how to repair moldy tile grout? If you do not have any idea when to actually replace your grout, here is a treat for you. When the grout in your bathroom or kitchen is unsightly (i.e. discolored, chipped, blackened and/or cracked) that is a signal for you to replace the grout.

You can do this [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="_mcePaste">Wondering how to repair moldy tile grout? If you do not have any idea when to actually replace your grout, here is a treat for you. When the grout in your bathroom or kitchen is unsightly (i.e. discolored, chipped, blackened and/or cracked) that is a signal for you to replace the grout.</div>
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<div id="_mcePaste">You can do this project the easy way and just call your tile restoration specialists, but if you are a do-it-yourself person then it would be easy for you to replace the grout yourself.</div>
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<div id="_mcePaste">1: The first step is to scratch off the grout from the moldy areas. Be sure to protect your tiles while scraping, you can do this by covering the tiles with a tape that easily comes off without leaving any sticky stains. If there is not much grout that needs to be replaced, you can remove the grout by using any hard metal to do the scraping (a knife, a screwdriver, or a small pipe). Any tool that can scrape the small cracks can get a smaller job done. However, if you need to do a major grout removal and repair, it is advisable for you to buy a grout saw. Grout saws are available online or you can also find them in your local hardware store. They are very affordable! Read the instructions on how to use the saw properly. After that, you can run it up and down to scrape off the grout lines. Ok grout removed, right? Check!</div>
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<div id="_mcePaste">2:  After removing all the grout clean the surface thoroughly and make sure all particle, grout dust and mold or cleaned off entirely.</div>
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<div id="_mcePaste">3: The next step is to mix your grout. To get the right proportions, ask for advice from the hardware store where you purchased the grout or read the instructions on the packaging. Make sure you buy more grout you expect you will need because it is impossible for you to fill up the joints in an accurate manner.</div>
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<div id="_mcePaste">4: Apply the grout into the joint lines of the tiles with the proper grout applicator tool. When you are done applying the grout mix into the joint lines, you should leave it to dry for two hours and then give it a god wipe with a wet cloth to remove excess grout.</div>
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<div id="_mcePaste">5: When the grout is totally dry, it’s time to clean the surface again. You would need a rag soaked in water to do this since you are now removing something in semi-liquid form. After that you can leave your grout to dry for another 24 hours for it to finally cure. The next day, you will be able to clean it up with a cleaner of your choice and wipe the whole area to remove residue.</div>
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		<title>The Mortar Guide</title>
		<link>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/the-mortar-guide/</link>
		<comments>http://bathroomremodelingchicagoil.com/the-mortar-guide/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:07:19 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[You&#8217;re ready to start on your masonry project. You&#8217;re ready to tackle that wall, patio, or fancy barbecue you&#8217;ve planned on, and you have decided on the material you want to use; be it brick, stone, or concrete block. But, before you do, it&#8217;s time for a little mortar education, as you want to use [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="_mcePaste">You&#8217;re ready to start on your masonry project. You&#8217;re ready to tackle that wall, patio, or fancy barbecue you&#8217;ve planned on, and you have decided on the material you want to use; be it brick, stone, or concrete block. But, before you do, it&#8217;s time for a little mortar education, as you want to use the best bonding material possible to keep your project well intact.</div>
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<div id="_mcePaste">Mortar is a cement mixture used to bond bricks and stones etc. together. Mortar is comprised of cement, lime, and sand, and by adding water. Mortar is classified into four main types, each type having different amounts of the added sand and lime. Different mortar types are used depending on the purpose of the structure being built. Some structures need more holding power than others due to pressure and load factors. Flexibility of the mortar is also a factor in the bonding process due to expansion and contraction related to temperature and weather changes, soil conditions, and acts of nature.</div>
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<div id="_mcePaste">Mortar can be mixed three ways: from scratch using separate bags of Portland cement, hydrated lime, and sand; from masonry cement (Portland cement premixed with lime) and sand; and from bags containing all three ingredients in the proper proportions for the strength and type needed. The last type is generally the easiest type to use in home improvement projects. Premixed mortar comes in types M, N, S, and O.</div>
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<div id="_mcePaste">Type M is the strongest type of mortar. It has the highest compression strength. Type M is used for walls bearing heavy loads, such as retaining walls and foundations, and is also used with stone as the strength of the mortar mimics that of the stone being used. Type M mortar is used mostly for commercial construction projects and home building. Type M is is comprised of 1 part cement, 1/4 part lime, and 3 3/4 parts sand.</div>
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<div id="_mcePaste">Type S is a strong mortar used by home owners which has medium-high compression strength, and tensile strength, giving it more flexibility. It is good for walls, retaining walls, foundations and patios where soil pressure, as well as earthquakes are an issue. Type S contains 1 part cement, 1/2 part lime and 4 1/2 parts sand. It&#8217;s strength is about 75% of type M.</div>
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<div id="_mcePaste">Type N is a medium strength mortar. Type N is most often used by home owners. It is a good choice for  projects with bricks and blocks that are not load bearing, as well as for garden walls, chimneys, and barbecues. Type N has 1 part cement, 1 part lime, and 6 parts sand. It has about 33% the strength of type M mortar.</div>
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<div id="_mcePaste">Type O mortar is used for interior work only, for non-load bearing use. It has a low compressive strength and is used on indoor projects where weather, soil, and pressure are not a factor. Type O is made up of 1 part cement, 2 parts lime, and 9 parts sand, giving it about 14% the strength of type M.</div>
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<div id="_mcePaste">There you have it for some mortar education. Remember to follow the directions on the bag of mortar so you know how much water to use. Mortar should be mixed in a wheelbarrow or mortar pan in batches up to 1 cubic foot (about 7 1/2 gallons). That&#8217;s about as much as one person can handle in the time it takes for the mortar to begin to harden (about 1 1/2 hours).</div>
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<div id="_mcePaste">Most cement you see is called Portland cement. Remember, cement itself is only the dry powder substance used to create mortar, concrete and stucco. Portland cement is not named after Portland, Oregon. Portland cement was developed from natural cements made in Great Britain in the early part of the nineteenth century, and its name comes from its similarity to Portland stone, a type of stone that was quarried on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England.</div>
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