Bathroom Remodeling - a Fresh, New Look for Your Home
Whether you live in California, New York, Florida or Colorado,
a bathroom remodeling is something that can give your home a fresh,
new look. Either as a stand alone project, or as part of a larger
home remodeling. Everything from simple aesthetic changes to a complete
structural overhaul.
Many homeowners opt to refresh the décor of their bathroom
with new flooring; especially ceramic tile. There are nearly endless
types and styles to choose from. Select from the inventory of a
flooring retailer in your area. Ceramic tile is the obvious upgrade
from bathroom carpeting for the reason of exposure to water and
ease of upkeep.
Save on Costs by Completing Some of the Work Yourself
Some homeowners opt to do all or parts of the bathroom remodeling
work themselves. When it comes to laying ceramic tile, however,
it may be wise to enlist the services of a professional tile installer.
Once you have selected a contractor, discuss various aspects of
the project with him; ask what work, if any, you can complete to
help keep costs down.
Many bathrooms have carpeting or sheet goods (such as vinyl) that
will need to be removed. This is often something homeowners can
complete themselves.
Hire a Professional for the Technical Stuff
After the old flooring has been removed, preparations should be
made to install the new. If the subfloor is rough or uneven, an
underlayment will most likely need to be installed. If you are installing
ceramic tile, the best underlayment is either concrete board such
as Duroc, or concrete-impregnated masonite, also known as Hardy
Backer.
Some tile manufacturers suggest gluing the tile down to the plywood
underlayment. However, check with a professional installer first.
Some professional installers recommend using a concrete product
for the underlayment, so that thin-set mortar can be used to attach
the tile. That way, maximum adhesion is accomplished.
A total thickness of 1 ¼ “to 1 ½ “is
recommended for subfloor layers. This will provide stability and
a deck that will not move or flex, causing tile or grout to crack
and come loose.
Once tile is installed and cured, grout is applied to fill in
between the tiles. Multiple applications of a high-quality grout
sealer is advised for extended trouble-free durability.
The first seal is applied once grout is cured; additional coats
are applied at 6 to 12 month intervals for a total of 2 to 3 coats.
Make sure tile and grout is thoroughly cleaned before each application.
Properly installing ceramic tile for your bathroom remodeling project
requires a certain level of technical skill. That is why you may
want to enlist the services of a professional stone or tile mason.
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