Julie Taylor – Vrooman Contracting And Remodeling

The options for Shower Doors are plentiful and diverse. From grand frameless doors that make one feel as if they are within the castle walls to framed and semi-frameless doors, a multitude of styles doth exist for every discerning homeowner.

Choosing the right Entry Doors Atlanta for you shower door can elevate your bathroom aesthetics. It also offer an immersive experience to help you find the perfect option for your space, consider your unique needs and design style.

With a minimal metal frame, this door style maximizes the view of the shower interior. Frameless doors are also easier to clean, and can reduce the risk of mold and mildew. However, they can cost more than framed doors and require custom installation.

Like framed doors, frameless shower doors come in a variety of styles and finishes. They can be curved or straight, and they may be coated in a protective surface. They can be hinged or anchored to the wall with clips. Some manufacturers offer “smart” hinges that automatically adjust to the size of the glass.

Choosing the right shower door for your home requires consideration of the size and shape of your bathroom, as well as the decor you’ve chosen. The type of glass you choose will determine how much light comes into the room, and a clear or tinted finish will affect visibility. In addition, the door’s track and hardware will determine how easy it is to open and close.

The biggest drawback to frameless doors is the increased price and complexity of the installation process compared with framed doors. Since the tempered glass is heavier and thicker, it’s important to make sure your contractor has experience installing this type of shower enclosure. A poorly installed door can leak and damage surfaces in your bathroom, leading to costly repairs.

Both framed and frameless doors can last 20 to 30 years with proper care, including daily wipe downs after each shower, and monthly deep cleaning to prevent soap scum build up. In addition, a glass protection coating such as Diamon-Fusion will keep water deposits, minerals and dirt from building up on the surface, which will reduce your cleaning time significantly.

While framed doors have been known to shatter, this is very rare and usually the result of an accident or defect in the glass, improper transportation or installation, or extreme or abrupt temperature change. Although tempered glass is designed to break into rounded pieces rather than jagged shards, these pieces can still cut you if they hit your body. This is why it’s important to always use caution when entering and exiting the shower, never slam or bang the door, and to inspect the doors for cracks and damage regularly.

Framed

Shower areas are important part of most bathrooms, and many homeowners choose to install doors instead of a curtain for a more polished look. There are various configurations and styles of shower doors, but they generally fall into two categories: framed or frameless. Both have positive and negative attributes that should be considered before choosing which style to buy for your bathroom remodel.

Framed shower doors have a metal or plastic frame around the edges of the glass, and they are available in a variety of finishes to match your bathroom decor. They are also available in different shapes and sizes to fit your shower stall. They are typically cheaper to purchase than frameless shower doors, but they may have less versatility in terms of design.

These shower doors can be made of tempered glass or frosted glass, and they can be treated for easy cleaning. They can be installed on a sliding track or as swinging doors that open in one direction using a piano hinge. The disadvantage of this type of shower door is that it tends to collect water underneath the bottom track, which can lead to corrosion of the metal and promote mildew growth. It can also be difficult to clean because soap scum may build up on the track where it meets the wall.

Framed shower doors are easier to install than frameless ones because the glass is lighter and the frames have premeasured openings that fit most shower stalls. However, the frames can be heavy and require special tools to mount. The installation process may take longer if the frames need to be cut or trimmed, and caulking is often needed between the frame and the wall to keep water from leaking. In addition, framed doors can be more expensive to buy than frameless ones because they are often manufactured in mass quantities in overseas factories. They are usually designed to fit a range of widths, and they can be a lower quality than custom-made doors. They are commonly sold to DIYers and builders who are on a budget.

Pivot

Pivot shower doors have a unique design that allows them to open inward and outward, unlike hinged doors. They can be framed or frameless and come with a variety of glass textures, sizes and options for privacy and functionality. They also have a number of hinge options in color and metallic finishes which allow you to match your bathroom décor.

Frameless shower doors have the advantage of offering a clear view and a seamless appearance in your bathroom. They can be used in any type of shower enclosure, whether it’s a walk-in tub or a standard shower stall. They’re easy to clean and offer a more modern style. They can also be installed on a corner shower if you have enough space to accommodate one.

They have a smooth surface and don’t require any tracks, which makes them easier to maintain than sliding doors. They’re also less likely to catch water or dirt, which could lead to mold and mildew growth. However, they can be more difficult to open than other types of shower doors. They’re also not as sturdy as other styles, so they may not be suitable for older or handicapped people.

Like all shower doors, pivoting doors should be made of tempered glass to ensure safety and durability. Tempering is a process that involves applying controlled thermal or chemical treatments to the glass, which increases its strength and hardness. This makes it more durable than regular plate glass, which can splinter into jagged pieces. In addition to the glass, there are several shower base options available including acrylic, expanded polystyrene, cultured marble and tile.

Choosing the right shower door for your bathroom will depend on several factors, including the layout of the room and your personal preferences. A hinged or bypass door will work well in smaller shower stalls, while French doors may be a better option for larger spaces. However, the most important factor is choosing a style that will be both functional and beautiful in your bathroom.

Fixed

One of the most common kinds of glass shower doors for bathrooms is a fixed glass door. This is a modern design that can be fabricated into smaller sizes, making it ideal for small bathrooms. It also comes in bi-fold designs that allow the door to open and shut for comfortable entry. Fixed doors are available in a variety of glass types and finishes to complement any bathroom decor. Some are even frosted for privacy or have a patterned finish to add visual interest. These doors can be easier to keep clean since they do not have any nooks and crannies for dirt to collect in.

There are many different types of hinges that can be used to support a fixed shower door. You will want to find a durable and reliable option that can handle the weight of your doors. Look for hinges that are made from stainless steel or another hardwearing material. You will also want to consider whether or not you want a self-closing door hinge, which can help prevent water leakage after each use. Some hinges are designed specifically for neo-angle or corner shower stalls, which may require more stability than a standard hinge.

The minimal frame of a fixed shower panel makes it an elegant addition to your home. It creates a clear separation between your shower space and the rest of the bathroom, which can elevate the overall aesthetic of your bathing area. Additionally, the glass shower panel takes up less floorspace than a sliding door or a frameless pivot door, making it an excellent choice for cramped spaces.

For homeowners who are concerned about the environmental impact of their renovations, fixed glass shower doors may be a good choice. This is because they are made from recycled materials, such as sand, limestone, and sodium carbonate. Additionally, they are non-toxic and have a low-carbon footprint.

Cleaning Services

How To Clean A Gutter Properly

April 3, 2024 Julie Taylor

Gutter cleaning is a crucial home maintenance task that can help your roof, siding, and foundation last longer. Follow these Gutter Cleaning Sarasota ideas to make the process more efficient and less messy.

To start, use a plastic bucket with a metal handle. Cut and bend the ends of the handle halves into hook shapes that can be hooked over the edge of the gutter as you work.

Use A Ladder

Clean gutters prevent water damage to the roof and walls of a house. While cleaning them can be a dirty and dangerous job, it is important to do it regularly to keep the gutters functioning properly.

The first thing you need to do is choose the right ladder for the job. It needs to be sturdy enough to support your weight and the extra load of tools and gutter-cleaning attachments that you will need to carry up it. It should also be tall enough so that you can reach the areas that are hard to access.

Once you have the right ladder, find a safe place to set it up. Ideally, it should not be leaning against the gutters themselves. Putting the ladder against them can cause the gutters to rust or become warped over time, so it is best to work in another area.

If you cannot do this, then use a ladder stabilizer to ensure that the ladder stays stable while you work. Also, make sure that the ground underneath the ladder is free of rocks and other debris that could cause you to trip.

Start at the top of one gutter and work your way down it, scooping out the gunk with a gutter scoop or other plastic shovel and placing it in a bucket. Then, rinse the gutters with a hose and flush out the downspouts.

Repeat this process until you have cleaned all the gutters on your property. Then, do a final inspection to make sure that there are no leaves or other debris left behind.

Once the gutters and downspouts are completely clean, it is a good idea to test them by pouring water down them. If it is clogged, you will need to use one of the many gutter-cleaning clog removal products on the market or call in a professional to dislodge the blockage. It is a far better and safer option to call in a professional to do this for you, however. Then, you can relax and enjoy a clean gutter that will not be overflowing with mucky by-products next time a storm rolls in.

Scoop Out Debris

If your gutters are clogged with leaves, branches, and other debris, you will need to remove them manually. This is best done from a ladder, and it’s important to use the right type of ladder for your job. A good ladder should be stable and easy to maneuver so that you don’t have to lean too far while you work. It’s also a good idea to have a spotter to help stabilize the ladder and ensure your safety. It’s important to wear gloves while cleaning your gutters, as the debris can be sharp.

Begin by finding the downspout opening and clearing away any large branches or twigs that might pose a clog threat. Next, work your way along the gutters, using a gutter scoop or garden trowel to scrape away the loose debris. You can also use a long paint stir-stick to break up and remove larger dirt clods that are stuck to the gutter. Once the gutter is clear, dump the debris onto a tarp lying on the ground below you. It is also a good idea to have a garbage bag or trash can nearby to collect the debris as you go.

To avoid the risk of falling off a ladder, you should always wear sturdy shoes while working and keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times. Ladder-related falls account for several deaths and injuries every year, so be sure to follow proper ladder safety. If possible, use a four-legged ladder for one-story structures and an extension ladder for taller ones.

Another effective method for gutter cleaning is to vacuum out the entire system with a gutter vac. This will allow you to reach more areas of the gutter and is also much faster than scooping. Be sure to vacuum the downspouts as well, as they can often become clogged with debris like leaves and twigs. Make sure to follow proper safety measures when using a gutter vac, such as wearing a harness and tethering the tool to a secure point in the house.

Fill a Bucket

For more stubborn clogs, you can try using a garden hose to wash away the gunk. Start at the end of the gutter closest to the downspout, and use the hose’s spray nozzle to push water over the debris. This will help to dislodge the blockage and may even reveal leaks in your roof or fascia boards. Be careful not to spray your house shingles, though, as this can cause them to peel or blister.

If you notice that the hose is getting too dirty to work effectively, switch it out for a fresh nozzle. This will help to keep the hose from clogging while still cleaning your gutters. For added convenience, you can also purchase a telescoping gutter cleaning tool that attaches to your hose and can reach down into the gutter. These tools are particularly useful if you live in an area with lots of overhanging trees and have to clean your gutters frequently.

When you’re finished, check the downspout to make sure that it’s free of blockages. It should channel water down and away from your house, not toward it. If it’s not, you should consider installing downspout diverters to ensure that the water is moving away from your home instead of towards it.

Regardless of whether you’re using the hand trowel method or the gutter bucket technique, you’ll need to have some sort of place to collect the gunk that you’re scooping out of the gutters. You can make this job significantly easier by bringing up a bucket to place the debris in, rather than having to constantly move your ladder back and forth to do so.

Ideally, the ladder should have a paint-can shelf or hook that can hold your bucket, so you can just shovel the gunk into it and leave the ladder in position. This will allow you to clean several feet of gutter before having to climb down and reposition the ladder. It’s also a good idea to bring a pair of work gloves and safety glasses so that you don’t accidentally touch any twigs or leaves that are lying on the ground. You should also give power lines a wide berth while you’re working on the roof and ladder, since touching one can send electrical current coursing through your body and cause serious injuries.

Use A Tarp

Clogged gutters are more than just a nuisance; they can cause expensive problems such as fascia board rot, structural damage, and unwelcome insect visitors. The best way to avoid the cost of gutter repair and prevent costly structural damage is by cleaning them regularly.

Scooping out gutter debris seems to be the most efficient method of gutter cleaning, and a bright orange plastic “Gutter Getter” scoop can be purchased at most hardware stores. Gloves are also recommended to protect hands against dirty, rotting leaf debris that often contains bird, pigeon, and squirrel droppings that are ridden with bacteria. Work gloves also protect from the torn metal shards that often plague old gutters, which can poke or cut hands inadvertently.

If a homeowner chooses to use a ladder for cleaning gutters, the best time is usually early in the morning or late afternoon when the sun has had time to dry the roof. It’s important to always be careful while climbing a ladder, and it’s best to never step up past the second-to-last rung. It’s also a good idea to have a spotter to help stabilize the ladder when it’s in position.

While cleaning gutters, it’s important to take the time to inspect them for signs of damage or potential issues that may need to be addressed. For example, if gutters are missing pieces, it’s a good idea to have them replaced. If the gutters are loose, it’s a good idea to tighten the gutter hangers.

Another great time to check the condition of a home’s gutters is during a rainstorm. If the gutters are clogged, it’s important to clean them out before the next storm occurs. This will help prevent water from backing up onto the roof and causing leaks, as well as help prevent water from flowing into areas such as valleys, near chimneys, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, which can damage the home.

A clogged gutter is more than just an inconvenience; it can be a serious issue that can cost a homeowner thousands of dollars in repairs. Gutters aren’t just an ugly home feature; they’re designed to protect the structure of a house and prevent expensive damage from pests, mold growth, and water leaks. And, as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Home Improvement

Bathroom Remodeling – What You Need to Know

October 12, 2023April 9, 2024 Julie Taylor

Bathroom remodeling is a great way to add more storage or improve your home’s style. But it’s important to think about why you want to make changes.

Doing so will help you stay within your budget and ensure that the project is completed correctly. A bathroom remodeling project often requires local construction permits.

Getting the bathroom layout right can make or break the success of your remodeling project. Whether you want to create a more spacious feel or simply refresh the aesthetic, careful space planning is key. Luckily, there are many bathroom floor plans that can make the most of even limited square footage.

Before you get into selecting materials and fixtures, you need to decide what your goals are for the space. Do you need more storage? Do you want to rework the layout to fit your lifestyle or accommodate guests? Will you need a space for a bathtub or shower? Do you have a specific style in mind? Answering these questions will help you narrow down the options and determine which type of bathroom remodel you should pursue.

One popular layout is a bath that has the toilet and sinks lined up on the same wall to save on plumbing costs. This is also a great solution for guest bathrooms since the first thing you see when you enter isn’t the tub or shower.

Another option is a master suite layout that allows for a separate shower and tub, plus ample closet space. The extra space can give you the ability to add a second sink, a double vanity, or more storage. This design allows you to customize the room and fit your needs without breaking the bank.

Larger scale bathroom remodels can involve changing the layout of the entire room. This includes moving or altering the location of the bathtub, toilet, shower, or sinks, and may require rerouting pipes. The best way to determine if you need a larger-scale renovation is to work with a professional contractor who can evaluate the current space and provide recommendations based on your desired end result and budget.

Flooring

Regardless of what other renovations you undertake, the flooring is usually one of the first things to be installed in a new bathroom. It must be moisture resistant and attractive, and you’ll have a lot of options to consider.

Ceramic and porcelain tile, natural stone, luxury vinyl, and sheet vinyl are favored for their durability and water resistance. Some of these materials may feel cold to the touch, but that problem can be solved by laying radiant heating beneath them. Cork flooring is another option that looks great and can help to lower a remodeling project’s carbon footprint, as it uses bark harvested from cork trees that don’t need to be cut down to harvest.

If you’re removing your existing bathroom tile and want to replace it with something new, make sure you use a pro who has the proper experience with this type of work. Hanging drywall can be time consuming, especially when you have to cut around the shower and vanity walls. It’s also important to use the right drywall mud to cover seams and make everything look smooth and professional.

If you’re looking to keep costs down, laminate is a good choice for your flooring, as it is moisture resistant and much less expensive than real wood. It’s a click-together material that’s available in a range of finishes from weathered gray to rich dark oak. Solid hardwood, however, isn’t moisture resistant and can absorb a great deal of water, which can cause it to warp or even sink into the floor. It is a better idea to use engineered hardwood or even linoleum instead. These products are constructed using multiple layers, including one with foam or cork.

Plumbing

As one of the most used rooms in a home, bathrooms can take a lot of abuse. As a result, it’s not uncommon for pipes to begin degrading over time, which can cause leaks and reduced water pressure or even affect the quality of your home’s drinking water. Adding new fixtures during a bathroom remodeling project can help to address these issues, and can also save you money on your utility bills.

Before any work starts, the plumbing must be “roughed in.” This involves fitting drain and vent lines for each fixture to connect to your home’s main sewer line or water meter. After this, the plumber installs each fixture itself, including a tub or shower, toilet and sink. Before beginning work, it’s important to know where the shut-off valves are located for your home’s water system, so you can quickly stop the flow of water if necessary during the remodeling process.

While there are many DIYers out there with the skills to tackle some aspects of a bathroom remodel, it is always best to leave any work involving the electrical, plumbing or general construction to the professionals. Hiring a contractor can help to ensure that all work is done correctly and up to code, and can also handle any required permits and inspections.

When hiring a contractor for your bathroom remodel, look for a seasoned pro with a strong reputation and an appealing portfolio of finished projects. A contractor should carry the proper licensing and insurance, and be willing to provide you with references from previous clients who can attest to their quality of work. It’s also a good idea to find out whether your contractor offers design and build services, as this can save you time and money by allowing you to work with the same company from planning through construction.

Electrical

A bathroom remodel can be on a much larger scale than simply repainting the vanity or changing the layout. A major overhaul could include a layout change that alters the footprint of the room by moving or removing walls, for example. Often this involves relocating plumbing, too. In these situations, the electrical service in the bathroom must be brought up to today’s standards. This typically requires a dedicated circuit and GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupter) to prevent electric shock in wet areas.

Fortunately, most of the rules that apply to bathrooms in terms of electrical wiring follow guidelines laid out by the National Electrical Code (NEC). These are just general guidelines, however; local building codes supersede them and may be more or less stringent.

Electrical options for a bathroom include the ability to add more outlets and to hide them in decorative ways that also help keep cords organized and out of sight. Outlets can be tucked inside drawers or cabinets, for instance, and even in the backs of mirrors. Alternatively, they can be recessed into the wall or a cabinet to be completely hidden. In either case, these can provide a clean and stylish look.

In addition to a variety of outlet types, there are many choices for light fixtures, fans, and mirrors. This allows you to find a style that fits your space and meets your functional needs. Remember that at a minimum, all bathrooms require a light and an exhaust fan, which should be on their own 20-amp circuit. This helps to ensure adequate lighting and to promote air circulation and reduce moisture in the space. In addition, you should consider including a shaver socket and towel bar to maximize functionality.

Painting

A remodeling project differs from a renovation in that it involves changing only what is already there. It may include replacing the bathtub with a shower, for example. It also includes cosmetic changes like a new vanity, sink and countertop.

Remodeling often includes work such as installing new recessed lighting, running wire and updating or adjusting the plumbing. Depending on the scope of the project, some of these items may require a permit from your local building department. A contractor should know which permits you might need for your bathroom and can take care of them for you.

Bathroom walls usually require painting, especially if the original paint is old and scuffed up. It is important that your choice of paint is durable and moisture-resistant. Humidity, such as the steam from a shower, can cause moisture to penetrate and ruin the paint’s surface, which can result in unwanted texture, bubbling and peeling. Choose a satin or semi-gloss finish to avoid this issue.

It is also a good idea to consider your color choices carefully. The right colors can make a room feel bigger or smaller, more calm or energetic, depending on your preferences. There are many design options available for bathrooms, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different possibilities.

A bathroom renovation can be a daunting undertaking but it is important to plan ahead. Having a timeline in place will help ensure your bathroom is completed on schedule and within budget. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that all necessary steps have been taken to complete your project. You can then enjoy your finished bathroom with confidence. Whether you are interested in a major bathroom transformation or simply making minor cosmetic changes, our experienced team is here to help.

Author: Julie Taylor

Find the Perfect Shower Door Style for Your Bathroom Makeover