Author Archives: Britney Drake

Home Improvements – How To Grout Ceramic Tile

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groutGrout is the product used to complete the spaces between the ceramic tiles. Cement based grouts are most often used for residential installations. There are three general levels of grout.

UNSANDED: typically for walls – for maximum 1/8 inch joint that are widths
SANDED LEVEL: used for 1/8″ – 1/4″ inch joints
QUARRY LEVEL: uses coarser sand for joints in excess of 1/4 inch

The two levels that are sanded are somewhat more abrasive but are not considerably weaker and must be used for floorings.

Grout must not be used for at least 24 hours after the tiles have been placed. Clean the surface of all debris and protruding pieces of bonding substance.

The cement in grouting stuff is what makes it difficult and requires a reasonable time to fully harden. The hardness can be reduced if grout dries to fast. To enhance the ensuing grout dampen (not soak) the joints between the tiles and hour or so before applying the grout. This can be done with a moist rag, brush, sponge, spray bottle etc.

Mix the Grout:

Almost no mix is needed to equally mix the grout when combining dry powder grouts with water or a liquid grout additive. Enable moisture to dissipate simpler over mix can entrap air bubbles that might raise shrinkage and can influence the entire uniformity of colour. To reduce air bubbles add the liquid to the powder rather than the other way around. DON’T MAKE THE COMBINATION RUNNY! Combination to about the consistency of peanut butter. Let sit for about five minutes afterward softly remix. Using latex additive when the colour and surface hardness greatly enhances.

grout2Applying the Grout:

1. Apply the grout into the joints with a rubber-faced grouting float or trowel. To prevent internal emptiness package the grout into the joints. After the joints are complete, use the float to level off the grout joints and to squeegee the excess grout off the surface of the tile.

2. Let grout dry for about a quarter hour. Using a spray bottle spray on a misting of water on the whole surface. Instantly use the float trowel and repeat the procedure that is squeegee smooth out grout joints and to remove surface grout.

3. Let the grout sit about half an hour, then use a moist (not wet) sponge and lightly wipe surface of the tile. Don’t use a circular movement with the sponge, use angled strokes so as to not disturb the grout lines.

4. When the grout is difficult and not subject to damage fine dust deposits can easily be removed with a clean dry material the subsequent day. Let a minimum 12 hours to harden before additional washing or in the instance of the floorings walking them.

5. All cement should be sealed to keep their look and reduce cleaning issues. Grout must be permitted before applying a sealer to cure for a minimum of one week.

It is Only That Simple!

A Guide to Popular Architectural Styles for New Homes

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archiConstruction of new houses is the dream of a contractor. By doing a little homework the future homeowners can ease that dream. Understanding all the amenities and features is always the simple part, but choosing a particular architectural style can actually help. Here is a guide to some popular selections.

Bungalow

This design is usually a little, 1 or 1-1/2 story construction. It’s very efficient to construct, which is perfect among new houses for couples. The bungalow became popular in the early 1900s, especially in California, in America. It’s a low pitched roof, wide eaves, and a big front porch.

Colonial

This popular design inspired during the 1700s. It’s 2 or 3 stories and constructed from brick or wood. The front door entry highlighted and is generally focused. Many strategies contain columned porticoes, and the common characteristic among them is the multi-pane, double-hung windows with shutters.

Mediterranean

As the layouts are fairly much like each other, the Mediterranean design is occasionally called Spanish Colonial Revival. The outside consists of plaster or stucco, and it’s shallow, red tile roofs. The windows and doors are frequently arched. Elaborate wrought iron grillwork is another characteristic that was common, and the effects on the construction come from Southwestern, Moroccan, Tuscan, Spanish, and Italian villa versions.

Tudor (also called Medieval Revival or Tudor Revival)

This design usually has tall, narrow windows with small panes. In addition, it has a steeply pitched roof. The siding is brick or stucco. The chimney is typically outsized with rocks that are patterned. These residences are reminiscent of medieval English cottages and manor houses. The doors are half-round or arched with ornamental hardware, and these constructions typically have 1-1/2 to 2 stories.

archi 2Victorian

These constructions represent the style of architecture during the reign of Queen Victoria. Nonetheless, what most consider Victorian didn’t become popular until after the 19th century. These buildings come in all shapes and sizes, full of detail, and are romantic. They frequently have pitched patterned shingles, roofs, bay windows, and a front porch.

New American

This design emerged during the prosperous years in the late 20th century. These houses are huge, constructions that are asymmetrical, and this selection will be loved by homeowners seeking big loads. The outside is constructed from flagstone, brick, stucco, or a mixture of all three. It features changing roof lines and oversize windows.

These fashions are only a sampling of what contractors can do for new houses, so research architecture kinds completely to pick the one whose layout best suits your lifestyle.