How to Seal a Marble Floor Before Installing a Toilet

It’s necessary to seal a marble bath floor before installing a new toilet to protect the marble in case of spills or water leaks during the installation process. A marble bath floor that is sealed also makes it easier to maintain cleanliness as it prevents the porous surface of the marble from providing a place for bacteria to grow and absorbing fluid.

Remove from the bathroom floor so you can work unimpeded.

Vacuum the floor with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and any debris.

Clean the floor with a spray cleaner specially formulated for marble. Apply the cleaner and wipe dry with a cleaning rag. Repeat the process has been cleaned.

Pour of sealer onto the ground in an location that is inconspicuous. Spread it out with a clean cloth before wiping off the excess and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.

Inspect the test area carefully to guarantee the marble has not yet been stained in any way. Treat the floor in precisely the same manner if you are content with the outcomes.

Pour on a quantity of sealer and spread it out in an even coating. Let it set for about 15 minutes, then wipe away the excess with a fabric.

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The Way to Boost Lavender Orchid Vine Plant

The lavender orchid vine (Mascagnia lilacina), sometimes called blue orchid vine, has vibrant green leaves and small lavender blossoms. This plant will grow to 20 feet tall and is hardy. Lavender orchid vine will attach itself to any climbing structure, such as trellis or a fence. It may also be increased as a attractive and thick ground cover and is easily pruned to a tree.

Location

As they immediately supply flowers at eye level vines are practical, especially in gardens. Lavender orchid vines are climbing, with a propensity to crawl on walls many surfaces, or across the ground. As a ground cover, lavender orchid vine is quick to propagate and may need to be contained to one place with pruning. This blossom can decorate light articles and is excellent for trellises. Since the plant develops, loop it.

Planting Tips

A vine that’s indigenous to Mexico, lavender orchid vine prefers full sun, but can be grown in partial sun as well, according to the publication”Low Water-Use Plants,” by landscape architect Carol Shuler. It recovers quickly by damage, according to Shuler. It thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8b through 11. You use a plant start, or can develop a lavender vine plant from seed. Dig a planting hole the identical depth and approximately 2-3 inches wider than this plant’s roots; or plant seeds. Moisten the soil down to the roots.

Watering

The vine plant is drought tolerant, but may be ruined by over watering. Water per week gently — unless the weather was wet. Skip the normal watering if it’s been raining. When the top inch of soil feels dry at the bottom of the plant, light watering is required by the vine, according to Shuler.

Pruning

Flowers are produced by the vine followed by unusualseed pods. Wear gloves when pruning as the leaves has small hairs which may irritate skin. Clip out any dead or damaged parts of the vine. Deadhead and compost old blooms. In late summer, when blooming is complete, prune the vine to restrain its shape and size.

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The Way to Cultivate Meyer Lemon Trees

Hardy Meyer lemon trees thrive in sun and soil, making a golden fruit which is sweeter than other varieties of lemon. Their deep green foliage and blossoms make them an ideal choice for landscaping, that explains why they rank among the most popular trees. Meyers require minimal care in mild climates, yet create an abundance of fruit ideal for making old-fashioned lemonade, main dishes and your favourite sour desserts.

After harvesting all or most of the fruit prune your Meyer lemon trees. they are smaller in addition to on the bottom shape the trees, and remove. This allows maximum sun through to the denser lower branches. Remove, as well as those who could be diseased or too weak to maintain fruit. To keep the health of the trees, then remove the green shoots that sprout from the back. Known as suckers, they absorb essential nutrients and, if permitted to grow, decrease fruit production that is optimal.

Fertilize your trees in winter, summer and autumn. With a citrus fertilizer containing nitrogen, each season employ one-third of the entire nitrogen. Trees younger than 3 years old need about two tablespoons of nitrogen, whereas older trees ought to consume one to 3 pounds of nitrogen yearly, based on their dimensions. Every few years, employ a pound of phosphate to the soil’s top inch, avoiding contact with the leaves. By mixing it into the top inch of soil under the trees manure mulch is an alternative to fertilizer and may be implemented. Water deeply after fertilization.

Water young trees frequently in warm weather, two to three times every week, per week and warm water older trees once. Avoid creating soil although saturate the main ball. No watering is essential through a spell; after two months of no precipitation, start watering . Add 3 inches of mulch around your trees to help shallow roots keep moisture. Putting gravel or pebbles on top of the mulch can help reflect light toward the foliage and encourage.

An insecticidal soap or a homemade mix of detergent and water if you see the effects of pests, which may include whiteflies, scale, aphids or spider mites. Spray the soap right on the infestation, coating each side of the leaf. In which aphids may be concealing, pay special attention to curled leaves. Wash off the product in just two hours to avoid damaging the leaves when using a home made mix, as certain soaps can be hazardous to plant development. The soap every few days — preferably at the coolest aspect of the afternoon to postpone drying — until the pest is eradicated.

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How to Fix Broken Grout on Tile Floors

Installed grout and tile should permit for the normal expansion and contraction of vinyl floors; however, even minor earthquake tremors may cause the grout. When the grout cracks for any reason, it is time before there is any harm to the flooring to fix broken grout. While grout may crack from wear and tear, an irregular or weak subfloor might be causing the issue. Ask an engineer to check into the underlying cause of the issue, if you need to fix grout numerous times on any one floor.

Measure the width of the grout lines in your tile flooring. If the traces are significantly less than one-eighth of an inch, then you need latex grout. Sanded grout is wider than one-eighth of an inch needed by grout lines. The exception of this is marble vinyl flooring. Sanded grout scrapes the surface.

Eliminate of this broken grout to carry to home improvement store or the tile. Match grout to the sample. You might be able to use less or more water as you mix the grout to get an specific match on the grout color, but doing this might affect the quality of the feel along with its integrity of the grout.

Mix 1 part white vinegar 1 part water. Wash out the area of grout using the vinegar mix.

Cut the damaged grout with a grout saw. Add the blade of the saw, which resembles around or a screwdriver handle into the joint together with the grout, using a saw on the end. Move the saw back and forth along the joint to cut the grout. Because you move the saw along the joint if the grout is difficult to eliminate, apply more pressure viewed. Take care to not damage the tiles.

Wipe a paper towel on the line that is grout to wash it out. Remove any extra water puddled from the grout lines. Leave the tile’s sides moist to help the grout bind.

Follow package directions for adding the correct quantity of water to the grout you selected. Pre-mixed grout gets the appropriate proportions of Portland cement, and sand, if needed. Add water to the grout at a mixing jar. When it is the appropriate consistency, the grout should hold together in a ball. Push the grout to the joint using a grout float. Smooth the joint together with the end of a craft stick.

Wipe the surface of the tiles using a clean, damp sponge. Rinse the sponge regularly to avoid grout . Allow the grout to dry following manufacturer’s recommendations. Temperature and humidity may affect drying times.

Wash the surface of the tiles thoroughly with a soft fabric. Combine 1 part white vinegar 1 part water, if the fabric does not eliminate the haze. Wipe this mix over the tile using a sponge. Wipe it dry using the fabric.

Employ a grout sealer with a small paintbrush following manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the grout sealer.

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Grants for Green Home Improvements

Green home improvements offer you an assortment of benefits to homeowners in addition. An energy-efficient home reduces spending and might make the home more attractive to prospective buyers, according to”U.S. News and World Report.” The federal government has initiated many different tax incentives and grants for green home improvements, as have state organizations and local energy firms. Funding for green home improvements is very likely to last, as energy-efficient technology and products continue to emerge.

Energy Star

Energy Star, a program supplies home improvement grants in the form of a tax credit. Consumers who purchase appliances receive a tax credit of 30 percent of the overall cost. Consumers who install solar power systems, small wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps or fuel cell systems receive 30 percent of the overall cost, with no limitation on the return. Although grants for new utilities like biomass stoves, heating and air-conditioning units, insulation, roof, doors, windows and water heaters die in December 2010, additional programs continue till 2016.

California Energy Commission

California residents are entitled to receive home improvement financing from the California Energy Commission’s Emerging Renewables Program. The grants are especially geared toward solar power, and provide financing for installation of wind or fuel cell electricity systems. The grants are available to consumers, as well as colleges properties and companies. For fuel cell systems, consumers receive a $3 rebate per watt. For solar wind systems, consumers receive a $3% rebate before April 6, 2011, at which point the rebate declines to $2.50 per watt. For solar wind systems that exceed 10 kilowatts, consumers receive a $1.50 per watt .

Southern California Gas Company

The Southern California Gas Company delivers green home improvement rebates to homeowners who upgrade home appliances with energy-efficient products. Qualifying products include dryers and dishwashers, low-flow showerheads, insulation, furnaces and water heaters. Grant amounts vary by product, ranging from $15 to get an energy-efficient showerhead to $200 to get a new furnace. All appliances must meet with the qualifications of the Energy Star program. Southern California Gas Company also supplies improvement programs for low-income renters and homeowners under the Direct Assistance Program.

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Bungalow vs. Ranch House

Ranch houses and bungalows are classic residential home designs that may be found all over america. While the ranch home dates into the post-World War II suburban building boom, the bungalow has a marginally more ancestry, having won widespread popularity from the early 20th century. Both styles have convenient although quite different attributes; both are undergoing a revival in the early 21st century.

Bungalow History

Bungalow homes were derived from south Asian houses: little, single-story detached homes with verandahs and gardens. After arriving in the United States, the bungalow became the dominant residential housing style for several decades, starting around 1900. The very first American bungalows were constructed from the Northeast; out of there the style spread into the rest of the country.

Ranch Homes

Ranch homes took their form from several sources, such as Spanish haciendas of the Southwest and the Prairie Style houses designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The first ranch homes were constructed in the 1930s in California; the style took off in the 1950s, when a building boom took place in suburban tracts across big American cities.

Bungalow Design

Bungalows have a squarish layout and are usually built in one story, often with a single upper area or attic under a gently pitched roof. On the ground floor a major living area with small windows overlooks the arrangement, with sleeping rooms leading off from the room plus a kitchen area at the back of the home. Bungalows make efficient use of interior space, with little closets and built-in closets and shelves. They also manage more privacy, as the home can easily be kept out of view from fences and hedges.

Ranch Style

Ranch homes, also called”ramblers,” often cover more room with a rectangular, elongated floor plan. Long halls and bedrooms are put some space from the living area; the ceilings are normally higher and the windows are larger and more numerous than those of bungalows. Many ranch houses have attached garages integrated into the layout; some also have vaulted ceilings and sliding-glass doors resulting in three-season or all-weather patios. Ranch homes tend to have more spacious yards and other environment, since they were constructed in suburban areas with larger lots than were available in towns.

Factors

Ranch houses provide more interior space, more light and more convenience for big families than bungalows. Since they are sited away from more expensive lots and real estate taxes of central cities, they also tend to be cheaper for first-time home buyers. Bungalows are easier to care for, more streamlined and more private; these features make them perfect for singles, young couples without children and retirees.

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Mexican House Decor

The Mexican or southwestern look, once restricted to areas of the western United States where Mexican influence was strong, has been taking hold in private homes around the nation. Many new real-estate developments are embracing Mexican or Spanish colonial construction design, while decorators are favoring the bold colors and down-to-earth furnishings of the visually appealing style. The classic Mexican house gifts a mélange of Native American and European colonial traditions, with an emphasis on handmade items, natural substances and earthy colour tones.

Construction

Mexican homes adapt a warm and dry climate with high ceilings which allow cool air to circulate, stone walls and floors, and open doors. Haciendas, or country homes, are often assembled around patios, walkways and verandas which are open to sunlight and the weather. Whitewashed stucco exteriors, wrought-iron balconies and fittings, and clay roof tiles along with other hallmarks of Mexican architecture, which has long enjoyed popular acceptance in Southern California’s real estate market.

Interior Walls and Floors

For the inside, the preferred colors are subdued natural tones like beige, burnt sienna, dark orange, brown and earthy red. Floors are brick, clay tile or stone, with minimal. The conventional ceiling of a hacienda exhibits exposed wood beams combined by whitewashed plaster. Heavy wooden doors and tall, vertical window casements are typical elements drawn from colonial style.

Furnishings

Spanish colonial insides were often yummy, but placed fancy furniture including wardrobes, desks, chairs and bookcases which were tough and heavy enough to tolerate long journeys across the seas and over rough trails. To soften the look, suede or leather upholstery on sofas and other furniture is ideal. The dark tones could be set off with silver candlesticks and brightly tinted tabletop bric-a-bac and wall decorations.

Accents

For colors like rugs and pillows, bright colors like red, yellow and orange in bold geometric designs offer contrast to the flooring and walls. Woven throws and blankets are ordinary items decorating massive chairs and sofas, while painted pottery could be installed in areas and corners with less traffic. Tropical plants, cacti and desert blossoms also work in a Mexican-style home, as do drying herbs, garlic and peppers in kitchens and dining areas.

Arts and Crafts

The walls and walls of Mexican homes tend to be spare and open, but the Mexican craft convention gives an endless source of material and art for show. Bark paintings, woven baskets, clay masks, serapes, light sconces, wrought-iron chandeliers, gilt or silver mirror frames and statuary can all relieve the right lines and bare surfaces.

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About the Title 24 California Building Code

California’s Construction regulations and standards are Included within Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, or CCR, Printed by the California Building Standards Commission. These are regulations passed by California agencies charged with enforcing the nation’s various laws and requirements for builders and real estate owners. Title 24 contains all regulations for the buildings are designed and constructed, and are supposed to make sure the maximum structural integrity and safety of public and private buildings.

Enforcement

Title 24 building standards are enforced by municipal and county inspectors and regulators. These things may pass stricter criteria of their particular, and many do in consideration of their specific location, geography, climate and exposure to natural disasters like mudslides, drought, forest fires and earthquakes. These more restrictive criteria have to be reviewed with the California Building Standards Commission before they could go into effect.

Application

Title 24 standards apply to the construction of buildings as well as their mechanical systems like heating, venting and air conditioning. The construction of pipes, electrical systems and fire-suppression systems all are controlled by Title 24. With more restrictive use of energy and concern for discharge of greenhouse gases by the state, Title 24 has been enlarged to include energy conservation, like the use of CFL light bulbs, that are now required in all state government offices, as well as emissions of environmental pollutants by building systems. The regulations are included within Section 11.

Access

Accessibility is also the subject of Title 24 standards. Wheelchair accessibility to public buildings comes beneath a set of quite specific regulations, and buildings using a minimum number of home or rental units, such as new condominium and office buildings, are also subject to access criteria.

Model Standards

Many of Title 24’s components are closely modeled on federal standards. Part 3, the California Electric Code, is largely equal to the 2005 National Electric Code. There are comparable modeled criteria for the Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code and Fire Code. These model codes are amended by the state to conform to state law and conditions unique to California.

Additional CCR Regulations and Review

Title 24 includes Part 8, the Historical Building Code, which governs alterations or improvements to buildings designated as historic by the state. Part 10 is the present Buildings Code, which controls all work done on buildings that predate the current building standards. The California Code of Regulations also includes special building regulations within additional names, including Title 8 (for lift structure ), Title 19 (such as fire-suppression equipment), Title 21 (for architectural criteria ) and Title 25 (for public housing). Builders needing to ensure compliance with all the standards will usually authorize a”Title 24 Report” from a supplier, who will examine building systems and design to make sure they obey the regulations.

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Cabin & Lodge Home Decor

Lodge-style homes or cabins provide an escape from existence in urban centers. Stunning wilderness areas are within driving distance from California cities like San Francisco. Rustic retreats can seem true but still be comfortable. When the economy is strong, homeowners may consider buying a cottage or lodge for vacations and family retreats. Decorating the house to allow it to be inviting and warm helps ensure its value in the event it ever goes back on the market.

History

Cabins and lodges are traditionally wood-frame structures that may have electricity, running water and insulating material –or none of these features. Old hunting lodges built in the foothills of Southern California in the 1890s until the 1920s served as weekend getaways for businessmen and film celebrities. Some cabins survive now –transformed into permanent residences and surrounded by encroaching urbanization. Fishing or hunting lodges, once distinctive retreats for wealthy financiers, today cater to tourists and weekend adventurers.

Function

Cabins and lodges provide comfortable living spaces that help people unwind and revel in their stay. Cabins protect people from the components –heavy rain can spoil camping trips. Having a cozy place to rest after a strenuous day spent hiking or kayaking is important. Some rustic cabins are for spring, summer and fall use only. Insulated ski lodge-type dwellings provide year-round accessibility.

Materials

Organic materials like wood and stone work well in cabins and lodge homes. Choosing the type of wood or rock commonly found in the vicinity helps tie a house into the site. Materials often used in cabins include rough-hewn logs fashioned into furniture, and birch bark and branches used for signs and decorations. Pinecones are plentiful in pine forest settings and look proper piled in baskets or lined up on mantelpieces.

Characteristics

Small cabins might just have a living space, one separate sleeping area and a bath. More luxurious dwellings sometimes feature natural-stone bedrooms along with a number of bedrooms. Kitchens opening up onto a living area make spaces seem more open. Some cabins feature post and beam construction, which allows for an open-concept design–walls aren’t structural and can be transferred. Sturdy cloths and functional objects make the space comfortable without looking overdesigned. Topographic maps placed in pine frames allow vacationers plan drops out of the comfort of the living room. Materials like cotton or wool duck in solids, plaids or patterns, including plants or animals, work well on drapes and sofas. Straightforward table or floor lamps fashioned from dark iron are all suitable in cabins and lodge-style decor. Mellowing electric light bulbs by adding mica colors creates a space cozier at night. Lodge blankets featuring Native American Western or designs themes decorate sofas and seats and help ward off chills on winter evenings. Rustic wall decorations, including reproductions of old lodge signs and travel memorabilia appear on many different retail websites.

Misconceptions

Renting a cottage or lodge home does not need to be done at one time. Cabins are as much about building memories as about design brand new furnishings. A household can enjoy vacations on mismatched sofas and chairs as easily as on a perfectly matched pair. Comfort is important however, as is functionality. Vintage stoves add diverse appeal to rustic kitchens–as long as they work well. Secondhand iron beds or cots fit in visually, but check out the springs to be certain they are not worn out.

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