Mr Rooter Plumbing Weekend Home How To: 12 Tips To Install A Shower Door

Here is 12 tips on how you can install shower curtain:

Mr Rooter Tip Of The Day: Some bypass doors are designed for shower enclosures, while others are designed for bathtub enclosures.Instructions for installing a shower door for both types of enclosures are similar.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PRWEB) January 31, 2013

One of those great weekend projects, especially when tired of grappling with a shower curtain, is to step up to a shower door. There are a wide variety of units available at your local home improvement store and installing a shower door is something the homeowner with basic skills can do on a weekend

“Options include finish (chrome and brass are common), along with glass type: clear, opaque, and patterned,” says Bob Beall, master plumber and owner of Mr Rooter Pittsburgh, Youngstown and in March 2013, an expansion into Dayton Ohio and surrounding areas.

“Although models vary from one manufacturer to the next, most sliding doors (often called bypass doors) consist of six main parts: a top and bottom track, a pair of side channels, and two doors,” says Mr Rooter, the most referred plumbing and drain specialist in the world.

“The doors are suspended from, and slide along, the top track that bridges the side channels,” says Beall. Side channels fit into the bottom track and when caulked, create a watertight seal around the perimeter. Channels in the bottom track keep the doors from hitting each other as they’re slid from side to side. One or more towel racks may attach to the doors.

BONUS TIP: “Most door kits are designed to accommodate a range of shower sizes – make sure to have your shower measurements in hand when shopping for one,” says Beall.
Tip #1 Measure and cut the bottom track. Measure the width of the shower receptor. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to cut the track to length if necessary (usually it’s cut narrower than the opening to allow the side channels to slip over its ends).
Tip #2 Locate the bottom track. Once the track is cut to length, position it on the ledge of the shower receptor so there’s an even gap at both ends and so the track is centered on the width of the receptor’s ledge. Use masking tape to temporarily hold it in place.

Tip #3 Mark the side channels. Since the side channels support the top track and therefore the weight of the doors, it’s important that they be firmly secured to the walls. In most situations they won’t align with wall studs. That means you’ll need to secure them with hollow wall anchors. Use a level to plumb each side channel and mark the mounting hole locations onto the walls.

Tip #4 Drill holes for the channel fasteners. Drill appropriate-sized holes in the side panels for your hollow anchors (usually enclosed with your shower door kit).

Tip #5 Install the side channel fasteners. Once the anchor holes are drilled in the side panels, insert the hollow wall fasteners. Take care to tap these in place gently to keep from damaging the side panels.
TRADE SECRET: If the walls of your shower are tiled, you will need a glass bit or tile bit to drill through the tile. Glass or tile bits are designed just for “drilling” (actually grinding) through tile and glass. They use a diamond-pointed or a tungsten-carbide tip to grind their way through the glass. You can find glass and tile bits at hardware stores and home centers. When using one, apply constant and steady pressure; if you see visible chips, you’re not pressing hard or steadily enough.
Tip #6 Install the bottom track. Before you install the side channels the bottom track needs to be removed, caulked, and replaced. Apply beads of silicone as directed and set the track in place. Some instructions will advise using masking or duct tape to hold the track in place until the silicone sets up.
Tip #7 Secure the side channels. Now you can reposition each of the side channels and secure them to the wall using the screws provided with the hollow wall anchors. IMPORTANT NOTE: It’s a good idea to use a level to check for plumb as you do this and to adjust the position of the side channel(s) as needed.

Tip #8 Install the top track. With the side channels in place, you can attach the top track, cutting it if necessary to fit. IMPORTANT NOTE: As the top track usually fits over the side channels, it’s cut longer than the bottom track. Set the track in place over the side channels, and secure it to the side channels if screws are provided for this. On some door kits, the weight of the doors is all that’s required to hold the top track in place.

Tip #9 Attach the door rollers. Now you can install the doors. You’ll probably first have to attach the rollers to the top flanges of each door. Take care to follow the directions, as the rollers are often installed differently on each door.

Tip #10 Install the door panels. When the rollers are in place, grip a door firmly on the sides with both hands and lift it up into a channel in the top track so the rollers slip in place. Then pivot the door in so the bottom rests in the corresponding channel in the bottom track. Repeat for the other door. If towel racks are supplied, attach them now.

Tip #11 Final caulking step. All that’s left is to follow the manufacturer’s directions on applying caulk to create a water-tight seal between the side channels and bottom track and the shower enclosure. Maje sure to use 100% silicone for this: It will hold up the best over time.

Tip #12 Silicone drying time. It would probably be a good idea to give the caulking 24 hours to provide the best job. Although it isn’t absolutely necessary – it is highly recommended. Silicone will remain pliable, but can be safely cleaned even with bleach and it will not dissolve. Clear is never, fully clear – check your local home improvement store, perhaps you can match the color to tile or tub – white is always a clean look. Try not apply more caulking than necessary and keep a clean damp cloth (acetone), available for fingertips and drips onto bathtub or floor. Wipe immediately and wear old clothes.

Source: Yahoo! / http://news.yahoo.com/mr-rooter-plumbing-weekend-home-12-tips-install-083438995.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CSLagpRc0sAMdDQtDMD

Home Decor Can Either Ruin Or Save Your Marriage, Apparently

This is an article I came across on the internet that talks about home decor as a tool in saving your marriage. Here is the full story:

We've seen home decor do a lot of things for people. It can relax you, make you happy and even have an effect on your self-image. But can it save your marriage? According to Lauren Mechling of the Wall Street Journal, perhaps it can.
In a recent article, Mechling speaks of the problems that often arise in a marriage when furnishings of both partners are combined during cohabiting. She says rooms become designated as "his" and "hers" and pieces of furniture start to become known as "yours" and "mine" with a wedge being driven between the two -- if there can't be a compromise.
And according to Jay Lebow, a professor of psychology and a marital therapist and researcher at the Family Institute at Northwestern University in Chicago, it's things like fighting over lamps and rugs that can make one person feel less adequate, especially if it involves one moving into another's home. "The person who was living there all along feels hurt every time something is moved or changed. And the person who moved in feels like they've lost their voice," he told the newspaper.
But Mechling says that doesn't have to be the way. With books like "Luxurious Minimalism" by photographer Fritz von der Schulenburg and writer Karen Howes, newlyweds can find ways to combine their two styles and compromised. The designs in the book, Mechling writes, "reflect a certain ideal—one maintained by a couple who, while equally strong-willed, have learned to make room for each other's visual style."
Of course, you can never really tell. For instance, Machling spoke with author Jackie Collins, who, after two failed marriages, refuses to share a space with a man for fear of losing her glamourous, art deco style. "I don't think I ever could do it again. I have very distinctive tastes and I'm not going to concede to anybody," she said.
Head over the the Wall Street Journal to read the full article, and comment to weigh in: Can a relationship be affected by one's furnishings?

Source: HuffingtonPost / http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/26/home-decor-ruin-save-marriage_n_2558978.html

Savory Kitchen Decorating Ideas

Are you having a hard time thinking of what and how will you decorate your kitchen? It is said that kitchen is the soul of your home, the place where meals are prepared and conversations start, so it is so important that you decorate the place with a relaxing ambiance.

Here is the whole article:

The Kitchen Zones: Separating Areas in Your Kitchen

Think of your kitchen as home base. It's where your family gathers for meals, but it's also the same room where you store pots and pans, spices and other kitchen gadgets. Follow these "zoning rules" and your kitchen will be as stylish as it is functional.

Zone #1: Food Preparation

When you're chopping vegetables and fruits or rolling out dough for your piecrust, you need space! And nothing provides that space like our kitchen carts. With our kitchen carts you can prepare food, store spices, organize your pots and hang your dishtowel. Think of them as the perfect sous chef.

Zone #2: A Place to Dine

In today's world there are two different kinds of dining experiences. One is hurried and more casual, while the other promotes conversation and sitting down for a meal. Home Decorators Collection offers kitchen and dining room furniture for both of these situations.

Pull up one of our attractive counter stools at your kitchen counter area or enjoy a formal dinner with our beautiful dining sets. Whether you're taking a coffee break or hosting a dinner party, we have the furniture that you're looking for.

Zone #3: Storage

Every kitchen has one common thread: the need for ample storage. Kitchen furniture like our baker's racks, sideboards and hutches can help simplify your life. We even offer bar carts with wine storage.

Kitchen and dining room furniture like our lowboys make great service areas for parties. They also serve as storage areas for tablecloths and linens. If you spend time canning food for preservation, consider a cupboard for storage.

Choose Kitchen Lighting That Works for You

Lighting can be stylish as well as functional! And when you browse our lighting selection for your kitchen, you'll see what we mean.

Fluorescent lighting can make your kitchen appear cold. Instead, go for lighting that creates an inviting ambience. A beautiful Tiffany-style chandelier will instantly dress up your dining area. Or if you prefer a contemporary look, try one of our bold mini-pendant lights over your kitchen island. At Home Decorators Collection, you'll find the style you're looking for at the price you want.

Great Kitchen Decorating Ideas Come in Small Packages

So you'd like to change the look of your kitchen, but you don't have a big budget? Not to worry! Shop our kitchen decor to take your kitchen to the next level.

From tablecloths to chair slipcovers, you can create a whole new look. Smart ideas like our tabletop lazy Susans make your kitchen more functional. Remember that enhancing your kitchen doesn't mean breaking the bank. With a little planning ahead and the help of our kitchen decorating ideas, you can design your dream kitchen.

Source: Home Decorators /  http://www.homedecorators.com/Decorating_Ideas/Room_Planning/158/

Daily Delight: Upscale Gym

Do you want to workout in a gym that looks like a bar or a hotel? Why of course! That would be great right?! Great music, lightning, and ambiance will absolutely motivate you as you are on your way into losing weight.

Read:

This may look like a swanky hotel lobby, but it’s actually a gym (really!). The David Barton Gym makes working out seem like you’re at one of the hottest nightclubs in town instead of at a smelly gym. Who wouldn’t want to take a break on these sofas between reps?

SEE ALSO: Home Gyms in Any Space

Known as the guy who made workouts cool, David’s goal was to get members’ hearts racing before they even step on a treadmill with motivating music, lighting and flashy interior design.

What motivates you to work out?

Source: HGTV / http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2013/01/25/daily-delight-upscale-gym/ 

10 Things Home Buyers Hate About Your Home

If you are trying to sell your house, better read this article I found in the internet and see if these problems are present in your house.


You’re in the market for a new home, whether you need more space or less, you must first sell your present residence. One might think that the slow housing marking would potentially have buyers pounding at your door, but this is not necessarily the case. Prices are steady at the moment and seem not to be plummeting any further. This is good for a buyer and can be good for you, however, home buyers are smarter and leerier these days. They are less apt to make hasty decisions and less apt to buy out of their range, which is partially what contributed to the great housing market collapse. Houses are selling these days, but how quickly they sell is really up to you, the seller, and your agent. The houses that move are those that are priced well. Today’s buyer is savvy and has done his research. Buyers also want a turn-key home that is immediately ready for them to move in and unpack. What they don’t want are…

1. Bad Smells

Nothing is more of a turn-off than walking into a house that has a smell. Before you sell your home walk through with a friend, a Realtor, or someone you can rely on to give you an unbiased opinion. You will want to get rid of the source of any bad odor as soon as possible. Pets are big culprits, especially cats. If you have a cat, kitty litters need to be cleaned as often as possible and kept, if possible, in a remote or out of sight location. Wall to wall carpeting can harbor bad smells as well, especially if pets are present in the home. Clean all carpets professionally prior to listing your home. If you have a fan above your stove get in the habit of using it regularly to keep from cooking foods with particularly strong odors, such as fish, the evening before an open house or a showing. If your basement smells dank and musty consider purchasing a dehumidifier to clear the air of moisture and odors. If you can pop some chocolate chip cookies in the oven, or maybe an apple pie now that it’s fall. While some smells are offensive to home buyers, some are very inviting!

2. Dirty house, especially bathrooms and kitchens

Having a house on the market is tough and hard work, especially when you have young children at home. If you don’t have time to clean your house daily, and really, nobody does, concentrate on your kitchen and bathrooms. Make sure floors are vacuumed and devoid of spills, crumbs and dirt. Make sure counters are wiped clean and that there are no dirty dishes in the sink. Don’t hide them in the oven for a quick remedy, house buyers are nosy and will look in your oven and any drawer or cabinet that can be opened! Keep a set of clean, dry towels on hand for the kitchen and bathroom for showing purposes.

3. Messy house

This is really an extension of the last point.  The average home buyer has a hard time looking past your clutter and mess. Simple, easy tasks, can make all the difference. If you have children you know that clutter happens. I am a huge fan of wicker baskets. They are inexpensive, efficient and look nice in your home. Invest in a few wicker baskets  as a quick way to stash toys when you don’t have time for an overhaul. Laundry is perhaps the hardest thing to keep on top of and is the most time consuming. If you don’t have time to wash, fold and put away your laundry on a daily basis, pick up a couple more wicker baskets to stow away clean, folded laundry so it doesn’t look like an eyesore. In the kitchen and in the bathroom clear away bottles and containers. Bowls of fresh fruit and vases or pitchers of fresh flowers not only look pretty but often make a room smell lovely.

4. Poorly lit rooms

No one wants to enter a dark house, especially someone who wants to buy your home. If a house is too poorly lit they may tend to wonder what you are trying to hide. Replace dim or burnt out light bulbs with high efficiency, bright bulbs to brighten up your space. If need be, pick up a few stylish lamps that will not only brighten your home but can add to your home decor. If you have big windows, take advantage of them. Make sure they are clean and make sure that drapes and curtains are not blocking the natural sunlight.  When it comes to selling your room, lighting really can be everything.

5. Loud Walls and Busy Wallpaper

Shhhhhh!! Most likely the person who ends up buying your home will not have the same taste and style you do. They say one decorates their home for living, and one should re-decorate their home for selling. When you sell your home, you must remove yourself and your history from the overall picture. A home buyer wants to be able to envision him or herself in your home, not wonder about you, your lifestyle and your family. You don’t want to distract from the task at hand which is to sell your home. Tone down those bright and cheery colors and save them for your next home. Instead, use softer, more neutral tones like creams and off-whites that can make spaces like lighter, airier and brighter. If your home is covered in brightly patterned wallpaper you ought to give serious consideration to removing that as well. Potential buyers may be deterred by the paper knowing what a colossal  a nuisance it is to remove it.

6. Unkempt yards, untrimmed bushes

Nothing is more unwelcoming than pulling up to a potentially Haunted House! Make sure your yard is well mowed, all bushes and hedges are trimmed. If you can add or fix up your landscaping with fresh or potted plants. The outside of your home is the first thing that will be seen. Let it be a great reflection of you and a great indication of what’s yet to be seen on the inside.

7. Wall to wall carpeting

If you can, please remove them. These days home buyers are looking for hardwood floors throughout. Even if they aren’t in the best of shape, hardwood floors are much more appealing than wall to wall carpeting. If you can’t rip out the wall to wall, please have it professionally steam cleaned.

8. Neglected entryways

This is the first room everyone sees as soon as they pass through the front door. This is your greeting card. Let it be warm, friendly and welcoming. A simple bouquet of flowers, it need not necessarily be elaborate, makes a lovely statement. Clear out closets, and make sure that stray shoes and other items are neatly put away.

9. Your pets

May people are allergic. Many children are scared. Please keep your pets away from your home whenever possible.

10. You!

I’m sure you are lovely and you know your home like no one else, but a potential home buyer simply does not want you there, or anywhere nearby. If you remain at home they won’t stay, they won’t linger and they won’t take their time to look around to get a proper look and feel. You will not be doing yourself any favors by remaining at home. Leave the selling to your Realtor, that’s why, after all, you’ve hired him (or her!)   

Source: BobVila / http://www.bobvila.com/nation/post/10-things-home-buyers-hate-about-your-home

Things to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

I came across an article on how you could get or hire a roofing contractor which gives 100% of their time and service in order to sustain or exceed the need of their costumers.

"While most contractors are responsible professionals, everyone has heard horror stories of disappearing work crews, ballooning costs, and missed delines. To make sure that you choose the right professional to fix your roof, ask these questions before signing a contract.

As an architect it always surprises me how little people know about their roofing contractor. You should always check with the appropriate boards and companies to make sure that your roofing contractor is licensed and insured before hiring anyone.

A good roofing contractor will hand over his or her license number and insurance information for anyone that asks. When you call to make sure that he is licensed, be sure that your contractor is an actual a roofing contractor. Most are registered with the State Board of Roofing Contractors.
When calling the insurance carrier, verify that the account is in good standing and the contractor has not only liability insurance, but worker's compensation insurance as well. It's a good idea to mention that you will be calling to check on this, most will see it as a sign of professionalism, not distrust.
Be sure to spell out the exact terms of your agreement before any work takes place. Ask if the roofing contractor will provide a written warranty of the work he completes. If the product he is installing has a warranty, find out if he will honor the manufacturers warranty as well if there is a problem. If he will, make sure that is explicitly stated in the warranty.

A roofing contractor should also always provide a written contract. Do not settle for a verbal agreement under any circumstances. Some companies may want a deposit. 20 percent is a reasonable deposit, but many contractors no longer require one if they are well established. Be sure that you never pay cash.

Ask about the process the work crew will use to repair your roof. Make sure that the crew will not remove more of the roof than can be replaced in a single day. There should also be enough tarps to cover the roof in case of rain on site in case of bad weather.

Also ask about possibilities that might occur during the repair. If the roofing contractor finds rotting wood, what will that cost to replace. Get the estimate in writing; unscrupulous businessman will wait until the roof is off before telling you about wood replacement costs.

Verify that the contractor will replace the vent flanges and flashing, not just reuse the old materials. Often these should be replaced, even if you believe them to be sound. If this is anything other than a minor repair, insist that new flashing be used.

A roofing contractor should also include in the bid the cost for removing debris from the project. This includes scraps and old roofing materials. Most companies rent a truck or dumpster to haul debris. Make sure your quote covers these costs. Also ask about how the contractor intends to contain the job to prevent nails and other debris from spreading throughout the yard.

When hiring a roofing contractor it is important to remember that it takes time to determine the expectations of both parties. A professional roofing contractor will work hard to make sure he understands your expectations before he drives his first nail, but you are responsible for making those expectations known."

Resource: Yahoo! (Voices)
                  http://voices.yahoo.com/things-ask-hiring-roofing-contractor-467204.html