Caulk may sound like a dirty word (I’ve got a million inappropriate jokes), but it’s one of the most essential and versatile building materials in the world. It’s used in nearly every facet of the building industry from showers to roofing to fireproofing, and that’s just a few of its many uses. With so many different types of caulking available on the market — which one should you use? The answer is probably bigger than the question. In fact, it’s at least 800 words worth of answer. So settle into your favorite easy chair, get comfy, pull out your caulk and find out which type works best for your next building project. We’ll cover ten of the more common (and a couple not as common) varieties here. [Read more...]
Which Caulk Should I Grab? 10 Types of Caulk and Their Uses
Tile Flooring Basics
I love flooring tile. It’s easy to install, most of its affordable and it looks good in just about any room. So why don’t I marry it already? Because my lawyers can’t quite figure out the prenuptial yet. Although I’m no tile contractor, I’ve installed my share of this fantastic flooring material and I love to show everyone how easy it is to install themselves. Whether you’re thinking about installing a bit of tile in your entryway, or you’re filling your whole house with the stuff, use this overview on tile installation to pick up a few basics to get you started, and see for yourself how easy it is to start becoming a tile master. [Read more...]
Lord of the Wax Rings – How to Install a New Delta Toilet
Just like Frodo said “One ring to rule them all”—and he was right. A toilet’s wax ring is the key to keeping the poop where it belongs – in the pits of Mordor (aka your sewer). But whether your toilet is leaking from a faulty wax ring, dripping from an ancient valve or just won’t flush because of a broken flapper that qualifies as an antique, your old toilet might need to be replaced before you have to drop a “Precious” in a bucket outside. Skip the call to your local plumber and don’t worry about the high costs of repairs. Installing your own new toilet, like the Delta Corrente, is easier than throwing a magic ring into a pit of lava. Just follow along with these simple tips and techniques for how to install a toilet with minimal drama. [Read more...]
Tool News Nirvana – 50 Grand Dream Bath Giveaway, Bosch Alignment Laser, Delta Sander
We like free stuff (hence the Home Fixated monthly giveaway) and we like even more the chance to win really big free stuff, so we’re giving top billing in this edition of Tool News Nirvana to a contest that promises really, really big winnings for – well, somebody. Maybe a loyal Home Fixated reader… why not? So read the deets and get your entry in – and good luck! Also included in today’s roundup: a state-of-the art self leveling alignment laser from Bosch, a new punchdown screwdriver multitool from Klein that installers will truly appreciate, and a new heavy duty disc sander from Delta that makes sanding easier and safer at the same time. [Read more...]
Curtain-less Privacy For Your Windows – Gila Window Films
Last year my wife and I purchased an older home with the intention of fixing it up, and, well, it’s been a slow process. I’ve painted and in some cases repainted everything, and we’re about 75% through the job of updating the wiring from the old knob and tube. For the most part it’s still an old house in need of some TLC. It’s drafty and because of our geographical location, it is always very humid, especially in the summer. [Read more...]
Peel and Stick Metal Tiles: If You Can Manage a Band-Aid, You Can Install These Tiles
I came across these peel and stick metal tiles while browsing through This Old House’s website. From Aspect Ideas, this tile series can be used for either practical or decorative applications. You can use them as a back splash in the kitchen or bath, or dress up a wall area for a more artistic look. The metal tiles come in four different color finishes; stainless, champagne, brushed bronze, and copper with the option of long or short grain. [Read more...]
We Explore Toilet Tattoos – Named Better Than “Stinker Stickers”
You can’t say it isn’t an attention-grabbing name. For the person who has everything – or the person who considers any surface a décor opportunity – may we present to you Toilet Tattoos, “the only way to crown your throne.” And just in time for the holiday season, too! [Read more...]
15 Plants That Improve Indoor Air Quality and Might Just Head Off a Bathroom Disaster
Sure, indoor plants are green and pretty. They help stave off that old seasonal affective disorder, the winter blues, cabin fever…whatever. We all are probably aware they improve air quality by sucking up carbon monoxide; but the magic doesn’t end there. “Mother Nature Network” has a website dedicated to “improving your world” and an eye opening article written by Julie Knapp suggesting 15 plants to help make the air quality, and smell of your world a bit more pleasant. [Read more...]
What’s Under YOUR Bathtub? It Could Be Under-Tub Storage
Studies show that on a normal day you get asked between five and five million questions. Studies show… What studies? Who decided we needed a study done in the first place? Are you kidding me? How do I get paid to do a study? OK, I really don’t know if a study has ever been done on this subject but the government is sure to do one now, as I hear they have been following Marc, er…… Home Fixated.com religiously. Plus, if a study were done, I’d bet dollars to donuts and a bottle of Crowny that the number would fall between five and five million. What I wouldn’t bet my beloved Crowny on, would be someone asking, “What’s under your bathtub?” [Read more...]
Schluter-Ditra Universal Underlayment – The Undergarment Every Tile Floor Needs
Schluter-Ditra understands that tile, being a hard, brittle substance, expands and contracts due to moisture and temperature related conditions, at a totally, different rate from whichever substrate material lies beneath, be it plywood, concrete, cement, etc. This can be a problem when using traditional, thin-set mortar bed applications, which bond the tile directly to the supporting structure. The result is usually cracked, ruined tiles. In order to ensure both layers can move independently, an additional layer in between the two materials, is a must-have. (And no, you can’t just lay any, random thing down. Just in case someone out there is thinking, “Huh. I don’t see any reason I couldn’t use this old comforter.”) The Schluter-Ditra Universal Underlayment is the better option. [Read more...]
