Replacement Windows

Posted on by Tim Carter

DEAR TIM: Replacement windows are the next job I plan to tackle at my home. My list of questions is as long as a hot summer day. Can you buy new windows that match the architecture of an older home? What do I look for so I can buy high-quality windows? Is it hard to install replacement windows? Do you think I can handle installing my own replacement windows if I just do a few each weekend? Rebecca H., Meredith, NH

DEAR REBECCA: Your questions are all good, and I can think of many others that have yet to bubble to the surface of your brain. But that aside, you are on the right track. The replacement window game can be very complex and complicated. It is best to know what you are doing before you spend lots of money on windows that will not perform well over time.

Replacement windows come in every imaginable style, shape, size and configuration. Vinyl replacement windows are perhaps the most common, but you can find wood, fiberglass, aluminum and combinations of these different materials used to make a single replacement window. For example, you can buy replacement windows that are custom-painted aluminum on the exterior and wood-grained vinyl on the interior.

These windows may look original, but they are indeed replacement windows. Match the right windows with a great installer who is a craftsman, and you can fool anyone. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

These windows may look original, but they are indeed replacement windows. Match the right windows with a great installer who is a craftsman, and you can fool anyone. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

You can buy new replacement windows made today that will match existing windows in almost all cases. The best part is the fact that the new windows will be very energy efficient, and probably made from materials that will be virtually maintenance-free.

For example, I have windows on my own home that are just six-years old, but the house was built 20 years ago. I needed replacement windows because of a factory recall. The slight age difference between my new and original windows may not impress you, but if I told you my house was a classic Queen Anne Victorian home you might change your mind. You can readily purchase replacement windows that can match houses 100 or more years old.

If I were you, I would want windows that have passed a battery of tests created by one or more independent certification organizations. The materials used to make the window must be of high quality, and the method in which the windows are assembled should also be superior. The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has developed stringent standards that ensure certain windows last for generations instead of several seasons. Replacement window manufacturers that make windows that meet these standards get to apply very special labels to their windows.

Energy efficiency is also very important, and a second organization, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), ensures that certain windows pass minimum energy standards. Look for windows that carry the Energy Star label issued to window companies that make windows to meet these important energy guidelines.

Some replacement windows are easy to install, and others can be a challenge even for a professional. I would say from experience that wood-frame houses are the ones that are best suited for a rookie like yourself. A solid-masonry home has unique challenges that you may not have the tools nor skills for this early in the game.

The best way to test yourself is to order one or two windows to start the job. Do smaller windows on the back or side of your home that are not in view from the street. The last thing you want is your neighbors to see you flailing about trying to install these windows. Read all of the written instructions before you start the job to ensure you know exactly what to do, and that you have all tools and materials onsite. You do not want to have to leave the job and run to the hardware store with a window partially in place.

If you have great success, and the new windows fit like a glove and operate smoothly, then go ahead with the rest of the order. Double and triple check your measurements, since you take responsibility for the custom-sized windows. Remember, custom-sized windows can't be used easily by other customers. Window dealers will almost never give you a new window for free if the window you order does not fit once you get it home.

The key to a successful installation is to make sure the windows are square within the window frame. High-quality windows will often square themselves if you close the window and lock the sash(es) within the frame. This procedure closes the window tightly making the window sash(es) parallel to the window frame. Always look at the gap between the window sash(es) and the window frame to ensure the gap is uniform.

When installing fasteners that hold the widow in place, try to not fully install them in case you discover the window is in a bind or does not operate smoothly. If the window works and seals well, drive or screw in the fasteners completely. Be sure the weatherstripping seals out wind and water.

It is very important to leave a gap between the window frame and the rough opening the window unit fits into. Windows are not structural building components, and the weight of the building should never press down on a window. Be sure to insulate any and all gaps before exterior and interior window trim is applied. Caulk all exterior trim to block water from leaking past the window into your home.

Column 631

Winterize a Home

Posted on by Tim Carter

DEAR TIM: I own two homes, and live about six months per year in each one.  One house is up north where the winter winds howl, and the other house is in the sunny south.  What is the best way to close up these houses when I leave? With rising utility costs, is it possible to completely shut off all heat in my northern home?  Can I close up my southern home and turn the air conditioning off?  Dyke S., Peoria, IL

DEAR DYKE: Any number of people own two or more homes and do exactly what you do.  Many more people like me don't own two houses, but may leave their own home for an extended amount of time.  Leaving a home alone can become an expensive proposition if things go wrong in your absence. And more often than not, things do go wrong.

You can turn off your furnace and air conditioner to save money, but certain things need to be done to protect your home and the interior furnishings. Your home down south requires the least amount of attention.

Water, both in the liquid and vapor state, is your biggest enemy. The water in regular household plumbing supply lines is under significant pressure.  If a pipe or washing machine supply hose bursts, thousands of gallons of water can begin to flood the home.  Imagine the nightmare if you happen to live in a condominium and the water lines above your unit burst?  It has happened, and the damage loss is unbelievable.  You must turn off your main water shutoff valve whenever you leave either home. 

The water that is in your northern home's water lines needs to be drained.  Water that freezes in supply lines or traps in drainage lines can cause them to crack.  Go to the lowest fixture in the house that has hot and cold water.  Open those valves.  Go to every plumbing fixture in the home and open all valves and flush all toilets.  This will allow gravity to pull the water down through the system.  Closed valves create vacuums that prevent water from draining.

Open all outdoor hose bibs as well.  Lift up any flexible spray hoses in sinks and showers and allow the trapped water in these hoses to drain. Keep all valves at all fixtures partially open. Drain the hot water tank and water softener.  Pour non-toxic antifreeze into all toilet bowls, sink, tub, shower, washing machine drain, and floor drains.  This antifreeze can often be purchased at recreational vehicle or marine supply houses.

A plumber should be called in to shut off the water outside you home.  It is entirely possible for the plumbing line on the street side of your main shut off to freeze and burst if it gets cold enough inside the home during your absence. The water does not need to be drained from anything in your southern home.

If your northern home is a modern one that is fairly air tight, the water vapor in the air inside your home may cause all sorts of problems.  Once you leave, the temperature of interior surfaces begins to drop and the water vapor in the air can and will condense on many surfaces.  Because millions of mold and mildew spores are on all of the surfaces and furniture, the condensed water provides them with the necessary water they need to begin to grow.

Open windows slightly to allow air to readily circulate through your home. Have a trusted friend or neighbor enter the house to check for signs of condensation. Within several weeks the indoor and outdoor humidity should have equalized.  At that point, the windows can be closed and locked for the remainder of the winter.

It is a wise idea to turn off all non-essential electrical circuit breakers.  Only leave on those circuits that control security lighting.  Electrical fires can and do happen even though an appliance or fixture is in the off position.  Empty all perishable food from your refrigerator. Turn off your natural gas or propane supply valve outside your home if at all possible.  Contact your local utility company or fuel supplier for help with this job.

Notify your local police and fire department before you leave. There is a very good chance they will provide you with a list of helpful tips that will prevent your home from becoming a statistic in your absence. Be sure they know how to get in touch with you. Consider storing valuable or sentimental items in a separate secure storage facility or take them with you.

Column 386

Ceramic Tile Saw

Posted on by Tim Carter
ceramic tile saw

Ceramic tile saw | This is my own ceramic tile saw. I've used it to make perfect cuts on hundreds of tiles and pieces of natural stone like this granite. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

"Virtually every cut on granite and marble must be made with a diamond wet saw. These saws cut tile, granite, and marble exactly like a table saw cuts wood."

Ceramic Tile Saw Checklist

  • Dry and wet saws
  • Dry saws create clouds of dust
  • Wet saws make precision cuts
  • Wet saws cut every tile and natural stone

Related Links

Ceramic Tile Quick Start Guide - SECRET TIPS HERE - Do NOT Share

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Ceramic Tile Saw - The Best DIY Tool for Pro Results

DEAR TIM: I'm going to try to install ceramic tile in several bathrooms. I have to do wall tile and floor tile. Since I have never installed tile before, I was wondering how in the world to make the circular cuts for the pipes and toilet flange.

I'm confused about making cuts where the resulting tile will look like the letter L. I know how to score tile and snap it using a simple tile-cutter tool. Someone told me I need a ceramic-tile saw. How do these work, and is there an alternative method? What happens if I decide to use some marble and granite on my jobs? Cindy H., Key West, FL

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What Should be the First Job I Do with a Tile Saw?

DEAR CINDY: The first piece of advice I can offer is to start in the smallest and least-complicated bathroom first. You are a rookie tile setter, and in the trade, you might even be called a grasshopper. You need to get up to speed quickly because tile work requires significant skill and precision.

What are Tile-Cutting Tolerances?

Often you deal in tolerances as small as one-sixteenth inch. When it comes to professional tile setting, the margin for error decreases as the contrast between the color of the tile and the grout increases. Mistakes made in measuring and cutting tile stick out like a sore thumb if grout lines vary in size.

AsktheBuilder Podcast

CLICK this image and listen to the second call on the podcast. I talked to Greg about what can be done with porcelain tile, including borders to offset certain spaces. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

How Do You Make Curved Tile Cuts?

There are any number of ways to make circular cuts in ceramic tile. But the method of cutting is dependent upon the type of tile you are using. Not all ceramic tiles have the same hardness.

Common ceramic tile is made from a very pure clay, and it has a thin glaze that is transformed into glass when the tile is fired in the kiln. These are the easiest tiles to cut and shape, as the clay is fairly easy to chip, saw and grind.

Are All Tiles the Same Hardness?

No, tiles and natural stone come in varying hardness. But some ceramic tiles, like the popular glass tile and porcelain tile, are extremely hard.

The molecular structure of these tiles is very different from standard clay tile. You will need a ceramic-tile saw that has a wet blade to make all of your cuts. Granite and marble fall into this category as well. Virtually every cut on granite and marble must be made with a diamond wet saw.

How Does a Ceramic Tile Saw Work?

These saws cut tile, granite, and marble exactly like a table saw cuts wood. The difference is the ceramic-tile saw blade has diamonds in it, and water is used to cool the blade so the diamonds last longer.

I will assume for the moment that your job will require standard ceramic tile made from clay. You can make every cut, no matter what the shape, using hand tools. This will save you money, but you may invest lots of time and muscle power.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local ceramic tile contractors.

Is Renting a Tile Saw the Way to Go?

I would consider renting a ceramic-tile saw at a tool-rental store if you have lots of cuts. Also, most snap-type tile cutters have a limit to the smallest piece they can cut without shattering the tile. I've found that the smallest piece I can cut with consistency is only five-eighths inch wide. Pieces that are narrower than this must be cut with a ceramic-tile saw.

wet saw ceramic tile

The diamond blade of the wet saw is about to slice into solid granite. The water you see keeps the metal blade cool. Copyright 2018 Tim Carter

What Hand Tools Cut Ceramic Tile?

The hand tools you need are:

  • 1/4-inch carbide-tipped masonry drill bit
  • carbide-rod saw
  • carbide hacksaw blade
  • tile nippers

The rod-saw blade fits into a hacksaw frame and looks like a long pipe cleaner. This blade can follow any curved line you draw. The stiffer carbide hacksaw blade has carbide particles, instead of teeth, at the edge of the blade instead of teeth. Only one leg of the L must be cut with the carbide saw blade. You can use this blade to make only the long straight cut in an L-shaped piece of tile. After this, you can use your snap cutter to make the shorter straight cut.

Can a Ceramic Tile Wet Saw Make Circular Cuts?

A ceramic-tile saw with a diamond blade can also be used to make some circular cuts in tile, marble or granite. In certain situations, you may discover the resulting circle cuts across three or maybe four different tiles. This means that a piece of tile shaped like a slice of pizza must be removed from each separate tile.

How Do You Make the Curved Cuts?

In these instances, you make parallel cuts with the diamond wet saw into the tile. The blade should approach the curved line as close as possible at a 90-degree angle. Space the cut lines at three-eighths inch apart.

Once all cuts are made, you can use a ceramic-tile nipping tool to bite off these small slivers of tile that are to be removed. As you approach the final cut line, take smaller bites of tile with the nipping tool. You will discover the nipper does a great job of biting off small pieces of the tile.

Can You Use Diamond Hole Saws for Tile?

Smaller holes that are 2-inches or less in diameter can be cut with diamond hole saws. These are very expensive tools, and it might make more sense to have the holes cut by a local marble or granite company that fabricates granite and marble countertops each day. They have all of the necessary tools and experience to make perfect holes.

Can a 4-Inch Grinder Make Hole Cuts?

Larger holes for single-lever faucets may have to be created with a 4-inch grinder outfitted with a special diamond blade. If the tool is set at an angle, it can sometimes be used to make a roughly circular cut. I highly recommend that you leave this task to a professional, as it is easy to ruin a piece of tile or granite while trying to control the aggressive grinder.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local ceramic tile contractors.

Column 630

Electrical Wiring

Posted on by Tim Carter

DEAR TIM: Electrical wiring is in my near future as part of a bathroom remodeling job. I have to relocate an existing box that has three switches in it. In addition, I want to install new recessed lighting in the ceiling. There is attic space above the ceiling, so that should be easy. I have replaced outlets and switches before, but I wonder if I am getting past my skill level with this job. What would you do if you were me? What are the dangerous aspects of this job? Bob R., Erie, PA

DEAR BOB: Every aspect of this electrical wiring job is highly dangerous. Don't confuse the danger of working with electrical cables, wires and boxes that have yet to be connected to the circuit panel board with the hidden dangers of energized electrical wiring that can arc and overheat, causing a fire.

People die everyday from house fires caused by defective or improperly installed electrical wiring. If you are not 100-percent confident in exactly what needs to be done and how to do it to satisfy all applicable parts of the National Electrical Code, then hire a professional to do the job.

If you now have a sufficient respect for electrical wiring, that is a great thing. But if you decide to forge ahead and tackle the job, then I beg you to become well-educated in all parts of the job, so the wiring and fixtures are installed to code. There are many written and visual teaching aids available that can help with this vital training. You might even find a local vocational school that offers evening classes in residential electrical wiring.

The different cables entering this electrical box can confuse a rookie electrician. There are strict guidelines that govern how electrical wiring must be installed. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

The different cables entering this electrical box can confuse a rookie electrician. There are strict guidelines that govern how electrical wiring must be installed. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

The list of things you need to know about this small job is almost endless. To give you a small taste of how intricate and complex the knowledge base is about residential wiring, let's go over a few things:

First, you can't just put in any type of light fixture for your recessed lights. The metal housings come in different models, depending upon heat conditions. There may be no insulation in the attic now, but what happens if someone blows in insulation at a later date and covers a recessed lighting fixture not rated for direct contact with insulation? I'll tell you what happens - a fire. Insulation can trap heat in a fixture, and cause the fixture to get so hot, it melts the plastic insulation on the electrical cable and individual conductors. You can buy recessed light housings that can be covered with insulation, so find those and install them.

The size and type of the cables and wires you install is extremely critical. You may be tempted to work with 14-gauge wiring material, because it is easier to handle. Maybe a store clerk said it meets code. But what happens if the circuit you are working on is controlled by a 20-ampere circuit breaker? I'll tell you what might happen - a fire.

Circuit breakers are meant to protect wires, not people. A 14-gauge wire can overheat and catch fire before a 20-ampere circuit breaker will trip, cutting off the power. All of the wiring in a particular circuit must be matched to the size of the circuit breaker controlling the circuit.

Something as harmless as a cable staple is important. Hammer one too hard, and it can pierce the insulation on the cable and the individual conductors within the cable. Arcing can happen at a later date, which then starts a fire.

Installing wire nuts and twisting conductors the right way may seem intuitive, but if done improperly, these critical connections can be the source of electrical fires months or years from now. Every single aspect of the job is important, and you must be focused the entire time you work with all of the electrical components.

If you want to gain a new perspective for the potential fire hazards of simple residential electrical wiring, I urge you to stop by a local firehouse. Talk with a seasoned roughneck firefighter, district commander or perhaps the assistant fire chief. These individuals have seen what a simple electrical wiring mistake can do. In the worst cases, they may have had to zip up one of those dreadful plastic body bags and carry it to a waiting county vehicle.

I have seen the aftermath of several electrical fires, and the damage to property, life and spirit is horrific. Be sure the work you do, or that is done by a professional, is inspected. Do not assume everything is fine, as tiny mistakes can cause large fires.

Column 629

Solar Energy

Posted on by Tim Carter

DEAR TIM: Soaring energy costs have me thinking about solar energy for my new home. Have there been significant advancements in technology with respect to solar energy and residential applications? What kind of systems can be installed and are they really cost-effective? Would you consider solar energy if you were building a new home? If so, what kind of system? Are there any negative issues with respect to solar energy? Pamela D., Montgomery, AL

DEAR PAMELA: The time for solar energy has arrived. In my opinion, solar energy is absolutely the belle of the ball when it comes to long-term solutions that solve many of the energy needs of the typical residential home. There is not a doubt in my mind that solar energy systems in a vast majority of future homes will be as common as balloons at a child's birthday party.

This large solar panel produces enough electric power on sunny days to supply nearly all of the electrical needs inside this large home in Colorado. PHOTO CREDIT: Kit Cassingham

This large solar panel produces enough electric power on sunny days to supply nearly all of the electrical needs inside this large home in Colorado. PHOTO CREDIT: Kit Cassingham

Solar energy makes sense for a number of reasons. First of all, the sun' output of energy is constant or nearly so each and every day. Clouds can block sunlight, and the change of seasons creates a varying amount of available sunlight on any given day. But you and I can count on the sun. Natural resources like oil, coal, and natural gas are being used faster than they can be created by natural geologic processes. When you start to factor in the consumption rate of these finite resources with respect to a growing world population, you see why solar energy starts to make sense.

But these issues aside, when the sun is shining on south-facing lots in the northern hemisphere, massive amounts of energy can be captured and harnessed for use by you and your family. In fact, you might capture excess energy that can be sent backwards through the power lines to neighboring houses. I have friends in Colorado who do this with their solar energy system on a routine basis.

On sunny days, their electric meter actually spins backwards indicating they are selling electricity to the local utility company. This appears as a credit on their monthly bill against electric they purchase from the grid when the sun can't create enough electricity for their needs. Because they live in an area where there is abundant sunshine, their electric bill is sometimes zero or a very small amount of money.

There have been significant advancements in solar energy technology. In my opinion, the biggest effect has been the consistent lower-cost of the equipment. The cost of photovoltaic cells and panels continues to drop like a rock falling from the sky. These lower costs translate to faster payback periods which increase the likelihood of a positive return on investment while you still own the house. Photovoltaic panels and cells transform sunlight into electricity by a natural process common to certain crystals.

There are two primary residential active-solar energy systems. The photovoltaic systems create electricity that you use in real time. If extra electricity is produced, it is stored in batteries. If the batteries get fully charged, you can then send the electricity back downstream into the electric company power grid with their permission.

The second solar energy system is one that captures the radiant heat from the sun. You can use this heat to raise the temperature of air or water in your home. The solar energy water heating systems can be open or closed looped. An open loop system takes the actual water that will be used, and sends it to the solar heating device. This system works best in areas where freezing temperatures are not experienced. An open loop system could easily freeze up in the dead of winter on a bitter cold night.

The closed-loop systems contain a liquid in the piping system that will not freeze. This liquid is heated by the sun, and the heat is transferred to the domestic water supply lines via a simplistic heat exchanger. I intend to use one of these closed loop systems in a new home I am planning to build in New Hampshire. I also intend to install a photovoltaic system to help lower my dependence on the existing electrical grid.

Smart architecture can also help capture solar energy. Passive solar energy practices allow you to capture the strong solar rays that can heat up interior surfaces in your home during daylight hours. Dark natural stone flooring or other dense materials that can absorb the solar heat work very well. As the sun sets, these heat sinks then slowly release the stored energy back into your home. Mother Nature gives freely her solar energy, so be sure not to waste that which comes your way.

In my opinion, the biggest negative issues with solar energy are the financial ones. You need to take the time and do the math to see when you will get paid back in full the extra money the solar energy systems cost. They are more expensive than conventional heating systems, that is a fact.

But the good news is that the federal and state governments are helping reduce the initial financial pain via healthy tax credits. These tax credits vary, and they expire at different times. Be very careful about trusting the advice of a solar-energy salesperson when it comes to these tax credits. Get information directly from the Internal Revenue Service and your local state government. Obtain the facts in writing, and keep the circulars along with all receipts in a file. If you ever get audited, these documents will help you if the auditor happens to question your deduction.

Some solar energy systems need periodic maintenance. The solar panels may have to be cleaned regularly to ensure peak performance. The tilt of certain panels may have to be adjusted several times a year to get the maximum benefit from the sun's rays since the sun tracks across the sky at different angles from summer to winter and then back again. You may also have to check batteries and perform maintenance on these to ensure you have power when the sun is not shining.

Column 628

Moen Faucets

Posted on by Tim Carter

Moen faucets are fantastic plumbing products. In fact, I just made the decision to install Moen faucets in all of my second-floor bathrooms. The new ShowHouse collection of Moen faucets offered the exact finish, style, durability and functionality my family desired.

Moen was an easy choice, since our basement recreation room bathroom sports a unique Moen ShowHouse faucet that looks like it was made with pieces of bamboo. This faucet gets compliments from every person who uses it. They especially like how the water gently cascades from the bamboo faucet shaft. If this faucet had been available when the Gilligan's Island TV series was filmed, I am quite sure the show producer would have had one installed in Gilligan's grass hut!

I have installed Moen faucets for years for many customers. Plumbing faucets are like cars. People seem to like different makes, models and styles. I found as a builder and remodeler that certain customers just loved the look and functionality of Moen faucets over other major brands. The best part about their choice was I never had a malfunction or service call traced to a defective Moen faucet. Ask any builder, remodeler or plumber, and they will tell you that is music to their ears.

What sets one faucet apart from another? In my opinion, it depends entirely on what you are looking at. If you are shopping by price alone, you will discover that Moen is not the most expensive faucet. It is also not the least expensive. Talk to people who own Moen faucets, and you will quickly discover they are spectacular value for the money spent.

If you can install faucets yourself, this may not be an issue. Since your labor is free so to speak, you can install a cheap faucet every year or two as they fail. But many people do not possess plumbing skills, or the skills they have are not refined. Plumbing leaks can turn into plumbing nightmares, and this fear drives many homeowners to call plumbers for faucet installations.

Plumbers have traditionally garnered a high wage for their work. If you have a new faucet installed, you will discover the labor charge alone may run into the hundreds of dollars. For this reason and others, you want to be sure the faucet installed will perform flawlessly for many years.

Another distinctive comparison point to consider is ease of repair. The internal parts in faucets do wear out. How hard or easy is it to perform repairs? I can tell you that it is simple to install a new Moen faucet cartridge. Remove a wishbone-shaped retaining clip and the cartridge pulls out instantly. Not all faucets offer this ease of repair.

If you choose a faucet based on styling, then Moen faucets will absolutely captivate your attention. The sleek designs and finishing details set them apart from other faucets in their class. If you were able to see all of the faucets displayed at once like I see each year at the International Builders Show, you would instantly discover why many people buy Moen faucets.

Keep in mind that faucets are not the only fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens. Often there are accessories such as towel bars, soap dishes and toilet-paper holders. Moen offers a complimentary series of accessories with many of their faucets. Be sure to consider this before you make your final faucet decision.

Column EM0041

Delta Faucets

Posted on by Tim Carter

Delta faucets have played a very large part in my career as a builder, licensed master plumber and homeowner. The name Delta faucets brings a smile to the face of any experienced marketing manager or progressive university professor whose field of study is marketing. Over the years massive sums of money have been poured into marketing campaigns to build the Delta faucet name so that consumers like you and I equate Delta with quality and style.

But great marketing can only carry a product so far. If the Delta faucets were not made well, they would have fallen by the wayside. When you buy a faucet, you expect it to last. If you have to pay a plumber to install a faucet, you only buy a cheap faucet one time. I can tell you for a fact, I have never had to replace a Delta faucet on one of my jobs because it failed prematurely. Each Delta faucet I have ever installed has performed just like an athletic workhorse.

I was first exposed to Delta faucets in the mid 1970's. Keidel Supply, a plumbing supply house in my city, was a stocking distributor for Delta faucets. They still are, and my guess is they sell thousands of them each year. When I first saw Delta kitchen and bath faucets, they were affordable, and appeared to be a good value to me at the time. After installing several, I knew they would work well for my customers. It was an exciting time to be a young plumber, as the switch from traditional rubber and plastic washers to washerless cartridges was in full swing, and Delta was at the head of the pack.

Delta faucets have always had well-engineered internal parts. It is not uncommon for a faucet cartridge to last 10 or even 15 years before the faucet starts to drip. In my own home, I have a kitchen faucet that is nearly 20-years old. It still has the original factory cartridge in the cold water handle. The faucet shuts off completely, and there is not a leak. That faucet handle has undoubtedly been turned on and off well over 250,000 times, and it still works just as it did when I took it out of its cardboard box.

Some older Delta faucet models have a small spring that is part of the faucet cartridge assembly. Many a homeowner has failed to replace this small part when installing a new cartridge. It is wise to replace this spring as they do wear out. Furthermore, different water systems throughout the nation have varied water chemistry that can weaken the metal used to make the spring.

The cartridges that control water flow through the faucet are fairly inexpensive. If you have a Delta faucet that you love and want to keep it for years, it makes sense to buy several replacement cartridges now while the parts are easy to come by. Store these parts in a plastic bag stapled to the inside of the sink base cabinet. In the event the faucet starts to leak, you have the original Delta replacement part handy. Once you discover how easy it is to install a new replacement cartridge, you will enjoy that feeling of satisfaction of a job well done.

Delta faucets have come a very long way. The styling and selection is now five or ten times what it was thirty years ago. The assortment of finishes is also astounding. I can clearly remember when polished chrome was the only real option my customers had. No one would have ever thought you could get polished nickel, oiled bronze and tarnish-free polished brass faucets back thirty years ago.

If you want your Delta faucet to last for 20 or 30 years, carefully read the installation manual, and follow the simple instructions. Pay attention to the cleaning instructions that come with the product. Avoid the use of abrasive cleaners, as they will scratch the finish of any faucet. To avoid water spots, take a few seconds to wipe the faucet with a dry dish towel as soon as you are finished using the faucet. A soft, cotton cloth will keep the finish looking perfect for years.

If you do have a hard water problem with the ugly white spotting, use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water to remove water spots from your Delta faucets. Never use harsh chemicals that say they will remove hard water deposits. The chemicals in some of these products may permanently damage your Delta faucets.

Column EM0040

DIY Heating

Posted on by Tim Carter

DEAR TIM: I need to replace my existing furnace, and am convinced I can do it myself. I looked at how the furnace connects to the metal ductwork, and I don't see any real challenges. Even the solder connections for the air conditioning seem simple. What obstacles do you feel I will encounter? Is it realistic for me to complete the job with no major problems? I am a serious do-it-yourselfer (diy'r), and have tackled all of my past diy projects with success. Patrick N., Laconia, NH

DEAR PATRICK: Your confident attitude reminds me of a real estate developer who requested a zoning change in my village a few years ago. I listened to him tell our planning commission how he got every other zoning change he had ever asked for from other local government bodies. He was proud of his 1.000 batting average. Unfortunately for him, my village spoiled his perfect record. I predict you are about to strike out as well.

Installing a furnace requires great skill, specialized tools and experience. This ultra-high-efficiency York furnace with a gas modulating valve took Richard Anderson, the BEST HVAC craftsman in greater Cincinnati, OH, several days to install. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

Installing a furnace requires great skill, specialized tools and experience. This ultra-high-efficiency York furnace with a gas modulating valve took Richard Anderson, the BEST HVAC craftsman in greater Cincinnati, OH, several days to install. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

Diy heating is perhaps one of the most challenging tasks I can think of when it comes to projects around a home. I can think of more physically demanding ones, like placing and finishing 20 yards of concrete in one day with just two helpers. If you want a formidable challenge, install a traditional post-over handrail with newel posts, volutes and goose necks. This master carpentry task is a photo-finish second place to heating, when it comes to precision and technical difficulty.

The skill sets you need to professionally install a new furnace are many. Furthermore, you need many specialized hand and power tools, especially when it comes to connecting the new furnace to your central air conditioner. For example, I doubt you have a set of refrigeration gauges sitting around to measure the high-and-low-pressure sides of your air-conditioner refrigerant. You will also need a two-stage vacuum pump to remove all air and moisture from the inside of the copper tubing after it has been brazed, not soldered. Don't forget to flow pure nitrogen through the copper tubing as you braze the copper connections.

I will assume you are installing a high-efficiency furnace, as they will give you a fantastic return on investment. The newer gas furnaces that sport gas modulating valves are state of the art, but my guess is that unless you have a heating and air conditioning contractor who will secretly buy the equipment, you may not be able to get your hands on the furnace you want. Heating equipment manufacturers often demand that their top-of-the-line equipment be installed by factory-trained craftsmen. This policy is a good one, as they do not want their furnaces and air conditioning equipment to become lab rats for people who feel they know more than they really do.

Once you remove your old furnace, you may be surprised to discover the shape and size of the new furnace and the interior air-conditioning coil that sits on top of many furnaces is quite different from your existing one. Connecting the ductwork above the existing furnace to the new one will require precision modifications. If you have not worked with sheet metal before, you may be in for a surprise. You need to learn all about s-hooks, drives and custom-offset ductwork.

One of your most serious challenges will be reclaiming the existing refrigerant that is in your system. Those of us who want to protect our planet's fragile atmosphere would sincerely appreciate it if you would not vent the high-pressure refrigerant into the air. Professional heating and cooling contractors have specialized equipment that allows them to reclaim the gas so it can be properly recycled.

If your existing furnace is fueled with natural gas, oil or propane, you will need to conjure up your best diy plumbing skills. You may be working with black iron pipe that needs to be custom cut and threaded. If you have all of the needed pipe-threading dies, cutters and the pipe vise, I am duly impressed. These expensive tools make sense for a plumber to own as he uses them frequently.

Diy heating is one of those tasks that homeowners need to avoid. There are many things that can go wrong, and worst of all, you may put yourself and your loved ones at risk. Furnaces and any fuel-burning heating device generates deadly carbon monoxide. Installing heating equipment improperly can be a recipe for disaster.

If you still think you want to tackle the project, absolutely take out the required building permit. Call for timely inspections to ensure all of the equipment is installed to code. You may need two different inspectors, as some municipalities may have a separate electrical inspector who looks at all of the electrical connections, fuses, switches and disconnect boxes.

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Kitchen Islands – Small 2×4 Ones Work Really Well

Posted on by Tim Carter
Kitchen Island Size

Kitchen Islands | This is an interesting small 2x4-foot kitchen island. Four people can work at it at the same time. It's in my kitchen, I know! Copyright 2020 Tim Carter

DEAR TIM: Kitchen islands have been in vogue for years, but I do not have one. I believe I have the space required but am not sure. What is the minimum size one needs for a kitchen island? Is there a maximum size? What keeps the islands from moving since they are not attached to a wall? Is it hard to install a sink in a kitchen island? Do you have other kitchen-island tips? Margo P., Valparaiso, IN

DEAR MARGO: Kitchen islands grew in popularity as the size of mainstream kitchens started to expand in the 1970s. I can clearly remember seeing my first kitchen island in a contemporary landominium housing development. Not only was the island enormous, the kitchen felt to me like 30 or more people could fit in it with ease.

How Do You Determine the Size of a Kitchen Island?

For planning and design purposes, kitchen-island sizing is a function of the amount of space you must provide around each side of the island. Different designers may tell you different dimensions, but 3 feet is always a good distance to allow between the edge of any side of the island and any other adjacent wall, cabinet, or appliance.

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This kitchen island has worked well for 19 years, but would have done a better job had it been 1 foot deeper. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

This kitchen island has worked well for 19 years, but would have done a better job had it been 1 foot deeper. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter

The 3-foot zone around the island means that you need open floor space that measures 8 feet by 9 feet for a tiny kitchen island that measures just 2-feet deep by 3-feet long. An island this small is virtually worthless.

What is the Smallest Useful Kitchen Island?

My personal building experience leads me to believe that a kitchen island size should be no smaller than 2-feet deep by 4-feet long. There is not a doubt in my mind that others feel differently.

For sake of example, I have a kitchen with an island in my own home. The island is just 2-feet deep, but it's 7-feet long. My wife and I love the length of the island but wish it were deeper. This island fits easily lengthwise into our kitchen which happens to be 20-feet long by 17-feet wide.

Why is Your Island Only 2 Feet Wide?

You may wonder why the island couldn't be deeper when the kitchen is 17-feet wide. My kitchen sports a 4-foot-wide walkway on the other side of one set of base cabinets that has a 1-foot overhang. This means for kitchen-island-planning purposes my kitchen is effectively only 12-feet wide.

What is the Maximum Kitchen Island Size?

The maximum island size, in my opinion, would be one that is 6-feet deep and perhaps 10-feet long. This is a massive amount of flat space, or even multi-level space, for an island. One of the things to keep in mind is how the top of the island will be cleaned. Each part of the top must be reachable by hand so spills, food, and dirt can be cleaned with ease.

Should All Islands Be Attached to the Floor?

Some islands may not have to be attached to the floor. The weight of the cabinets, top, and all of the things stored in the island cabinets may reach close to, or over, 1,000 pounds for a massive kitchen island. Smaller kitchen islands should be secured to the floor so they do not slide or tilt if someone leans or pushes against the island.

If you turn a standard kitchen island base cabinet upside down, you will discover a void space about 4-inches deep. This void space allows plenty of room so a carpenter can attach solid framing lumber to the kitchen floor. If this lumber is placed just inside the inner surfaces of the sides, front and back of the cabinet base, the cabinet will nest over the blocking. When done correctly the cabinet will not slide when pushed. To keep the cabinet from tilting over, the carpenter needs to install thin fasteners through the cabinet sides into the solid blocking.

Should I Install a Sink in an Island?

Consider installing a second kitchen sink in your new island. You will be shocked how much this second sink gets used. Kitchen island sink plumbing is very unique. You need to install a loop vent. Avoid using AAVs, because they will fail and allow sewer gas in your kitchen.

Be sure to install plenty of code-approved electrical outlets in the sidewalls of the island. These outlets will give you greater flexibility for days when lots of cooking is happening or for parties and gatherings. Consider a different countertop material than what you currently have on the rest of your kitchen cabinets. You might be able to get a complimentary top material that allows your island to become both the physical and visual center point of your kitchen.

Are Bookshelves a Great Island Accessory?

Bookshelves and other fancy island accent cabinets are widely available. You can also get special trim that finishes off kitchen island cabinets. Some kitchen island cabinets can be made to look like a piece of furniture. The possibilities are often endless.

Should I Hire A Kitchen Designer?

Visit a special store that just sells kitchen cabinets and consider working with a certified kitchen designer. These individuals have completed extensive course work and testing to ensure they are true kitchen-design professionals.

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A certified kitchen designer is well aware of the best options for your situation, and they are often up to date with the latest design concepts and options offered by kitchen cabinet manufacturers.

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DIY Underfloor Heating

Posted on by Tim Carter

DIY underfloor heating is a popular project, because many people hate walking across cold floors. There is often nothing more comfortable than soothing heat generated by a diy underfloor heating system.

Some diy underfloor heating systems are easy to install, while others require the touch and skill of a professional. The electric diy floor heating mats are very popular, because you simply unroll them, connect them to the electrical system and then cover them with the flooring material. Ceramic tile, granite flooring and any other natural stone product work very well with these electrical diy underfloor heating mats. The reason for this is simple: the underfloor heating mats are very thin.

The hot-water diy heating systems are more of a challenge. To produce enough heat, the diy underfloor heating water systems must have a pipe size with an inner diameter of nearly one-half inch or larger. These larger pipes can't be easily covered with flooring materials, so they often are installed within the concrete slab on under a wood subflooring system.

It is possible to do a diy underfloor heating system on top of a wood subfloor, but the pipes often must be covered with a liquid compound that looks like pudding but sets up and hardens like concrete. This is a very difficult multi-step process and many do-it-yourselfers are not equipped with the tools and skills necessary for a professional installation.

The hot water systems also require boilers or water heaters to generate the heat transferred by the heating pipes under the flooring. It takes great skill to size, install and connect these heating plants to the piping systems.

The biggest mistake a do-it-yourselfer can make while installing radiant heating in a floor is undersizing the system. It is very important to make sure the correct amount of heating is being installed to offset the cold or heat loss. Not all houses need the same amount of heating elements. A floor space that gets colder in the winter will require more Btus than a house in a mild climate. Pay attention to the sizing guides produced by the heating product manufacturers.

Electrical-wiring methods are very important when it comes to diy underfloor heating systems. Many do-it-yourselfers are not qualified electricians, and they can overload circuits if not careful. This grave mistake can cause deadly electrical fires.

An electrical underfloor heating system can draw significant electrical current, and you must make sure the mat is on its own circuit if the instructions or electrical code require it. Adding new electrical circuits is not a hard diy project, but it can be very intimidating.

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