More Home Improvement--General Answers
Question Library
Ask a question about Home Improvement--General
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login
Awards
About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer
|
| |
|
|
| |
| | | |
About Steve Young
Expertise
I will answer questions dealing with home improvement. My specific areas of expertise are flooring (except carpeting), all types of carpentry, water treatment, and minor electrical. I have also built several treehouses and am currently considering expanding my business to concentrate on children's play areas. I love working with all kinds of wood. My favorite types of home repair/remodeling are water treatment, hardwood flooring, cabinetry, bathroom remodeling, and kitchen remodeling. I also have knowledge in residential water treatment, including filters, softeners, reverse osmosis systems and various other types of treatment systems.
Experience
I have been working in various forms of construction both personally and professionally for the past 20 years. I am currently the Owner/Contractor of a home repair/remodeling company.
Education/Credentials
I have a BS in Environmental Engineering and have done Masters work in Management Development. I have also attended various community college and fine arts classes in the Piedmont Triad area and EPA water quality certification classes.
| | |
| |
You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Home Improvement--General > renovating bathroom
Expert: Steve Young - 10/20/2009
Question
We live in a house that was built cheaply in the 70s and are upgrading and renovating little by little.
One problem is in the upstairs bathroom, which is in a place with no window. It measures 5'x 7'. The tub/shower is tiled. My questions:
1. Even though we have a newer water softener, the grouting eventually stains an orangey color. We've never been able to figure out what's causing this, but are pretty certain it isn't rust stain. Any suggestions?
2. All this tiling needs to be replaced. I'd like to put in a wall that doesn't need grouting everywhere. But my husband really hates the fiberglass or plastic sheathing/units because to him they 'feel cheap'; they 'give' to pressure and this just really bugs him. Is there another alternative that is reasonably priced and easy to keep clean that I can use with the existing tub, which is not in need of replacement?
3. As I mentioned, there is no window in this bathroom. The ventilation fan works, but we have to keep all the upstairs doors closed to keep our cats out. Do you have any ideas for helping this area dry out?
Thanks for your help.
Answer
Hi Eleanor:
1. I'm pretty sure it is a rust stain. Do you have well water or are you on city water? The only way to tell for sure is to get a sample of the water coming out of the softener and have it tested for iron. If you decide to do this let me know and I will tell you how to do it. If you do have an iron problem it can be controlled with a filter. The only other thing that might cause this is the softening resin in the softener. The resin is actually very small beads and when they break down they can cause an orange stain. But since your softener is new the resin shouldn't be already breaking down. Normally this occurs after 5-10 years of use, depending on the quality of the resin.
2. Not that I know of. I agree with your husband. There is nothing equivalent to a well tiled bath.
3. Can you put a window in it? If not, the only thing is a larger fan.
I hope this helps. Let me know if I can help out further.
Steve
Add to this Answer Ask a Question
|
|
