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A Complete Guide to Adding the Perfect Finish to Your Glass Shower

Glass showers have been around for a while, with their first appearance around 1963. Since then, they have taken on diverse styles and finishes, with many designs available on the market. Each has different prices and appeals to people depending on user preferences. However, one thing is constant. Glass showers are a beautiful addition to any home and bathroom. It gives a unique and futuristic aesthetic design.  

Shower Door Hardware is a vital component in the overall general aesthetic of a glass shower. The hardware selected for glass showers can affect their appearance. It leaves a perfect finish that is impossible to overlook.

For best results, pick the hardware style that would complement the overall look of your glass shower. For modern designs, minimalistic hardware will be a perfect blend. For a more traditional bathroom, fancy hardware will fit in well. Whichever you opt for, attention to what works best for the existing design will give it a perfect finish.

Glass Shower Design. Framed or Frameless?

With many available options, one of the initial steps to choosing great hardware for your glass door is to choose a suitable bathroom design. Do you want a framed or frameless glass shower?

Framed glass showers have a metal frame around the whole glass or the panels alone. It is cheaper due to the availability of cost-effective materials.

Frameless glass showers are the most sought-after and inevitably cost more than framed ones. They do not have any metal frames.

Framed and frameless glass showers offer the same purpose, so it is simply a matter of choice, taste, or preference.

Hardware Selection

After deciding on a design for your glass shower, choose the hardware that would fit into it. Below are some hardware options and a few details to guide your selection.

Handles and Knobs

Door handles and knobs serve a functional purpose, and most people overlook the aesthetic value. Selecting the perfect handle for your glass shower can give the dual benefit of functional and aesthetic purposes. The handles should be easy to grip and handle without affecting the aesthetic value. Due to the proximity to moisture, you should choose handles that are better resistant to water and moisture to increase the longevity of the design. Also, consider the size, color, and style.

Hinges

Hinges play a vital role in the functionality of glass shower doors. The right hinges would be strong enough to hold the weight of the doors while enabling smooth and seamless movements. You can choose concealed or exposed hinges. Concealed hinges are the most common. They do not interfere with appearance, while exposed hinges can add their uniqueness and style.

Seals and Sweeps

It is common for water to make its way out of the bathroom while taking a shower, hence, the use of seals. Seals and sweeps are necessary tools that help prevent leakages and guarantee a water-tight and leak-free glass shower. The seals are fixed around the edges of the shower doors to prevent water from passing through. Sweeps are installed at the bottom of the doors and help to keep water inside the shower. There are many types of seals and sweeps, so opting for high-grade variants is safer, particularly those resistant to mold, given the constant exposure to water.

Other Details to Consider

Accent Lighting

The number 1 rule of any design is that perfect lighting improves everything. To add a more profound touch of luxury and ambiance to a glass shower, you can use light to accentuate the beauty and enhance the general atmosphere. Fix LED strips or recessed lighting around the perimeter to give it a soft glow. However, install lights properly to avoid accidents and electrical hazards.

Regular Maintenance and Cleaning

The beauty of glass is in the dazzling ambiance it exudes. Constant cleaning here and there can help promote beauty. Do not clean glass with harsh and abrasive cleaning agents to prevent damage caused by the chemicals. Always use mild cleaners specifically made for glass. 

Wipe the glass after every use to prevent the accumulation of water spots and stains from mineral deposits. You can also prevent water spots from accumulating by using coating materials. The products contain hydrophobic layers that repel water, making it difficult for spots or stains to form on the glass.

Opting for a finish that accentuates the already present fixtures can elevate the appearance of your glass shower and create a stunning focal point in your bathroom, from selecting appropriate hardware to maintaining cleanliness and preventing water spots. With proper care and attention, your glass shower will continue to impress with its elegance and beauty for years. 

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6 Top Paint Color Trends to Follow in 2023

Maintaining a home is crucial for every homeowner. Without timely care, a house loses its shine, and no one wishes to live in an outdated home. You might think that new furniture or lighting would be essential for your home, but paint is something far more prominent.  

Whether you paint your home’s interior or exterior, the change is immediately visible and increases your property’s value. In addition to the price, a new coat of paint would also cover unusual spots and stains.    

However, choosing the right paint option is also necessary. These days following trends is a necessity. Those who don’t follow trends can never compete with others. Most importantly, your home can never match other homes on the block if you don’t follow current trends. Therefore, avoid making mistakes while selecting paint colors for your home. Selecting a few of these options could make your rooms an instant hit. 

Go With Dark Walls

One of the trendiest options for paint color is to go with dark walls. Previously, lighter shades were preferred for walls, but now preferences are different. Nowadays, dark-colored walls are becoming popular in every household.

Try painting the interior and exterior walls in a dark shade. Dark colors last longer. If you go with a lighter shade, stains, and spots develop on them over time. Luckily no stains or spots are visible on dark-colored walls.

Start the removal process by using infrared paint remover. Once all the old paint is gone, you can add a dark shade in every corner. Any place could be made chic with a dark shade, including your bedroom to the guestroom.

However, often dark paints also make a room look stuffier. That is why one should choose dark colors for rooms with higher ceilings and windows. That way, natural light keeps the room well-lit.

Choose Contrasting Options

With just one shade of paint, your rooms might look dull. People should add a bit of contrast to lighten up the atmosphere. Choosing contrasts for every room helps maintain balance in your home.

For example, if your exterior and interior walls are light-colored, give a contrasting dark color to one of them. The same goes for dark-colored walls. Through contrasts, your homes appear much more modern.

There is always an option to choose color contrasts based on your home’s furniture as well. However, remember to choose a mix of subtle and dominant colors. It enhances your home’s beauty.

Don’t Forget to Add Accent Walls

Another option to consider for your home is an accent wall. It has been a popular option in the current year, and most homeowners prefer using accent walls in their homes. Whether you are repainting your central room or lobby, you could always choose to include an accent wall.

Accent walls also leave a strong impression. It diverts every guest’s attention to itself and makes an average home appear beautiful. Use solid colors to create an accent wall or go with wild wallpapers. These days, homeowners opt for unique patterns and murals to cover walls in their homes.

With an accent wall, you won’t need to add extra paintings or wall decorations. These walls are an art in themselves and require no additional work.

Citrus Color is Also in Fashion

When considering trendy paint options, you can also opt for citrus color. It’s a unique option because it lightens your space without overwhelming anything. Unlike dark colors, it won’t make a space appear tighter. It could be used for your kitchen or dining room where maximum sunlight enters the premises. That way, your home gets a fresh look.

The best part, with citrus color, you can mix and match any other shade, including green or beige. The contrast would make a room visually appealing.

Choose to Paint Your Home in Palladian Blue

The blue color is another personal favorite of every person. It makes your home look bright and is best for internal and external walls. However, there are many options in blue. Amongst the entire palette of colors, Palladian blue is by far the most perfect and well-balanced option.

Palladian blue is neither too blue nor too green. If you paint your porch or garden Palladian blue it looks more balanced.

Blues have always remained in demand because they simultaneously create a cozy effect for rooms and provide positive vibes. If you also want your home to look well-balanced, nothing could be better than Palladian blue.

Choose a Calming Color like Lilac

Lilac is another calming and cool color that goes well in any part of your home. The best part, lilac lasts longer in your interior than other options. Making it the perfect choice. Often a few colors make your home look fussier, but lilac won’t do that.

This color makes you feel easy and calm. Moreover, it makes you want to stay in an interior longer. So, lilac is one of the best options for any home. Whether your room is small or large, lilac will do wonders.

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What is “Rough In” in Plumbing?

In the intricate world of plumbing, terminology plays a crucial role in ensuring a task is done correctly and efficiently. One key term is “rough in” an early phase in the plumbing process that lays the groundwork for the final installation of fixtures. This stage is indispensable, setting the tone for the overall plumbing system’s success. Here you know: the rough in stage, its significance, common challenges faced, and the relationship between rough in and building codes.

Deep Dive into the “Rough In” Stage

The term “rough in” refers to the stage of construction during which the basic plumbing framework is laid out. It involves installing the water supply and drain pipes but stops short of connecting fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and tubs. The goal is to prepare for the final stage of plumbing installation when these fixtures will be installed and connected.

Professional plumbers play an integral role during the rough in stage, marking the locations for fixtures and ensuring pipes are correctly installed. Close collaboration with builders and architects is also crucial to align plumbing with the overall building design.

Importance of Rough In Measurements

Precision is critical in the rough in stage. Exact measurements determine the functional and efficient operation of the plumbing system. For example, the height at which a sink’s drain pipe is installed directly influences the sink’s usability and drain efficiency.

Standard measurements are generally used for different fixtures. A toilet, for instance, typically requires a 12-inch rough in measurement from the finished wall. Adhering to these standards, along with manufacturers’ recommendations and building codes, ensures optimal performance.

Errors during the rough in phase can compound down the line and significantly increase project timelines and budgets. If a bathroom sink drain is installed too high, for example, it may necessitate the repositioning of the drain, the removal of the vanity, and additional tile and wall repair. Incorrect measurements can also lead to inefficient plumbing systems, potentially causing water pressure problems, or worse, flooding.

Common Challenges during the Rough In Stage

The rough in stage, despite its importance, is not without potential obstacles. Layout or design problems can arise, and unforeseen obstacles like structural elements or pre-existing wiring can complicate the process. An experienced plumber is adept at troubleshooting these challenges, leveraging years of expertise to find effective solutions.

There are numerous challenges that a plumber may face during the rough in stage. Existing structures may not be plumb or square, requiring the plumber to adjust the planned layout. Additionally, initial plans may have to change if certain fixtures or materials are not available or if they have been updated or recalled since the design phase.

Adaptability is a crucial characteristic for a plumber during the rough in stage. Utilizing the latest technology and tools can greatly assist in overcoming obstacles. For instance, a digital blueprint can be updated in real time to reflect changes made on the ground.

The Connection between Rough In and Building Codes

Building codes exist to ensure the safety and integrity of construction projects, and they play a prominent role in the rough in phase. Plumbers must adhere to these codes, which specify everything from minimum pipe sizes to acceptable materials. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, project delays, and potential structural issues down the line.

Building codes not only dictate the specifications and standards for plumbing systems, but they also serve to protect the safety of the occupants and the community at large. For example, correctly installed plumbing prevents problems like water contamination and improper drainage.

During the rough in phase, adherence to these codes is paramount. Plumbing systems that do not conform to the building codes can lead to penalties, including fines and mandatory modifications. Even more importantly, non-compliance can create unsafe living conditions, highlighting the vital importance of following these codes.

Case Study: A Real-World Rough In Project 

During the multi-story residential building project, the rough in stage took on heightened importance. This project had a high degree of complexity, as the plumbing systems had to cater to multiple units with different floor plans, all while ensuring optimal usage of space and resources.

The plumbers worked hand-in-hand with the builders and architects to make sure the plumbing layout aligned perfectly with the building’s design. During the rough in phase, they ensured that all measurements were precise, leaving no room for errors that could have led to costly and time-consuming revisions later.

The project serves as a testament to the significance of the rough in stage in plumbing. With meticulous implementation of this phase, the project completed successfully without any major hiccups in the plumbing system.

The Role of Inspection in the Rough In Phase

Rough in inspections are conducted to verify that the plumbing work complies with all applicable codes and regulations. During these inspections, aspects such as pipe placement, fixture alignment, and overall system layout are examined. Failing an inspection can lead to required revisions and additional costs. Rough in inspections serve to ensure that the work done up to that point is up to code. During the inspection, each component installed during the rough in phase is checked. This includes the piping for the DWV system, water supply lines, and stub out locations.

Failing a rough in inspection can result in the need for revisions, driving up project costs and extending timelines. In some cases, failed inspections can even halt construction until the necessary corrections are made. Therefore, a thorough and successful rough in inspection is a significant milestone in any construction project.

Conclusion

The rough in stage is a vital part of plumbing that requires precision, expertise, and careful planning. By understanding its role, associated challenges, and the importance of adhering to building codes, we can appreciate the critical groundwork this stage provides for the successful completion of any construction project. The quality of work done during the rough in phase sets the tone for the rest of the plumbing work, underscoring the saying, “Well begun is half done.”

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