Frequently Asked Questions

Roofing – Ventilation

What is ventilation?

Simply the process of supplying a continuous supply of air through the attic space. 50% intake / 50% exhaust.

Why ventilate?

Enemies are HEAT and MOISTURE – evident in all geographical areas year round. Unvented attics often are 140 to 150 degrees. That can damage shingles, roof sheathing, and radiates into living area.

Who are the major promoters of ventilation?

Shingle manufacturers, insulation manufacturers, paint manufacturers, window manufacturers, building codes, utility companies, HVAC companies.” And the content you put to it was supposed to be under “What is the market for ventilation products?.

Exterior baffles are necessary for ridge vent to function. From the ground level, with or without the exterior baffle, there is no noticeable difference.

Roofing – Perimeter Edge Flashing (PEF)

Drip Edge Flashes…

Eve Edges at the area between the roof deck and the fascia board, Rake Edges at the area between the roof deck and the fascia board, The top of pre-engineered aluminum fascia or site bent aluminum fascia to be flashed on the top.

If PEF is not used you can usually see light coming in a dark attic along eave edge?

FALSE

Where does a roof typically leak first?

Valley, Flashing POints (Wall, Chimney, Vents), Eave and Rake edges between the roof deck and the fascia

One benefit that PEF is that it supports and prevents shingles from sagging and cracking at the eave edage?

TRUE

How often should you nail drip edge?

Every 5 feet

Roofing – FLASHING

What are the different types of flashing?

Step, Cap, Perimeter, Valley

Where is the roof deck most vulnerable to leaks?

At the vertical penetration sites.

What is the minimum distance PEF should extend back past the roof edge?

2 1/2″

Cleaning and Maintenance

How do I keep my shower glass clean?

Invest in a cheap squeegee and use it after every shower. By squeegeeing the water from the glass walls, you will remove any chance that hard water stains will form. If you don’t like using a squeegee, you can also simply use a microfiber towel to wipe down the glass walls and door. If the towel gets too much water in it, just wring it out and continue to wipe. We have also heard rumors that a damp fabric softener sheet will take off hard water stains!

Finally, if you don’t have time for either of these options, you can use a daily shower cleaner to spray down the walls. No matter which option you choose, you will still want to wipe down your shower walls with a shower cleaner and rag every few weeks to give it an extra clean boost. (If you have a shower curtain, pull the shower curtain closed when not in use, so water can’t sit in the folds.

How do I keep my bathroom from getting mildew?

To discourage mildew growth in the bathroom, increase the amount of air circulation and light to decrease moisture. Use fans during the shower and for roughly 30 minutes after. Check with our interior remodeling team to make sure you fan vent is up to code!

How often should I clean my bathroom exhaust fan?

A clean bathroom exhaust fan can reduce odors up to 80% when multiple people use the same bathroom! More importantly, it keeps your bathroom from developing mold. Your exhaust fans should be cleaned at least twice a year. Use a vacuum hose with a brush attachment to clean the obvious dust before taking it down, this will save you from a lot of dust in your eyes, hair, & bathroom floor! Lay newspapers under the fan to catch any that falls down when removing. Make sure the main power to the bath is turned off before removing the fan cover! Use a ladder to remove the fan cover, most will slide off fairly easy but some will require a screwdriver. Have a bucket of hot soapy water ready to go, some fan covers may need to be soaked for a few minutes to help loosen the dirt (especially if hairspray is used in the bathroom daily). Use any soft bristle brush to scrub clean taking care not to damage & dry with a soft cloth. Then use a soapy rag (make sure to wring it out good) to wipe the fan itself from side to side until the fan is clean. You may have to dip the rag multiple times in the water depending on how dirty your fan is.

How do I keep my ceramic shower tile & grout?

You just had a new shower installed & want to keep it looking new! Our recommendation is 2 cups of OxiClean mixed with one gallon of hot water will clean ceramic tile. This concentration will also eliminate mild grout stains and dirt.

Oxygenated bleach contains sodium percarbonate. When oxygenated bleach is dissolved in water a chemical reaction occurs that releases hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate. This reaction is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Plus, oxygenated bleach doesn’t contain chlorine. So you don’t have to worry about it discoloring carpets or clothing while cleaning tile & grout.

(IMPORTANT, never mix vinegar with hydrogen peroxide as this reaction forms peracetic acid which can melt lead bullets. we mention this because many people might try vinegar to clean tile THEN use OxiClean, bad idea altogether!!)

How do I clean my brushed nickel hardware?

Some basin/tub cleaners are caustic or acid/ammonia-based, and can harm brushed nickel. Try a simple soap (dish-soap), a clean rag (not from the work-shop please) and water. These are usually soft enough to remove finger-smudge marks, which Brushed Nickel is most prone to. Avoid using scented hand-soaps as these might leave additives or have things like scrubbing-grit. Do not use scratch-pad sponges like Brillo or steel wool. These can take almost anything off of steel, but can take the finish patina or protectants – even the nickel, off the faucet. Most manufacturers say to avoid abrasives and polishes, including bleach-based cleansers. They specifically state to avoid Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol Basin Tub, Soft Scrub and Tile Cleaner (avoid on the brushed nickel – it probably works just fine on tile/tubs/sinks). Beware product that say they “remove rust or tarnish” – those containing hydrofluoric, hydrochloric and/or phosphoric acids, anything with caustic agents.

To remove stains a simple baking soda paste is the safest bet. Mix baking soda with enough water to make a paste, apply & allow to dry. Rinse with warm water, then buff dry, using a soft, lint-free cloth.

Still have hard water stains after cleaning your faucet? rubbing (denatured) alcohol to a cotton pad and clean the stained nickel surface. When finished, rinse it thoroughly, removing any alcohol that remains on the faucet. Then, dry and polish the faucet with a clean, dry, nonabrasive cloth.

Some manufacturers of nickel faucets recommend simply using a cleaning solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent white vinegar to clean the nickel surface enough for it to then be polished. To apply this vinegar-water cleaning solution, pour a small amount into a spray bottle and spray it onto the nickel faucet. After applying the solution, wipe it off and polish with a clean, soft cloth. Then, to polish it, buff it briskly with another soft, dry cloth.

How do I clean my aged bronze hardware?

Polish by dipping a clean flannel cloth in liquid wax. Wipe the entire fixture with the wax. Let it dry, coating the entire fixture. Use a fresh flannel cloth to buff the metal. This can help restore the shine on a bronze fixture that has become faded over time.

Bronze faucets that have been neglected should be cleaned with a soft-bristle brush and a gentle cleaning solution. Mix 1 tablespoon of salt into 3 quarts of warm water. Wipe the bronze bathroom fixtures with the solution and rinse with clear water. Work to remove all dust and grime from crevices and around the base of the faucet. Finish by gently wiping the bathroom fixtures with a flannel cloth.

How do I clean granite countertops?

I’ve heard I can’t use certain products on it. Do not use any ammonia, vinegar, or lemon cleaners on granite. Although granite is an extremely tough surface, it is susceptible to acidic formulas, which eat away at its surface. Vinegar, and lemon all contain more acid than is safe for granite. If you don’t want to buy granite cleaner the best way to clean them is Combine mild dish detergent with rubbing alcohol. Mix three parts dish detergent with one part standard rubbing alcohol. Alcohol works well because it has antiseptic and cleaning properties but contains a pH level of 7.0–the same pH level in the water. Mix well and allow water to cool slightly. You want the water to be very warm, but not scalding or extremely hot. Make sure your soap and alcohol are well mixed for a nice balance. Immerse the cloth in the cleaning solution and wipe the counters thoroughly. Soak your cloth in the solution, allowing the cleaning fluid to permeate the cloth. Before cleaning the counter wring cloth out to remove excess fluid. Due to the nature of granite counter designs, some stains or leftover debris and stains may not be apparent to the naked eye. However, if you run a clean hand over the countertop surface you may be able to pick up stuck on debris that your cloth may have missed. Buff and dry counters thoroughly. Although your counters will be clean, most cleaners may leave streaks if not dried immediately.

How do I keep my new carpet looking new?

Vacuuming daily is recommended but not always a viable option! It doesn’t hurt to invest in an inexpensive robotic vacuum like those made by iRobot. Daily vacuuming helps pick up dirt and debris before it sinks deep into the carpet. Less dirt expands the life of your carpet.

If you have a spill, clean immediately to reduce the rate of absorption. First blot the spill do not rub! Rubbing a stain can actually wear the fabric and set the stain permanently. Continue blotting the area until it is almost dry and then vacuum the area. Water left in carpet from improper blotting can lead to mold problems.

Pet accidents? Using paper towels to blot up urine and vomit soaks up the surface liquid but still leaves a lot in the carpet. And stomping on those paper towels only makes it worse. That forces the liquid deeper into the padding and then into the subflooring. Instead, invest in a handheld carpet extractor, don’t use a shop vacuum—the smell will linger in the filter and it’s much harder to clean than a small extractor. Hit the carpet as soon as possible and vacuum like there’s no tomorrow. Then use a bio-enzymatic cleaner-It neutralizes the urea and uric acid and eliminates proteins and starches. Ordinary carpet cleaners can’t do that. In fact, using a carpet cleaner before a bio-enzymatic cleaner can set the stain permanently. Liquid messes spread as they’re absorbed into the carpet, so always treat a larger area than the original stain.

And finally, hire a professional! A lot of products on the market claim to remove stains, spills and odors but simply mask them or drive them deeper. The stains eventually re-appear looking worse than ever. Don’t spend your hard-earned money on inferior products when for just a little more money you can have your carpets professionally cleaned with top quality products. Deep carpet cleaning is essential to remove deep-set dirt, dust, pollen, and other pollutants. (But, don’t add to the problem by allowing the use of harmful chemicals. Instead, search for a company that uses environmentally friendly “green” carpet cleaning solutions.)

What is the best way to maintain my Alterna flooring?

Nordine Remodeling also offers Alterna luxury vinyl tile with the timeless elegance of slate, marble, and travertine in a floor that’s easy to live with. While Alterna may look like stone, it feels warm and comfortable to your feet, and absorbs sound for a quieter home.

Armstrong® recommends wiping up spills as soon as possible, never use abrasives on any flooring! Wash your floor occasionally with Armstrong Once Done® Resilient & Ceramic Floor Cleaner. Also, use Armstrong SatinKeeper® Polish to return your floors original shine if it begins to dull over time.

Don’t use detergents, abrasive cleaners, or “mop & shine” products, paste wax, solvent-based products, grout sealer, or floor strippers. Floor strippers will degrade the acrylic grout. Don’t use the beater bar when vacuuming as it can cause visible damage to the floor.

What is the best way to maintain my hardwood flooring?

Never use a steam cleaner or soaking wet mop on a wood floor. The combination of heat and moisture and pressure could be very damaging to the wood. Steam will flow down between slats, penetrate the wood, stain it black. At worst, it will lift the coating, causing it to peel away. Never use wax, oil-based detergent or any general-purpose household cleaner. These can dull or damage the finish, leaving a greasy film and making the floor slippery or tacky and more difficult to clean properly.

Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose dust and grit. Install doormats at all entrances to protect flooring against abrasive dirt and moisture. Vacuum or shake out mats regularly. This is very important to do before mopping because small particles of loose grit act like sandpaper on the surface, wearing it down over time and dulling the gloss. Always use a damp well-wrung mop or cloth & run it over the floor with the grain of the wood. As long as you can still wring water from the mop with your hands, it’s too damp to use.

How do I keep my new windows clean?

Once again, invest in a squeegee & an extension pole for the outside. Use either a bucket of water with a few drops of dish detergent, or you can use one part white vinegar to two parts water either in a bucket or spray bottle. Outside windows can be mopped then squeegeed, inside windows can be sprayed then wiped clean with a microfiber cloth. It is best to do windows on a cool cloudy day so any soap or cleaning solution does not dry before you can wipe it off.

Still have more questions? Contact Nordine Remodeling today!