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BUILDING INTERIORS

ACOUSTICAL SEALANT CHOICES
AGE of a BUILDING - how to determine
AIR POLLUTANTS, COMMON INDOOR
AIR SEALING STRATEGIES
ANIMAL ALLERGENS
ANTI SCALD VALVES
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS
ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING COMPONENT ID
ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION IN buildings
ATTIC LEAKS, CONDENSATION & MOLD
ATTIC VENTILATION

BASEMENT CEILING VAPOR BARRIER
BASEMENT HEAT LOSS
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
BATH & KITCHEN DESIGN GUIDE
  Bath & Kitchen Associations, Product Sources
  BATHROOM DESIGN
  Bathroom Design, Accessible
  Bathroom Ventilation
  CABINETS & COUNTERTOP DEFECTS
  CABINET CHOICES, Bath / Kitchen
  CEMENT BACKERBOARD Installation
  COUNTERTOPS, KITCHEN
  FAUCETS, Kitchen & Bathroom
  FLOOR DESIGN, Kitchen & Bathroom
  FLOOR ENGINEERED WOOD & LAMINATES
  FLOOR FRAMING & SUBFLOOR for TILE
  Floor, Stone, Granite, Marble, Agglomer
  Floor Tile, Ceramic for K & B
  Floor Tile Sealers, Ceramic/Stone
  Floor Tile Over Concrete Slabs
  Floor Tile Setting Compounds
  GROUT Installation, Tile
  KITCHEN CABINET DESIGN Guide
  KITCHEN DESIGN Principles
  Kitchen Design, Accessible
  KITCHEN LAYOUTS, Typical
  Kitchen Ventilation
  PLUMBING FIXTURES
  SCALD PROTECTION
  SHOWER PANS
  SPAS, Whirlpools, Soaking & Jetted Tubs
  Spa, Whirlpool, Soaking & Jetted Tub Installation
  TILE INSTALLATION DETAILS
  TOILET TYPES, Design Choices
  Toilet Installation Procedures
  TUBS & Tub/Shower Units
BATHROOM VENTILATION
BEST CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES GUIDE
Best Interior Finish Practices
BLOWER DOORS & AIR INFILTRATION
BLOWN-IN INSULATION
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BRICK LINED WALLS
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BRICK VENEER WALL Loose, Bulged
BRICK WALL DRAINAGE WEEP HOLES
BUCKLED FOUNDATIONS due to INSULATION?
BUILDING SAFETY HAZARDS GUIDE
BUILDING NOISE DIAGNOSIS & CURE

CABINETS & COUNTERTOPS
CARPETING & INDOOR AIR QUALITY
CARPETING, SELECTION & INSTALLATION
CASEWORK, CABINETS, SHELVING INSTALLATION
CATHEDRAL CEILING INSULATION
CATHEDRAL CEILING VENTILATION
CEILING FINISHES INTERIOR
CEILINGS, DROP or SUSPENDED PANEL
CEILINGS, PLASTER TYPES
CERAMIC TILE FLOOR, WALL
CERAMIC TILE, ASBESTOS in?
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CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS
CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
COMBUSTION AIR for TIGHT buildings
CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS
COOLING LOAD REDUCTION by ROOF VENTS
CRAWL SPACES

DEW POINT CALCULATION for WALLS
DOORS, INTERIOR
DRYWALL HAZARDS, CHINESE
DRYWALL INSTALLATION Best Practices
DRYWALL MOLD
DRYWALL MOLD RESISTANT

EARTHQUAKE DAMAGED FOUNDATIONS
EFFLORESCENCE, Salts & White / Brown Deposits
ELDERLY & VETERANS HOME SAFETY
ELECTRICAL INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS, REPAIR
ENERGY SAVINGS in buildings
ENGINEERED WOOD Flooring
ENGINEERED WOOD Products
EXTERIOR WALL SIDING TRIM & FINISHES

FIBERGLASS INSULATION
FIBERGLASS HAZARDS
FLAT ROOF MOISTURE & CONDENSATION
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP
FLOOR TYPES & DEFECTS
FORMALDEHYDE HAZARDS
FOOTING & FOUNDATION DRAINS
FOUNDATION CRACKS & DAMAGE GUIDE
FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING
FRENCH DRAINS
FRAMING DETAILS for BETTER INSULATION
FREEZE-PROOF A BUILDING
FROST HEAVES, FOUNDATION, SLAB
FUNGICIDAL SPRAY & SEALANT USE GUIDE

GAS EXPOSURE LIMITS & STANDARDS

HEAT LOSS in buildings
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HOT WATER HEATERS
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HOUSE DOCTOR, how-to be
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ICE DAM PREVENTION
INDOOR AIR QUALITY & HOUSE TIGHTNESS
INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
INSULATION INSPECTION & IMPROVEMENT

KIT HOMES, Aladdin, Sears, Wards, Others
KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN GUIDE

LIGHTING, EXTERIOR GUIDE
LIGHTING, INTERIOR GUIDE
LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS
LOW VOLTAGE BUILDING WIRING
LOG HOME GUIDE

METAL LATH, PLASTER & STUCCO
MIXING / ANTI-SCALD VALVES
MOBILE HOME INSPECTIONS
MOISTURE CONTROL in BUILDINGS
MOLD INFORMATION CENTER

NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE
NOISE CONTROL for FLOORS
NOISE CONTROL for PLUMBING
NOISE, PLUMBING DRAIN DIAGNOSIS
NOISE, PLUMBING DRAIN REPAIR
NOISE, WATER HEATER
NOISES, WATER PUMP

ODORS GASES SMELLS, DIAGNOSIS & CURE
ODORS IN WATER
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ODORS, SULPHUR SMELL SOURCES
ODORS, URINE REMOVAL
OIL FIRED WATER HEATERS
OUTHOUSES & LATRINES

PAINT FALURE, DIAGNOSIS, CURE, PREVENTION
PIPING IN buildings, Clogs Leaks Types
PLASTER & BEAVERBOARD & DRYWALL
PLASTER BULGES & PILLOWS
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PLASTER TYPE IDENTIFICATION
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PLUMBING FIXTURES, KITCHEN, BATH
  FAUCETS & CONTROLS, KITCHEN & BATH
  FAUCETS, OUTDOOR HOSE BIBBS
  FLUSHOMETER VALVES for TOILETS URINALS
  PLUMBING FIXTURE TRAPS
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  PLUMBING NOISE CONTROL
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  SHOWERS, TUBS
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  SPAS, WHIRLPOOLS, SOAK/JETTED TUBS
  SPAS, WHIRLPOOLS, INSTALLATION
  TOILETS, INSPECT, INSTALL, REPAIR
  TOILET ALTERNATIVES
  TOILET INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
  TOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY
  TOILET REPAIR GUIDE
  TOILET TISSUE CHOICES
  TOILET TISSUE TEST
  TOILET TYPES
  Toilet Types, Flush Methods
  TOILETS, DON'T FLUSH LIST
  TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES
  TUBS & TUB REPLACEMENTS or RELINERS
Plumbing Materials & Fixtures, Age, Types
PLASTIC HEATER VENT
PLASTIC PIPING
PUMPS & WELLS

RADIANT BARRIERS
RADIANT HEAT
RANGE BOILERS
RELIEF VALVES - TP Valves on Boilers
RELIEF VALVES - STEAM TP VALVES
RELIEF VALVES - Water Heaters
RELIEF VALVES - Water Tanks
ROOF VENTILATION SPECIFICATIONS
ROT, FUNGUS, TERMITES

SAFETY HAZARDS & INSPECTIONS
SAFETY: Elderly & Veterans Home Safety
SEARS KIT HOUSES
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR
SEPTIC METHANE GAS
SEPTIC ODORS
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SEPTIC SYSTEM ODORS
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SEWAGE BACKUP PREVENTION
SEWAGE CONTAMINATION in buildings
SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS
SEWAGE PUMPS
SEWER GAS ODORS
SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT
SULPHUR & SEWER GAS SMELL SOURCES
SLAB CRACK EVALUATION
SOUND CONTROL in buildings
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING EXTERIORS
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING INTERIORS
STAINS & FINISHES, INTERIOR
STAIRS, RAILINGS, LANDINGS, RAMPS
STUCCO WALL METHODS & INSTALLATION
SUMP PUMPS GUIDE
SWEATING (CONDENSATION) on PIPES, TANKS

THERMAL MASS in buildings
THERMAL TRACKING Indicates Heat Loss
TOILETS, INSPECT, INSTALL, REPAIR
TOILET ALTERNATIVES
TOILET FLUSHOMETER VALVES
TOILET INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
TOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY
TOILET PLUGS, SEWER BACKUP
TOILET REPAIR GUIDE
TOILET TISSUE CHOICES
TOILET TISSUE TEST
TOILET TYPES
Toilet Types, Flush Methods
TOILETS, DON'T FLUSH LIST
TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES
TRIM, EXTERIOR CHOICES, INSTALLATION
TRIM, INTERIOR
TRIM, INTERIOR INSTALLATION

VAPOR BARRIERS & CONDENSATION in BUILDINGS
VENTILATION in buildings
VINYL Siding or PLASTIC Window ODORS in buildings
VINYL CHLORIDE HEALTH INFO

WALL SIDING TRIM & FINISHES
WALL FINISHES INTERIOR
WATER BARRIERS, EXTERIOR BUILDING
WATER ENTRY in buildings
WATER HEATERS
WATER PRESSURE & FLOW MEASUREMENT
WATER PRESSURE GAUGE ACCURACY
WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
WATER PRESSURE PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE
WATER PRESSURE REPAIRS & COSTS
WATER PUMPS, TANKS, TESTS, WELLS, REPAIRS
WATER PUMPS, TANKS, WELLS - BASICS
WATER PUMP TYPES & LIFE EXPECTANCY
WATER PURIFIERS
WATER QUALITY TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT
WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT
WATER QUANTITY USAGE GUIDE
WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS
WATER SUPPLY & DRAIN PIPING
WATER TANK TYPES: WATER, OIL, EXPANSION, ALL
WATER TANK AIR, HOW TO ADD
WATER TANK REPAIRS
WATER TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT
WATER ODORS, CAUSE CURE
WATER PUMPS & WELLS
WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS
WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT CHOICES
WELLS CISTERNS & SPRINGS
WINTERIZE A BUILDING
WOOD Burning Heaters Fireplaces Stoves

More Information

Figure 6-49: (C) J Wiley, S Bliss Guide to Plumbing Fixtures for Kitchens & Bathrooms
InspectAPedia®  -      

  • Guide to choosing & installing plumbing fixtures, sinks, tubs, & faucets for kitchens & bathrooms
  • Plumbing Fixture Recommendations for Sinks - how to mount sinks
  • Mounting Procedures for Sink Fixtures: Self-rimming Sinks, Flush-set sinks, under-mount sinks & basins
  • Installing faucet assemblies on sinks - recommendations
  • Enameled Steel Sink Choices
  • Solid Surfacing Sink Choices & Composite Sink alternatives
  • Cultured Marble Sink Properties
  • Vitreous China Sink Choices - Porcelain Sinks
  • Properties of acrylic sinks and basins
  • Stainless Steel Sink Characteristics & Recommendations
  • Enameled Cast Iron Sink Properties
  • Questions & answers about choosing & installing kitchen or bath sinks

Sink types, choices, recommendations for kitchens & baths: this article discusses the properties, pros, and cons of different types of sinks and sink materials, including self-rimming sinks, flushmount sinks, and undermount sinks. We discuss the choices of enameled steel sinks, solid surfacing and composite sinks, cultured marble sinks, vitreous china (porcelain) sinks, acrylic sinks and basins, stainless steel sink properties, and enameled cast iron sinks.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers nor with topics or services discussed at this website.

© Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website.

Design Guide to Plumbing Fixtures for Kitchens & Bathrooms

Bath sink, oval, in cultured marble (C) D FriedmanThis article series discusses current best design practices for kitchens and bathrooms, including layout, clearances, work space, and accessible kitchen and bathroom layout, clearances, turning space, grab bars, controls, etc.

We include advice on choosing and installing kitchen countertops, cabinets, and kitchen or bathroom flooring, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures and fixture controls such as faucets. A list of kitchen and bath product manufactures and sources is included. This article includes excerpts or adaptations from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss, courtesy of Wiley & Sons.

We installed the oval porcelain sink (left) in a cultured marble countertop. Be sure to seal the countertop after sink installation to avoid permanent water spot stain problems.

As discussed in Chapter 6 of Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction:

Plumbing Fixture Recommendations for Sinks

Stainless steel sink (C) D FriedmanBecause of its durability and economy, stainless steel accounts for over 60% of kitchen sinks in both new homes and remodels. In new construction bathrooms, cultured marble is the leading material for lavatory sinks, while the more expensive vitreous china leads in remodels.

Both stainless steel and vitreous china are extremely durable, easy to clean, and impervious to rust, stains, and heat.

Cultured marble quality varies, based largely on the thickness and quality of the thin gel coat that provides the color and wear surface.Well-made cultured marble, however, treated with reasonable care, can provide years of satisfactory service.

With any sink, choose a bowl that is large enough for the intended use. A kitchen sink should be deep enough to handle large pots and have vertical sides and tight-radius corners to increase the usable space.

A relatively flat bottom allows dishes to sit without sliding toward the drain, and an offset drain also increases the usable space. Models with multiple bowls and built-in cutting boards, draining racks, and other accessories can simplify both food prep at the sink and cleanup. A raised or gooseneck-type faucet allows large pots to be easily rinsed or filled (Figure 6-48just below).

Figure 6-48: (C) J Wiley, S Bliss

 

Figure 6-48

[Click any image or table to see an enlarged version with additional detail, commentary & source citation.]

Many “builders’ grade” lavatory sinks are undersized for basic grooming tasks, such as tooth brushing and face washing without splashing water across the vanity top.

If the client plans to wash hair, water plants, or perform other household chores at the lavatory, an oversized bowl is recommended. A sink with the faucet offset to one side, with a pivoting spout, provides still more usable space.

Mounting Procedures for Sink Fixtures (Faucets)

Figure 6-49: (C) J Wiley, S Bliss

 

Most kitchen and bath sinks are self-rimming and sit on top of the counter surface.

However, demand has been growing for flush-set and under mount sinks, which cost more to buy and install, but have the benefits of a more streamlined appearance and easy cleaning (Figure 6-49).

 

With the sink set level with or beneath the counter, food debris can be easily swept into the sink and grime does not collect at the joint of the sink rim and counter.

Bath sink with wheelchair space below (C) D Friedman
  • Self-rimming Sinks. Standard cast-iron and stainless-steel sinks have a metal flange that hides any rough cuts in the countertop but tends to collect grime where it joins the counter. The rim should be sealed to the counter with silicone sealant.
  • Flush-set Sinks. This type of sink, sometimes called a “tile edge” sink, is designed to sit level with the countertop and is often used with tile counters.With tile counters, a flexible sealant such as Color Caulk (Color Caulk, Colton, CA) should be used to seal between the sink and tile.

    Flush-set stainless-steel or cast-iron sinks can also be set into laminate counters by carefully routing a hole for the sink and using special trim that is virtually flush with the counter. European-based sink manufacturer Karran USA makes a reinforced solid surface sink specially designed to flush set in laminate tops.
  • Under mount Sinks and Basins. This type of sink provides the most streamlined appearance and easiest cleanup, but it is also the most costly to buy and install. Used with solid surfacing, stone, or composite tops, the cutout must be perfect, and most sinks must be independently supported from underneath the counter. Solid-surfacing sinks are typically glued to the countertop from underneath, creating a seamless transition.

The main material choices for kitchen and bathroom sinks are outlined below (Table 6-9).

Table 6-9: (C) J Wiley, S Bliss

 

Table 6-9

[Click any image or table to see an enlarged version with additional detail, commentary & source citation.]

Enameled Steel Sink Choices

This uses the same process as enameled cast iron, but with a substrate of stamped 14-gauge steel. These sinks weigh half or less than a comparable cast-iron model, making them easier on the installer.

But the lighter, less rigid substrate does not dampen noise as well and is more likely to chip if a heavy object is dropped. One alternative is a hybrid from American Standard called Americast, introduced in the late 1980s, which uses enameled steel on the inside and a cast-polymer composite on the outside to create a sturdy tub with half the weight of cast iron.

Solid Surfacing Sink Choices

Sink mount under countertop (C) D Friedman Queretaro MexicoThe main advantage of solid-surface sinks is that they can be installed seamlessly to the underside of a solid-surface counters. This provides a very streamlined appearance, easy cleanup, and no joints to collect dirt.

Solid surfacing also offers great design flexibility, as most fabricators can build nearly any configuration desired. Most solid surface sinks have a matte finish, which is easier to maintain than a semi gloss or high-gloss. While relatively easy to scratch or scorch, this type of damage is superficial and is easy to sand away with fine sandpaper or a ScotchBrite™ pad.

The under-counter sink illustrated at left is installed in a cultured marble countertop in an office building bathroom in Queretaro, Mexico.

Composite Sink Guide

Similar to solid surfacing, composite sinks are a cast polymer using crushed quartz or granite as the filler. High-quality composites have similar characteristics to engineered stone counters, and in some cases are seamlessly cast from the same material (Figure 6-50).

Figure 6-50: (C) J Wiley, S Bliss

 

Figure 6-50

 

In general, they provide excellent resistance against stains, scratches, chips, and fading. They also tolerate heat well. For example, the sinks made from Moenstone (Moen) and Kindred Granite (FHP Kindred) can tolerate temperatures up to 530°F for short periods.

Finishes range from matte to a satin semigloss. Cleaning instructions vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but most recommend mild nonabrasive cleansers and nylon scrub pads for everyday cleaning and ScotchBrite™ pads and abrasive cleansers as needed. Scratches or stubborn stains can be sanded out as with solid surfacing, although matching a glossy finish may be difficult (one solution is to sand the whole sink).

Metal scouring pads or cast-iron cookware can leave rust stains on composite sinks. Concentrated bleaches, paint strippers, or products containing formic acid (drain cleaner) can discolor the surface. An application of Gel-Glos™ (T.R. Industries) or Invisible Shield® (Unelko Corp.) is recommended by some manufacturers to maintain the sheen and ease of cleaning.

Cultured Marble Sink Properties

see Table 6-9 above for a discussion of the performance and care of cultured marble.

Vitreous China Sink Choices - Porcelain Sinks

Also called porcelain, vitreous china is a heavy ceramic product also used to make toilets. It is highly scratch-resistant and less affected by abrasive cleansers than enameled cast iron or cast-polymer materials (solid surfacing, stone composites). It is widely used in vanity sinks, but because the china substrate will chip more easily than other materials, it is not commonly used in kitchens. Some high end ornamental china sinks are available for kitchens, but may be too fragile for a kitchen work center.

Properties of Acrylic Sinks

A relative newcomer, acrylic sinks are made of the same materials as acrylic tubs or showers. Made from heat-molded 1/8 -inch thick acrylic plastic sheets, the fixtures are molded into a wide variety of shapes, then reinforced on the back side with fiberglass and resin. The surface is nonporous and very stain-resistant, but it is relatively soft and easy to scratch. It is also vulnerable to petroleum based chemicals and heat, for example from a hot skillet. Burns are not repairable.

On the plus side, acrylic has good noise dampening characteristics and can tolerate bleach when needed for a difficult stain. The color goes all the way through the material, so it is possible to sand or buff out small scratches with auto polishing compound or special acrylic polish. For larger scratches, use 400- to 600-grit sandpaper and buff with baking soda.

Stainless Steel Sink Characteristics & Recommendations

A basic stainless-steel sink is one of least expensive options, and one of the most durable. It is unaffected by heat and most chemicals and the surface will not absorb stains, odors, or oils. It is relatively easy to clean and can be scrubbed with abrasive cleansers and pads when needed.

Avoid the cheapest sinks, which use lightweight steel (20 to 23 gauge), as they can flex or dent; also avoid low-nickel alloys, such as 18-8, which can tarnish. Lightweight steel sinks also tend to be noisy with a waste disposer. Good quality sinks are typically 18-gauge or thicker and use high-quality alloys, such as 18-10.

Also avoid steel sinks with a polished finish, which is difficult to maintain. A brushed (matte) finish hides scratches from normal use and cleaning. And although good quality stainless is tough to damage, it is not indestructible. It can develop rust stains from steel wool residue or prolonged contact with cast iron cookware. Also, prolonged contact with concentrated bleach solutions, strong acids, or salty materials can cause pitting. Still, for function and economy, steel is hard to beat.

Enameled Cast Iron Sink Properties

The hard, glossy finish on a cast iron sink is made by fusing a porcelain enamel glaze to a heavy cast-iron substrate under high heat. This creates a solid fixture with a tough, lustrous finish that is impervious to stains, chemicals, odors, and heat, and cleans easily with a sponge.

The heavy mass of the cast-iron base dampens any disposal sounds, but the same rigid mass will readily crack a dropped dish. The porcelain finish is durable but not indestructible. Harsh, abrasive cleansers and abrasive pads will dull the surface and a hard enough blow with a sharp object can chip the coating exposing the iron beneath to rust.

Kitchen and Bath Product Manufacturers, Sources, Associations

Ceramic Tile-Setting Material Manufacturer List

Bonsal American www.bonsal.com Setting compounds, grouts, preformed shower pans, curbs, and niches. Also, distributor of backerboards, isolation membranes, and other tile-setting products

Color Caulk, div. of Roanoke Companies Group www.colorcaulk.com Color-matched caulking

Custom Building Products www.custombuildingproducts.com Elastomeric and liquid-applied membranes, self-leveling underlayments, setting compounds, and grouts

Laticrete International www.laticrete.com Trowel-on membranes, self-leveling underlayments, setting compounds, grouts, and sealants

Noble Company www.noblecompany.com CPE sheet membranes, trowel-on membranes, clamping ring drains, and preformed slopes, niches, and curbs

Mapei www.mapei.com Trowel-on and sheet membranes, self-leveling underlayments, setting compounds, grouts, and color-matched sanded caulks

Ceramic Tile Backerboard Producers

Custom Building Products www.custombuildingproducts.com Wonderboard cement backerboard, Easyboard cement and polystyrene lightweight backerboard, and Rhinoboard fiber-cement backerboard

Georgia-Pacific Gypsum www.gp.com/build Denshield gypboard backer with glass-matt facing

James Hardie Building Products www.jameshardie.com Fiber-cement backerboard

National Gypsum www.nationalgypsum.com Permabase lightweight cement and polystyrene backerboard

Schluter Systems www.schluter.com Kerdi tile membrane goes directly over drywall or other substrates

T. Clear Corp./Fin Pan Inc. www.finpan.com Util-A-Crete lightweight concrete backerboard

U.S. Gypsum www.usg.com Durock cement backerboard

W. R. Bonsal www.bonsal.com Extruded polystyrene backerboard with fiberglassreinforced cement facing

Cabinet Hardware Manufacturers List

Accuride International www.accuride.com Ball-bearing drawer slides

Amerock Corp. www.amerock.com Comprehensive catalog of cabinet hinges, pulls, slides, and accessories

Grass America www.grassusa.com Cup hinges, slides, shelf supports, and storage accessories

Hafele America www.hafeleamericas.com Cup hinges, ball-bearing slides, pulls, and KD connectors

Mepla Inc. www.mepla-alfit.com Cup hinges, ball-bearing slides, drawer systems, shelf supports, and KD connectors

Hettich America www.hettichamerica.com Cup hinges, ball-bearing drawer slides, shelf supports, and KD connectors

Plastic Laminate Countertop Manufacturers List

Abet Inc. www.abetlaminati.com

Arborite www.arborite.com

Formica Corp. www.formica.com

Nevamar Decorative Surfaces www.nevamar.com

Pionite Decorative Surfaces www.pionite.com

Wilsonart International www.wilsonart.com

Solid Surface Countertop Manufacturers

Avonite Surfaces www.avonite.com

Centura Solid Surfacing www.centurasolidsurface.com

Dupont www.corian.com

Formica Corp. www.formica.com Formica solid surfacing, formerly Surell and Fountainhead

Halstead International www.e-topstone.com Topstone solid surface distributor

Lippert Corp. www.lippertcorp.com

Sansung Staron www.getstaron.com Swanstone www.theswancorp.com

TFI www.tficorp.com

Transolid Inc. www.transolid.com

Wilsonart International www.wilsonart.com

Engineered Stone Countertop Manufacturers

Cambria www.cambriausa.com Cosantino USA www.silestoneusa.com

Dupont www.zodiaq.com

Halstead International www.halsteadintl.com Granyte distributor

Technistone USA www.technistoneusa.com

U.S. Quartz Products www.caesarstoneus.com

Kitchen Exhaust Fan Companies

Amana www.amana.com Pop-up and traditional range hoods

Bosch www.boschappliances.com Chimney style, downdraft, and traditional range hoods, stainless steel and colors

Kitchenaid www.kitchenaid.com Retractable downdraft, slide out, island, and traditional range hoods

Broan-Nutone LLC www.nutone.com Nutone downdraft, island, and traditional range hoods

Dacor www.dacorappl.com Commercial-style, stainless-steel pop-up and overhead range hoods; hood liners for custom canopies

Gaggenau www.gaggenau.com/us Chimney-style, pop-up, slide-out, and island range hoods in stainless-steel, aluminum, and glass

Jenn Aire/Maytag Corp www.jennaire.com Pop-up, under-cabinet, wall, soffit, island, and fans and hood liners for custom canopies

Thermador www.thermador.com Updraft, downdraft, and island-range hoods

Wolf Appliance Co. www.wolfappliance.com Pop-up, chimney-style, wall, and island-range hoods in stainless steel

Kitchen & Bath Industry Associations

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers(AHAM) www.aham.org

National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) www.nkba.org

Ceramic Tile Institute of America www.ctioa.org

Home Ventilation Institute (HVI) www.hvi.org

Marble Institute of America www.marble-institute.com Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) www.porcelainenamel.com

Tile Council of America (TCA) www.tileusa.com

-- Adapted with permission from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction.

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Technical Reviewers & References

  • InspectAPedia.com® - Daniel Friedman - Publisher & Editor.
  • Steven Bliss served as editorial director and co-publisher of The Journal of Light Construction for 16 years and previously as building technology editor for Progressive Builder and Solar Age magazines. He worked in the building trades as a carpenter and design/build contractor for more than ten years and holds a masters degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Excerpts from his recent book, Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, Wiley (November 18, 2005) ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, appear throughout this website, with permission and courtesy of Wiley & Sons. Best Practices Guide is available from the publisher, J. Wiley & Sons, and also at Amazon.com.
  • InspectAPedia Bookstore lists recommended books, organized by topic & available for purchase. Most of our articles also include a list of recommended books for the specific article topic as well as other references, and information sources.
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  • Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.

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BATH & KITCHEN DESIGN GUIDE - see detailed links at page left

  • Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.
  • Home Reference Book - Carson Dunlop The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 2010, $69.00 U.S., is available from Carson Dunlop, and from the InspectAPedia bookstore. The 2010 edition of the Home Reference Book is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. InspectAPedia.com ® author/editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.
  • "The Elimination of Unsafe Guardrails, a Progress Report," Elliott O. Stephenson, Building Standards, March-April 1993
  • "Are Functional Handrails Within Our Grasp" Jake Pauls, Building Standards, January-February 1991
  • Access Ramp building codes:
    • UBC 1003.3.4.3
    • BOCA 1016.3
    • ADA 4.8.2
    • IBC 1010.2
  • Access Ramp Standards:
    • ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), Public Law 101-336. 7/26/90 is very often cited by other sources for good design of stairs and ramps etc. even where disabled individuals are not the design target.
    • ANSI A117.4 Accessible and Usable buildings and Facilities (earlier version was incorporated into the ADA)
    • ASTM F 1637, Standard Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces, (Similar to the above standards)
  • America's Favorite Homes, mail-order catalogues as a guide to popular early 20th-century houses, Robert Schweitzer, Michael W.R. Davis, 1990, Wayne State University Press ISBN 0814320066 (may be available from Wayne State University Press)
  • American Plywood Association, APA, "Portland Manufacturing Company, No. 1, a series of monographs on the history of plywood manufacturing",Plywood Pioneers Association, 31 March, 1967, www.apawood.org
  • ASHRAE resource on dew point and wall condensation - see the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, available in many libraries. The following three ASHRAE Handbooks are also available at the InspectAPedia bookstore in the third page of our Insulate-Ventilate section:
    • 2005 ASHRAE Handbook : Fundamentals : Inch-Pound Edition (2005 ASHRAE HANDBOOK : Fundamentals : I-P Edition) (Hardcover), Thomas H. Kuehn (Contributor), R. J. Couvillion (Contributor), John W. Coleman (Contributor), Narasipur Suryanarayana (Contributor), Zahid Ayub (Contributor), Robert Parsons (Author), ISBN-10: 1931862702 or ISBN-13: 978-1931862707
    • 2004 ASHRAE Handbook : Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning: Systems and Equipment : Inch-Pound Edition (2004 ASHRAE Handbook : HVAC Systems and Equipment : I-P Edition) (Hardcover)
      by American Society of Heating, ISBN-10: 1931862478 or ISBN-13: 978-1931862479
      "2004 ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Systems and Equipment The 2004 ASHRAE HandbookHVAC Systems and Equipment discusses various common systems and the equipment (components or assemblies) that comprise them, and describes features and differences. This information helps system designers and operators in selecting and using equipment. Major sections include Air-Conditioning and Heating Systems (chapters on system analysis and selection, air distribution, in-room terminal systems, centralized and decentralized systems, heat pumps, panel heating and cooling, cogeneration and engine-driven systems, heat recovery, steam and hydronic systems, district systems, small forced-air systems, infrared radiant heating, and water heating); Air-Handling Equipment (chapters on duct construction, air distribution, fans, coils, evaporative air-coolers, humidifiers, mechanical and desiccant dehumidification, air cleaners, industrial gas cleaning and air pollution control); Heating Equipment (chapters on automatic fuel-burning equipment, boilers, furnaces, in-space heaters, chimneys and flue vent systems, unit heaters, makeup air units, radiators, and solar equipment); General Components (chapters on compressors, condensers, cooling towers, liquid coolers, liquid-chilling systems, centrifugal pumps, motors and drives, pipes and fittings, valves, heat exchangers, and energy recovery equipment); and Unitary Equipment (chapters on air conditioners and heat pumps, room air conditioners and packaged terminal equipment, and a new chapter on mechanical dehumidifiers and heat pipes)."
    • 1996 Ashrae Handbook Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Systems and Equipment: Inch-Pound Edition (Hardcover), ISBN-10: 1883413346 or ISBN-13: 978-1883413347 ,
      "The 1996 HVAC Systems and Equipment Handbook is the result of ASHRAE's continuing effort to update, expand and reorganize the Handbook Series. Over a third of the book has been revised and augmented with new chapters on hydronic heating and cooling systems design; fans; unit ventilator; unit heaters; and makeup air units. Extensive changes have been added to chapters on panel heating and cooling; cogeneration systems and engine and turbine drives; applied heat pump and heat recovery systems; humidifiers; desiccant dehumidification and pressure drying equipment, air-heating coils; chimney, gas vent, fireplace systems; cooling towers; centrifugal pumps; and air-to-air energy recovery. Separate I-P and SI editions."
    • Principles of Heating, Ventilating, And Air Conditioning: A textbook with Design Data Based on 2005 AShrae Handbook - Fundamentals (Hardcover), Harry J., Jr. Sauer (Author), Ronald H. Howell, ISBN-10: 1931862923 or ISBN-13: 978-1931862929
  • Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.
  • Building Research Council, BRC, nee Small Homes Council, SHC, School of Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, brc.arch.uiuc.edu. "The Small Homes Council (our original name) was organized in 1944 during the war at the request of the President of the University of Illinois to consider the role of the university in meeting the demand for housing in the United States. Soldiers would be coming home after the war and would be needing good low-cost housing. ...  In 1993, the Council became part of the School of Architecture, and since then has been known as the School of Architecture-Building Research Council. ... The Council's researchers answered many critical questions that would affect the quality of the nation's housing stock.
    • How could homes be designed and built more efficiently?
    • What kinds of construction and production techniques worked well and which did not?
    • How did people use different kinds of spaces in their homes?
    • What roles did community planning, zoning, and interior design play in how neighborhoods worked
  • The Circular Staircase, Mary Roberts Rinehart
  • Energy Savers: Whole House Systems Approach to Energy Efficient Home Design [copy on file as /interiors/Whole_House_Energy_Efficiency_DOE.pdf ] - U.S. Department of Energy
  • "Energy Savers: Whole-House Supply Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Whole-House_Supply_Vent.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11880?print
  • "Energy Savers: Whole-House Exhaust Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Whole-House_Exhaust.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11870
  • "Energy Savers: Ventilation [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Ventilation.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
  • "Energy Savers: Natural Ventilation [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Natural_Ventilation.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
  • "Energy Savers: Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Energy_Recovery_Venting.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11900
  • "Energy Savers: Detecting Air Leaks [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Detect_Air_Leaks.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
  • "Energy Savers: Air Sealing [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Air_Sealing_1.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
  • Gypsum Construction Guide, National Gypsum Corporation
  • Gypsum Construction Handbook [purchase at Amazon.com] H17, Technical Folder SA920 and PM2, PM3 and PM4, United States Gypsum Company, 125 South Franklin ST., PO Box 806278, Chicago, IL 60680-4124,
  • Humidity: What indoor humidity should we maintain in order to avoid a mold problem?
  • Ice Dam Leaks in building attics and roof cavities, how to inspect for evidence of leaks, identify causes, and
  • What Style Is It?: A Guide to American Architecture, Rev., John C. Poppeliers, S. Allen Chambers, Wiley; Rev Sub edition (October 6, 2003), ISBN-10: 0471250368, ISBN-13: 978-0471250364
  • ...

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