Home Improvement and Repairs Spring 2023

2023

06 LETTER FROM MATT WEBER

08 START SMART

• 3 LAWN CARE TIPS FOR SPRING

• HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST FOR SPRING

• COOL TIPS FOR WORLD WATER DAY

• ASK MATT

14 INSTALL A FLOATING MANTLE SHELF FROM FAUX BEAMS TO SOLID WOOD SLABS, WE SHOW HOW TO MOUNT THEM TO A WALL

39 STEP-BY-STEP STOP THAT LEAK! REPLACING BATH & SHOWER VALVES

KNOW YOUR SKILL LEVEL:

LEVEL 1 EVEN FIRST-TIMERS CAN PULL THIS OFF LEVEL 2 WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS AND A LITTLE RESEARCH, YOU CAN DO THE JOB LEVEL 3 THESE CHALLENGING PROJECTS ARE FOR EXPERIENCED DIY’ERS LEVEL 4 DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE JOB, THE EQUIPMENT OR SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED, IT’S BEST TO CALL A PRO

SKILL LEVEL 4

The first of the year is an exciting time for anyone in the construction or homeimprovement industry. The big trade shows take place every January and February, and that’s where the manufacturers of tools, building supplies, appliances and new home technology all convene to introduce their latest line of products.

LETTER FROM MATT WEBER

Added to the roster for 2023 was the National Hardware Show, which displays all the cool new items you’ll see at your local hardware store this year. Also scheduled was The International Surface Event, which is the largest floor covering, stone, and tile industry event in North America. And for lovers of interior décor, attendees

not everyone can travel to Nevada to see all the sights, so this issue of HIR provides a huge roundup of some standout products that were introduced in Vegas. You’ll feel like you’re walking the aisles, and you save money on airfare!

Plus, we feature a how-to story on installing mantle shelves, showing how the pros install solid wood

This year’s show season was a doozy. The stars aligned for the 2023 Design + Construction Week, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, so attendees could enjoy five related trade shows co-located for one spectacular event. With a single registration, visitors could walk the International Builders’ Show and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, as well as three new events scheduled for the same week.

PUBLISHER JEREMY HOLLINGSWORTH jeremy@HIRpub.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MATT WEBER matt@HIRpub.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR WESLEY GLASSCO wesley@HIRpub.com

could visit the Las Vegas Winter Market, a cross-category shopping environment for home décor, furniture and gifts.

Design + Construction Week is the largest annual gathering of residential construction and design professionals, where you can discover new trends, hear from experts in the field, and connect with like-minded people. Of course,

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER WARREN PINHEIRO warren@HIRpub.com

ADVISORY BOARD JIM BUTTERS RANDY STEPHENSEN DUSTIN SCHWAIGER RICHARD HAMILTON

slabs. We also show how a DIY carpenter can make a faux beam shelf to install themselves.

I hope you enjoy.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTERS CARTER SWIFT TOM MATTHEWS COPY EDITOR DIANE WEBER

AD DESIGN/COORDINATION SPECIALIZED MEDIA SERVICES, INC. ads@HIRpub.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER SHANNA QUIGLEY

ONLINE/SOCIAL MEDIA DEVELOPMENT

GLORIA BERRIO

We assume no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.

OF COURSE, NOT EVERYONE CAN TRAVEL TO NEVADA TO SEE ALL THE SIGHTS, SO THIS ISSUE OF HIR PROVIDES A HUGE ROUNDUP OF SOME STANDOUT PRODUCTS THAT WERE INTRODUCED IN VEGAS.

3 LAWN CARE TIPS FOR SPRING

By Valerie Smith

With the onset of spring, warmer weather signals plants to come out of dormancy and start flourishing again. If you have a warm season lawn, your turfgrass will come out of dormancy, and if you have a cool season lawn, snow in your area will start to melt and you’ll enjoy a greener environment.

Spring Mowing

Grasses come out of dormancy at different times, depending on the environment and temperatures of your area. Generally speaking, mid-March is about the time for you to begin your regimen for spring green-up and mowing. Mowing heights vary for each grass type, but a good rule for all of them: Never remove more than a third of the leaf blade length at any time.

The first mow of the spring should not take place while warm season grass is still dormant, so wait until you see green. A good tip for spring is to make sure your lawnmower blades are sharpened so they neatly slice through the grass instead of ripping it. If the grass

blades aren’t cut neatly, the ragged tears in the leaves become susceptible to disease.

Spring Watering

Dormant, warm season turfgrass doesn’t need much water until the active growing season kicks in, but it will still need some watering. Once your grass starts to green up from winter dormancy, you should resume watering your lawn with about one inch of water per week including rainfall.

If you’re a homeowner who lives far enough south, and your warm season grass doesn’t go dormant during the winter, you may continue to regularly water your lawn in the winter. However, if you live in South Florida, for example, you may turn your irrigation off completely during the winter and during the months of June–August when it rains a lot. The atmosphere in South Florida doesn’t usually evaporate much water, and the grass isn’t using much during the winter, so frequent irrigation isn’t needed.

Spring Fertilization

Spring is one of the most important times of the year to use a fertilizer. Warm season grasses are coming out of dormancy, so you will want to promote healthy roots and the return of green leaf blades. However, you should typically wait until the last frost has hit. If you fertilize your lawn and another frost hits, your grass will go right back into dormancy, and you’ll have a harder time getting it to green up again. This does more harm than good. The date of the last frost varies from location to location. Refer to the Farmer’s Almanac to figure out the last frost date for your area in 2023.

Look for a granular lawn fertilizer with a 29-0-5 formulation that features a slow-release mixture of nitrogen which feeds the grass over a longer duration of time. Also available are liquid fertilizers that are applied with a garden hose according to a monthly schedule.

Note: If you have a warm season lawn and notice spots of brown or straw-like grass while the rest of your lawn comes out of dormancy, this is usually a sign of disease. Do not apply fertilizer to a lawn with disease because the nitrogen in the fertilizer will feed the disease and promote its growth. Apply a systemic fungicide first, and then wait several weeks before following with a fertilizer application.

For more information on lawn care and maintenance, visit https://sodsolutions.com.

COOL TIPS FOR WORLD WATER DAY

Having access to clean and safe drinking water is often something we take for granted in America. To celebrate World Water Day on March 22, the experts at Culligan Water hope to increase public awareness about the importance and responsibility of having clean and safe drinking water, Culligan suggests these four usage tips to adopt year-round:

1. Check Faucets and Pipes for Leaks. Leaks waste water 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even a small supply-line drip can waste 50 or more gallons of water a day! Check all indoor and outdoor pipes and fix any leaks or ongoing drips to help prevent this waste. Minor leaks might only require the tightening of a threaded connection, and some simple drainage drips can be repaired with the application of self-fusing silicone tape.

2. Limit Single Use Water Bottles. More than eight million tons of plastic are dumped into our oceans

each year, and limiting the use of single-use water bottles can help protect our environment. Instead of drinking water from disposable plastic bottles, use a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Investing in highquality home drinking water technology, like a Reverse Osmosis filtration system, will make cleaner, fresher and safer drinking water easily accessible right from your tap.

3. Manage Hygiene Water Use. Turning off the faucets while washing your hands, brushing your teeth, and shaving can help reduce water waste. When showering, limit running water time to five minutes or take a bath in a low-filled tub.

4. Water Responsibly. Be intentional about watering your lawn or plants, and only do it when necessary, instead of relying on unnecessary automation. If the grass is looking a little dry, set the sprinklers for just long enough so the water can thoroughly seep into the roots.

For more information on water filtration and softening products, visit www.culligan.com.

HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST FOR SPRING

Hippo Insurance offers home insurance and proactive protection with a focus on preventive maintenance. Since each season brings about different challenges that need to be addressed for proper home wellness, the experts at Hippo offer the following springtime maintenance tips.

• Check for mold. Areas with high humidity such as sink cabinets, bathroom tiles and sealant can be a breeding ground for mold. Make a point to routinely check for mold and clean any signs of growth. Chlorine bleach kills mold on non-porous surfaces. Use oxygen bleach on porous materials such as wood. Hire a professional when necessary.

— Time required: 30 minutes

• Trim trees. Cut back longer branches that extend over your home or other structures on your property. This will not only help maintain your tree health, but prevent any damage from fallen limbs during storms.

— Time required: two to three hours

• Paint over cracks. Check the internal and external walls for cracks or peeling paint. Scrape the surface clean and give any nicks a fresh coat to prevent damage to the structure of your home.

— Time required: One hour

• Service HVAC units. Getting your AC system inspected by a professional each spring can help detect minor issues before they turn major, while ensuring you’re comfortable in your home all year long.

— Time required: One to two hours

• Power-wash your home and deck. Cover doors and windows, then pressure-wash the layer of dirt that has built up on your outside fixtures over the winter months.

— Time required: Three hours

For more information on home insurance, visit www.hippo.com.

P db f P s err eref y ed b r ro

QUESTION: We have a painted wood handrail with a big hole through the top 1x6 rail where a knot dislodged from the wood. I’d rather repair the rail than replace it. What’s the best way to patch the hole?

ANSWER: Screw a small scrap board against one side of the hole to give it a “floor.” Clean away any rotten wood or loose debris from the hole. Fill the hole with a wood dowel cut to fit flush or just below the surface of the board. Use a liquid repair product (making sure the product is sandable and paintable) to fill the remainder of the hole around the wood piece. Either wood-repair epoxy or Multipurpose Bondo will make good repair products. Tool the surface flush with the rail and allow the patch to dry completely. Then, unscrew the scrap board and repeat the liquid repair procedure on the opposite side of the hole (including repair of the screw holes). Once the repair has dried, sand both sides smooth, then prime and paint the area to match the rail.

QUESTION: Why do I need to flush out the tank of our water heater?

ANSWER: Plumbing experts recommend draining and flushing a water heater’s tank once or twice a year, and if you live in an area with hard water, they recommend flushing it every 4-6 months. The longer it goes without a drain-and-flush, the more sediment and minerals will accumulate at the bottom of the tank. Because most tank water heaters have their heating element at the bottom, the sediment buildup reduces its heating efficiency. If left to accumulate, the mineral buildup could also lead to further problems, including corrosion of the tank or dangerous blockage of the pressure-relief valve. Draining and flushing the tank with clean water will help prevent this.

To drain the tank, first shut off power to the water heater. Turn off the cold water supply. Allow the water to cool. Locate the drain valve and connect it to a garden hose. Turn on a hot water faucet and leave it on until the entire flushing process is complete. Place the garden-hose outlet so the water will flow safely away from your home and your neighbor’s property, then open the drain valve to empty the tank. Once it has drained, turn the cold water back on with the valve still open to help eliminate any remaining sediment. Repeat this step until the water runs clear. Close the drain valve, remove the hose, then turn the water supply back on to refill the tank. Once it is full, turn the power or gas supply to the water heater back on. Remember to turn off the faucet you turned on earlier.

INSTALL A FLOATING MANTLE SHELF

By Matt Weber

Mantle shelves can be installed so they appear to float in place on a wall. This requires internal hardware hidden behind the shelf which fastens to the wall studs. Depending on the weight of the shelves, they can be installed using several different methods.

The popular rustic-style mantle shelves are often made of a solid timber beam or a live-edge slab. They feature the natural distinction and one-of-a-kind character of solid wood, but they can be extremely heavy and often require professional installation.

As an alternative, a DIY woodworker with a table saw might consider building a faux beam to simplify installation. The hollow nature of a faux beam retains the look of the wood but reduces the weight of the shelf, so it doesn’t necessitate heavy-duty hardware such as solid metal rods, which the solid beams require. By using a wooden mounting bracket, you can hang a hollow shelf without requiring the pro-grade tools, precision drilling, or expensive metal brackets associated with installing a solid mantle. And to top it off, purchasing a few 1x and 2x pine boards is typically less expensive than purchasing a hardwood slab or timber beam from a lumber supplier.

INSTALL A FLOATING MANTLE SHELF

The Hollow Shelf of the Faux Beam

The faux beam shelf is essentially a hollow box constructed of a 3/4-in. boards. The rear wall of the box is left open to slip over the interior mounting bracket. The example shelf shown in the photos is made from pine because the softwood lumber is easy to dent and ding for a distressed appearance, but if you want a more refined finish, then consider a hardwood species.

Decide the dimensions of your shelf and purchase materials accordingly, with the understanding that this design requires a shelf at least 3-1/2 inches thick to house the internal mounting bracket. The interior bracket should be built long enough to bridge at least two studs

(usually 16” on-center) for mounting the screws into solid wood. This means the hollow shelf should be built a minimum of 22 inches long to house the bracket.

Common dimensions for this type of shelf are 4x8, 4x10 and 6x10. First step is to cut all the 3/4-in. boards to their final length, then use the table saw to rip 45-degree bevels along all the mating edges.

To begin assembly, lay three or four parallel strips of painter’s tape on a flat, sturdy work surface. Arrange the three shelf boards edge-toedge lengthwise at right angles across the tape in preparation to fold them together. Lay the narrowest board between the two wider boards that will comprise the top and bottom panels of the shelf box. Press the tape in place for a better bond to the wood.

The beveled joints comprise the edges of the box, and it’s a good idea to use a marker to color the inside edges the same tone as the stain you plan to apply to the outside of the shelf. This will help disguise the assembled edges to look like solid wood.

Apply a liberal amount of wood glue to the beveled board edges to strengthen all the wood joints.

Before folding the shelves together for assembly, insert a couple of wood blocks to help support the inside of the boards and maintain the box shape. Carefully fold the three boards together over the blocks. Some separation will happen along the seams, but wood clamps can

help keep the seams together and hold the box square. Once the seams are aligned, carefully drive 2-in. brad nails through the right-angle edge joints, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Drive the brads through the top and bottom panels into the narrow board, then drive brads through the center board into the larger panels.

The end panels are cut and beveled to fit inside the hollows at the ends of the box. Glue and nail each end panel into place.

After the glue has dried, finish the exterior of the shelf for your desired appearance.

INSTALL A FLOATING MANTLE SHELF

Wood In Distress

Giving a distressed texture to the shelf not only imparts an interesting weathered and aged appearance to the wood, but it makes it easier to close the seams and achieve the convincing look of a solid wood beam. We use a variety of tools—from hex nuts and tow chains to drillmounted flap wheels—to apply lots of dents, dings and relief to the shelf surface, all of which will absorb wood stain at different rates for interesting visual contrast. Since we’re unconcerned about having perfect edges on a shelf of this style, we hammer or round off the edges

with a blunt instrument, which closes the seams at the edge to look like uninterrupted wood grain. Treat all visible edges in this fashion to create the look of an aged beam of timber.

Pro Tip: Any small gaps or open seams at the joints can be sealed with wood filler before staining, but the filler absorbs stain at a different rate than the surrounding wood, which can create a mismatch in color. For this reason, it’s a good idea to use a wood filler tinted closely to the color of stain you plan to apply to the shelf.

Interior Bracket

The internal bracket that supports the hollow shelf is a ladder-shaped structure that will be anchored to the wall studs using 5- or 6-in. structural screws. For a 4x8 or 4x10 shelf, the bracket is made from 2x2 material. For a 6x10 shelf, a similar bracket can be built from 2x4 boards.

The number of cross-members will depend on the shelf’s length. For short shelves, one center cross-member will suffice. Note: If you know where you’ll hang the shelf, you can mark the wall studs and locate the bracket’s

cross-members accordingly so you can easily screw into the studs without obstruction. The photos in this article will show the basics of bracket construction.

Second to the bracket’s hold against the wall, its most important connections are the joints between the bracket’s back rail and its crossmembers. To provide a strong hold, we recommend cutting half-lap joints at the ends of the rail. The two end members connect onto the rail with mating half-laps. The half-lap joints provide increased surface area to apply wood glue and are fastened with countersunk cross-grain screws from the top and side, which is substantially stronger than driving screws into the endgrain of a board.

You can cut the half-lap joints using a band saw, a table saw equipped with a dado set, or use a router table outfitted with a straight bit.

INSTALL A FLOATING MANTLE SHELF

In a pinch, you can even make the cuts with a multi-tool or jigsaw, if the boards are securely clamped to a workbench.

When adding any internal cross-members between the end pieces, we recommend driving structural screws through the back rail and down the length of the boards. Apply high-quality wood glue at all joints.

The outer rail doesn’t carry as much load, so it can be glued and screwed through the front rail, completing a ladder-shaped bracket with all board joints flush at the top and bottom.

Installing the Mounting Bracket

First, decide your preferred location and height of the Faux Beam Shelf. Mark its top midpoint exactly where you want it mounted on the wall. Tip: We recommend making pencil marks over masking tape to avoid blemishing the wall.

Use a stud finder to locate and mark the wall studs at the installation area near the top height of the shelf.

Mark the mid-point of the shelf on top of the bracket. Align the bracket’s mid-point 3/4”

below the shelf mid-point you marked on the wall. Mark the stud locations on the bracket.

On your workbench, drill pilot holes in the bracket for the mounting screws as close to 90-degrees to the wall as possible. (If your screws have self-starting tips, you can skip the pilot holes.)

Return the bracket to the wall, aligning the midpoint marks, then use a bubble level to make sure it is level to the floor.

Once the bracket is in position, drive 6” cap-head structural screws through its back and into each wall stud it crosses. (The HIR staff uses Construction Screws from U2 Fasteners.) This installation method requires a minimum of two stud connections. Tip: Once you’ve marked the stud locations on your bracket, you might find it easier to start driving the screws while it is on your workbench, then finish driving them into the studs once the bracket is in place against the wall.

Drive the mounting screws tightly to ensure stability of the bracket and to arrest any wobble or movement.

Install the Shelf

Slide the hollow Faux Beam Shelf over the bracket. Center its position, then fasten it by driving trim-head screws through the top board at the very rear of the shelf, sinking them into

the back of the interior bracket. Strengthen the installation by driving additional screws into the bracket from the bottom of the beam.

The tiny heads of the trim screws will sit hidden just below the woodgrain surface and blend with the look of a rustic-style shelf.

Straight from the Tree

Although faux-beam shelves offer a lot of advantages to DIY installers, they are limited to a simple box-like appearance, unlike an actual multidimensional wood slab with its live edge intact. Wood lovers know that sometimes you just can’t compete with the unique character of certain pieces that come straight out of nature.

precise alignment so the shelf holes marry with the rod placement like keys in locks.

Installation only gets more complicated as the slabs get larger. As they increase in size, the slabs get substantially heavier, and lifting

Brian Kirkpatrick of Bucket Services

HVAC installed this 6x12 live-edge Black Walnut slab as a floating fireplace mantle. He cut the threaded rods to match the varying depths of the slab. The rods were driven through the brick and mounted into a solid wood header. Wheeled scaffolding supported the heavy mantle as he carefully installed it over the rods.

To install smaller wood slabs 2”-3” thick, you can find ready-made metal brackets which can be fastened to the wall and anchored to the studs. The brackets include metal rods that extend outward at right angles from the wall, and the solid shelf must be drilled through its rear edge so it will slip onto the bracket with the rods inserting into the holes and supporting the shelf from within. Although this sounds simple in concept, the operation requires a high-torque power drill, expensive drill bits, and

them into place can require professional equipment. These large slabs are usually supported by 1” threaded rod driven at 90 degrees into the solid wall framing. The slabs are carefully drilled out to receive the threaded rods along the rear edge, in the same way the wall brackets interface with the mantle as described above.

For friendly and reliable HVAC professionals in the central Alabama area, you can find Bucket Services at www.bucketserviceshvac.com.

“TREE RINGS” ON YOUR SHELF ENDS

You may have noticed a circular woodgrain pattern on the ends of our floating shelves. At our carpentry business, Rustic Shelves & Shutters, we modified an orbital sander using a disc out-

fitted with protruding screw tips. We clamp a jig over our 3/4” shelf boards, which holds this tool in place as we use it to carve the circular groove pattern. We then cut our shelves’ end

panels from the circlegrooved boards. Once stained, the circular pattern helps complete the illusion of tree rings, which gives the shelf a more authentic log-like look. Although DIY’ers

probably won’t be modifying a power sander for this application, the pattern can be made with circular shapes and scratching tools to impart a similar effect.

NEW RELEASES! HOME CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS FOR 2023

By Carter Smith

An enormous range of new home technologies, building materials, tool designs, and construction supplies were unveiled at the 2023 Design + Construction week, when five major industry trade shows were co-located in Las Vegas, Nevada. From January 29 - February 2, Vegas became host to the largest construction trade event in many years, and we now provide a handy roundup of some of the notable releases you might have missed.

RHEEM PROTERRA PLUG-IN WATER HEATERS

The Rheem ProTerra Plug-in water heaters are a smart replacement for gas heaters, offering quick and easy installation with minimal clearance requirements and a standard tank footprint. The 120V ProTerra Plug-in is ideal for drop-in gas unit replacement and high-efficiency upgrades without the need to install a 240V electric service. They are available in dedicated and shared circuit models. The ProTerra Plug-ins install with minimal to no electrical work and operate with up to 5X the efficiency of a standard gas water heater. An industrylargest compressor delivers the fastest heat-pump water heater recovery on the market (dedicated circuit model). On shared circuit models, a built-in EcoPort (CTA-2045 port) easily connects to utility programs for additional energy cost savings. And, with its wi-fi technology, users can completely control the water heater from a smart phone. Visit www.rheem.com.

HOME CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS FOR 2023

SKYPLUG

The SkyPlug from SKYX Platforms is a “smart” lighting base that enables an easy and safe plug-and-play installation of light fixtures and ceiling fans to the ceiling in seconds, without touching electrical wires. The “smart” base transforms any light fixture and ceiling fan to a smart fixture with multiple features controlled by a proprietary SkyHome App, which integrates with your home’s “smart” wifi system. The SkyHome feature offers voice control, scheduling, energy-saving mode, dimming, color changing, night light and emergency light, all controlled by the app. Based on the safety features of the technology, it was voted into the US National Electrical Code (NEC), and therefore, is expected to become a US household standard for ceilings, similar to how the GFCI electrical bathroom outlet became a mandated household requirement. Visit www.skyxplatforms.com.

DOOR STUD

The Door Stud cuts typical installation labor time in half. It has a steel constructed design with a single action clamp and soft-grip handles. By cradling the door in dual wheeled holders, this durable tool simplifies the install of 1-3/4-in. and 2-3/4- in. pre-hung or slab doors. With the Door Stud, the installer handles a door once. The Door Stud is vertically adjustable; holding the door upright and leveling the door in three directions for preparation of installation. It enables the installer to conduct a single-person, hands-free installation by mobilizing the door and preventing it from resting against the interior walls of the home. Visit www.thedoorstud.com.

HYDAWAY HYDRAULIC WALLS

These unique, patented HydAway doors and walls are built with their hydraulic systems fully concealed when closed for the cleanest profile of any door or window on the market. Visit www.hydawaywalls.com.

HOVER DOORS

California-based Hover Doors uses permanent magnets to levitate heavy sliding doors afloat at all times and are guaranteed for life. Hover Doors works in a fundamentally different way from any other product on the market. Magnetic levitation technology, previously found on Japanese train lines, to enable doors to open and close more smoothly. The technology could eliminate the need for bearings, pulleys, and other fittings typically found on sliding and bi-folding doors. Visit www.hoverdoors.com.

GE PROFILE ULTRAFAST COMBO WASHER/DRYER

Combining the power of clean and dry for an ultimate one-and-done solution, the new washer/dryer eliminates the laundry hassle of waiting around to transfer a load. The UltraFast Combo combines two jobs into one, allowing owners to do their laundry from start to finish when they are away from home or enjoying other activities. Instead of letting laundry linger between cycles, the washer automatically cycles to dry, taking the load off the owner and reducing time spent in the laundry room. Visit www.geappliances.com.

OVERTURE AUTOMATED INDOOR AIR QUALITY SYSTEM

Broan offers the first fully automated fresh air system, which uses sophisticated sensor technology to monitor your home's indoor air quality. When it detects a rise in indoor air pollution caused by increased humidity, VOCs, smoke, carbon dioxide or small particles (sometimes referred to as PM2.5), the system will automatically turn on the nearest ventilation fan to eliminate the pollutant while simultaneously bringing in fresh, clean air from outside. The whole system is easily set up and controlled from your mobile device. Visit www.broan-nutone.com.

INFINE COLUMN SHOWER

The inLINE column shower’s sleek and elegant design is 100-percent made in Italy with high-quality materials. It features adjustable temperature of hot and cold water in one movement, a gentle rainproducing water jet for extra comfort, quick-connect and disconnect technology, and it disassembles without having to shut off the water system, making it ideal for outdoor installations including pools, spas and boats. With its limited water consumption, inFINE consumes only 6 liters per minute. Visit www.sistemaingenius.it.

CAMO STRUCTURAL SCREWS

National Nail’s CAMO brand of tools and fasteners introduced new CAMO Structural Screws at IBS for the deck structure and beyond. The new Structural Screws are certified IRC/IBC code compliant and feature CAMO’s proprietary ProTech Ultra 4 coating with four layers of industry-leading corrosion resistance. The 0.16-in. structural framing screw is ideal for wood-to-wood connections, deck blocking, and other interior and exterior projects. It replaces 8d, 10d, and 16d nails in interior and exterior applications. The Type 17 slash point removes material as it’s driven, reducing friction and drive time with no pre-drilling. Available in 2-1/2- and 3-in. lengths, the screw’s large, flat head maximizes pull-through holding power and finishes flush with the work area. Visit www.camofasteners.com.

ELEVATION CABLE RAIL BY BARRETTE OUTDOOR LIVING

This system installs 38% faster than the competition and features the patent-pending OneTen built-in centralized tensioning control system. No special tools or fasteners needed. It comes in pre-assembled kits with pre-installed brackets and pre-strung stainless-steel cables. It features a modern, industrial design with a continuous top rail for both level and stair applications. Visit www.barretteoutdoorliving.com.

REVEALCUT

Arrow Fastener unveiled the Arrow RevealCut, a new all-in-one precision workstation that allows ceiling installation professionals to cut acoustic ceiling tiles in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost with precise results and minimal waste. Eliminating the need to cut tiles with a straight edge and a utility knife, RevealCut delivers up to 80 percent in labor savings. A typical 2-foot ceiling tile can be cut to size and finished with a factory-grade profiled edge in less than 30 seconds. RevealCut is available in two convenient sizes: one for 2-foot tiles and a larger version for up to 4-foot tiles. Visit www.RevealCut.com.

BILT HOME SOFTWARE

BILT is a 3D app that is free to use and features thousands of official ad-free installation instructions with 3D interactivity, which are paid for by the brands. There are also tool tutorials and DIY projects so simple even a novice can be successful. The app also does highly complex training for the US military. Download the mobile app on iOS or Android. Visit www.biltapp.com.

TIN CEILING USA

Certified for both residential and commercial use, these made-in-the-USA tin ceiling panels will enhance your space with the highest quality products available at an ultra-affordable cost. The Premium Faux Finish option is hand painted using a glazing technique to create an elegant, vintage see-through decorative finish. Visit www.tinceilingusa.com.

SCHLAGE ENCODE PLUS SMART WIFI DEADBOLT

The Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt from Schlage offers homeowners unparalleled flexibility for even greater convenience and security. The Schlage Encode Plus lock is among the first to support Apple’s latest enhancement to the HomeKit experience with home keys capability. With home keys in Apple Wallet, consumers can simply tap to unlock the Schlage Encode Plus deadbolt using their iPhone and Apple Watch for easy and secure access to their home. Visit www.Schlage.com.

FLOWBAN

Flowban stops tub floods. It shuts off the water to the faucets, so bathtub overflows are a thing of the past. It can also be used on certain types of lavs and sinks to stop them from overflowing. Even when a tub doesn’t overflow, the water flowing down the drain is wasted, as is the energy that has been used to heat it. Flowban saves water and saves energy. Flowban is an insurance policy against tub flood damage. Flowban can stop the flooding before it even starts. It uses no electrical sensors or a “memory” of normal flow and usage. It is a purely mechanical system that reacts when the water reaches a certain level in the tub. It resets itself automatically as soon as the faucets are turned off. Visit www.flowban.com.

THE DRYER DRAWER

The Dryer Drawer is a quick and heat-free solution to drying your hand-washed dishes. The Dryer Drawer allows you to dry your hand-washed dishes more quickly and with less clutter than countertop air drying and without the effort and germ-spreading rags of hand drying. A small, quiet fan pulls air into The Dryer Drawer. The air circulates in and around the dishes. The Dryer Drawer takes advantage of convection to hasten drying time, no heating element is needed. The humidified air is forced out the opposite side of The Dryer Drawer and exhausted back into your kitchen. Visit www.thedryerdrawer.com.

CLIPSTONE MORTARLESS STONE VENEER

Cornerstone Building Brands exhibited the new ClipStone product offerings that expand the line of mortarless stone veneer products, including the Pro Panel. With larger panels for quicker installation and a stair-stepped design that hides joints, the Clipstone ProPanels make it easy for remodelers and contractors to bring the beauty of stone into their projects with no mortar and less mess. Visit www.myclipstone.com.

CLOPAY GARAGE DOORS

Clopay Garage Doors exhibited new modern, custom, and “carriage house” style garage doors, which are insulated and feature a decorative faux wood look in a variety of colors and finishes. Visit www.clopaydoor.com.

LACANTINA DOORS

The LaCantina V2 Folding Door is a state-of-the-art folding door system redesigned to align with the latest design trends and to meet the needs of architects, homeowners and designers. The new system provides unlimited opportunities for indoor and outdoor spaces, while creating a fresh, elevated and modern feel to any home. Ultra-thin stiles and rails, hidden hardware and larger panel sizes deliver more glass and a sleek aesthetic, while the automatic locking system allows for effortless, one-handed operation. Expect more natural light and expansive views, improved energy efficiency and a clean, minimalist look and design flexibility. Visit www.lacantinadoors.com.

NIAGARA ONE-PIECE PHANTOM TOILET

Niagara’s sleek, ultra high-efficiency Phantom toilet is now available in an easy-to-clean, one-piece model. It touts Niagara’s patented Stealth Technology with a whisper-quiet and powerful flush, using only 0.8 GPF. With eco-minded luxury in a lean silhouette, the narrow tank and smooth, skirted bowl add a sleek touch to a modern bathroom. With its large, extended footprint design, the Phantom makes it effortless to forget your old toilet by easily covering the existing footprint. Visit www.niagaracorp.com.

EMPAVA 12” DROP-IN COOKTOP

This 12” cooktop is perfect for current and prospective “tiny home” owners. There’s no need to sacrifice product quality because of space constraints. The Empava IDC12 allows users to cook a variety of meals with an efficient 12-in. induction cooktop. It includes nine power settings from 100W up to a total of 1800W power-sharing. Heating levels range from as low as 100w to fast boiling. It offers accurate and easy temperature changes at the touch of a button. Boil, stew, fry, stir fry, and switch from one mode to another as needed. Visit www.kitchenappliancestore.com.

SUPREME FREESTANDING FIREPLACE FROM HEAT & GLO

The Heat & Glo Supreme Freestanding Indoor Gas Fireplace will allow remodelers to install a gas fireplace without needing to tear into a wall or build out a custom mantel in order to add an eye-catching centerpiece to their home. Taking a page from Nordic home designs, these clean-lined, easy-to-install gas fireplace units can be ready in one day as the design allows the unit to sit out in the open, much like a wood-burning stove. All that’s required is access to a gas line, electrical and vertical venting through the roof. With 32,700 BTUs, it’s ideal for small to medium spaces and the ceramic glass and integrated fan help move the heat faster into the room. As the firebox is elevated above the floor, a hearth pad is not needed, allowing it to be used on any floor surface. Visit www.HeatnGlo.com.

DAVINCI ROOFSCAPES PROVINCE SLATE

The new Province Slate composite roofing tile from DaVinci Roofscapes features the realistic, authentic look of natural slate. It’s constructed of a composite material made of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizers as well as a highly specialized fire retardant. The result is a state-of-the-art tile made with a great degree of color control and consistency in the manufacturing process for an end product that endures beautifully in any climate. Visit www.davinicroofscapes.com.

VERO BUILDING SYSTEMS

Vero panels are considered Structural Concrete Insulated Panels, built with a polystyrene core with welded wire mesh on both sides. These two mesh layers are additionally welded together through the panel for added strength. Once erected, a concrete shell is applied on front and rear, creating a well-insulated, indestructible component for building concrete walls with R-19 insulation value. Vero Building Systems custom manufacture components designed specifically for your structure and deliver them directly to your job site (maximum width of 60” and length of 40’). The lighter components, reduced complexity, and smaller teams save time and money so you can build more with less. Visit www.verobuildingsystems.com.

U2 FASTENERS

Favorite fasteners among the HIR staff, U2 fasteners are premium wood-to-wood residential construction screws. They’re all code-compliant structural and corrosion-resistant screws that don’t strip, or snap, and stick on the bit. The U2 screws are code-approved for ACQ pressuretreated lumber and structural strength. U2 offers Construction screws that replace lag screws, Universal screws that are “deck screws on steroids,” Trim screws, Cabinet screws and the Top Start fastener, which replaces shimming when hanging doors. U2 offers screws from 1/2" up to 20” in length for your largest projects. Plus, 316 stainless steel options are available in the most popular sizes. Visit www.u2fasteners.com

30 YEAR TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY

THE BEST IN THE BIZ

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USING OUR ELIMINATOR

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CHOOSE COATED CARBON OR STAINLESS STEEL

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• PRECISE FIT ELIMINATES LOOSE DECK BOARDS

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PERFECT FOR USE IN MOST MAJOR COMPOSITE DECK BRANDS ANOTHER

STOP THAT LEAK! REPLACING BATH & SHOWER VALVES

By Tom Matthews

Do the leaks in this photo look familiar?

When a tub or shower faucet leaks, the trouble often lies behind the handles, which turn the valves that control the water flow. These valves should be fixed quickly; aside from the irritating dripping sound, a leaky faucet can waste a lot of water on a daily basis. Repairs are fairly simple, but you’ll need a special set of deep-socket wrenches called a “shower-valve socket wrench set.”

A shower-valve set provides the super-deep wrenches needed to remove tub and shower valves. The wrenches are each double-sided, accommodating the 10 standard sizes of plumbing fasteners to make most any residential shower or bath valve repair. The wrench sets are available at most hardware stores for about $15.

Step 1: Shut off the water supply to the faucet before disassembling the handles.

Step 2: Modern faucet valves usually have rubber washers that seal water. Over time, the washers can deteriorate and leak.

To get to these, first pry the decorative cap off the handles. (In some cases these caps are threaded.)

1 2 3 5 4

Step 3: Remove the handle’s retaining nut and pull the handle off the valve stem.

Step 4: Remove the escutcheon, which is often held with a retaining nut. If not, then the escutcheon is threaded over the valve stems, and you can unscrew the entire escutcheon as one piece. Cut away any caulk that might be holding it to the wall. A strap wrench may help encourage a stubborn one to turn.

Step 5:

The bonnet nut that holds the valve stem in place is recessed behind the wall, requiring a special wrench. A deep-socket shower valve wrench will fit over the protruding valve stem and reach the bonnet nut for removal. Unscrew and remove the bonnet nut.

STOP THAT LEAK! REPLACING BATH & SHOWER VALVES

Step 6:

Pull the stem from the wall to expose the black, rubber seat washer and retaining screw. Remove the screw and worn seat washer. Replace with a new washer, coated in heat-proof faucet grease. Use the correctly sized and shaped seat washer and press it firmly into the stem’s retainer. If the metal valve stem is in good shape, you’re ready to reassemble the shower handles and test your faucet. Sometimes all that's needed is a new rubber washer.

However, some metal stems may be corroded, worn out, and need replacement. When purchasing the new stems, note the model numbers, typically labeled with either H or C, indicating hot or cold. These determine the direction of handle rotation. Get one of each; be sure to keep them straight during installation. The valves are sold in different sizes per manufacturer, so it's a good idea to take the old valves to the hardware store to ensure an exact match.

Step 7:

Coat the rubber seat washer with heat-proof faucet grease and install the new valve stem. Note: If the threaded junction of the shower head and plumbing spout leaks, wrap the threads with thread-seal tape in the same direction that the head screws onto the spout, then reinstall the shower head.

Editor’s Note: The images in this article are excerpted from The Quick & Easy Home DIY Manual by Matt Weber published by Weldon Owen.