The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/879797
E-10 Fall Home Improvement Wednesday, September 27, 2017 The Press-Dispatch Tile can be a worthy ad- dition to rooms with poten- tial moisture issues or areas in a home that may routine- ly necessitate quick clean- up. Because they are not damaged by constant con- tact with water, tiled floors and walls are often found in bathrooms, kitchens, laun- dry rooms, and entryways. Although tile is resilient, it is not impervious to the microorganisms that tend to proliferate in areas where moisture and humidity are commonplace. Microbes can grow rapidly in warm areas, especially if food is present. Mold or mil- dew issues also can be- come problematic seem- ingly overnight. But cer- tain modifications can help homeowners allevi- ate the proliferation of mi- croorganisms. Various manufacturers have developed their own innovative tile that con- tributes to cleaner, and sometimes more eco- friendly, home environ- ments. The application of certain treatments can make ceramic tiles even more impervious to wa- ter and moisture. Some tile may help reduce the spread of certain strains of bacteria, such as E. coli and staph, without requir- ing the application of po- tentially harsh chemical detergents. Others treat- ments may protect against yeast, molds and fungi that can cause stains and odors and result in the degradation of tile. Antimicrobial products inhibit the growth of mi- croorganisms and sup- press their reproduction. For example, tiles with Mi- croban® protection employ an antimicrobial agent built into the product during the manufacturing process. When microbes touch the product surface, the agent penetrates the cell wall of the microorganism. Other tiles are treated with micro- metric particles of titanium dioxide (TiO2), which is ac- tivated by sunlight or artifi- cial light. This causes a pho- tocatalysis process, which is responsible for the prod- uct's antipollution and bac- tericidal properties. Exam- ples of TiO2-treated tiles include Active Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic™. Antimicrobial ceramic tile can be advantageous in rooms where sanitation and hygiene are an utmost pri- ority. This includes not on- ly public places, but private residences. Worktops and floors where microbes can be transfered are particu- larly beneficial areas to in- stall antimicrobial tile. A potential side effect of antimicrobial tile is a reduction in reliance on harsh cleaning products. Although regular washing is recommended, residents may not need to use odor- iferous or strong chemical cleaners to sanitize their homes. This helps improve indoor air quality and re- duce the potential contam- ination of the environment from chemical runoff. Homeowners thinking of installing antimicrobial tile in their homes should discuss their options with a tile retailer or contractor during the planning stages. NEW TILES help create sanitary spaces (StatePoint) No one ev- er said parenting teens would be easy, however you may not have consid- ered the beating it can put on your household drains. With teens piling on ex- perimental hair products and staying on-trend with long, flowing locks, bath- rooms may see hours of hair washing, brushing and styling each week - - meaning feet of discarded hair making its way into drains, along with sticky hairsprays and gels. Be- fore you know it, the sink has stopped draining and there is a pool of standing water in the shower. Does all this sound fa- miliar? Lifestyle bloggers Krissy Higgens and Shel- by Barone, both moms of teenagers, know the reali- ty of the plumbing upkeep that can sometimes be re- quired. Here are a few in- sights for keeping drains clear, clean and in work- ing order. • Be sure your sink and shower drains have mesh screens to catch at least some of the hair before it goes down the drain. Get a little help, and ask teens to clean screens after show- ering and styling their hair. If it's been several months since your teenag- ers have made their beds or you've seen the floor of their rooms, you know that this may not actual- ly get done daily, howev- er it's a good place to start. • Consider tried-and- true methods. "My par- ents used Roto-Rooter to clear drains when I was a teenager, and I knew that if it worked for them in the '80s, it would work for me now," says Barone, author of the OC Mom Blog. "It is safe on all drains, and that gave me the peace of mind in knowing that the product wouldn't harm our pipes." Roto-Rooter has a line of products specifically de- signed to help tackle this task quickly and afford- ably. The formula packed into Roto-Rooter's Clog Removers has the right viscosity to penetrate and soak into a clog, breaking it down from all sides and leaving drains clear in a few minutes. Safe on all pipes and septic systems, it works to prevent future issues as well as solve im- mediate plumbing emer- gencies. "I pretty much keep Ro- to-Rooter in stock in my bathroom closet so that it's always on hand when we need it. Living in an older house makes hav- ing this in house even more important," says Higgens, author of All in a Day's Work blog. • You can also help maintain clear drains by flushing them with hot water after showering and styling. This is an easy task that teens can remember to do on a dai- ly basis. To learn more about Ro- to-Rooter products, visit rotorooter-products.com. There's no need to tell teens to change their style or routine! With some sim- ple tools, you can encour- age new styles, lengths and trends without a sec- ond thought about how your drains might handle all of the experimentation. PIPE TIPS for parents of teens B & B EXTERMINATION INC. 812-630-8391 or 812-630-7929 www.bandbextermination.com We have zero tolerance for pests and bugs! Pest control Termites Bed Bugs Moisture/Fungus Insulation Timbor Borate Southern Indiana's most trusted and reliable local pest control company since 2006 DERSCH SEPTIC SERVICE 812-749-4866 or 618-841-3412 CALL We Install and Repair Septic Systems Roto-Rooter Service Available CELL PHONE MAIN PHONE LICENSED AND INSURED MORE THAN 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE ALL WORK GUARANTEED! 7 DAYS A WEEK GUDORF CONTRACTI NG I NC . 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