Realty Resurrections LTD announced today that they have achieved EPA required certification to conduct lead-based paint activities and renovations. This permits the company to provide renovation and repair services in homes and child-occupied facilities that were built prior to 1978.

Ordinary renovation tasks such as demolition, sanding, and cutting can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to individuals. In effort to protect consumers against this dangerous risk, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a requirement that home renovators working in homes, child care facilities and schools that were built prior to 1978 be EPA certified in lead-safe practices.

As of April 22, 2010, federal law now requires that:

• Renovation firms, such as Realty Resurrections, be certified under EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule
• Individuals be trained in lead-safe work practices

Thorough training through an eight-hour training course conducted by an EPA certified training provider, along with testing is required to achieve the EPA Renovation and Repair Certification.

John Babyak, the company’s owner, and Steve Montgomery both received training and passed the certification exam with 100% accuracy in May 2010 through the Conner Institute in Baltimore, MD.

Realty Resurrections LTD is a bathroom remodeling and repairs contractor licensed, insured and bonded in the state of Maryland. They have been providing clients in Montgomery County and throughout Maryland with quality renovation services since 1985. The company can be reached by phone at (301) 353-0990 or by email at info@marylandbathroom.com

MHIC# 27816 & 27817

EPA Certification # R-I-18506-10-09566 (John Babyak)

EPA Certification # R-I-18506-10-09563 (Steve Montgomery)

Press Contact: John Babyak
(301) 353-0900

Green board is used mostly for damp environments, but not to be confused with wet environments. You do not want to use green board on the tub/shower walls because if the grout or caulk should fail, the paper that lines the green board is only moisture resistant.  Should the water get to the gypsum part of the wall, this will eventually lead to water damage, and tiles potentially falling off the wall. Additionally, green board is wrapped in paper, which is an organic product.  Organic products produce mold when they come into contact with water and are not allowed to dry out thoroughly.

Structural damage could even potentially occur if not corrected in time. So, again green board is generally used for the walls in the bathroom that will not come in direct contact to water.

Cement board is sometimes called Durock, Wonderboard, and Hardibacker.  It is used for wet applications in tubs walls, shower walls, and floors. It’s a cement based product with a mesh glass underlayment in it which makes it waterproof and very durable. Cement board is normally found in ¼” and ½” thicknesses and is available in 3 x 4, 3 x 5, and 3 x 6 sheets, depending on the manufacture.  Should the grout or caulk fail, the wall is waterproof, and therefore cannot rot and since there is no paper, there is no mold hazard either.

So, remember green board for damp areas but cement board for all areas that could possible come in direct contact with water to ensure the longest life of your bath and tile needs.

I personally like linoleum because of the clean-up factor.  I have kids and they are constant spilling something on the floor.  When sweeping linoleum, the surfaces are typically smooth.  There are fewer cracks and crevices for dirt to become trapped (comparing linoleum with tile). If you don’t have to worry about spills and dirt, then use tile.  Did you know that there are quite a few linoleum patterns that look a lot like tile?  Best part is, it’s cheaper to install!

Keep a few things in mind for tilework, though:

If you use sanded grout with your floor tile, I recommend that you either use an additive during the installation, or a silicone sealant after the installation.  This helps prevent stains from spills and traffic wear-patterns.

Another consideration….How clumsy are you?  Imagine a spoon (or plate or pan) falling on your kitchen floor.  If it lands on the tile a certain way, the tile may be fine.  If it lands in another direction, the tile may chip.  That tile piece will have to be removed and a new one installed.  Did you purchase extras during the initial remodel project?  Do you still have them?  If not, are they still being manufactured?  Will the dye lots match?

One last thought…. Ceramic tiles are okay to use for kitchen remodels; on walls, backsplashes or as a decorative accent, but I don’t recommend ceramic for floors; they are a softer type of tile.  Porcelain tile, on the other hand, is a harder type of tile and can be used on floors.  Most likely, there shouldn’t be any wear patterns, if you properly seal the grout.

If you’d like to know more, feel free to call us at 301-353-0900.  Good luck with your project!

John Babyak

Owner, General Contractor and Installer