PKB Reglazing

Bathtub Reglazing: Lead Poisoning: PKB Reglazing

2011-08-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

In 1996, Dr. Marcia Stone, President of Hybrivet Systems and inventor of LeadCheck® Swabs, wrote an article about an unsuspecting source of lead exposure: the bathtub. Fourteen years later, the statistics may have changed slightly, but undoubtedly, there are still bathtubs that leach considerable amounts of lead. How many people do you know have remodeled their bathrooms and swapped out their bathtub in that time? Not many. It is for that reason that I find the following article as relevant today as it was then:

Each day, children bathe in it, play in it and are washed carefully in it. Yet, according to a special report on the April 19th, 1995 edition of Good morning America, porcelain glazed bathtubs are one of America’s most unexpected sources of lead exposure for children. At the time, lead poisoning was considered the number one environmental health danger for children by the Centers for Disease Control.

The nationally televised report cited a study designed by Hybrivet Systems, Inc, and conducted by a tub refinishing company located in Atlanta, Ga. The study found that approximately 64 percent of the tubs tested had leachable lead on the surface.

The tested tubs were of varying age and came from a wide range of domestic and import companies.

Good Morning America’s report focused on the Thomas family from a small town in Massachusetts. In spite of their efforts to identify and eliminate lead exposure in their home, their two children continued to have very high blood levels, requiring continuing medical treatments. The older child had a blood lead level of 47 micrograms per deciliter, while the second child(age 7 months) showed a level greater than 20 micrograms per deciliter.

Aside from negligible lead in the household dust, the only source of lead that could be identified in the children’s environment at the time was the lead-based paint in their home. Even though it was not peeling, they spend over 15,000 to have it professionally removed. Away from home during the abatement process(2 months), the children’s blood lead levels decreased to nearly normal levels (1 to 9 micrograms per deciliter). Within a week after moving back into the now lead-fee and lead safe home, both children again showed significant elevated blood lead levels.

The family then purchased a home lead test kit called LeadCheck® Swabs to test their ceramic ware. When her dished tested negative for lead, Mrs. Thomas then used a LeadCheck® Swab on the bathtub—the only remaining item in the house not yet tested for lead. The Swab immediately turned pink, indicating the tub was leaching dangerous levels of lead. Every time the children bathed in the tub and played with their toys, they ingested lead simply by touching the tub and putting their wet fingers in their mouths. The children ceased using the tube for their baths and within a few months their blood lead levels returned to nearly 10 micrograms per deciliter.

When she first tested the bathtub, Patricia Thomas immediately called the LeadCheck® Information Hotline to ask questions. The company was surprised by this potential lead source, and sent its top R&D specialist to investigate. Numerous follow-up tests confirmed the initial finding—the bathtub was the problem.

Continued testing of this and other bathtubs has confirmed the presence of lerachable lead in porcelain-glazed bathroom fixtures. A baby wipe tubbed on the botton of a tub picked up over 1000 micrograms of lead. Hands rubbed along the side of a LeadCheck® positive tub were shown to pick up significant amounts of lead. Bath water allowed to sit in LeadCheck® positive tubs leaches lead in amounts exceeding 50 parts per billion. Washcloths soaked in bath water and rubbed on the bottom of the tub concentrated significant amounts of lead.
The Atlanta tub refinishing company surveyed more than 750 bathtubs and found that, overall, 62% of all porcelain glazed tubs tested positive with LeadCheck® Swabs. Specifically, 77% of the porcelain-glazed cast iron tubs and 25% of the porcelain-glazed steel tubs tested positive. This source of lead most likely represents a significant exposure to only very young children with their high level of hand to mouth activity and propensity to drink the water during bath time.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the more than 57 million US homes have dangerously high lead levels. While bathtubs are a newly identified source of lead, other sources include deteriorating lead paint, water, plumbing, dust and ceramics, to name a few. According to Dr. Stone, the best solution is for the public to empower itself with information on the problem.

Actual Article: http://leadcheck.com/blog/lead-exposure-porcelain-enameled-bathtubs

www.phillipskb.com/bathtub_reglazing
All Southern California Counties: Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Ventura County:
Showroom Located in Canyon Country / Santa Clarita

2011-07-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

Contractor sting nabs sex offender, elder abuse suspect

A sting targeting unlicensed contractors netted an elder abuse suspect and a registered sex offender in Eureka Tuesday. Below is a press release from the Contractors State License Board.

SACRAMENTO – A man awaiting trial in Butte County for felony theft from an elder and misdemeanor unlicensed contracting was one of 14 suspected unlicensed contractors nabbed during a Contractors State License Board (CSLB) Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) sting in Eureka this week.

The undercover operation in cooperation with the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office (DA) was held in a Eureka home on February 2, 2010. CSLB and DA investigators also conducted sweeps of construction sites on February 3 and 4, 2010, to ensure projects are being undertaken by licensees with the proper workers’ compensation insurance coverage.

During Tuesday’s sting, SWIFT investigators posed as homeowners, seeking bids for projects including painting, tile, flooring, concrete, and fencing. They invited suspected unlicensed contractors who advertised online, in local publications, the phone book, or business cards who were in violation of state advertising guidelines for contractors. California Business & Professions (B&P) Code requires contractors to put their license number in all advertisements. Those who are not licensed may do work valued at less than $500 for labor and materials, but their ads must state that they are not a licensed contractor.

Twelve suspects received Notices to Appear (NTA) in court for contracting without a license; eleven face additional charges for illegal advertising. Their court date is set for March 1, 2010. Two other suspects received administrative citations; one for contracting without a license and illegal advertising, and the other for illegal advertising.

One of those suspects receiving an NTA, Michael Bluthardt, 52, of Eureka was taken to the Humboldt County Jail, where he was booked and released. His Butte County trial is set for March 5, 2010. Another suspected phony contractor, Nelson Henry Guy, 68, of Hydesville, is a registered sex offender. Guy was one of those issued an NTA for contracting without a license.

“This operation points out the importance that consumers check to make sure a contractor they hire is state-licensed,” said CSLB Registrar. “Some of these are people you would not want in your home, around your family and valuables.” Since 2005, CSLB has conducted criminal background checks on all new applicants for licenses and those adding to or changing their license classifications.

CSLB provides many helpful consumer publications that can be downloaded or ordered from its Web site www.cslb.ca.gov or www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com, or by calling, toll-free 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).

CSLB urges consumers to remember the following tips when hiring a contractor:

o Be especially hesitant when approached by someone offering home improvement services door-to-door.

o Verify the contractor’s license by checking online at www.cslb.ca.gov, or www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com, or via CSLB’s automated phone system at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752), and ask to see a photo identification to make sure you’re dealing with the correct person

o Don’t pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less. There is an exception to this for about two dozen contractors who have special bonds for consumer protection that are noted on the CSLB Web site.

o Don’t pay in cash, and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work.

o Check references, and get at least 3 bids and a written contract before your project begins.

o Contact CSLB if you have a complaint against a contractor.

The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. CSLB licenses and regulates about 310,000 contractors and is regarded as one of the leading consumer protection agencies in the United States. In fiscal year 2008-09, CSLB helped recover nearly $36 million in ordered restitution for consumers.

ACTUAL ARTICLE:
http://humboldtherald.wordpress.com/2010/02/04/contractor-sting-nabs-sex-offender-elder-abuse-suspect/

How do I find the right licensed contractor?

2011-03-12T22:56:00.000-08:00

How do I find the right licensed contractor?
This step highlights some of the different things you can do to help you find the right licensed contractor.

Make sure the contractor is licensed.

All contractor advertisements, whether it be an ad in the phone book or newspaper, a flyer that shows up at your front door, or the company's name on the side of a truck, must have the contractor's state license number. You can check license status on-line or call 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).

PKB Reglazing #941976

REMEMBER Most licensed contractors are competent, honest, hardworking and financially responsible. However, most of the problems the CSLB sees could be prevented if homeowners knew their home improvement rights and took responsibility for their project. A responsible and informed consumer can work more effectively with reputable contractors, and can avoid being victimized by unscrupulous or unlicensed operators.

Shop around before hiring a contractor.

Get at least three written bids on your project, and make sure you're comparing bids based on identical plans, specifications and scope of work. Do not automatically accept the lowest bid. In fact, you should beware of any bid that is substantially lower than the others. It probably indicates that the contractor made a mistake or is not including all the work quoted by his or her competitors. You may be headed for a dispute with your contractor if you accept an abnormally low bid. It is also possible that this contractor will cut corners or do substandard work in order to make a profit on the job.

When the contractor comes to your house to give you a bid, ask to see their pocket license, along with a picture I.D. You want to make sure the person you're dealing with is the same person on the license.

Contractors can also hire salespeople to work for them. Those people must be registered with the CSLB. Ask to see their registration card, along with a picture I.D.

REMEMBER Contractors are required to have their license number on their business card and on all bids and contracts. Seeing the number there doesn't necessarily mean the license is valid. Check the license status on this Website. Although an unlicensed operator may give you a low bid, the risks of possible financial and legal consequences you may face outweigh any benefits a lower bid may seem to offer.

Ask for personal recommendations.

Friends and family may have recently had similar projects completed. If they are satisfied with the results, chances are you will be too. Other good reference sources include local customers, material suppliers, subcontractors, and financial institutions to check whether the contractor is financially responsible. If you are still unsure, you may also wish to check the contractor out with your local building department, trade association or union, consumer protection agency, consumer fraud unit, and the Better Business Bureau.

Verify the contractor's business location and telephone number.

A contractor who operates a business out of the back of a pickup truck with a cellular telephone may be difficult to find to complete a job or fix something that has gone wrong after the last bill is paid. You can find a licensed contractor's "address of record" on this website when you look up their license status.

Verify the contractor's workers' compensation and commercial general liability insurance coverage.

Ask to see a copy of the certificate of insurance, or ask for the name of the contractor's insurance carrier and agency to verify that the contractor has the insurance.

In California, if a contractor has employees, they're required to carry workers' compensation insurance. The importance of this cannot be overstated. If a worker is injured working on your property and the contractor doesn't have insurance, you could be liable to pay for injuries and rehabilitation. Your homeowner's insurance may or may not cover those costs. You should check with your insurance carrier to make sure the workers' compensation insurance coverage being provided by the contractor is adequate. Learn more from the California Department of Insurance.

Commercial general liability insurance is not required, however, it covers damage to your property. If the contractor does not carry general liability insurance, they should be able to explain how they would cover losses that would ordinarily be covered by insurance. If your contractor damages your property and doesn't carry commercial general liability insurance, you or your insurance policy could end up paying for damages.

A licensed contractor must provide you with information regarding both types of insurance in your written contract.

ALERT Effective January 1, 2007, all roofing contractors (C-39 classification) must carry workers' compensation insurance or have a valid Certification of Self-Insurance on file with the CSLB. This information is indicated when you review the status of a contractor's license on this Website.

Learn about the contractor's bonds.

California licened contractors are required to have a contractor's license bond. It's important to know what bonds do and do not cover. Some bonds are designed to protect you against substandard work that does not meet with local building codes. Bonds do not assure the financial or professional integrity or competency of a contractor. Institutional lenders such as savings and loans, insurance companies or commercial banks generally require licensed contractors to secure bonds for large jobs.

Bonds may be classified as:

Contractor's License Bonds

Licensed contractors are required to have a contractor's license bond of $12,500 (as of January 1, 2007). This bond is written to cover any project the contractor agrees to perform. But, be aware, this bond is often not enough to cover multiple complaints made against it or your project if it's worth more than he value of the bond.

Contract Bonds

Contract bonds guarantees both the completion of the job and payment for all labor and materials. In general, the bonding company will not have to pay more than the face amount of the bond. The cost of this bond is usually 1-2% of the contract price.

PKB Reglazing

www.phillipskb.com/bathtub_reglazing

(800) 951-5659

License #941976

http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/HireAContractor/FindingTheRightContractor.asp

What are the cost and quality of bathtub refinishing?

2011-03-12T22:18:00.000-08:00

By Lee Wallender, About.com Guide

Question: What are the cost and quality of bathtub refinishing?

"I am considering refinishing my tub [versus total replacement]...and need to know is this a scam and what is the average cost and is the quality is worth it?" -- M. Snohomish, WA

Answer: Bathtub refinishing is in danger of entering the pantheon of home remodeling semi scams--along with vinyl siding and replacement windows--yet I do not understand why. I suppose it is because, along with the windows and siding, it is viewed as a "cover up" measure rather than as a "real" way of dealing with the problem. I say - go for it! While not as complete as a full bathtub replacement, or even a bathtub liner, bathtub refinishing is a legitimate way of solving the problem of a nasty bathtub. Besides, bathtub liners come with their own set of problems: they can trap water and you lose the beauty of the tub itself (provided that you had a nice tub to begin with).

First of all, I do not recommend DIY bathtub refinishing. You need to hire a local company with the skills and, most importantly, right tools for the task.

Quality

Quality varies from company to company, and in an informal poll of some homeowners who have had tubs refinished, quality seems to hinge on one thing: preparation. A poorly prepared bathtub results in peeling paint and unhappy homeowners. Another common complaint is chips. Many homeowners report that their refinished tubs get chips within months of refinishing, after even normal use. It is not known, though, which company did the refinishing, what they did, how they prepared the surface, etc. Also, this does not seem to be an industry-wide complaint.

Cost

Cost also varies, but at the time of this writing (Summer 2008), most homeowners appear to be spending around $550 for the service. Some homeowners say that they have paid $250-$300 for bathtub refinishing, but these also tend to be the homeowners complaining about the poor quality.

PKB Reglazing
www.phillipskb.com/bathtub_reglazing
(800) 951-5659 xt. 103
http://homerenovations.about.com/od/bathrooms/f/refinishbathpri.htm

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/BLACK-FRIDAY--ONE-DAY-ONLY.html?soid=1102279005924&aid=bmwoYyznKBc

2010-11-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

BLACK FRIDAY DISCOUNT

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/BLACK-FRIDAY--ONE-DAY-ONLY.html?soid=1102279005924&aid=bmwoYyznKBc

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Happy-Thanksgiving-.html?soid=1102279005924&aid=phP78hVSskQ

2010-11-19T12:59:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from PKB Reglazing:

Bathtub, Sink, Countertop, Fiberglass, Tile Reglazing and Refinishing

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Happy-Thanksgiving-.html?soid=1102279005924&aid=phP78hVSskQ

PKB Reglazing--Bathtub Reglazing

2010-11-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

Bathtub Reglazing--A Great Gift for the Holidays via #constantcontact

2010-09-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Bathtub Reglazing--A Great Gift for the Holidays via #constantcontact

Tile Reglazing

2010-08-16T22:07:00.000-07:00

Tile Reglazing? You can reglaze Tile? This is a question that I get all the time, usually in somewhat of a state of disbelief.

Most people out there do not realize that bathtubs are not the only surface that can be Reglazed. As most customers browse through our website they come across our Tile Reglazing" page. This page allows our customers to see the options they have when it comes to tile reglazing in their bathrooms.

Tile Reglazing Options:

What Tile Surfaces can be Reglazed: Kitchen and Bath Tile Countertops, Tile Enclosures around bathtubs, Tile Showers, and Tile Bathroom Floors.

Change the color: Any solid Color can be chosen to bring life back to your tile as well as update the look. Many bathrooms back in the 70's have the pink, green, gray, and yellow tiles that really limit the color scheme of the bathroom. Reglazing your tile will allow you to neutralize the color of the tile and use the painted walls as the accent color. This really helps with giving you control back with the colors of your bathroom. PKB Reglazing has over 100 solid colors that you can choose from. We also offer over 75 different Speckled Finishes that can be sprayed on Tile Enclosures around bathtubs, Tile Countertops, Tile Showers to give your tile more of a stone or granite look.

Tile Trimming: As seen on our website page you can always add a detail trim color that will give a great color accent to your tile surface without being too overwhelming. You can trim out tile showers, or tile countertops. We have some great sample pictures on our website of some countertops and showers that have been trimmed out with great accent colors. Customize your bathroom or kitchen with PKB Reglazing tile accent trims.

The process is very straightforward. We first clean and rinse the tile surface to remove any contaminants, soap scum, dirt, caulking and silicone residue. Once we do a deep cleaning with our industrial cleaners, we will then proceed to do an acid wash on the surface. After the acid wash, we will repair any cracks or chips on the tile to ensure that the final product will look as close to new as possible. After filling in any cracks or chips we will sand the surface down to remove and patch or filler residue. The surface is then rinsed clean and ready for the bonding agen to be applied. We use a two part bonding agent, durobond, that is applied to the entire surface. The bonding agent is like a "super glue" that allows for proper adhesion between the final top coat and the tile surface. Without the bonding agent, peeling is almost definitely going to occur. Once the bonding agent dries, we apply 3-5 coats of the finish material, acrylic aliphatic poly-glass urethane. The final coat covers the tile and grout entirely. The finish goes with the contour of the tile still giving it the look of tile but in a uniform color with the grout. If your tile is beige, then your grout is beige. If your tile is black, then your grout is black.

Don't let your outdated and worn tile set the tone of your bathroom. Take control and Reglaze the Tile at a fraction of the cost of Replacing.

CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!!

(800) 951-5659 Toll Free (661) 360-8767 Local

PKB Reglazing: Video

2010-08-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

On the Surface: PKB Reglazing

2010-08-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

By Marha Michael
Canyon Country Magazine
August 2010 page 44 (http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1om2y/CanyonCountryMagazin/resources/8.htm)

If getting something new is high on your list, you are bound to like Danny Phillips. This Canyon Country resident has a new business that aims to bring something new to area homes. PKB Reglazing upgrades bathtubs, sinks and other kitchen and bath surfaces, bringing new life to porcelain, fiberglass, tile and formica at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

While the business was actually launched almost two years ago, PKB has opened its doors in a Canyon Country storefront for the first time.

"I was laid off, like many people, while working as a project manager for a general contractor," explained Phillips. "When he ran out of remodel work to keep me busy, we agreed that I would take the reglazing business with me and attempt to start it up on my own."

In two years, Phillips has grown to employ eight technicians (www.phillipskb.com/pkb_technicians) from a new office / showroom on Soledad and Sand Canyon. Showroom displays give customers a look at a partially reglazed bathtub, fiberglass shower stall and a bathroom sink. He offers speckled finishes on tile, cultured marble and laminate countertops. A visit to the website (http://www.phillipskb.com/) means you can pick out colors, finishes and products before walking in the store.

"I really want to grow locally and help customers and residents realize that there is a less expensive alternative to giving their bathroom or kitchen and upgraded look and feel without breaking their pocketbooks or wallets," said Phillips. "We live in Canyon Country and felt that it would be a great opportunity to open and focus a good portion of our business to the local Santa Clarita Valley and Antelope Valley. With the tract housing, mobile homes and apartments, it is a great market for us to offer an affordable, inexpensive upgrade."

Danny Phillips and his wife Tina, and children, Braden, 9, Ashlynn, 5, Ethan, 3, and Elijah, 18 months, moved to Santa Clarita two years ago to be further from the city. "We like the family atmosphere and the community support. We felt it would be a much better place to raise our children." said Danny.

For PKB Reglazing, the community support goes both ways. PKB was a partial sponsor for the 2010 Kozak Football Camp, a free football camp founded by Canyon High School sutdent Taylor Kozak. The Phillips kids are also involved with TK Tae Kwon Do, Hugo's Gymanstics and the AYSO Soccer program.

PKB Reglazing Services: Los Angeles County, Orange Country, San Bernardino County, Ventura County, Riverside County, San Diego County, and Antelope Valley.

Located at 16507 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 91387

(800) 951-5659 Toll Free (661) 360-8767 Local

Reglazing to a Higher Standard

2010-08-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

Over my years of experience in the Bathtub Reglazing industry I have come across many people who have a preconceived notion of what Reglazing / Refinishing is. I noticed that many have based their ideas off of personal experience, friends experiences, or chatter from the internet. It has been very hard to establish a trustworthy, professional Reglazing company in an industry that has handymen, painters, and even general contractors "posing" as "Reglazers."

Bathtub Reglazing is very straightforward. There is not secret to the process. However, it is very important to note that the work itself should only be performed by an experienced Reglazing Technician (www.phillipskb.com/pkb_technicians) As in most things, the preparation in Reglazing is extremely important. Not only are the proper steps important to follow but the proper acids / etching solutions, bonding agents, primers, and finish coats need to be used. (www.phillipskb.com/reglazing_material)

I have realized that some "reglazers" feel that it is not important to be upfront with their customers about the specific material being used to refinish the bathtubs. Why is this? Could it be that they may not be using the proper materials? Car paints? Industrial Tool Finishes? Some hide behind the "trade secret" cover up to hold back from giving the information to the customers. At PKB Reglazing we are upfront with the material we use, DUROKOTE II (www.phillipskb.com/reglazing_material). There are some companies who use a local company that sells an inexpensive polyurethane called Cardinal Industrial Paint. This paint is made for Car Finishes and Industrial Tool Finishes and will not withstand the normal use and wear and tear of your Kitchen or Bathroom surfaces. It is very important to ask the questions to any Reglazing Company. Many "reglazers" who are not Licensed, Insured, or Bonded with the State are actually a liability to any customer whose home they work in. What happens if they get injured while using the acids? What happens if they have not been background checked by the state?(http://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/20080218/cali.html)

It is crucial for every Homeowner, Property Manager, Real Estate Agent to take the initiative and extra steps to finding a great and reliable contractor.

1. Check License Status on State License Board Website (http://www.cslb.ca.gov/)

2. Check Insurances--Workers Compensation, General Liability, Auto Insurances, Bond Information

3. Get References and Phone Numbers--speak to a customer who can share their experience
4. Check reviews online--uncensored reviews from customers (http://www.servicemagic.com/rated.PhillipsKitchenBath.19835607.html) (www.phillipskb.com/testimonials)

5. Find out what material is being used...get the brand name. Anyone can say "two part polyurethane" ask for the MSDS (Manufacturer Safety Data Specifications). You are paying for the job and have the right to know what is being put in your home. Some polyurethanes contain toxins that are not encapsulated and can be harmful.

6. Is the Owner of the company available to be spoken to if needed? There are many "Joe Shmo's" out there doing the work without proper licensing or experience. Kits can be purchased at Home Depots or Lowes that are not going to withstand the normal wear and tear without the proper preparation material. You want to be able to speak to the Owner....many Reglazers are part of a Franchise that just buy into the name. Make the experience personal and get the attention that you neeed.

7. Showroom--do they have a location where you can physically go in and check their work. Most "established" Reglazing companies will have a showroom to display their work and give you the opportunity to meet. This is a great indication as to who is actually established and here to stay.

For more reasons to choose PKB Reglazing for your Reglazing and Refinishing needs go to www.phillipskb.com/about_us