Flooring

Epoxy flooring is a great way to not only beautify but also protect surfaces. Sadly, many property owners lack a maintenance culture. Not treating your epoxy flooring right can impact its appearance and texture. One of the most important things when considering epoxy coating services is to hire professional installers with proven skills and experience.

Epoxy flooring products can be tricky. Improper installation can result in many problems including epoxy floor blistering. Common signs of epoxy floor blistering include cracks, pinholes, and bubbles. This can be caused by many factors including exposure to the weather. When your curing resin is exposed to too much heat or cold, it could cause blisters.

Other common causes of epoxy floor blistering include

• Improper mix ratio: An improperly mixed epoxy can create air bubbles in the mix. Your technician should mix the resin and hardener in the right mix ratio. The mix ratio varies from one product to another. The more reason why it is recommended that you hire only a professional installer.

• Porous Surface: Applying epoxy on a porous surface gives room for air to find its way under your curing epoxy. While the air attempts to escape, the resin above traps it, resulting in epoxy floor blistering. As the epoxy hardens, the bubbles, craters, or pinholes become more obvious.

• Rushed applications: Epoxy coating services require a professional touch. Not an ill-qualified technician who only wants to complete the task hastily so they can move on to another job. Rushed applications might leave your floor blistered. Each resin coat should be left to dry. Hasty job applications will most likely create air bubbles.

Epoxy floor blistering gives your newly finished floor a not-so-pleasant look. Pinholes make your floor vulnerable to moisture attacks, ultimately impacting the integrity of the concrete

Solutions

You can avoid epoxy floor blistering by taking simple steps. Experts in epoxy coating services know exactly what to do with blisters or pinhole problems. One easy step is to buff the surface and prep it for a fresh new coating.

The first step is to secure the services of an expert technician. These professionals will perform the following service:

• Make sure the concrete floors aren’t too smooth or porous

• Use the right mix ratio

• Take their time to complete the task

• Work smartly on the job and quickly so the mix doesn’t cure before the application

At the end of the day, you will be glad about the result. You can easily tell the difference between professional epoxy coating services and a quack.

Keep in mind, epoxy is a tricky material. Many unqualified technicians who fell for the trick end up leaving your surface with all kinds of epoxy flooring problems including blistering. So always go with a professional technician. No matter the problem, professionals know exactly what to do.

Remember, some problems may be costlier to repair than replace. In this case, a professional may decide to remove the old epoxy and replace it with a completely new coating.

Walnut flooring is one vintage that has endured the test of time in this rapid changing world of interior decorations. Among the finest looking and luxurious flooring solutions, flooring with planks of walnut wood can be something which could bring the royal touch of affluence to your living area.

Now available from most suppliers of quality flooring, this high quality wood plank flooring isn’t just stunning and elegant but is additionally very durable and can be used even in places where extreme temperatures make wooden flooring challenging. Whether you are redesigning a house or establishing a new home, flooring with this wood is definitely an alternative that should not be ignored if you’re looking for that vintage look.

Not only is walnut flooring recognized for its appearance, it provides constancy and longevity as well. Its denseness also provides an outstanding level of impact moderation as people walk across it. Walnut is also practical due to the simplicity by which it can be worked with. Walnut is usually somewhat smoother than other popular type of wood plank flooring which is oak, however with proper maintenance it can last just as long as oak flooring can.

There are also different types of the walnut flooring depending on the design of the room. Walnut can display a traditional look which has a thicker, polished finish. Another option is a more natural and rustic approach that features the walnut and just a few layers of varnish. This will not only keep up with the identity of the wood plank flooring but will give you an excellent degree of protection courtesy of the varnish. American walnut flooring can cost a lot if a floor plan has not been made beforehand. With a little bit of organizing as well as research, you can get great and affordable interior decor for your living area.

<2017/05/Should-You-Opt-For-A-Timber-Or-Concrete-Floor.jpg">There are lots of choices to make when you are self-building a house or if you are working with an architect to draw up designs for a property you are having built. One of the biggest questions is around the flooring and the choices involved with that. Currently, two of the most popular styles of flooring are timber or concrete but which material would be best for your home?

Solid Vs. Suspended

The question here isn’t so much the material used for the flooring but the style of floor that you require – either a solid or a suspended one. Solid floors are more substantial and use a layering system of a sub-base, sand, compacted hard core then a damp proof membrane before the insulation and concrete is finally added. On the other hand, suspended floors are made usually from timber joists and can come in a wide range of styles to adapt to the needs of the space.

Why Go For Suspended Floors?

Firstly, let’s look at the suspended floor and why floor construction using joists has become popular. In this kind of system, timber joists are suspended from the bearing walls and are then covered with floor boards or even high quality tongue and groove sheets. This means that the floor is well insulated and also very sound proof so is ideal for upper floors where footfall can make a lot of noise on the ground floor.

Suspended floors do require air flow so this means that an airtight breather membrane will often be used to ensure there is no moisture in the flooring system but that it gets the airflow that it needs. Also, if you need to access pipes under the floor, this type of system makes this relatively easy.

Why Go For Solid Floors?

On the other hand, solid floors can often be favoured in the lower parts of a house because they are so substantial. The systems use a variety of materials in layers to create the floor and incorporate a damp proofing membrane to prevent moisture seeping in as well as insulation to increase energy efficiency of the property.

As their name suggests, solid floors are very heavy duty and have a long lifespan. There is little noise made when walking on them and they won’t creak as they shrink with time. However, they are incompatible with underfloor heating systems and accessing pipes under them means a full scale excavation.

Conclusion

As with much in construction, there is no right and wrong answer with regards to the type of floor you choose – it is more about what you need and what you can afford. Look at things like underfloor heating as many new homes want to include this but some solid floor systems don’t work with this.

You can also get combination systems where you use a concrete floor that is supported by joists to be more like a suspended floor. Finally, the use of I-joists is a popular way get the best of both worlds as these don’t shrink or warp and create ‘quiet floors’.

Author Bio: Declan Small is the Digital Marketing Manager at Haldane Fisher, builder’s merchants with branches across the UK.

Garage floors see a variety of chemicals, materials and work. Whether you work on your car, store tools or household paint in your garage, there is always a chance of a spill. One easy way to extend the life of your concrete floor is to add garage floor coating Chicago. There are a variety of options available.

Epoxy

One of the most popular options is an epoxy floor coating. Relatively easy to install, the coating resists spills, stains, and chemicals. If it does crack, usually you can remove a patch and resurface it for a uniform look. A major benefit is that epoxy is a very affordable option and comes in a variety of colors, shines and patterns. Most coatings resist slips or can be easily texturized to avoid falls. For more information on the commercial application of epoxy on concrete floors, see the balance small business.

Tile

Floor tiles may be an alternative to using a garage floor coating in Chicago. This may be a more expensive option that is harder to install. Garage tiles are available in flexible plastic and rubber, wood composite and rigid plastic. Covering the floor of your garage does not address serious concerns such as deep cracks or foundation shifts.

Paint

Latex paint is available for garage floors, but often it does not have the lasting power of epoxy. Some may refer to epoxy as paint, but it is not. Paint for your garage floor is slightly different than that for the walls of your house. Often you can customize the color of the paint before applying. The process is fairly simple and affordable but needs to be applied more often than epoxy. Use more than one coat to cover large stains and surface cracks.

Don’t just be satisfied with plain concrete with the cracks and stains visible. Customize the look of your garage floor with an affordable, durable and easily applicable coating. Extend the life of your floor and get the most out of your garage.

Remodeling your kitchen can transform the look and feel of your entire house, whether you’re looking to sell it or just to improve it for the future. Unfortunately, remodeling your kitchen is all one of the messiest jobs that you can undertake. From replacing major appliances like your stove, sink, or refrigerator to cosmetic improvements to your counters, backsplash, or flooring, big projects in your kitchen can take a toll on your home. However, there are steps that you can take to make your redo clean-up less of a hassle. With some planning and effort, remodeling your kitchen can be lower stress with greater results than you’d ever imagine.

First of all, make sure that you have a plan going in. Sometimes, homeowners get frustrated by the look of their kitchen and simply act to make changes without thinking them through all the way. Other times, a major appliance breaks down and it seems necessary to replace it right away. The truth is, you should always have a solid plan in place before you undertake any major home improvement projects. Do you have all of the supplies that you need? How many days will this kitchen project really take? What kind of mess will this project leave behind? These are all crucial questions to ask before you start demolishing your current kitchen or making room for your new pieces.

Second, avail yourself of all of the current technology that makes cleaning up easier than ever. You no longer are stuck with a dusty old drop cloth from the garage or newspapers spread out across the floor. Now, new tools are available, which can make clean-up a simple, streamlined process, saving you time and inconvenience. For example, you can keep your kitchen floor from being damaged by using a product like the TRIMACO FloorShell® to protect it. Not only will this save you clean-up time, it will protect your wood, laminate, and tile floors from permanent damage. Best of all, any homeowner can find convenient products like this since they’re available at Lowes.com.

Finally, when it’s time to clean, start with the biggest surfaces and work your way down. That means wiping down walls and ceilings first, then furniture and appliances. Only after these major areas are cleaned should you start to focus on the smaller pieces. Then, make sure that you thoroughly wipe down counters and appliances, paying special attention to areas where food could be contaminated by building supplies. Don’t skip hard-to-reach places like light fixtures and the grout between your tiles. Soon, your new and improved kitchen will be in top shape.

Hardwood is an attractive choice for your home. It looks good in any room, is low maintenance and goes with any furnishings. A popular choice among buyers and homeowners, it is no wonder that it continues to remain a favorite for people who are renovating their homes. Hardwood floors can be an affordable choice and it can also be an expensive one depending on your specific choice.

You can’t really go wrong with a beautiful hardwood floor. Choose the specific wood for its color and durability and be pleased with that choice for years to come. There are many things to choose from when you are looking to renovate your home with an attractive floor. Choose the gorgeous mahogany due to its pleasing appearance and popularity or choose ash for its lighter color and the fact that it goes with the cabinets in your kitchen. No matter what you choose you will be able to find something that you can afford.

Mahogany and Teak floors are among you most expensive choices. They are both beautiful and durable so the price is well worth it in the long run. It is also fairly low maintenance and when you spend a lot of money to redo your floors it is great to get a pay off. Brazilian Teak is one of the more expensive choices. It is durable and refinishes in good quality, withstanding years and years of wear and tear. Luckily the expense of hardwood floors give you many choices the and if you have a hefty budget but are still trying to tighten the purse strings choosing Red Wood is not a bad idea. It is another option that will enhance the value of your home but is far more budget friendly than Mahogany. If you want to add texture or stains to the Red Wood however it will most likely add up to being as equally expensive as Teak.

If you are redoing your home and you want it to look exotic it is probably your floor that will take the first hit. If you budget is high you can choose an exotic hardwood floor. It is your most expensive option because you also have to add the shipping costs. Wood from South America and Africa is often imported to the States and the fact that it is foreign jacks up the price. Reclaimed hardwood floor is another exotic option with a handcrafted appearance. Its scarcity raises the price and with the added price of installation it is among the more expensive choices.

Hand scraped hardwood flooring comes with a misleading name because many of the hand scraped tile is done with a machine and not by hand. If you are looking for something truly handmade then you can go through Amish collections. Handmade work is always more expensive than things done by machine and, while the manufactured product is fine, if you are looking for something more unique getting it handmade is worth the extra expense.

Sometimes you want the best of the best no matter the price and with the many options it is easy to find the best for you. You can make a choice based on popularity, maintenance or the fact that it is one of a kind. The best part about expensive wood is that it remains durable and it isn’t just in name that makes its price so high.

There are plenty of myths about cleaning your wooden floors, so we have dispelled the most common for you here!

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Vinegar and water are the best option

No! Although vinegar may look like a great natural option, it can dull or damage your solid wooden flooring. It can also leave a residue and make it slippery; in time, it can also warp the wood.

Water is the best way to clean

Water and wood are not good friends. If you use too much water, your floor can warp or show signs of damage over time. The less water you use, the better! Although there may be skyscrapers built of wood in years to come, they will be coated properly against water damage – something your floor is not!

Steam cleaning is a great idea

If you thought water was a good idea, steam cleaning is even worse! The solid wood flooring you can buy from specialists such as https://www.woodfloorwarehouse.ie/solid-wood-flooring.html may be durable, but steam gets between the boards and can cause the wood to swell and become porous or even badly damaged.

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Vacuum cleaners are fine for wood

Unless you want scratched floors, put away the vacuum cleaner. The sharp edges of the pipe can damage flooring, and the small rollers may damage the softer wood on floors. A broom or soft mop is the best option. If you want to suck up dust, opt for a dust buster or similar.

Floors are a focal point in any home. They need to be durable, functional and easy to maintain. Many would agree that cleaning floors can be time-consuming and tedious. Choosing the right kind of flooring will make a big difference in your home. If you live a fast-paced life, have kids, or hate cleaning, then you must choose the right type of floor that fits your lifestyle.

There are many types of floors to choose from. Each material has advantages and disadvantages that you can compare to determine which one fits your home. Here is a list of five common home flooring materials and their pros and cons:

1. Hardwood. This is regarded as one of the best aesthetically. Hardwood floors are easy to maintain and look expensive. Homes with hardwood floors are also very desirable to potential buyers. The cost of hardwood is its biggest downside. It requires occasional refinishing and can easily be ruined by water damage.
2. Tile. Ceramic tiles are durable and resistant to scratching. They are also easy to clean and maintain. There is no need for polishing and specialized cleaning supplies. Tiles come in a variety of sizes and designs which go well with different design aesthetics. Tile is best used in kitchens and bathrooms because it is water and stain resistant.
3. Laminate. This type of flooring is often used as an alternative to hardwood. If you don’t know the difference, you can easily mistake laminate for wood. It is cheaper and easy to maintain as well. It does not easily scratch. One downside to laminate is that it can also be damaged by standing water.
4. Carpet. The cost of carpet installation varies depending on quality. Unfortunately, carpet is hard to clean and prone to stains. It is also not advisable for people with allergies. The best location for carpet flooring is the bedroom since carpet makes bedrooms look cosier.
5. Vinyl. Vinyl is one of the cheapest floorings available. It is also cheaper to install. These days, you can find vinyl wood flooring that is made with materials that make it look like real wood. There are also vinyl floors that are more durable and less prone to tearing and denting. Vinyl wood flooring is best used in kitchens because it can withstand water.

You can opt for different types of floors for different areas of the home. For areas where there is heavy foot traffic, you can opt for flooring that is more durable and resistant to scratching. If you have kids, for example, you might want to consider flooring that is easier to clean and maintain. Pets should also be another consideration since pets can scratch and shed fur. Finding the best type of flooring for your home can save you money on maintenance and repairs in the long run.

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