Wednesday 31 December 2008

Floor Tiles - Perfect Floor Tiles

There are many different types of floor tiles but the main ones which you are probably going to want to have installed are ceramic floor tiles. Ceramic floor tiles are made from clay which is then baked at a very, very high temperature meaning that the tile is going to be very strong and be able to put up a lot of resistance, therefore meaning that your floor tiles will last a long time compared to other tiles which are less resistant.

Ceramic floor tiles can have different finishes which can result in different looks and feels at the end. They can be glazed with a layer of liquid glass on the top which will be a smooth, nice looking finish and then you can have them unglazed leaving a much more natural looking finish to the floor tiles. Also a rustic feel can be given to these untreated ceramic tiles.
Ceramic floor tiles take very little work to maintain them as they do not hold onto dirt and the fact that they are extremely easy to clean if they do get dirty means that they are very easy and manageable, you are able to easily clean them using water and a cloth or mop.

Another really big bonus about using ceramic floor tiles is that they are very fire resistant meaning that they will not go up in flames at all. They can even help keep the structure of the building they are in as they will not set alight at all. This means that people that have a thing for safety or anyone for that matter can feel a lot safer with these tiles installed.

A few of the factors that you need to take into consideration when looking for floor tiles are resistance, slip resistance and hardness. All these factors will need to be determined before you go ahead and find the right tile. You are going to want to know how slip resistant they are because you do not want anyone slipping over all the time when they get wet or if they are slippery then you will need to know what you need to do if they are slippery as different tiles have different treatments to clean and repair them.

Floor tiles or should I say tiles in general can last for decades if they are kept right and even some tiles have lasted thousands of years, this goes to show just how effective a simple tile can be, they can make your house or building look great and be easy to maintain and last a very, very long time if kept right. You can have floor tiles on a wall and vice versa with wall tiles, this is a great thing about tiles that they can be adapted easily for what they need to be used for,

Another thing that you may want to think about before getting your tiles is the width and colour of the grout joints that you are going to have holding your tiles together. This can make your tiles look good or it can make them look bad with the wrong grouting.

Good luck finding your perfect floor tiles.

By: David Kensington

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Monday 29 December 2008

Step by Step Tile Floor Cleaning

Having a nice tile floor in your house or your new house is a blessing because not many people can afford a tile floor. Tile floors can be very cooling during the summer and the shine that it adds to our home is what we want as a tile floor owner. What are the steps to tile floor cleaning? I am sure you want to keep the condition of the tile floor as it is, right?

Tile Floor Cleaning Step #1 Sweep and Vacuum

Most people start mopping their floor without wanting to go through the fuss of sweeping and vacuuming it first. You must know that water and floor cleaning solution will only cause the dust and debris to clutter instead of going away. Make sure you sweep and vacuum your tiles, especially the corners before you start mopping them.

Tile Floor Cleaning Step #2 DIY Tile Floor Solution

Yes, there are a lot of floor cleaning solution out there for your selection but there is no harm trying this little secret out. The solution is simple, six parts of warm water to one part of white vinegar. Mix them up in a pail and you should have a solution that is able to chase away insects. Also, this solution should not be leaving behind strong vinegar smells.

Tile Floor Cleaning Step #3 Mopping the Tiles

For the cleaning, you can either use a mop or a cloth. Start scrubbing the tiles slowly. If you are faced with a tough stain, scrub it repeatedly and harder or you can try a nylon scrubber. Make sure that you are able to reach the corners as most stains and debris will accumulate at these places.

Tile Floor Cleaning Step #4 Drying Up

Make sure that you and anyone else do not step on the tile floor until it dries up. Stepping onto them when they are still wet will leave behind ugly footprints that will require cleaning all over again. Point a fan to the wet section and the floor should dry up very soon. Also, before scrubbing using a mop or a cloth, squeeze out the excess water.

I have a simple tile floor cleaning solution for you. Click on free Clorox Ready Mop today and claim your floor cleaning tool that gives dazzling performance when it comes to tile floor cleaning. Try it out and you will be the next happy housewife.

Linda Gregham is a housewife with 3 kids and she is very knowledgeable about every chores in the house. She is also a fan of DIY and great household appliances deals online. Ask her anything about housekeeping but make sure you have at least one hour for her lecture.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Gregham

Floor Mats: Rent Or Purchase?

There are two ways to obtain floor mats for your place of business. You can rent them from a janitorial supply and service business or you can purchase them outright. Ostensibly the most cost-efficient method is to purchase your mats. However, there can be extenuating circumstances that lead you to consider renting your mats.

If you rent your mats, a good service will provide a clean fresh mat upon pickup of the old. This may be once or twice a week. The rental will seem inexpensive-typically a few dollars per mat per week. If your business contracts all its janitorial services, this could be the most efficient means of providing clean floor mats for all your entrances and aisle ways.

However, if you own a business such as a restaurant, hotel or office building where you hire your own staff to perform janitorial services, you should consider the purchase of your floor mats. Realize that any time you ‘rent’ a product, even a floor mat, you must pay a sufficient price to the renting company to purchase and care for the mat-plus make a profit. This only makes sense. If you hire employees with cleaning responsibilities, it is more cost-effective to purchase your floor mats and add them to the clean up list of duties for your janitorial staff.

As an example, suppose you own five restaurants. Each restaurant needs two entrance mats, two catch all floor mats adjacent to self-service drink stations or salad bars, and two commercial kitchen floor mats. Let’s say these are each 3’x5’ mats which rent for around $5 per week. Over the course of a year you will pay $7,800 for the five restaurants in mat rental services. The entrance floor mats and catch all floor mats run approximately $45 each if purchased outright. The commercial kitchen floor mats run about $65 each. To purchase the same mats costs you $1,550. The cleaning of the mats can be performed by your janitorial staff as part of their daily work duties. Extensive cleaning due to inclement weather conditions can be performed weekly during off-hours. Let’s say this adds ten minutes a day to your employee’s time-that’s 40 hours a year. Assuming a $10/hour pay rate, you will pay an extra $400 to add mat cleaning to your daily janitorial service duties. The total cost your first year of ownership is about $2000. But the savings explode after this…

Realize that if you purchase nitrile rubber-backed mats, the mats will typically last 5-7 years in high traffic situations. Assuming $400 recurring janitorial time each year, over the course of five years your total cost of ownership is $3600. The cost to rent these mats over five years is $39,000! Ownership of your floor mats saves you over $35,000 during the five year period. That represents a savings of over 90%! These numbers are typical. Most businesses fail to make these types of calculations when considering their custodial services. I mean, they are just floor mats!

There are businesses with good reasons to rent floor mats. If you already outsource all your custodial services, you may want to rent the mats from the service as well. However, even in these cases, you should consider whether to purchase your mats and add them to the cleaning duties of your service contract. If your employees already handle the cleanup responsibilities in your business, you should definitely consider the purchase of floor mats over renting the same products from a rental service.

Saturday 27 December 2008

How to Maintain Bamboo Floor

Some households opted for bamboo floors to add up to the extravagance and uniqueness of their homes. This material delivers an oriental flavor to your homes that can bring any guest to the feel of the Far East. Of course, you want this feeling to endure and continue for a very long time. Knowing how to take care and maintain your bamboo floor can certainly preserve that uniqueness.

Bamboo is a very delicate material to be used in home building. It requires special attention and care. You should know how to maintain materials such as bamboo so that your money will not be spent unwisely. There are many ways on how you can be able to take care of your bamboo floors. Here is a very simple list on how to take care of your very precious bamboo floor.

• It is recommended to footwear before walking over a bamboo floor. Rocks that got stuck in your shoes or the heels of your stilettos can damage the shiny finish of the flooring. Or you just make sure that your footwear is clean.

• When moving furniture, avoid dragging. As much as possible, carry the load that you have to move to prevent scratching. In addition, you can put rubber mats under furniture legs.

• Avoid spilling any liquid on bamboo floors. Exposure to liquid may damage your floor. You may put mats near areas that have water such as the bathroom, kitchen and laundry area. This will prevent spills to reach the bamboo floors.

• Regularly clean the floor. You can use brooms with soft-bristles or a vacuum cleaner to remove grit and dirt that can damage the floor material. Do not let grit or dust to build up on the floor.

• Use cleaning aids but be sure to follow the directions to avoid damage in the floor, especially those that need to be mixed with water.

• Do not uses wax on the bamboo floors.

• If you have pets, trim their claw regularly to avoid scratches. Also, be sure to train them to “do their stuff” in appropriate places.

• Put rugs or carpets in places where high traffic usually occurs such as the living room. Also make sure that the rags and carpets have anti-abrasive properties.

• Humidity can make the bamboo floor planks shrink or can create crack. You do not want that to happen on your floor. You may opt to install a humidifier to maintain proper humidity level in your room where bamboo floor is installed.

These tips are so easy to understand and follow. They are just based on common sense. Like any other material, bamboo floors need to be maintained. These tips may be helpful for you if you already have bamboo floors installed or still planning to have them in your house.

Yet, the best way to take care of your bamboo floor is to contact the manufacturer and the people who installed them. They should know the right stuff to do for you to be able to maintain your floor.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=298613&ca=Home+Management

Laminate Floor Care Is More Than Just Sweeping

Laminate floors add beauty and elegance to any room they are installed in. Nothing beats the lustrous shine of a properly cared for laminate floor. The problem most people develop with their laminate floors is dulling and general wear that makes the floor look old and unattractive. The good news is that by practicing proper laminate floor care this can be avoided and the shine can be kept for many many years.

Simple Tips For Laminate Floor Care

The one thing any laminate floor owner should do is remove their shoes when entering the house. the soles of your shoes can trap rocks and other abrasive objects that will scratch and dull the floor over time. Taking off your shoes is cheap and easy laminate floor care that will go along way in preserving your floor.

Throw rugs are a great laminate floor care tip that many people utilize. When placed over heavily traveled areas, the throw rug will help protect the floor and also help remove dirt and debris from the bottom of shoes should some one were them onto your floor.

You also should try and sweep your laminate floor daily or at least every other day to avoid a build up of damaging dirt and dust. A soft broom works well but the new dry mops on the market do a much better job of collecting the dust and dirt of your floor. Avoid liquid cleaners as the can do more damage to a laminate floor if they are used improperly. If you must use a liquid cleaner for laminate floor care use very little, only enough to dampen a towel and dry the floor immediately after wards.

Pets such as dogs and cats are also a major contributor to laminate floor damage. Your dogs or cats claws can put deep scratches into your floor that may be impossible to fix. Large dogs are known to frequently damage floors,to avoid this their claws should be kept cut short and they should not be allowed to play on the laminate floor. The same is true for children, always make them play with toys on a area rug as to avoid dings and scratches from metal or heavy toys. These are laminate floor care tips that will take away the potential for major damage if they are implemented.

Laminate floor care is not just keeping the floor clean but also stopping and reducing potential damage before it has a chance to damage your floor. By applying basic practices and cleaning your floor should last a lifetime.

Wednesday 24 December 2008

Baby Floor Mats - Protect Your Child With High Quality Baby Mats

Protect your children from accidents with high quality baby floor mats. These mats are thick and flat pads designed for children to sit on while engaging in different activities. They can also be used for outdoor activities to protect your child from scraping his or her knees.

An indoor baby floor mat protects your child from the hardness and coldness of the floor. Outdoor baby floor mats, on the other hand, can help protect your child from dirt and other skin irritants.

Three kinds

There are three kinds of baby floor mats: the rubber, fabric, and woven types.

Rubber baby floor mat – This type of mat is made of soft and smooth rubber. It is thick and durable for long term use. Add to that, this mat is easy to clean, wash, and dry, making them very hygienic for your kids.

Fabric baby floor mat – this foam-padded, cotton fabric mat is durable as well as easy to clean and nontoxic. It is very comfortable for children to sit in and is ideal for children’s rooms and daycare centers.

Woven baby floor mat – finally, this type of made is made from rattan, straw, or sisal. It also features unique designs. However, a woven baby mat is not as useful in cushioning and protecting your child because of its thinner surface.

Which should you buy?

The best tip in buying a baby floor mat is to determine the type of cushioning you want. Look for a mat that has excellent cushions to protect your child from accidents and is ideal for long-term use.

Complete information

A complete Guide to BABY FLOOR MATS is available in Picky Guide, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ilse_Hagen

The Many Uses Of A Heated Floor Mat

A heated floor mat has many different uses. Many homeowners place at the back entrance to their home so that family members can remove their winter boots or wet footwear and place them on the mat to dry. They plug into a standard one hundred and twenty volt outlet. They are also great for a cold workplace or a cold room. Many office workers are constantly complaining of it being too cold at work. One solution is to place one of these mats on the floor under their desk and place their feet on it.

A heated floor mat will also be a good idea for a cold bathroom floor, which can cause quite a start in the middle of the night. The power consumption of one of these mats is about the same as a one hundred watt light bulb. As far as safety concerns go, they are approved by the Underwriters Laboratories in both United States and Canada.

A heated floor mat is made of a heavy-duty rubber and is waterproof. Most of the styles of mats feature a switch that helps the owner choose the required temperature that they want. Each mat contains an electric heating element that produces a heat that is uniform to the whole mat. The actual heating element itself is molded into the rubber, which eliminates any danger of a fire or producing an electric shock.

Another great use of a heated floor mat is that they can be used to pre-heat boots and mittens before the kids go outside to play or before they head off to school. Other areas that people use these mats are on factory floors and cold concrete basement floors. Even though they are waterproof, they are designed to be used in a dry environment. They would be great for people that need to stand on a cold floor for long periods.

A heated floor mat is an excellent as a walkway to an outdoor hot tub.

During the colder months, the mat can serve as a safe comfortable way to exit the house and walk to the tub. Just plug it in before the snow falls and you are ready to go. If there is already snow on the ground, you can still just plug it in and the snow will melt at a rate of two inches per hour. Once it is turned on, it will maintain a temperature of fifty degrees Fahrenheit. You can also secure the mat to the floor area with grommets that come integrated into the mat. It also features traction so that you will not slip while walking on it. The mats have deep rubber surface channels so that water is kept away from your feet. Many different sizes are available and the lengths range from three feet all the way up to twenty-five feet.

Each heated floor mat is manufactured with high quality materials and is for foot traffic and not vehicles. Most come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. Check the box for exact warranty information depending on the brand you purchase.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=250184&ca=Home+Management

Tuesday 23 December 2008

The Floor Clock Has Style, Too

If you're flaying yourself over what type of long clock or grandfather clock to get, there's a chance you haven't looked up floor clocks. These kinds of clock has style you can be hoity-toity about. They are smashing and have that distinct character any modern home or office would give their eyeteeth for.

Stop Caviling

You've got several objections about getting a grandfather clock. You're not getting anywhere. If your protestations are about the price and design, it's because you haven't looked long and hard enough at the different themed tall clocks.

The floor clock of your dreams is waiting for you and it has the style you want. You'll be in for a surprise at the overwhelming array of selections. As for the price, there are different price ranges for the different models available. You can also get a bill-me-later-plan from the merchant. Now, do still have reasons to complain?

The Tell-all

This type of clock is a grandfather clock with the familiar pendulum without the weights. The difference between a floor clock and a grandfather clock lies in the design because these are not usually sheathed in wooden cases. This has a more unconventional or avant-garde style but features the same mechanism or technology used in the grandfather clock.

These mechanisms make for the clock movement, chime, and hour strike. The pendulum swings to regulate timekeeping. The weights of the clock should also be raised once a week, or every 7 days. Please remember to wear clean gloves, though, when handling your floor clock’s glass, chimes, and pendulum. This is to ensure that stains or marks will not mar the beauty of the clock.

Care for the clock is the same given for the traditional tall clocks. You have to oil it periodically and check the weights and the pendulum, or find out if the clock needs re-bushing. It is easier to find technicians to work on the maintenance of your clock, and you’ll be more comfortable knowing that an expert is doing the job for you.

Like the traditional or contemporary long case clocks, the floor clock is 7 feet tall and boasts of innovative styles to suit current tastes. They’re affordable too. You can get one for $799.98, just a few hundred dollars more than the gadgets that are crowding in your bag.

Styles To Go

The Chatmoss by Ridgeway comes in wrought iron with cabernet finish, 4/4 German quartz dual chime, separate hour strike, night shut-off option, and volume control. The pendulum has an antiqued finish that lends character to the unusual styling. At the bottom is a marble base on which the clock is set on for stability of balance. This model also uses 2 C batteries. Coming with a one-year warranty upon purchase and white glove delivery service, you get the best deal.

Becket Curio by Ridgeway is another fabulous wrought-iron creation with a nutmeg cherry base and crown. There are three shelves with mirrored back for curios and keepsakes, which can be accessed through a hinged door. This model has the standard features like the night shut-off mechanism, volume control, and a quartz-powered dual chime movement.

For classic lines to fit into more formal d้cor, Howard Miller Coliseum II shows the influence of Greek and Roman architecture. The case shows off carved leaf patterns on the base and collar, fluted columns, and an aged appearance that comes with manually applied dark umber to simulate a crackle finish.

Still caviling about the floor clock? Look, this clock has style, too.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=216912&ca=Home+Management

Monday 22 December 2008

Lean How To Install Wood Floor Throughout Your Home To Add Beauty, Warmth, And Comfort

Before you install wood floor in your home, make sure you check out your options on the many different kinds of wood flooring that’s available to you. There is a specific floor type suitable for every room in your house. Standard flooring is available in a wide range of hardwoods in random lengths wood strips. These type of flooring; mahogany, maple, ash, pine, and oak, is available in different colors and grain, allowing you to choose a finish to suit your needs.

Natural wooden floor surface can be sealed in a great variety of finishes. If you are satisfied with the existing natural color of the wood, seal the surface with layers of clear wax or a commercial transparent sealer in either a matte or a gloss finish. Once you have decided which type wood floor is best suited to your need, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the preparation of the floor.

If you are fortunate enough to have sound wooden floorboards in your home, you can renovate and paint them to great effects. Once the floor is painted, it is advisable to treat it to one or two coats of varnish for a truly hardwearing finish. To maintain your floor at its best, keep it properly sealed and cleaned regularly. It would be a crime to cover up these fine floorboards. Wood floors are warm, secure, and comfortable.

There are a lot of flooring choice that vary in appearance, technology, and cost. Just about anything can go over a wood floor. To figure out how much you’ll need to cover a floor, calculate the floor’s surface area: measure the length and width or the floor, round the measurements up to the nearest inch, and multiply the figures to find the room’s square footage in inches. If the room is irregularly shaped, calculate the square footage of each area and add the figures together.

About The Author:

Roger King has install wood flooring for several years, and have done several homes. Since then he's been helping people find and review the best floor selection, to meet their needs. Visit his Web site to learn more about this service: http://www.install-wood-floor.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_King

Sunday 21 December 2008

Floor And Window Renovation

If you are interested in completing some house renovations but are unsure of where to start, then there are a few factors which, if taken into consideration, will help you get off the ground. Remember more than anything, that making yourself educated and informed before beginning any house renovations is critically important, so that you do not take on more than you can handle and so that you are satisfied with the results.

The flooring in a home is not only one of the most aesthetic aspects, but one of the most valuable as well. If you have good, durable flooring, then your home is going to be worth a heck of a lot more on the real estate market. There are so many great options that you have when it comes to flooring, with the two most popular being hardwood flooring and carpet. Every homeowner has their own idea of what is the right type of flooring, and when it comes to hardwood, one of the fan favorites, they help by giving the home a look of luxury and they are also incredibly durable and go with almost any type of décor. They are also one of the easiest types of house renovations to complete, especially if you get the engineered hardwood flooring that you basically just snap into place.

Another of the most popular house renovations involves the renewing of the windows and doors in the home. Again this is more than just aesthetics, as by ensuring that your windows and doors are in top condition and sealed properly, especially in the winter months you will be saving money because less heat will be able to escape out of your home. Windows are especially important to keep on top of, and replacement windows are one of the best investments that any homeowner can make. By including windows as one of your top house renovations priorities, you can save monthly on your heating and cooling costs, and as well add curb appeal to your home with a much improved visual appearance. If the windows face any direction other than north, consider a shade/blind mounted on the inside of the window that can be positioned to filter the light, or pulled up/down entirely. A layered treatment with sheers for light control and fabric panels on either side is another option.

Alternatively, professionally installed window films can filter UV rays while offering a clear view outside. Couple this with a fabric treatment that dresses the window such as a roman or box pleat valance and side panels. Some films allow you to look out while passers-by are unable to look in due to the mirroring effect that occurs from the outside, this is a great option for rooms where security is of the utmost importance such as home offices and family rooms. Bedrooms necessitate the most privacy so do make sure the treatment has complete light control. Use shutters, blinds or shades that specify complete light control for privacy. In addition, have a fabric treatment that flanks the window with perhaps a valance above it.

Vinyl, wood, and aluminum replacement windows are all incredibly popular and very affordable at most locations as well. The installation process is quite simple as well, and all you really need to do here is remove the old window, install the new one, cut the exterior opening, and trim the window. Also remember that if you are ever not comfortable with completing your own house renovations you can call in professionals to do the work for you.

For Home Improvement & cash back deals visit http://www.dragonrewards.com/browse/all/all/all

Wednesday 17 December 2008

Decorate Your House with a Floor Mirror

Decorating your house can be one of the most important, but at the same time most difficult tasks to do. It is not easy or cheap to decorate a house so you will need to know some tips and tricks before starting out on the task of decorating unless you can afford and interior decorator.

One of the most useful objects while decorating you home is a floor mirror. A floor mirror is basically a tall mirror that starts from the floor and goes upwards. A floor mirror can be based on wood or metal depending upon its type.

One of the main advantages of a floor mirror is the fact that when used properly it will definitely make your room look larger than it actually is. For example, if you have a room or a hall that you want to appear longer; then all you have to do would be to place a mirror on the end of the hall to make it seem like longer. Or if you have space that is to narrow like a staircase or a narrow hallway, then you can place floor mirrors on both sides of the corridor to make it seem wider than it is. Another useful place for a floor mirror will be the closet doors. If you install a floor mirror on each closet door, then you will have a nice big room.

Besides making your living space look longer and wider; floor mirrors can be also utilized to lighten up the décor of your house. Using a floor mirror near a window or a bright source of light will reflect that light so that your room is actually more brighter than before.

This can change the tone of your décor instantly. However, you should definitely make sure that your mirror's viewing angle doesn't pick up clutter or discarded objects. In any case using a floor mirror will be an important and relatively inexpensive part of your décor.

Elaine Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice on your professional development

Floor Mirror if you have time drop by her site for some tips and information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elaine_Smith

Sunday 14 December 2008

New Homes in Atlanta - New Home Floor Plans

Atlanta is home to both national and local home builders offering a variety of new homes in Atlanta with spacious and affordable floor plans. Below is information about floor plans available in new home communities throughout the Atlanta area.

The Rutherford Plan is available in Lochshire, a Traton Homes community - The Rutherford is a 2-story floor plan 3 bedrooms, a media room and a kitchen with an island and breakfast area. The Rutherford floor plan is a single-family home priced from the $270s.

The Tara floor plan is available at Canterbury Estates, a Beazer Homes community - The Tara floor plan offers home buyers 2 and 3 story options (basement) with 3,479 sq. ft. This floor plan is available with 4 - 6 bedrooms, 3.5 - 5 bathrooms, 2 - 3 garages and is priced from $370,990. The kitchen has a center island, breakfast bar area, walk-in pantry and tons of cabinet space.

The Glenhurst floor plan is available in Farris Park, a D.R. Horton Homes community - The Glenhurst floor plan, priced from the $190s, offers home shoppers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This 1-story floor plan has formal dining and living areas as well as a kitchen with an island and a vaulted family room. Each bedroom has a walk-in closet and there is a 2-car garage.

The Whitewater floor plan is available in Oakdale Bluffs, an Ashton Woods community - The Whitewater plan is a 3-story town home-offering buyers 2,145 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. This plan has a family room, dining room and a kitchen with a large pantry and center island. Homes in the Whitewater are priced from $220,990.

The Austin plan is available in Sable Glen, a Royce Builder community - The Austin floor plan is a town home with 2 floors. This plan offers shoppers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a combined family and dining room. The master bedroom is set aside with its own private bath and a walk-in closet. This floor plan is available from $142,390.

The information above was found on each home builder's website in August of 2008 and is deemed reliable. Please contact each builder for more information about his or her floor plans, new home communities and Atlanta homes for sale.

New Homes Section offers home buyers information about new homes in Atlanta and direct links to Atlanta home builders.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jayson_Gibson

Friday 12 December 2008

Floor Cranes

One of the most important processes within any industrial environment is being able to move objects around internally from one area to another. From large and bulky components through to containers and materials, floor cranes are extremely useful in helping to move items around easily and efficiently to make your factory work in a much more streamlined way, and boost profitability through heightened productivity.

One of the most effective and popular floor cranes available is the counter balanced floor crane, which is seen in many workplaces around the world as one of the most useful solutions to the problem of moving things around.

Ensuring maximum stability is the key to being able to lift heavier weights, and one of the main advantages of floor cranes is that the majority of their bulk is located at a relatively low level. This lower center of gravity means that the crane is much less likely to topple over, and acts as a self stabilizing mechanism. By adding a specific counterweight to the unit, the amount of weight that can be lifted is increased, and the limiting factor of what can be lifted becomes the materials that are used to lift the item.

With a floor crane, the key is to create a powerful yet easy to use system for lifting and moving heavy objects around. Most use a design that incorporates a hydraulic system. Thanks to the efficiency of the hydraulics in converting the pressure contained in the liquid into a lifting force that is surprisingly effective.

The advantage of a floor crane is that the unit can lift the materials up from the ground, and then move it onto a flat trolley base for easier moving around. Once the destination has been reached, the crane can be used to lift the object back off the base of the crane, and into the position where it is required. By incorporating the crane into the trolley that is being used to move objects around from one area in the building to another, it removes the need for multiple crane systems, and thereby saves money on installing additional hardware.

Typically, a floor crane will be a hardwearing tool, although careful maintenance is required in order to ensure the maximum longevity of the tool. Checks on all load supporting areas should be carried out on a regular basis in order to identify potential problems before they become serious, while keeping loads within the manufacturer specifications will ensure that undue stress is not put on any components.

With the maximum strength version of the floor crane, it is possible to lift around 2000 pounds from the ground, and then use the telescopic boom in the unit to position it correctly where it is needed. The loading arm can extend to around 96 inches, and offers 360 degree operation to enable full positioning of the load. With hard wearing 8” load bearing wheels at the front of the trolley and 6” swivel wheels at the rear, the crane is easy to move around, and despite weighing up to 2610 pounds plus the load, it remains surprisingly maneuverable and can be moved around by a single person.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
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Floor Tape Applicators

One of the most important parts of keeping a factory or warehouse running efficiently is making sure that everyone knows exactly where they need to be going, and the right area for everything to be stored in. To protect against accidents involving vehicles such as fork lift trucks and pedestrians, key routes need to be clearly marked, while areas that are potentially dangerous must be identified using floor tape applicators.

While painting a floor is a permanent solution, it can cause problems, paint breaks down over time, and if you make changes to the way a stock house is organized, the old paint can make routes confusing for staff and cause problems in terms of efficiency. By using floor tape applicators to mark out areas within the building, you get a solution that is hard wearing, long term, and flexible.

In simple terms, a floor tape applicator is a device that holds a roll of sticky marking tape and dispenses it onto a heavy duty wheel that places it smoothly onto the floor. An operator marks out the plan on the floor, and then walks along the various lines dispensing the tape from the machine as they go. The tape is released at the right tension, and thanks to the pressure applied by the rollers, gives a smooth and long lasting finish that is unlikely to be damaged in the short term.

There are a number of different options to ensure that all needs are met when it comes to choosing the right floor tape applicator for your particular operation. For a small business where the floor plan is simple, and easy access is available to all areas where markings are needed, the economy dispenser is ideal. This simple machine features a number of innovations to make it lightweight and easy to use while maintaining a high standard of construction.

For more complex jobs, including in areas where both straight and curved lines are needed, the deluxe model is recommended. This more complex version includes several refinements to make it a much more flexible and powerful tool. An adjustable wheel allows for instant swapping between straight and curved lines, and while the economy model has a fairly wide track for stability, the deluxe model has a more flexible system that allows the operator to only run a stabilizer on one side at a time. This allows for a line to be laid right up against a stack of boxes or a wall, and ensures that you

Proper planning of a workspace to maximize the safety and keep people and machinery as far apart as is practical has a number of positive long term impacts. Lower levels of injury and proper practice of health and safety means that insurance costs can be reduced. Over time, this will have a positive impact on other areas including absenteeism and associated costs. By using floor tape applicators rather than paint to plan the working area, changes can be made in order to improve efficiency and refine all areas of the process at a later date without confusing lines being left behind.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=196445&ca=Home+Management

Thursday 11 December 2008

Engineered Wooden Flooring Vs Solid Wood Flooring

Engineered Wooden Flooring

Engineered floor boards come in a wide range of styles and designs, from rustic grains to tranquil floors with uniform patterning and everything in between! These boards can be laid on either a wood sub-floor or on cement. An uneven floor will be leveled prior to installation so that the floor is laid evenly. A special high quality foam underlay, with built in moist barrier, reduces creaking, movement and sound transmission.

So what is the advantage of engineered wooden Flooring?

-Relatively quick installation with minimal fuss, mess, smells or dust.

-Floor can be placed on most surfaces.

-Surface is pre-finished and needs no sanding or sealing once lay.

-Your new floor is usable straight away.

-Completely sealed surface eliminates smells, smoke and fumes from lower levels choice of lacquered or oiled finish

-Easily resurfaced and sealed

Solid wood flooring

Solid wood flooring comes in many varieties of wood, widths, thickness and colors to suit almost any requirement. Solid wood flooring is surface nailed onto joists or a quality sub-floor, but can also be glued onto a concrete or wood sub-floor with plenty of allowance for wood expansion. With the proper care and attention, your solid wood floor will last a lifetime.

The advantages of a solid wood floor are:

-Huge selection to choose from antique to modern

-Very flexible to create the exact look your require

-Random widths for extra character and individuality

-Un-finished boards can be treated on site to your color requirements

-Pre-finished boards easy and quick to fit and are usable straight away

-Easily refurbished and sealed

Floordealersoncall is a free service that enables you to fill out a flooring request form that then will be submitted to multiple local flooring companies. A representative will contact you with their best offer and possible recommendations. Get your Free Flooring Quote today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Ansari

Wednesday 10 December 2008

The Garage Floor Covering and How it Can Help You

You've got a garage, but it looks old because of the floor. The concrete is damaged, there are many cracks and you don't really have to much time to repair it. That's why an easy way to solve this problem is to get yourself a garage floor covering. There are several types of covering like: epoxy garage floor covering, vinyl floor covering, roll over floor covering and so on.

Covering your garage floor can really save you a lot of time. That's because you gain a lot of advantages by having one, among which the most important are: The garage floor looks like new in an instant, it helps you keep the garage cleaner because the dirt or any other leftovers are much easier to clean. Gas or oil spills are also easy to clean away from the covering. The smell that the gas and oil could leave is also going away faster because you can clean the floor easier. By being able to clean the floor very easy, your garage will always be clean and you won't bring dirt into your home. So this is a good reason why a floor cover is a time saver.

Another very big advantage that the garage floor covering brings is that it prevents you from slipping on a dirty concrete floor. You won't have a slippery floor with a cover because it's very easy to clean and it goes away just like that. The cover also avoids moisture because of its thermal isolation, something very useful, because no one likes to have humidity in their garage.

The easiest type of garage floor covering would be roll over floor covering. That's because you only have to buy it and then cut it exactly the way you need it and you're done. You can use this type if you don't want to make things to complicated, but the other types of coverings might be better and last longer. Anyway it's your choice what type of cover you get. Any type of cover you will use will save you a lot of time and make your garage look better. So what are you waiting for? It's about time you improved your garage floor!

John Sheppard got himself a garage floor covering and has been using it ever since. Find out more info about the epoxy garage floor covering and the vinyl garage floor covering.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Sheppard

Tuesday 9 December 2008

Garage Floor Treatments

A great way to upgrade your boring old garage floor is by applying one of many different garage floor treatment options available on the market. One such option is a solvent-based urethane that repels oil, vehicle fluids and tire tracks that can all stain a concrete floor. If your vehicle does happen to leak something, all you need to do is simply wipe it off the coated floor and you are done. This can all be done by yourself or you can hire a professional to do the job if you do not have the time or are not a do it yourself type person.

Your first step involved in applying a solvent-based urethane garage floor treatment is to clean the surface with a high-pressure washer to remove all dirt and stains. Scrub the floor with a good detergent and water solution by using a scouring machine if you have one. Otherwise, you will have to use some good old-fashioned hard work. Apply a muriatic acid solution, which will rough up the floor so that the floor coating will form a good bond with the concrete floor.

If you happen to have any areas of the floor that are cracked or broken then a garage floor treatment mixture of epoxy and sand is used to fill those areas before applying the protective coating. Apply the primer with a metal squeegee and roll it out with a 3/8 inch nap roller. Let it dry overnight. An interesting technique to give you a unique floor is to throw colored paint flakes to the wet surface of the floor after applying a base coat. You will have a unique floor that no one else will have. Let the paint and flakes dry overnight and then on the following day apply a sealer. Some sealers require one coat while others required two coats. If applying two coats you will need to wait a few hours before applying the second coat. When you are finished, you should be quite impressed with your work.

If you would prefer a garage floor treatment that is much simpler then perhaps laying industrial mats around the garage would be suffice for you. They come in many different sizes and cleaning is quite easily done with soap and water. You can remove the mats to clean them, or clean them right where they are it is up to you. They are quite durable and will last a long time as long as they are cleaned regularly. Using a strong chemical though is not a good idea because it will cause damage to the mats.

Most garages are a place to store the family vehicle however; some people use it as a spare room and not for storing a car. In this case, then your garage floor treatment would likely be more along the lines of vinyl or linoleum for durability and décor. Alternatively, you could choose the flooring to match whatever the garage is used for, such as carpet if it is a games room for example.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=236642&ca=Home+Management

Thursday 4 December 2008

A Pergo Floor Will Last For Years

You should think about laying down Pergo flooring in your home if you want great flooring. It has a great tongue and groove system that will make sure your floor looks great and is installed easily and accurately. You can do it on your own or hire a pro to install your pergo floor. Installing flooring is something you can do on your own if you really want to or get your retailer to recommend a trusted professional.

You will need to determine just how much flooring you need before you buy anything. You can use a room sizing calculator to help you figure out how much you need to buy. If you want to lay the floor down on your own than you will need to just buy your Pergo floor and go with it. It is a complete system so everything you need will be including in your installation package. You will receive the following:


• Pergo Glue (Make sure to use this so the warranty will be honored)

• Installation Kit – This will ensure tight joints and has spaces and a tapping block

• Pull bar – This will make sure that you have a tight fit in hard to get to spots

• Under-layments – This will get rid of any issues with your sub-floor and give you great insulation

• Floor clamps – These can make the installation mush smoother and will make your floor even sturdier

• Pergo Sealant – This will make sure that the gaps are secured between the fllor and the wall to make sure that moisture stays out

• Pergo Putty – This will help to repair any damaged areas that might occur when you are laying the flooring

• Installation straps – These will help make the whole task simpler for you

You should realize before you lay down your Pergo floor that it is for use inside only. You must lay it down as a floating floor and there must be enough room around the sides. You can not attach it to the sub-floor.

You also need to keep in mind you local temperature and humidity, as well a the movement in your home and around other objects. The expansion distance is about ¼” normally and you need to realize this for proper installation especially in a doorway or corner.

Make sure that your Pergo products are allowed to acclimate in their sealed boxes before installation. 48 hours is usually enough, but 96 hours can be required when the temperature is very dry. The humidity should be around 30-90% where the carpets will be installed.

Pergo can be laid on or below grade. You should also make sure the Pergo plans are installed over the Pergo Underlayment Foam or Whisperwalk. If you install on top of concrete then the Pergo 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier is necessary. Check out sub-floor info before you install.

Wednesday 3 December 2008

The Benefits Of Using Wax On Your Floor

The use of floor wax on hardwood and non-carpet flooring protects the surface and keeps it beautiful. As with all cleaning products, you need to be aware of the overall impact on your home and select a brand that suits your needs and environmental concerns.

Wall-to-wall carpets are losing ground to hardwood and laminates when homeowners come to select a type of floor covering for their home. While the beauty wooden floor is cited by many as a key criterion, hardwood flooring also make it to the top of the list for those after an easy to maintain and easy to clean option: sweeping and the occasional application of floor wax seems far more attractive than household chores like vacuuming and regular steam cleaning.

By applying a protective finish such as wax, you can easily seal and preserve the integrity of your wooden floor. Waxing will give the wood an attractive sheen, and if you use wax on a regular basis it will keep your hardwood, linoleum and other non-carpet flooring looking beautiful and in keeping with the rest of your home. As wax acts as a moisture repellent, it can even prevent warping from water and humidity. It also reduces the appearance of grooves, ridges and imperfections in hardwood and other floorings. Wax also gives the surface a beautifully glossy finish.

Wax protects your flooring by reducing the amount of abrasion and scratches it sustains: as the floor becomes more slippery when treated, it is therefore less likely to get damaged.

You will find that wax is mostly available in three forms: water-based, polymer and solvent-based. Like many homeowners you may be concerned about the adverse effect of chemicals such as formaldehyde on your home: manufacturers of floor wax are responding to this trend by becoming increasingly aware of the impact of their products, and it is good to know that environmentally safe floor wax is becoming more widely available.

To cater for both our health concerns and the limited amount of time that we have to devote to household chores each week, a type of “no-wax” flooring is becoming very popular. While it is true that some materials do not need waxing, they will still need to be cleaned regularly. Whether or not you use wax, most flooring will likely need to be touched-up every now and then to repair the minor damages caused by daily household activities.

Although waxing your floor protects it and makes it look beautiful, wax can sometimes build up and at times you may need to strip the flooring. As wax removers can contain irritating chemicals you should always give careful consideration to your choice of removing product.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=130663&ca=Home+Management

Wooden Floor Installation And Renovation

We specialise in floor sanding, wood floor restoration and wooden floor installation, we are not just an 'add on' service.Our dedicated team of experienced floor fitters carry out high quality wooden floor installation from sub floor preparation, installation and finishing.

Our wooden floor installation processes can replicate many classic floor or boarding construction styles.

We are now able to offer a total flooring solutions package being able to fit all types of commercial flooring including ceramic tiles, vinyl's and carpets as well as our wooden floor installation, floor sanding and sealing and court marking.

Whether you need a home improvement, house or flat refurbishment in London, new bathroom, a replacement kitchen, wooden floor installation or renovation, extension or loft conversion, internal or external complete refurbishment, then our name is for you!

Here are the main wooden floor types: Hardwood floors.

Hardwood flooring is available in both unfinished and pre-finished form. They are made up of geometrical patterns, composed of individual wooden slates held together by a mechanical fastening or adhesive. We sand and restore all wooden floors from floorboards to parquet floors, from a small domestic hall way to full size commercial sports halls, schools. We fit all wooden floors specialising in solid oak plank flooring / parquet flooring / re-claimed pine boards / new pine boards / block flooring / hardwood flooring / repairs / sanding in new floors / new to old.

Installing solid wood flooring. Before installing any wood floor you must first make sure the sub-floor is free of loose materials. Before you begin installing a floor, you should give careful consideration to the type of floor you want. Basically when it comes to how to install bamboo flooring, the installing procedure is pretty much the same as with conventional hardwood flooring. Make sure you read all installing instructions from the bamboo flooring manufacturer carefully, because humidity can backfire if it comes to any wooden floor installation.

Parquet flooring this has a very different look from typical hardwoods. All our floor fitters are experienced in all types of wood floor fitting such as: solid wood, laminate, engineered, reclaimed timber, pre finished, unfinished and all types of parquet. We can fit overlay, solid wood, engineered boards and the more specialized herringbone parquet blocks.

It is our particular expertise in Sanding and Refinishing floors, especially in the staining process, which gives us the edge to create individual and exquisite floors for you.

Our wooden floor installation processes can replicate many classic floor or boarding construction styles. Quality of subfloor installation Subfloor is one of the main elements of the wooden floor construction. A suitable floor installation construction should be used. For this reason, all wet construction works in the premises must be completed prior to installing wooden floor on heated or unheated subfloor. Additional factors influencing the use of heated wooden floor Use of wooden floor is influenced by the following additional factors: timber species; method of wood cutting; and wooden floor construction

By: Ovidiu Diaconu

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Tuesday 2 December 2008

Garage Floor Repair Isn't Worth It

This is what most homeowners with neglected garage floors are thinking today. Floor stains are the biggest problems of every garage owner. Stubborn dirt may be cleaned with the use of a pressure washer. But what if oil, grease, and hard-sticking liquids seep into the garage floor? Then the headache starts. Unsightly marks on a perfect floor can't be ignored. When that happens, the quest to perform the best some garage floor repair officially starts.

In reality, the garage is the most neglected part of a house. A lot of people may not admit it, but most of the garages found in American homes don't have floor coverings for easy maintenance. Many of the garage floors in homes are made of concrete. And those are the worse candidates for repairs.

Concrete is considered a porous material. Because it tends to absorb liquids spilled on it, oils and acid would merely stay below the concrete's surface. And that's when they are very hard to take off.

Garage floor repair can be performed in several ways. But if what you have is a bare garage floor made of concrete, start the repair by adding a protective cover to it. And you'll actually improve the look of your garage in the process. You can use tiles, paints, and mats to repair and protect your garage.

Then again, it is not right to merely hide the flaws of the garage floor using these coverings. Before applying paint to the floor, be certain that there are no chips or cracks on the concrete. If there are, use the garage floor repair consisting of do-it-yourself cement repair kits that you can buy from hardware stores. Use it even if you had chosen to use tiles or mats to cover your garage floor.

If you see your garage as a storage place or a warehouse instead of being a legitimate part of your property, you should alter that view fast. Make your garage attractive, durable, and functional. The moment your choice of protective covers is installed on your garage, you never have to worry about costly and time-consuming garage floor repair anytime in the future.

By: Jackie Rush

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Monday 1 December 2008

How Many Type Of Floor Material And How To Use Them.

We can divide type of floor materials into 5-6 types, each of them has advantages and disadvantages, and this is very difficult for you about how to choose the most suitable one for your house

1. Carpet

Carpet is the materials that very popular, due to it is, easy to install, has many colours and patterns, make your room looks comfortable and luxurious and not too expensive. However, carpet is the material that difficult to clean, maintain and has short life time. If you are the person who loves to change your room atmosphere often, carpet maybe a good choice for you.

2. Wooden floor

Wood is the original material for making floor that people familiar with for long time ago. In the past, we can see almost every house use wooden floor. Today, wooden floor become rare and also become the thing that people dream about to have. Because wood is the material that very expensive than any other flooring material. The way that we use wooden floor from the past is also changed, in the past we just put the wooden board on the crossbeam, but today, we generally put wooden board on the cement floor. Even though wooden floor is very expensive, they still be a good investment if you can afford it because wooden floor not only give the great look, but also very good feeling when you step on it.

3. Parquet floor

Parquet is what we call small pieces of wood installed piece by piece on the cement floor. The parquet piece can be connected both by using glue and locking reed of each piece. Parquet floor is generally cheaper than wooden board floor. When install the parquet, make sure that cement floor is completely dry and coated with anti-leak solution. Quality of the glue use to stick also important, choose only high quality and water-proof. After install, leave it for about one or two days before polish the floor and in order to let piece of wood firmly stick together and do not put the piece of wood too close, which will make the wood crack or curve later after install.

4. Glazed tile

Glazed tile is also popular at present time, because it is very convenient to install and long lasting as well as has many patterns and colours. Install glazed tile on cement floor need lower skill labor work than install Parquet or wood. To install glazed tile, the cement floor doesn’t have to completely dry, but still need to be anti-leak solution coated. Be careful if you use pattern glazed tile for your house, because every tile has its own pattern and you can not remove it if you install in wrong order or mismatch the pattern. The other problem of using pattern glazed tile is difficult to find spared tiles for the same pattern that you currently use, so when you first buy the tile, you should buy some spare ones in case of replacement.

5. Marble and Granite

It is no doubt that marble and granite is the most luxurious and durable materials among any material But due to its price, which much higher then others, so they are not quite popular. However, now the price of some type of marble and granite are lower to close to the price of other materials. The most important thing is you should not install marble in the area that facing sunlight, this will make it become pensive.

Saturday 29 November 2008

How to Protect Floor Tiles

Taking cues from experts and watching videos on how to install floor tiles will help you get that perfect floor you always wanted. If you follow the steps for laying floor tiles correctly, the job will be finished in no time and before you know you will have a brand new floor.

Now once you have laid the floor tiles and your floor looks stunning, you would probably want to maintain that for long. Although you cannot possibly avoid the wear and tear that comes with time, there are ways to ensure that your tiled floor lasts for long in good condition. We will now see some tips on how to protect floor tiles.

  • Before installing floor tiles make sure that you have stored the tiles in a safe location. While installing the floor tiles be careful handling the tiles. If dropped, the tiles may break.
  • Use a sub floor while laying the floor tiles. A sub floor will prevent the tiles from cracking or loosening. It will also ensure that you do not get weeping tile problem as it locks moisture away. In long run a sub floor helps your floor last better.
  • You can use grout protection coating to protect the grout from discolouration and make it easier to clean.
  • You can choose to apply a protective coating on your floor to protect it. However if such a coat is used remember to maintain it properly or else it may wear off at heavy traffic areas and would eventually look very odd. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of using a protective coating as often maintaining the coating may end up costing you more.
  • Clean your floor tiles regularly using a non-alkaline and non-acidic environment friendly cleaner. Use a damp mop or a sponge to clean the floor. Remember to check that the cleaner you are using is suitable for your floor tile. Avoid using soap or vinegar to clean your ceramic floor as it may lessen the shine.
  • Floor tiles are breakable and a cracked tile in the middle of your floor can never be appealing! So avoid using heavy machinery on your tiled floor and take care that you do not drop anything heavy on your floor.

These easy to follow steps can come handy in having a long lasting tile floor. So even though your job ends after installing the tiles, if you want your floor to remind you of the hard work that you had put in while installing the floor tiles, for years to come, you may want to take that extra little step in protecting your floor as well.

Doing it yourself and taking up a home project of renovating your floor and installing floor tiles is a very enriching experience in itself. The effort that you would put in preparing the layout of the design of your floor, then carrying out a dry run, laying down the adhesive, placing the tiles and finally applying the grout to create the floor would only be enhanced if it is maintained and protected well.

If you would like to learn more before you start your project so you are totaly prepared. Then you need to CLICK HERE to learn what you need to do.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Rorrer

5 Quick Mopping Tips

Mopping may not be the most fun job in the world but nothing can make as big of a difference in your home as a nice clean floor. A shining floor expresses the message that your house is clean. If you want a cleaner home or just want to get done with mopping quicker, read these 5 quick mopping tips.

1. Flip your mop over often to expose a clean side. If you use only one side you will have to rinse it more, wasting time.

2. Before you mop your floor be sure to vacuum or sweep it first. Remove soil when it is dry before it turns into sticky mud.

3. Use the correct amount of floor cleaner. If you try to be cheapo and use too little it will not work as quickly. if you use too much you will leave a residue on the floor making it get dirty quicker.

4. Make at least two passes over each area. On your first pass you will wet the floor with cleaner. Give the cleaner time to work and then remove the soil on your second pass.

5. Rinse your mop often to keep from spreading dirt around. If your floor is very soiled you may need to dump your mop water one or two times.

These 5 little things should help you greatly improve the cleanliness of your floor and will help you get the job done quicker so that you can enjoy your home.

The author operates a website that matches consumers with maids and house cleaning services.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_C

Wednesday 26 November 2008

Think About Installing A Pergo Floor

If you are thinking about installing Pergo flooring, pay attention to these handy tips. Pergo is a laminated flooring that is installed over an underfloor by a unique system of tongue and groove fitting. There are many reputable floor installers who can install Pergo floors, and the retailer where you purchase you Pergo flooring can advise you of one, but Pergo can be installed by the homeowner fairly easily. Pergo is a complete flooring system, and you can get all of the necessary material to install your Pergo floor at your flooring retailer. These include:

Pergo glue-you must use Pergo glue to keep your warranty valid

Pergo installation kit-this will give you the proper spacers and tapping block for tight joints

Pull bar-to get a tight fit in hard to reach areas

Underlayment-to even out unevenness in the underfloor, and to give heat and sound insulation qualities to the floor

Floor clamps-make installation easier and give additional strength to the floor

Pergo sealant-to seal the gap between the floor and the wall, which will allow maximum resistance to moisture

Pergo putty-mends damage to the flooring

Installation straps-makes the installation simpler

Before you install a Pergo floor, you must be aware of certain facts. Pergo is only intended for indoor flooring use, not outdoor. It must be installed as a floating floor, and not secured in any way to the under flooring. It is critical that a small amount of clearance is left around the perimeter to allow for expansion or contraction of the floor.

Floor movement will be determined by a number of factors, including proximity to walls, staircases, pipes and other fixed objects, changes in moisture and temperature, house settling, etc. In a normal situation, the clearance should be 1/4 inch. This allowance is most critical in corners, angles or door or other openings.

The Pergo flooring should be allowed to sit for at least 48 hours in the area it will be installed, to allow for the material to acclimate to the ambient conditions. If your climate is extremely dry or extremely humid, you should allow an additional 48 hours for this acclimation. During the installation, the installation site should be kept at a relative humidity of 30-90%. A stable temperature is important, and should be within 15 degrees of the normal temperature of the home.

Pergo can be installed at, above or below grade. The planks should be installed upon Pergo Underlayment Foam or "Whisperwalk". If you install directly over concrete, you will have to install a 6 mil polyethylene vapor barrier over the concrete. The particular sub floor you are using may have additional requirements.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=126291&ca=Home+Management

Tuesday 25 November 2008

How To Care For A Hardwood Floor

Hardwood floors are an excellent investment for any home, promoting resale value and interior warmth. However, if the floors are not properly cared for, this investment won’t yield as well. Hardwood floors are not hard to maintain, and compared with carpet and other surfaces that are more difficult to clean or require replacement, hardwood floors can be considered relatively low maintenance. But proper care is essential to keep the floors in good shape, and to give them a nice shine.

As with all flooring, hardwood floors must be cleaned, but they must be cleaned correctly. The correct way to clean urethane-stained floors is to mop them with a damp mop. Using vacuum and bristle brooms daily will help keep the floor clean. But when it comes time to really clean the floor, use a damp mop. Allowing dirt and grime to collect on the floor, and walking on this grime over as period of time can damage the finish. Using a small amount of water shouldn’t hurt the finished wood, but don’t pour out water and mop it like you would with kitchen tile. A damp mop or dust rag is all that should be needed, and it should be light enough in water that it will dry in minutes. Be sure to understand what type of finish your floor has, and what the suggested cleaning methods are. Using soaps and oils can void manufacturer warranties on many floors.

Another way to protect hardwood floors is to use throw rugs or walk-off mats in areas of high traffic. For example, in the entry way where people come in through the house, the traffic is likely to be greater in an isolated spot, and thus the floors will wear unevenly in this spot. This would make a great place for an area rug. Watch your floors over time, and consider putting some sort of rug or other type of protection on areas that receive more wear. It is especially important to use rugs on wood floors in kitchens in front of sinks and stoves.

Floor protectors on the bottom of furniture is highly recommended. You will want to pay special attention to rolling chairs with rubber wheels like those often found in offices. These chairs have a tendency to leave rubber trails on the wood floors. If you have such a chair, consider putting a rug underneath it.

There are two primary finishes on hardwood floors: urethane finishes and wax. You should never wax a urethane finished floor. If your urethane floor is extremely worn, you may need to refinish it which will involve sanding and applying sealer. However, if you clean the floor regularly, using only soaps recommended by the manufacturer, and you protect problem areas, you should avoid needing to refinish the floor for many years.

Wax floors require occasional waxing. It really isn’t a lot different than cleaning and waxing your car. You will need to clean the floors first, and buff areas that are worn with high traffic. Occasionally, you will need to buff on additional wax in the worn areas. With wax finished, just as with urethane finishes, you should know the manufacturers recommended care procedures.

With proper maintenance, your hardwood floors should last for the lifetime of your house, and look shiny and new for many years.

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