Choose the right flooring option to enhance the value of your house

Flooring is one of the most prominent aspects of a house that a potential buyer considers before making a purchase decision. It is for this reason that upgrading or renovating the flooring is essential before putting up the house in the real estate market. Aesthetically appealing and high utility flooring would not only enable you to sell your house quickly but would also increase the value of your house.
Utility of a floor refers to its ease of maintenance and high durability. Certain floors are resistant to spills and stains while there are some that can be refinished a number of times. Although such high utility floors might be expensive, they would enhance the value of your house, thereby allowing you to sell it at a much higher price.
Color of the flooring is can play a major role in persuading a buyer to select your house. Light colored floors are considered to be the best option, since they make the room look larger. Furthermore, a light colored floor would also enable the buyer to visualize their furniture over the floor, thereby assisting their final decision.
Different rooms in a house require different flooring options for visual appeal. It is for this reason that you should select the right flooring option for each room in your house. Areas such as the bathrooms and the kitchens, which are extensively used, should be fitted with low maintenance flooring. Vinyl and tiles are considered to be the two best flooring options for a bathroom.

Houses with wall to wall carpeting would definitely attract potential buyers; however, stains of dirt on the carpets can be a big turn-off for them. It is for this reason that properly cleaning the carpets is essential before showing it to the potential buyers. Replacing old carpets with new ones would be an ideal option for enhancing the value of your house.
While selecting the flooring for your house you should always weigh the ‘Cost VS Benefit’ ratio to make the right decision. For example, using marble in the kitchen would enhance the visual appeal of the area but the initial price and the subsequent maintenance costs could be too high for this option.
Along with the traditional tiles and stone flooring you should also consider contemporary flooring options like bamboo and cork. Flooring material such as these would offer an environment friendly as well as cost effective option. You should also keep in mind the lifestyle habits and the income level of the prospective buyers while making the final choice.

If the perceived value of a house is higher than its price, there is a good possibility of it, getting sold off quickly. It is therefore important to make such changes to your house that increases its value for the buyers. Flooring is one of the most essential aspects of a house; it not only provides a visual appeal, but is also the factor that determines the strength of the house. Therefore, it is essential to wisely select the flooring option that is right for your house.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Introduction InvisaTread Anti-Slip Solution

New Product Introduction InvisaTread® Anti-Slip Solution

The InvisaTread® line of anti-slip products provides a safe and easy to install solution to all of your slip problems.
InvisaTread does not change the look or feel of most surfaces and is safe for self-install.
Our slip resistant treatment increases the coefficient of friction on your floor making it less slippery when wet. InvisaTread is not a coating that will rub off, but rather a safe and effective process that will last for multiple years depending on traffic – you won’t even know it’s been applied to your floor until you feel the increased traction you get while walking on the wet surface. Everyone knows that the floors around your home, work or pool area are dangerous and slippery when they get wet.
Did you know that slip and fall accidents are the 2nd leading cause of emergency room visits in the United States? Applying InvisaTread to your floors will help reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents on wet floors and make your floors and surfaces a safer place for your friends and family and employees. InvisaTread can be applied to bathtubs & showers, porcelain, ceramic tile, granite, terrazzo, limestone, pool areas, honed stone, concrete, acrylic, slate, glazed brick, glass and more.

The InvisaTread® family of products is not recommended for Polished Marble.
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WaleTale Vacuum Attachment Dustless Mixing

WaleTale Vacuum Attachment is an important tool which every tile setter should have. This effective tool helps in eliminating dust at the time of mixing mortars and grouts in buckets. It is a well known fact that inhaling dust is harmful as it can lead to various health problems, like eye irritation, sneezing and coughing. Not only does dust worsens the existing heart disease, but also damages the lung tissues and aggravates lung diseases, like asthma. To prevent such scenario, it is advisable to use the WaleTale Vacuum Attachment for avoiding these health problems.
Some people do not realize the seriousness of the issue, unless they themselves suffer from these problems. Dust sometimes contains free crystalline silica that can lead to chronic lung disease silicosis, which causes irritation in the respiratory system. People develop this lung disease on continuous exposure to crystalline silica for a period of five years or more.
The invisible silica dust is so light that remains suspended in the air for a long time and hence travel long distances in air, affecting many individuals, especially tile setters. This health problem is incurable as well as irreversible, where the condition continues to deteriorate even when the exposure stops. Hence, you must take appropriate measures to avoid generation of dust to eliminate the chances of developing this lung disease. Furthermore, prolonged and repeated inhalation of dust can also lead to lung cancer, which can be fatal.

Along with minimizing chances of developing health problems, WaleTale Vacuum Attachment also provides various other benefits. Since it eliminates dust, the surrounding remains clean and you do not have to worry about cleaning the work area after completing the job. As it is compact and effective, you can easily carry and use the WaleTale Vacuum Attachment anywhere, even indoors. It is also not very expensive and suits everyone’s pocket.
WaleTale Vacuum Attachment has also gained popularity because of its various other attributes, like durability, optimum performance, and no maintenance requirements. Moreover, the WaleTale Vacuum Attachment is easy to use; you just have to attach it to the bucket and forget about dust. It effectively pulls dust and does not allow it to escape from the bucket. The attachment sucks up the dust generated while pouring the powder into the bucket, without affecting the powder flow into the bucket.
Many people argue that one can use dustless mortars instead of WaleTale Vacuum Attachment, but such mortars do not eliminate dust completely. Furthermore, dustless mortars are more expensive than the effective and efficient vacuum attachment. Few other people would suggest that you can use mask while doing the job. Though it is effective in protecting you from various health hazards caused due to dust, but it does not protect others on the job site. People working around you will inhale dust and subsequently develop health hazards. Hence, be considerate and responsible; use WaleTale Vacuum Attachment which completely eliminates dust, thereby protecting you as well as those around you.

Owing to all these benefits, more and more people are increasingly using the WaleTale Vacuum Attachment while mixing mortars and grouts for tile setting.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Proper Care for Your Sub Floor

Sub floor is one of the most important elements flooring. It is the immediate layer above the floor joists and beneath the flooring that you walk on. It is the base on which the finished flooring is laid, such as laminate, linoleum, hardwood or carpet. Sub-floors are made up of different material including concrete and plywood. The sub floor needs to be stable and leveled to ensure the longevity of the flooring laid upon it. However, like other things at home, sub flooring can also get damaged over period of time.
Sub floor is one of the most ignored areas of your home and you often do not pay enough attention unless the problem is serious. Fixing a big problem can be expensive as well as tedious; to avoid this, you need to pay attention to your sub floor from time to time. The problems may vary depending upon the age and type of your sub floor. There may be a problem with the sub floor if there is a persistent musty smell which does not go way even after you have tried everything. A dip or a gap in your flooring also suggests that there is something wrong with the sub floor. It is advisable that the moment you experience a problem try to resolve it as soon as possible.

Depending upon the extent and type of problem the solutions vary. In case of tile flooring over sub floor, you may be able to remove the tiles, resolve the problem, and reinstall the tiles back. However, if you have vinyl or laminate flooring, then you will have to rip out the old flooring and install new flooring after repairing the sub floor.
After you remove the finished flooring on the sub floor take a closer look to find out the cause of the problem. Most of the homeowners use plywood sub floor as it is cheap, light and easy to install. A common problem caused to plywood is rotting, which happens due to water or moisture damage. To overcome this problem you may either have to remove the damaged portion or the entire sheet of plywood; hence proving to be an expensive and taxing option. There may be certain types of damage which you can deal with on your own, but there would be certain problems for which you will need professional help. Therefore, it is highly recommended to keep a check on your sub floor from time to time in order to prevent any severe damage from even occurring.

Like every other part of the house, flooring too is a key part, which carries the weight of walls, roof, furniture and other interiors. In order to have a strong foundation which can withstand weight of everything inside your home, you need to take care of the sub floor as well. Along with providing the strong base to your home, proper care for your sub floor can help you save time, effort and money.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Home Energy Audits

There are many home improvement measures taken by homeowners to enhance the aesthetics of their house. Apart from flooring, painting and other improvement measures taken to beautify the house, homeowners must also take steps to improve the energy efficiency of their house. Though there are numerous things that can be done to make the house more energy efficient, it is important to know about the best solution among the available options.
First step in making your home energy efficient is to get a home audit done which helps you assess the energy needs of your home. This helps you find out how much energy your home uses and what steps should be taken to optimally use energy and improve the efficiency of your home. Care must be taken to implement the recommendations because audits alone cannot save energy; you also need to take energy saving measures.
Some may recommend that you do the home energy audit on your own as hiring a professional may be an expensive affair, especially for those with already tight budgets. However, you need to realize that an audit done by you cannot be as precise as the one done by a pro. Hence, it is advisable that you hire a professional who has substantial experience in performing home energy audits. Once you have made the decision to seek help, contact a professional home energy auditor. The auditor will check your utility bills, examine your property and energy usage as well as perform certain tests.
The standardized tests employed by most of the professionals comprise blower door test and thermographic scan. In the blower door test, professional installs a large fan into the frame of an exterior door of your home and turns it on. As a result, air blows from inside to outside that creates a lower air pressure within the house as compared to outside. Owing to the lower air pressure, the outside air is drawn into the house through the gaps and vents in the structure of your house. In the thermographic scan, the professional makes use a camera or other scanning devices to take pictures of your home on an infrared spectrum. These pictures make it easy for the auditor to identify areas that have gaps or vents from where your home is losing heat or letting in cold.
With all the requisite data in hand, auditor will be able to recommend a detailed plan to improve the energy efficiency of your home. This plan will vary from one home to another as the energy requirements and use of your home will be differ from that of your neighbor’s house. However, most of the auditors recommend measures like improving insulation, upgrading appliances, as well as installing a programmable thermostat and weather stripping, among other steps.
Home energy audit along with the implementation of the recommended steps not only helps in making your home energy efficient but also saves money. On an average, 30% utility savings can be achieved on your pre-audit energy bills if adequate measures are taken to enhance the energy efficiency of your home. Hence, it is advisable to get a home energy audit done at the earliest and save energy as well as money.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Waterproof Flooring Safe and Hassle free

Choosing the right flooring for your home is an important decision which needs to be made wisely. You need to select a practical and affordable flooring option, which suits your requirements as well as budget. Moreover, different areas of the house require different types of flooring. For example, if you are planning to install flooring in your bathroom, patio or by the pool side; then the material chosen must be waterproof.
If the flooring in these parts of your home is not water resistant, it can lead to quite a few problems. One of the biggest concerns is that the floor becomes slippery, which can lead to accidents. It can also result in water logging, seepage, mold growth and other such problems, which can be dangerous and unhygienic, and may also adversely affect the look of the place. In order to avoid such inconveniences, you should consider installing waterproof flooring in areas with high exposure to water or moisture.

There are numerous waterproof flooring options available in the market. Linoleum, which is a ‘green’ flooring option, is quite popular with homeowners for its water resistant properties. This waterproof flooring option is available in a wide range of designs, colors and thicknesses. In addition, this easy to install flooring is also easy to maintain; you only have to wipe it with a damp cloth to remove different kind of stains.
Another waterproof flooring option that more and more homeowners are opting for is tiles. These are available in different sizes, colors, patterns, and designs; which suit diverse requirements of different homeowners. Further, the tiles are available in various kinds, such as porcelain tiles that are appreciated for their precise measurement. You can even choose natural tiles, which add to the aesthetic appeal by rendering a natural look to the room. Another great option is the ceramic tiles, which are available in assortment of colors, designs, and sizes. You can choose different colored tiles to create unique patterns that enhance the look of your home.
Vinyl, another waterproof flooring option, is durable, tough and affordable. The versatile material beautifully imitates the look of various expensive flooring options like wood and ceramic tiles, without having to deal with their drawbacks. Though it is water resistant, some vinyl floors can however become slippery. Hence, make sure that the vinyl you select is slip resistant, along with being water resistant. Furthermore, you have the option to select either single or roll flooring; where the latter proves a better option as it leaves less gaps and seams for water penetration.

You can also opt for cork flooring, which is appreciated for its resilience and flexibility. This natural, biodegradable as well as recyclable material is hypoallergenic as well as anti-static. Further, you can also select floating laminate flooring, which is not attached to the underlying surface, rather floats over it; thereby leaving no room for water to seep through.
With so many waterproof flooring options available, it can become daunting for homeowners to select the right one. Hence, while selection keep certain things, like durability, cost, and maintenance into consideration. Choose the flooring that meets your requirements, without making a dent in your pocket.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Benefits of Cemented Floors

The right kind of flooring can enhance the overall look of the place. There are different types of flooring options available in the market which makes it all the more daunting for homeowners to choose the one appropriate for their home. Cement flooring which is also referred to as ‘concrete’ flooring has been in the market for a very long time. Many homeowners are increasingly using cement flooring because of the numerous benefits it offers over other flooring options.
The biggest advantage of cement flooring is its strength and durability. With proper maintenance, these last a lifetime; making it a cost effective flooring option. Another great advantage of cemented floors is its versatility; it can be made to look like any other flooring material. The cemented floor can be treated with different stains or colorants to give it a variety of hues, textures and patterns to imitate other flooring options like slate and marble. Hence, with the new processes and technologies the ‘disguised’ cemented flooring as marble or tile, proves to be less expensive but long lasting.

With the help of various methods such as chemical staining, scoring, colored hardeners and concrete stamping, decorative finishes can be given to the cemented floor. Moreover, these decorative finishes can be applied to the existing cemented floors as well; which gives the house a whole new look. The cemented floor no longer needs to be Grey, it can be treated with different colors; amongst which you can choose the color which blends beautifully with the interiors of your home. Moreover, sealed cemented floors are also resistant to bacteria, allergen and moisture.
The cemented floors can be installed both indoors as well as outdoors. These can easily withstand high foot traffic, which makes it a great option for patios, walkways and driveways. It can enhance the look of any room of your house. Apart from coloring, there are other options which can make the room attractive. A popular option is the ‘Terrazzo’, mosaic flooring which is made out of granite, glass chips, onyx and marble embedded in cement. Because of the way the Terrazzo is made, no two Terrazzo’s are alike, which adds uniqueness to your flooring. Though it may cost a little more, it is still a beneficial option because of its extreme durability. Owing to its durability, this will probably be the only flooring you will ever have to invest in.

The cemented floors are also easy to maintain and do not demand frequent repairs or replacements. However, if you actually get tired of seeing the same cemented floor year after year, there are easy refurbishing options available. The simplest of the options is to paint it. There are several specially formulated concrete paints which are cost effective, easy to apply and last a very long time. Another popular option of changing the look of your cemented floor is by staining it, which permanently changes the color of the concrete. You can easily install tile, hardwood or marble over the cemented floor, which offers a strong base. These renovation measures offers a whole new look to the cemented floor. Hence, if you are looking for a durable, affordable, versatile and easy to maintain flooring option, concrete flooring is what you need.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Simple Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for DIY

Kitchen is an integral part of any house, where the family can sit together and enjoy fun time together. Kitchen thus should look attractive and enticing to every member of the family. One of the easiest ways of making a kitchen look appealing is by installing backsplash in the kitchen. The backsplash protects the wall at the back of the stove and the sink from heat and water splashes. Framing the sink and the stove, by installing attractive designs in this area can drastically change the overall look of the kitchen.
Kitchen backsplash is not difficult to design and one can use this option to add to the aesthetic value of the room. It is available in a wide range of options, in terms of material, colors, designs, patterns and others; thereby, suiting the preference and budget of several homeowners. One of the simplest and most affordable kitchen backsplash options is the ceramic tiles that are available in an array of attractive colors, patterns, and sizes. One can either select a color similar to the color of the wall or create contrast by using distinct colors. In order to avoid making the backsplash flat, one can use ceramic tiles with embossed designs, such as vegetables, fruits or some intricate geometrical patterns.

Homeowners may even choose slate, terracotta, marble, or other stones that gel with the decor of the kitchen. For a contemporary look with an ultra-urban appeal, homeowners can choose metal backsplash, which are often available in copper and tin. With the help of metal backsplash, especially stainless steel backsplash, one can easily achieve lean, sleek and smooth finish. The metal backsplash especially looks great with wooden cabinets and polished granite counter tops.
Besides these, homeowners can also use mosaic tiles that are available in glass, metal, and ceramic. Mosaic tiles provide the option to create a large number of interesting designs and add uniqueness to the kitchen. Other options include murals and hand-painted tiles in subtle colors and designs. Homeowners can even go for picture frame designs that can create a focal point above the cook-top for more elaborate tile pattern, mural or mosaic. Niches and ledges can even add interesting and useful elements to the kitchen. Generally placed behind cook-top or above the sink, these are used for displaying colorful bottles, plants or others.

With so many options, homeowners have a wide range of choices and can easily choose amongst them as per their preference. Since it is not such a daunting task, it can easily be done by DIY enthusiasts. In case you plan to install kitchen backsplash while remodeling your kitchen, you need to be methodical and organized. Having chosen the backsplash option, you need to measure the area carefully where you want to install the backsplash. Put down the math on paper and make sure to keep a consistent space in between tiles, which can easily be achieved with the help of tile spacers. Next, cut the tiles into desired dimensions, with the help of tile saw that can be rented from market. Thereafter, apply adhesive on the area as well as on the back of the tile and set it firmly on the desired area. It is generally advised to work from center towards the edges. Once the adhesive is dry and tile is set, grout between the tiles; leave it for 48 hours and thereafter apply a sealer over it, for protection against water.
With little bit of effort and planning, you can easily change the entire look of your kitchen to make it more appealing.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Marble Floors Good or Bad

Of the numerous flooring options available, a lot of people are opting for Marble flooring for their homes. Marble flooring is not only durable but also adds to the visual appeal of the house. Hence, while considering to build or to renovate your house, you can consider Marble as the flooring option, that will give a whole new look to the place. Marble flooring is probably the best long term investment in home surfaces, which increases the overall value of your asset.
Marble flooring is also popular due to its availability in various styles, colors, designs and patterns; which can easily be coordinated to match any kind of home decor. Moreover, the smooth, shiny, glossy Marble is naturally available, which makes it a green flooring option. It is easy to install and if done properly, it has minimal chances of breaking. Marble is a poor conductor of heat which helps in keeping the house cool and comfortable, especially in areas with warm climate.
Attractive and exclusive, the beautiful natural stone is available in different varieties. The veining, which is also referred to as ‘Marbleized’, are small lines of color that give the stone its unique look. These stones are available in ‘gloss surface’ which makes it shiny and reflective. In contrast, if you want a dull surface, you can use Marbles which have undergone the tumbled process. ‘Tumbling’ is a process that distresses and ages the stone to make it look dull and buffed. One can even choose the honed Marble which has a flat, matte or satin finish. The honed Marble has a lower risk of etching, where due to everyday foot traffic the initial polish of the surface is removed.
In contrast to the giant slabs available earlier, Marble nowadays is available in tiles which are easy to handle and install. One can also use Marble to make mosaics and interesting patterns that increase the visual outlook of the place. The biggest advantage of Marble flooring is that it provides a durable and long lasting surface which never needs replacing.
However, Marble though, is not the most preferred choice for flooring amongst homeowners as it can be quite expensive. However, with its numerous benefits, the demand for Marble flooring is increasing every day.
It may also require occasional re-sealing, depending upon the foot traffic, and also polishing and buffing, in case it gets dull. Marble requires proper maintenance and cleaning. One must be careful not to use the cleaning agents which contain chlorine or are acidic as it can harm its sheen.
Marble is available in unique shades with sophisticated sheen. It is durable and easy to install that blends beautifully with every kind of decor. Moreover, this smooth and polished surface provides an elegant feel to the place. Hence, if you are looking for a great flooring option for your home, which not only is durable but beautiful as well, choose Marble flooring; since it offers a timeless visual appeal and a grand look.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Hardwood Inlays Enhances the Beauty of your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood is a popular flooring option, which provides a stunning and aesthetic look to your home. You can further beautify the look of the hardwood floor with the help of hardwood inlays, which are a work of art. These inlays are an array of stunning design patterns, using different finely-crafted hardwood veneers. Moreover, you can even get the designs customized by the artisans in accordance with the furniture and decor of the room. In addition, it proves to be a cost-effective option as these design patterns can be installed into the pre-existing hardwood floor. Hence, if you get bored of looking at the same hardwood flooring for years, you can choose hardwood inlays for giving it a whole new look.
The availability of a wide range of different types of hardwood floor inlays gives you ample choice to make your pick. These can be inlaid into any room in the house, whether it is the living room, kitchen or utility room. Hardwood inlays can be made from any kind of wood, providing different grain and color options for you.

Popular choices include, ‘Oak’ having a dark tight grain, ‘Fir’ possessing large patches of dark grain and ‘Birch’, which has more knotholes. You can also opt for ‘Pine’, ‘Light colored maple’ having less pronounced grain or ‘Ash’ which has a uniform texture and grain. In case your budget is not an issue, you can choose from specialty woods, such as Teak, Cherry and Walnut, which are expensive but beautiful.
Apart from the types of wood, you can also choose from an encompassing range of breathtaking designs, borders, styles and medallions, available in different sizes and types of wood. Among these the borders are quite popular where the carefully crafted hardwood veneers can be inlayed as borders, all around the room. It can border the fireplace, foyers or any other place like the room’s center piece, to enhance the overall beauty of the room. You can even install the hardwood veneer as borders on the stairs. In addition, there are various other possibilities where you can use a combination of flowing rope style, geometric shapes or other specific images that you like, in different hardwood and stains.

Furthermore, another popular option, increasingly being used in residential and corporate buildings, is the hardwood inlay medallions in a circular design, which is essentially used for foyers, landings and even as the center of living room or any other room. You can choose a geometric or any abstract design that you can imagine which a talented artisan can bring a reality. Moreover, with the advancement in the technology, like computer laser-cutting, has made inlay designs on hardwood floors a convenient flooring option.
Hardwood inlays are undeniably the most attractive and desirable flooring option, whether you are building, renovating or selling a property. Hence, depending upon your renovation plan and the look you want to give to your room, you can choose amongst the grain, color, design and different types of hardwood options available. It is worth all the effort as it completely transforms your room and gives it a whole new stunning look.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Different Siding Options for Your Home

Most homeowners feel that renovating a house means painting the house, updating landscape, or adding new features like windows. However, these are not the only ways to enhance the appearance of the exterior of one’s home. A convenient and not so tiresome option of improving the overall look of your house is to install new sidings. Sidings can dramatically change the appearance of the home’s exterior and there are many different types of sidings available in the market. Depending upon their preference and budget, they can easily choose among the numerous attractive options.
Amongst the various options available, vinyl sidings are probably the most widely used option. Available in a wide range of styles, colors and qualities, these prefinished sidings meet the expectations of many homeowners. The vinyl sidings have improved steadily over the past few years. The vinyl sidings look similar to horizontal wood sidings, but these do not require as much maintenance as latter. Though these can be applied over old sidings, it is much easier to apply these over solid sheathing.
Vinyl sidings are quite sturdy and do not rust or corrode, but as these get older, they tend to become brittle. These are available in a wide range of colors in different clapboard widths, textures, and horizontal & vertical styles. These resist humidity, sun, wind and rain, as well as do not attract termites. The vinyl sidings are also available in a wide range of decorative classic millwork, including shutters, dentil moldings, corner posts, as well as door and window surrounds.
Apart from vinyl sidings, one may even opt for metal sidings that are robust, sturdy, and durable. Mostly available as aluminum and steel sidings, these offer better energy efficiency that translates into lower heating and cooling costs. Another great siding option is the wood siding which is available in different patterns that can be applied horizontally as well as vertically. These sidings are generally applied over solid sheathing and building paper layer. The wood sidings are available in a wide range of lengths, widths, thicknesses, and patterns. One may choose amongst tongue and groove siding, wooden lap board, and split log siding, which are quite popular. Availability of so many different options help in adding uniqueness to the home’s exterior and can last for many years, with proper maintenance. One needs to take proper care of wood sidings to prevent damages caused due to pest infestation or mold growth.
Homeowners also have the option to choose stucco siding that is fabricated using Portland cement, lime, sand, and water. These sidings are long lasting, easy to maintain, and fire resistant. The stucco sidings are applied over a lath base in three coats, which ensure durable, strong, and seamless exterior. One may even install these over mesh, having an expansive acrylic-polymer finish, that contract and expand with the changing weather. This flexibility helps in minimizing cracks, thereby ensuring longevity. Besides these, there are many other siding options that homeowners can choose.
With so many different types of sidings available, it is easy for homeowners to create an attractive exterior of their home, as per their choice and budget.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com
Pictures provides by CertainTeed Corporation

Paint Your Tile Floor for a New Look

Many homeowners choose tile flooring for their home as these are durable, attractive and available in an assortment of colors. However, over the years, tiles look dull and dated; hence, you need to change them. Instead of tearing them apart, an inexpensive and fast way of changing the look is to paint the tiles.
There are different types of tile paints available in the market, though the most commonly used ones are enamel and latex paints. Latex is a water soluble paint which is comparatively less dangerous than enamel. Enamel paint is soluble in thinner or alcohol which air dries to a hard and glossy finish. Though this paint lasts longer, one needs to be careful while using it because of its fume content.
An important factor to keep into perspective while choosing the paint is the area where the tile is installed. The wear and tear as well as the exposure to moisture the area is subjected to, plays a significant role is assessing whether a certain type of paint is right for a particular room or not. You cannot use latex-based paint in rooms which have high foot traffic because it tends to chip with the slightest impact. The tiles in such areas should be refinished, which not only make it long lasting but also enhances the look.
You also need to choose the right color which complements the decor of the room. The right color contrast can drastically change the look of the place, making it more appealing. You can even use two or more different colors to make beautiful patterns and designs. Only caution while doing this to have a proper layout and work accordingly. This requires certain amount of skill, hence do not do it on your own if you lack the artistic bent of mind. Instead take help of professionals to get beautiful floor designs and add uniqueness to your home.
Painting is not a daunting task and you can easily do it on your own. Before you start painting you need to thoroughly clean the tiles and grout, to remove the dirt and other buildup. You can use bleach or hydrogen peroxide for removing the molds and mildews on the grout. Once done, thoroughly rinse it with water. After cleansing, the next step involves sanding the tiles so that, the paint sticks to it. You can either use fine grit sandpaper or an electric sander. After sanding, remove all the dust.
Next apply primer on the tiles, use the one that is recommended for glossy surface. It is advisable to apply two coats and after it has dried sand it again. After this, clean the whole surface and once done, you can paint the tiles. Painting can be done by brush or spray paint. The spray paint offers better and faster results, in comparison to painting done by brush. Moreover, spray paint tends to dry quickly. Give enough time for the paint to dry before you step on the floor. Once painting and drying is over, your home will have a whole new look.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Does Your Home Have A Sinking Foundation?

One of the most structurally significant aspects of your house is the foundation that supports the whole building. In order to maintain its integrity and keep it standing for decades, the foundation needs to be solid, firm and strong. In case the house is not set on a solid foundation, it may give rise to a host of problems. If the foundation is set improperly or over an unstable soil, it may lead to sinking foundation, which needs to be addressed at the earliest. This will not only prevent further damage to the house, but will also save you repair costs, if the situation got worse.
Foremost, you need to ascertain whether or not your house stands on a sinking foundation. In case you observe that your home is gradually slanting to one side, you definitely have some foundation problem that needs to be resolved immediately. Besides this, there are various other symptoms, which can indicate that your home has a sinking foundation. Presence of jammed or misaligned windows and doors indicate that there is a sinking foundation problem. You can even lookout for cracks in the slabs, basements and on walls of your home. Formation of water puddles near the base of your house may also imply that there is some problem with the foundation. Foundation problem is also indicated by the occurrence of upheaval of the floors or if the floors tend to become sloped. Areas that have unstable soil may have increased risk of sinking foundation and homeowners living in such areas must watch out for any such occurrences.
After examination, if you feel that your house does have a sinking foundation, you must address this issue without any delay. Foremost, you need to get your house inspected by a professional. To detect foundation problems, it is generally advised to hire a structural engineer, who will not only examine your house but will also suggest what needs to be done to rectify the problem. Structural engineers only give suggestion, they do not perform the repair work on their own; this is the job of general contractor or a foundation specialist. Since the structural engineers do not have any vested interest or concerns about monetary incentives, they give an accurate and unbiased review of the situation.
Once you are aware of the exact problems, the next step is to hire foundation specialist or general contractor. The sinking foundation repair can incur heavy expenses and be tricky; hence, you will have to make a wise decision about hiring the right professional. You will have to get several quotes as well as look at the overall profile and credentials of the professional, you plan to hire. Before you hire anyone, check references to ensure that the professional has successfully accomplished a similar task, without any hassle.

There are various techniques used for repairing sinking foundation, depending upon the actual problem. Commonly used, the high-pressure grouting improves integrity by injecting grout into the soil. Additionally, this is also effective in lifting up the structure of the house. A permanent and affordable solution for sinking foundation is the introduction of load-bearing piers that lift and stabilize the foundation. In case of presence of fill material or high water table, helical piers are used.
Addressing the sinking foundation is important and adequate steps must be taken to ensure that the foundation is strong enough to firmly hold up the house over the long haul.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Eco Friendly Cheetah Pads FAQ’s

Cheetah Pads FAQ’s

Q: How long does a cheetah pad last?
A: On Average the cheetah pad can last up to 5000 sq ft. Step one will obviously wear faster due to its aggressive nature. Step 4 will last much longer. Flat leveled even smooth surfaces tend to give a much longer lifespan to the Cheetah pads up to 20,000sqft. Rough textured, uneven surfaces with lippage will wear the pads faster.
Q: What types of surfaces can you use the Cheetah Pads on?
A: Marble, travertine, limestone, terrazzo and polished concrete. Many types of polishing equipment can only be used on certain types of marble, Cheetah Pads however, work effectively on extremely soft and extremely hard types of marble, even on the most difficult of marbles such as the green serpentine and still achieve extremely high gloss meter readings.
Q: How much do the new Cheetah Pads cost?
A: The 17″ Cheetah Pads are $125.00 each. If you compare the Cheetah pad with these other types of products that you’d need to do the same job, the Cheetah is by far the most cost-effective process available today. For example the Cheetah pad step 1 replaces the need to use 50,100,200 & 400 grit resin bond diamond. So, in essence, step 1 the pad is $125.00 compared to the 24 resin diamonds required at $480.00. That’s a savings of over 70%!!!
Q: How fast do cheetah pads work?
A: Taking into consideration the fact that FOUR Cheetah Pads replace eight of the traditional steps of resin bond diamond pads and also the place of marble polishing compounds & crystallizers. The Cheetah is by far faster, you can save as much as 70% on labor when compared to any other traditional marble grinding and polishing systems.
Q: How much weight should the floor machine carry in order for the Cheetah Pad to work at maximum efficiency?
A: Cheetah Pads were designed to be used with even the lightest weight floor machine possible. A heavy duty stone grinding and polishing machine is not required. You can use a machine that weighs as little as 70 lbs to 180lbs. Keep in mind the more weight you use the faster the pad will wear, the ideal weight is approximately 110lbs, that maximizes lifespan and the effectiveness of the pad.
Q: How much training is involved in being able to use the Cheetah pad effectively to offer professional results on marble, travertine, limestone, terrazzo and polished concrete?
A: The traditional methods for stone restoration require years of on-the-job training, thousands of hours practicing and learning because of the complexity of marbles and the thousands of different types of stone make these methods very difficult. The Cheetah four step methods are extremely effective and easy to use on all surfaces mentioned before. In as little as 30min of practice you will be able to offer professional results that are beyond factory polish without worry of risking damage to the surface. The Cheetah is designed to create perfect uniform results on every type of marble, travertine, limestone, terrazzo and polished concrete and do not require extensive training or any high level of skill to produce a fantastic finish.
Q: Is it possible to use them in showers, on counter tops, corners and edges or small areas?
A: YES, Cheetah pads are available from a small 5″ to a 20″ pad size and can be used on a wide variety of different machines in order to achieve professional results on floors, walls and counter tops.
Q: What type of machine do I need to be able to use the Cheetah Pads?
A: The pads were designed to be able to use on all major types of machines for grinding, polishing and resurfacing floors. Walls and counter tops are for the hand held buffer or polisher. The medium size pads can be used on all different types of rotary floor scrubbers or orbital floor polishers and planetary head machines. They also can be used on a cimex as well.
Q: How do I use the Cheetah pad?
A: The simplest description is, in heavily damaged areas the process would be;
1. Put pad on machine, whichever one you are using.
2. Clean surface of any debris laying on surface.
3. Wet the surface where you will be working on and around it.
4. Move the machine in a left to right pattern at a slow steady speed back and forth.
5. Repeat the 4th process 4 to 8 times till damage is removed for light damage if its heavier then check work and if needed do a few more passes.
6. Rinse and vacuum area thoroughly leaving nothing from previous step before moving on to the next also making sure damage is gone.
7. Repeat process 3, 4 & 5 for cheetah pad # 2, 3 & 4. The process is identical to step one except for the fact that all of those extra passes are not necessary. Most situations you only need to do four overlapping passes for each area first. However there are exceptions to these rules, for example some softer stones such as limestone may not require so many passes, harder stones such as the green serpentine marble may require a few more passes and possibly additional weight to help speed the process.
An important point to remember.
Removal of any abrasive debris or soil prior to starting with any grinding or polishing is an absolutely critical process to the success of the job. Be sure to clean vacuum and sweep extremely well before doing anything. Not performing these tasks will just prolong the job and create a tremendous amount of extra work and have adverse results.
Q: Do I have to use all four steps of the Cheetah pads on every job?
A: Absolutely not. You only need to use the steps to achieve the finish you desire. For instance a marble floor that is in very bad condition with extremely heavily worn traffic areas and possible chemical damage to the surface will require a full restoration. This means you would use steps 1-4 to remove the damage and prep the surface before final polishing with the 11,000 grit monkey Pad. If you like using polishing compounds instead of pads, even on extremely worn circumstances you would only need to use step 1 and 2 before polishing with your compounds.
For situations where the customer only desires a slightly glossy surface such as semi-gloss and you have extremely worn or damaged surface use steps 1-2 Cheetah pads then follow the process with 800 or 1500grit Monkey Pads to smooth surface out and give it the semi-gloss look your customer was looking for. If there is an extremely worn surface but customer doesn’t want any shine at all then you would only use Cheetah Pad step1 to remove the damage and give the surface a dull finish then follow that with a 200 grit Monkey Pad to smooth out the surface for a uniform dull honed look.

Q: How much can I charge for the types of services the Cheetah Pads do because they work so fast and cost so little? Does that mean I have to charge less for my services?
A: No, in most cases the customer will find more value in the fact that you can achieve a better result in less time, therefore even though Cheetah Pads are far faster and cost far less than traditional methods you can charge more for the convenience to your customer of being able to use their surfaces faster than it normally would be. Depending on the region of the country you are in and the level of damage and what type of surface you’re working on you can expect to get between two dollars and eight dollars per square foot for complete restoration of stone surfaces. Counter tops and showers should be charged at a much higher rates due to the fact that they are small in square foot size and require extensive work with hand tools typically you would charge double or triple what you would charge for the same type of work on a floor.
Q: Can Cheetah Pads remove lippage?
A: No, Cheetah pads were designed to be the most efficient most effective and easiest to use method for complete restoration of all stone types even in the worst condition and also to produce an extremely high level of gloss. Cheetah pads were not meant for lippage removal. If your customer wants a perfectly flat floor you would need to use metal bond diamond pads to flatten and remove lippage prior to restoration with Cheetah pads.
The Cheetah pads are rated by step1, step2, step3 and step4, what grit level do those steps represent?
Cheetah pads actually contain multiple types of abrasives and multiple grit levels in each pad; therefore there is no simple answer to that question. That is why we have rated them as “step 1″ for removal of heavy damage, “step 2″ is made for removal of moderate to light damage and steps 3 & 4 are our preparation steps for final polishing with the Monkey pads.
Q: How do I know when the Cheetah pad is worn out?
A: When you see no trace of the spiral left on the pad that is when its worn out. Typically the pad itself wears out long before the spiral containing the abrasives wears out.
* Please take a close look at the cheetah pad instructional chart on the TECH INFO page for more detailed examples of what pads are necessary to achieve what level of finish on variety of different surfaces. This will tell you when to start and what steps are required to give you the finish you need.
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Why should you choose brand name flooring

One of major decisions that every homeowner needs to make is to choose the right flooring material for their home. The wide variety of flooring options, make the decision all the more daunting. However, choosing brand name flooring material, over generic flooring options, proves beneficial for homeowners in several ways. Although, homeowners may have to pay little more for these branded products but it is worth spending the extra money as brand name flooring products are durable and cost effective. Once installed, homeowners can enjoy the benefit of good durable flooring, for years to come.
Branded products are beneficial in every way, as it offers better quality, guarantee and material which is durable. The leading brand names offer customers a wide range of options, including different materials such as marble, hardwood, tiles and laminate flooring. These are available in wide choices of colors, patterns and styles, which make it easier for the buyer to choose from. Moreover, the brand names ensure quality. Whatever branded flooring material you buy, would come with assured quality, which is worth all the investment. In addition, one of the biggest advantages of branded products is that all these flooring options are durable. With proper maintenance and care, the branded flooring options are long lasting which increase the overall value of the house. A company becomes a brand only when it offers quality and durable products, which eventually earns them a broad clientele. Hence, if you choose a brand name, you can be rest assured that the product is of high quality which will be long lasting.

The leading brands in the field constantly carry out research & development, in order to produce new and innovative products. The options available to the customers increase manifold with the introduction of new & useful products. Companies also offer customized solutions to incorporate the specific requirements of their customers. Moreover, with the increasing competition, companies strive to offer better quality products at lower rates, which eventually saves customers significant amount of money.

In addition, branded products last longer, and the flooring does not demand frequent repairs. Good quality branded products makes the flooring strong & durable to withstand greater foot traffic without fading and staining. With the use of branded products the maintenance cost for flooring decreases, which add on to the savings for the customers. An important reason why customers should opt for branded products is because these products come with a warranty. For the sake of their reputation, big brands of the industry ensure to provide quality products that prove beneficial to the customer.
Owing to all this certain companies have become household names and leading brands, whose products can be bought by customers with surety of quality and durability. Hence, in case you are contemplating with the idea of purchasing flooring for your home, consider buying brand name products. Though you may have to pay a little more for these branded products; it will save you time, effort and money as these lasts longer and offer value for your money.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

The fact about Glass Tile

For centuries, glass has been a featured material in mosaic media to decorate and articulate a building. Glass tiles are essentially pieces of glass formed into consistent shapes. Glass mosaic tiles are suitable for both internal and external applications as they are impervious to frost, sunlight, and water. This quality makes it best suited for wet or constantly submerged areas. They are easy to clean, maintain, and they never discolor. Glass tiles have a varied application in black slashes of drawing-room, dining, kitchen, bath-room etc…, They are also used to highlight certain features. The spot lighting has further increased their use. Although glass tiles are complex to install the benefits and beauty makes us over see.
Production methods determine look and feel of a glass tile. There are four major types of glass tile based on their manufacturing method.
They are Smalti tile, Fused glass, Sintered and Glass casting
In addition, there are two other eminent glass surface treatments for these tiles: slumping and etching.
Smalti tile is type of glass tile which is Frosted glass, or opaque glass. It has been in use from ancient times. “Smalti” is an Italian word, and refers to a glass paste. Smalti is made by mixing molten glass with metal oxides for color. Translucent Smalti is a popular variant of smalti glass tile. It looks like stained glass with uniform colors.
Byzantine Glass is another smalti variant made from thinner slabs of glass. Metallic Smalti is a swirl of a copper-bearing mineral added into the molten glass before it is pressed. Gold Smalti are made by applying a gold leaf and a thin layer of blown glass.
Fused Tile is manufactured using the fusion method. In this type a flat glass is cut into tiles shapes and then fired in a furnace. The clear glass will show the tile until treated with a color. In this method colors are added to the top or bottom of the glass. Fused glass tiles are characterized with a translucent area and a layer of opaque color visible through the tile. These tiles are further treated with an etching or other coating, for aesthetics or abrasion.
Sintered glass tile is a variety made by pressing glass powder into dies and then heated until the particles fuse. The color is either added into the powder or added topically after cooling. Unlike smalti tiles, sintered tiles tend to have a uniform look. This milky and scratch-resistant finish makes it versatile.
Cast tile is made by inserting chunks of glass into a mold which gives it a layered look. Most recycled glass tile products are made using this method making it environment friendly.

All these variants can be treated to slumping and etching. Slumped glasses are curved into convex/concave shape during firing. Etched glass is a process of applying a thin-translucent layer on the surface of a tile. All these features give glass tile a unique appearance which is unachievable with the conventional tiles. The reverberant and depth of color makes them unique.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

How to Install ProPan with ProPanel shower pan system

How to Install ProPan with ProPanel shower pan system

Dry fit ProPan® on the shower area. Make sure to pay attention to the location of the center of the drain.
Pan edges may be cut to size pan. If modified, the 1/2" manufactured channel must be re cut to allow for proper installation of ProPanel®.

Apply a medium bed, latex modified thin-set to the floor area and the underside of pan. Use a 1/2" x 1/2" notched trowel.

Apply a liberal coat of PVC or ABS cleaner and solvent cement to the drainpipe and inside the drain where the connection will be made. Note: Solvent choice based on drain type. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Set pan into the wet thin-set and apply pressure to achieve complete coverage. Level pan to insure proper drainage plane.

ProPanel® Lightweight Waterproof Backer Board Installation:
Apply a 1/2" continuous thick bead of polyurethane sealant into the
channel of the ProPan®. Using 1/2" ProPanel® Backer Board, set the board into the sealant until you see sealant oozing out along the joint. Spread excess sealant ensuring a continuous seal at the joint.

Fasten ProPanel® directly to framing with ProPanel® fasteners starting 1 foot above the shower pan. Whenever 2 boards come together to make a joint, apply a 1/2" bead of sealant on board edges. All boards must be fit together tightly allowing sealant to ooze from joint. Spread excess sealant ensuring a continuous seal at the joint.

Next, determine location of ProPan® Curb. Affix curb to floor by applying a 1/2" modified mortar bed to floor and underside of curb. Before setting curb in place, apply a bead of polyurethane to ProPan® channel and to the adjoining wall panels.

Screw square strainer down to correct height to match tile. Pack thin-set or pea gravel into area cut out for strainer adjustment.

All fasteners must be completely covered with sealant and spread to form a seal. After installation is complete, it is specified to apply another bead of sealant on all joints, especially on the ProPan® perimeter and curb, to fill any voids in sealant.

Always install tile according to Tile Council of North America (TCNA) guidelines
Complete floor and wall kit Include: ProPan base, Solid Curb, Light weight backer board ProPanel’s, Polyurethane Sealants, Fasteners
Floor kit include: ProPan and Solid Curb
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

How to install vinyl flooring effectively

There are a number of factors that need to be considered while selecting a flooring type for your house. Durability, ease of installation, moisture resistance and the cost are some of the major factors that people consider while selecting flooring. Vinyl is one of the most popular flooring types since it stands good on all of the above mentioned factors. Vinyl flooring offers high aesthetics and is quite inexpensive as compared to a number of other flooring types.
However, in order to get maximum benefit out of your vinyl flooring it is essential to install it properly. One of the key considerations in installing vinyl flooring is the sub floor. Vinyl requires the foundation to be even and smooth so that the finish is of the highest quality. It is for this reason that sanded plywood is considered to be the ideal choice of sub floors for vinyl flooring. Another effective option is to install the vinyl flooring over the existing one. This will eliminate the need to install a new sub floor before using vinyl flooring.
Before you start installing vinyl flooring it is essential to take the exact measurements of the room concerned. This will enable you to accurately estimate the amount of vinyl that you need to purchase. Furthermore, it is always advised to purchase a little extra vinyl to allow for trimming and cutting after the installation.
In case you are installing vinyl over your existing sub floor you need to ensure that it is smooth and free from any holes. In case there are holes in your sub floor you should use a patching mixture to fill them before you install vinyl.

Cutting vinyl can be a tricky job, and it is not uncommon to hear of vinyl tearing while it is being laid down. You should lay down the vinyl cover over the area that needs to be floored and mark the exact places to be cut. Make sure that you have left some extra space to trim and cut later.
Adhesive is another crucial step that can determine the durability and effectiveness of your vinyl flooring. You should purchase a high quality adhesive material and should apply it evenly to ensure strong adhesive. Apply firm pressure while laying down the flooring. You should allow the adhesion to dry for at least two hours before using the floor. Even after a strong bond has been created it is essential to carefully move any furniture over the flooring. This is so, since even a minor tear would require to re-do the entire job again.
Since vinyl floors require less maintenance, and are highly durable they have become the material of choice in a number of commercial establishments as well as households. However, adequate care needs to be taken while installing vinyl for maximum effectiveness. Although, a number of individuals consider it to be a ‘do-it-yourself’ job, in case you are not confident about it; it would be advisable to avail the services of a professional contractor.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com