Raimondi Tile Spacer Leveling System

The most important as well as the most daunting aspect of setting tiles is to achieve perfect leveling. A common hindrance faced while setting larger format, thicker tiles as well as un gauged and thin tiles is the uneven floor foundation, which makes leveling all the more difficult. As a result, tiles that seemed leveled during installation often have unevenness in the height, once the thinset or adhesive cures, which is unappealing. This can, however, be overcome with the help of ‘Raimondi Tile Spacer Leveling System’ that ensures perfect leveling of the tiles. Fabricated using quality raw material, these spacers are durable, cost effective and easy to use. Not only does it result in proper leveling of the tiles, but also facilitate the tile setting process.
Achieving a smooth level surface, the Raimondi leveling spacers can be used for tiles with varied dimensions. For a tile thickness of minimum 1/8", maximum 1/2", a minimum 3/32" joint is required, which at times is difficult to achieve. However, with the help of the spacers it is no longer a daunting task and can easily be accomplished in just few minutes. Depending upon your requirement, you can select amongst the different Raimondi leveling system kits that include leveling wedges, spacer clips and installation pliers.

One does not have to be a well-qualified professional to use the Raimondi leveling spacers. These spacers are quick and easy to set & remove, and homeowners can do it on their own, without any professional guidance. In case you plan to install tiles on your own, you can make use of these spacers for proper leveling of the tiles. After spreading the tile adhesive, you need to insert the support underneath the tiles on all the sides. In case of larger and thicker tiles, it is advisable to use two support instead of one, on all four sides. Once properly done, set the tiles over the adhesive, and to strengthen the bond you can beat it with a rubber mallet. Next, you need to insert the wedges into the support, which can be easily done by using the special traction-adjustable pliers. However, you need to exercise caution not to pass the breaking point. After the tile adhesive sets and cures, the leveling support needs to be removed, which can be done with the help of special traction-adjustable pliers or rubber mallet. Instead of using these tools, you can easily remove these supports by simply kicking them with your feet, but make sure to beat parallel to the joint.

Not only is the Raimondi leveling spacer easy to set and remove, but has various other features that have made it a preferred choice of many, especially tile installers. Consuming less time and effort, it holds the tiles firmly in place. One does not have to worry about the voids or coverage as the Raimondi leveling spacer enhances the adhesion of the thinset to the tiles. Rather than pulling tiles from the thinset, these are pushed into it, which is easier. Since it is quick and easy, it greatly improves the overall quality of the tile installing project.
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Solutions for Small Kitchens

Many homeowners face the problem of not having enough space in their kitchens. Due to the shortage of space, one may either collide with things kept in the kitchen or step on someone else’s toe while trying to reach something. Moreover, one does not even feel like cooking in such a small space. Additionally, one also has to adjust various kitchen items in the tiny space, making it cluttered and untidy.
In case you also have a small kitchen and face such problems daily, there are certain useful steps that can help you overcome space constraint. Foremost, you can make use of various designing tips to create an illusion of space. An easy way of achieving this is through proper lighting, such as, take measures to maximize any natural light by keeping the blinds up and curtains back. In case you wish to add more lights, but do not want to take up any valuable space, you can install lights under the cabinet. Apart from this, you can also use light colored walls, curtains, blinds and cabinets, to make the room look more open.

You must also ensure maximum use of available space in a proper manner. Foremost, you should take a look around your kitchen and sort out things as per the frequency of their use. Things that you do not use frequently like juicer or food processing machine, can be removed from the kitchen and stored somewhere else, such as the store room or garage. The next thing that you need to focus upon is the arrangement of things, such as you should keep the cooking utensils and oven mits near the stove. You must keep all the necessary and most used items in an easily accessible place, so that one does not collide with other things or people.
You always have the option of arranging various kitchen items in cabinets that can easily accommodate numerous things. However, if the cabinet is not large enough to solve the space problem, you can install lazy susans and dividing trays in these cabinets. This is also an effective solution in case one is not able to maintain different cabinets for specific group of items. Incorporating ample storage facility is probably the most effective and easiest way of overcoming space problem in small kitchens. Besides, you can even opt for hang up pots and pans that empties a lot of space in the cabinets.
Apart from this, you can also have deeper counters as these not only increase work space, but can also accommodate more items. Additionally, to minimize the use of space, you can select drop table, small sized round table or built-in counter along the wall. It is always advisable to install a large kitchen sink, as it is very convenient and suitable for washing pots and pans.
With the advancement in technology, now you have access to various compact and space saving appliances. Numerous brands are designing products for small kitchens, such as microwaves that can be hung underneath cabinets. You also have the option of choosing refrigerators that are 24 inches deep instead of 30 inches deep.
Making use of these simple measures can help you overcome the problem associated with small kitchens.
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Ceramic Tiles are Different from Porcelain Tiles

Amongst the numerous flooring options available, tiles are probably the most preferred choice of homeowners. Tiles are versatile flooring options that suit preferences and budget of almost every homeowner. The availability of a myriad of choices such as ceramic, cork, laminate, and slate tile flooring sometimes make it difficult for homeowners to make the right pick. Homeowners often get confuse between ceramic and porcelain tiles, which are somewhat similar to each other but not same.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles differ from one another right from their manufacturing process as well as the material used for fabricating them. Ceramic tiles are made using mixture of both red and white clay, which lend them a typical terracotta color. The ceramic tiles can however be layered with colors; as a result of which these are available in an array of attractive colors. However, in case the tiles chip or wear down, then the upper colored layer gets damaged and the original terracotta color gets exposed.
In contrast, the porcelain tiles are made using porcelain clays that are fired at a very high temperature, much higher than ceramic tiles. As a result, the porcelain tiles are much harder and denser in comparison to ceramic tiles. Additionally, the porcelain tiles are smoother in texture and are also not as porous as ceramic tiles. Since the entire depth of the porcelain tile is colored; hence, even if the tiles chip or wear down, the color will never wear off. In terms of durability and permeability, porcelain tiles score over ceramic tiles as the former are more resistant to moisture than the latter.

On the basis of wear and tear resistance, porcelain tiles are more resistant to scratches and cracks as these are denser and less porous than ceramic tiles. Since ceramic tiles are more vulnerable and chip & wear down easily; hence these are generally preferred indoors. These can however be used outdoors, but only the frost-proof and unglazed tiles, which also have a low absorption rating. The ceramic tiles are easy to maintain, resistant to chemicals, fire and stains, and are also less expensive than the porcelain tiles.
Better resistance to moisture, wear and tear, along with low absorption rating make porcelain tiles suitable for outdoors as well as indoors. Porcelain tiles are highly durable & strong, and can easily withstand high foot traffic. These tiles are almost impervious as these are less porous tiles with water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. Owing to this, these are generally used outdoors, especially for pool decks and sidewalks. Moreover, porcelain tiles are frost-resistant, making them ideal for cold weather.

Although both, ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles, are popular among homeowners as these add to the beauty and elegance of any place; these differ in terms of durability, hardness, and wear & tear resistance. Hence, depending upon your requirements, you need to choose wisely between the two. Furthermore, you can even take help of the PEI ratings to adjudge the suitability of tiles for particular uses.
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Benefits of Suspended Ceilings

Suspended ceilings are referred as dropped ceiling or false ceiling, which give the perfect example of modern architecture and construction. These are hanged from the ceiling joists with a metal grid thereby creating a space between the ceiling and the joists where pipes or duct work can be installed and worked on.

Suspended ceilings not only improve the decor of the house but also provide several advantages as well. These ceilings can be installed with utmost ease in any room or building, home or supermarkets. Apart from their practicality in installation, suspended ceilings also offer fire resistance, bacteria & humidity resistance, and insulation at a very less price.
Suspended ceilings are cheaper to install under existing ceilings as compared to renovating the old ceilings. Suspended ceilings are especially useful in industrial and commercial settings where buildings must adhere to strict fire safety rules, as the ceiling tiles offer fire resistance.

Suspended ceilings provide bacteria and humidity resistance, and for this reason these are widely demanded in hospitals. Apart from the medical sector, these are also used as fixed panels in places like changing rooms or shower rooms, as these kinds of places tend to have a lot of humidity. This in turn prevents these places from getting damaged.

Suspended ceilings are highly useful as you can keep cables, pipes, unsightly wires and ducts stacked inside them, which are easily accessible when you want to get some maintenance work done. These tiles can be taken out with ease, and you can conveniently access things which require constant attention.

 

Besides being a protector to your house against fire threat or moisture attack, suspended ceilings also provide insulation. This is because when ceilings are installed, a static layer of air between the main ceiling and the drop ceiling is created, which acts as a great insulator. The lower ceiling reduces the amount of airspace in the room, which subsequently warms up the place, thus lowering the heating bills.

Not only do these ceilings provide thermal insulation, but are also used as acoustic insulation, as these are capable of reducing noise. One can also choose the tiles with a decibel value that provides extra soundproofing. Suspended ceilings are available in many different designs and can be easily adjusted with new panels being fitted into the ceiling grid. Several different textured and designer panels are available in the market that one can select from. Also, these ceilings come in different shapes and colors that can add beauty to your home or workplace.

Suspended ceilings are rapidly gaining popularity, as these are easily demountable, which and can thus easily uphold the ceilings. These can be conveniently replaced by detaching the grids, and thus are better than permanently implemented ceilings, which are difficult to change in the future. The tiles used in suspended ceilings can also incorporate lights inside, which can hide the bulbs and give the place a contemporary and sophisticated look. With all these benefits, your confusion for insulation and renovation must be over.

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