The increasing popularity of DIY projects in the current slowdown

Most people refrain from undertaking a DIY project since they neither have the expertise nor the tools to complete it in an effective manner. Further, the fear of expensive repairs and maintenance in the future in case the project goes wrong also deters a number of prospective DIY enthusiasts. However, the current economic slowdown has forced people to look at different ways to save money, and DIY projects instead of hiring a contractor as one such option.
Although there is no comparison between a DIY enthusiast and a professional contractor in terms of the experience and availability of resources, one factor that makes DIY project more attractive is the cost attached to it. What you would be charged by a professional contractor would be significantly higher as compared to what you would incur if you completed the job yourself. This financial motive is one of the biggest reasons why the current slowdown has resulted in an increased number of Do It yourself enthusiasts.
Although financial motive is important, the sense of achievement involved with completing a job is something that is characteristic of a DIY project. The fact that you get to call something your own is what attracts most people to completing a job themselves rather than hiring a professional contractor.
One of the most important benefits of hiring a professional contractor is the years of experience and the resources that they bring into a project. You can easily check on the references provided by contractors to know about the previous work done by them. Further, professionals have all the tools and equipments that would be required to complete a job. Although a DIY enthusiast cannot match up to the experience levels of a professional contractor, it has become very easy to get access to high grade tools and equipment in an affordable manner.
Be it tiling, carpentry, or a plumbing job; you would require a specialized set of tools to complete the task at hand. Without the right resources you would not be able to achieve the right finish; thereby resulting in future repairs and maintenance costs. However, you can easily find highly effective tools and resources such as the grout grabber, Pro Pan, Kirb perfect, tile sealers, Tuscan Leveling System and trowels on the internet. These resources will not only make your job much easier but will result in a much more defined and finished look to your renovation work.
Although the financial slowdown is what is forcing people towards Do It Yourself projects, it is not as easy as it sounds. A DIY work gone wrong can result in more repairs and maintenance expenditure than what a professional contractor would have charged. It is for this reason that you should properly analyze the job at hand and should be prepared with the right tools and equipment before starting your project. A properly completed DIY project will give you a sense of achievement and will save you on a lot of financial expenditure.
Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Design an elegant and effective shower area

The shower area, for most people, is their own private space where they can refresh and rejuvenate themselves. It is due to this reason that a shower area should be designed and constructed with extreme care and precision. One of the most important components of a shower area is the shower pan. Shower pan is the area between the tiled floor and the sub floor, and is crucial to maintain the integrity of the shower area.

In case your shower pans area is such that water accumulates there, you could face serious problems of mould growth. Further, in case your shower pan leaks, there could be damage to your shower floor. One of the most effective solutions to this problem is ProPan, which is an easy to install shower pan floor. ProPan is a waterproof shower pan that can be ideally installed in shower areas of different sizes, thereby ensuring high utility.

Although ProPan is available in different standard sizes, one of the biggest advantages of using ProPan is that it can be modified, cut or extended according to the specific size of the shower area. This feature ensures that your contractor can cut the Pan at the job site as per the requirements.

ProPan is a ready to tile shower pan that eliminates the need to set up a separate layer of pan liner. Although a pan liner is widely used to prevent leakage to the sub floor, there are chances of water accumulating over this pan liner, thereby resulting in the growth of mould. ProPan comes with a pre-formed pitch of ¼” per foot, thereby ensuring that there is no water accumulation below the shower floor. This standardized slope makes sure that any water that seeps through the tiled floor is directed effectively towards the drain opening.

Another benefit offered by ProPan is that it comes with a full foam curb assembly, which can also be customized as per the shower size area. Two of the most time consuming and crucial activities related to building a shower area are constructing a shower curb and waterproofing the sub floor. By installing ProPan, you will be able to effectively take care of both these activities, thereby ensuring a perfect shower area.

The ease of installation and high utility of ProPan systems have ensured that they are widely used for flooring and tiling activities. As compared to traditional mud beds that took 2 to 3 days to set-in, ProPan can be installed in a matter of hours. Further, its ready to tile feature ensures that you are able to design and construct an effective shower area within a short period of time and without the assistance of professionals. ProPan is manufactured using rot proof material to ensure that it remains effective for a long period of time.

An improperly built shower area will require regular maintenance and additions from your side; therefore, it is essential that you get it right the first time. This has been made possible through the use of a ready to tile shower pan such as ProPan.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Select only the best ready to tile shower pans

your shower pan forms the base of your shower area, and it is important to make the right selection in order to avail maximum utility out of it. In most shower areas, a waterproof pan liner is placed below the tiled floor and the mortar to ensure that the sub floor is not damaged by the water that seeps through. However, the main concern with such a set up is that water can accumulate over the pan liner, thereby leading to mold growth. It is for this reason that you should consider installing a ready to tile shower pan under your tiled floor.

A ready to tile shower pan eliminates the need to create a separate layer of pan liner, thereby removing the chances of water accumulation and mold growth. Another reason why this system is gaining popularity is that tiling can be started as soon as the pan is installed. This significantly reduces the completion time of your shower area. However, while selecting a ready to tile shower pan you should ensure whether it is strong enough to hold the weight of the tiled floor. A strong and durable ready to tile shower pan should be made up of lasting materials such as polystyrene.

Another important factor to consider while purchasing a ready to tile shower pan is the slope of the pan floor. Since the pan floor will direct the accumulated water towards the drain weep holes, it is essential for it to have the appropriate slope. The standard slope of a pan floor should be 1/4” per foot to ensure that any water that seeps through the tiled floor is effectively directed towards the drain.

Since not all shower areas are of the same size, finding the appropriate sized ready to tile shower floor can become a difficult task. However, ProPan is a high utility ready to tile shower pan that can be easily cut or extended to suit to the specific size of your shower area. ProPan also comes with a curb attachment to ensure that an effective curb can be built on the shower floor conveniently.

High quality ready to tile shower pans such as ProPan also accommodate a square drain, which is much easier to install and tile as compared to a round one. A square drain is free of screws, thereby ensuring that you can easily open it to retrieve your belongings from the drain. Therefore, in case you are looking to install a square drain in your shower area, you should select a ready to tile shower pan that accommodate such a drain.

ProPan is an easy to install ready to tile pan floor that significantly enhance the effectiveness of your shower area. By installing ProPan in your shower area you will be able to ensure that it remains mold free and completely dry. Further, a ready to tile pan floor will also ensure that you do not incur excess expenditure on unnecessary repairs and maintenance to your shower floor and shower sub floor.

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Ready to Tile Shower pans: best water intrusion solution

Isn’t it a great experience to spend some quite moments all by yourself in your bathroom! Well, a neat and dry bathroom can prove to be your very own personal space and help you rejuvenate after a hard day at work. A proper drainage system ensures that your bathroom is dry and hygienic. The ready to tile shower pans ensure that the waste water is effectively drained out from your shower and your bathroom is left with a scintillating appearance.

Ready to tile shower pans are one piece shower pans that come with fully integrated drains, splash walls, integrated curbs or barrier free entrances, and an integrated pitch. These shower pans offer many advantages like they are easy to install, are leak proof and mold resistant, and are also ready to tile, which means you can set tiles of your choice directly on to the surface of the pan. By installing these shower pans, your shower base is therefore ready to complement the decor of your bathroom.

Shower pans are made from high-density polystyrene insulation and reinforced with fiberglass mesh. The polymer cement coating on them offers 100% waterproof protection and added strength.

In single curb shower pans, you have the choice to go for center drain, left drain or right drain according to your requirement.

Bathroom accessories like shower pans are becoming an integral component of all modern day bathrooms! The present day shower systems are a blend of technology and creativity and are designed by top designers from across the world. Bathroom accessories occupy a pivotal point in such designs as they have a tremendous aesthetic appeal and also offer various capabilities. A shower pan is also a unique water intrusion solution which will ensure that your bathroom is always dry.

A bathroom pan includes the square shower drain which is gaining in popularity owing to its unique design. A square drain is easier to cut and tile than a round one and so it is easy to handle. The universal center ring ensures that water is drained out effectively. Made from stainless clad glass, the shower pan offers superior strength and durability. The pan comes with a grade puller which makes it easier to handle.

The unique proposition of a square shower drain is that it is completely free from screws. The screws can become a barrier when you have to open or close the pan every time. Opening the screws also damages the finish of the pan and can lead to scratches. The square shower pans instead employ a grade puller which can be used every time you want to open the drain. The screw less model will make it simpler for you to retrieve your precious belongings from the drain. Following the proper installation procedure will ensure that the shower pans operate smoothly.

Shower pans also have an environmental aspect to it. Grey water harvesting is a concept similar to rain water harvesting and involves utilizing the water which runs down from the drains of your bathrooms. Channelizing this water in a proper manner and treating it can provide an acceptable solution for watering gardens and for irrigation purposes. A shower pan ensures that used water from your shower is drained out properly and can be utilized constructively. It will not only keep your bathroom dry but also ensure that every drop of water counts.

The modern shower pans are very easy to install and hardly require any time. The entire installation will take less than an hour. A shower pan is a very important investment in your bathroom especially when you have conceptualized it and worked out each and every detail. An effective shower pan keeps your bathroom dry and protects the flooring and other equipment from rusting. A dry bathroom is also very pleasing to the eyes and reduces the probability of slip or fall. A shower drain occupies a very important place in the entire concept of a functional bathroom and will surely prove to be a great investment.

Bathroom accessories can completely change the appearance of your shower and lend it a magnificent appearance. With the help of an experienced installer you can ensure that you have the appropriate accessories in your bathroom. A competent installer will also ensure that all the fittings are as per the prescribed guidelines to ensure complete safety. These accessories will lend a personal touch to your showers and help you completely recharge yourself. The bathroom accessories will add a concept to your bathroom and do the same thing as A Gucci dress does to you!

Copyright © 2010 FlooringSupplyShop.com

Eco Pads Diamond Stone Polishing instructions

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Floor Machines

17” – 20” (175-350 rpm)

Pads remove wear and provide a variety of appearance levels from dull hone (no shine) to highly polished. Use on floors with little to no lippage (uneven tiles).

Instructions

• Sweep or vacuum surface to remove abrasive soil
• Clean and rinse surface thoroughly prior to pad use
• Center selected pad on drive plate of floor machine
• Apply water to 2’ x 5’ area to lightly wet the surface – no need for huge puddles
• Move the floor machine in an oval pattern counter clockwise to keep the water inside the work area
• Check surface after 15 – 30 seconds to see if desired results are achieved
• If YES, repeat steps above on the rest of the floor one section at a time
• If NO, repeat polishing process until desired result is achieved (usually 15 – 45 seconds per 2’ x 5’ area)
• If second polishing does not achieve desired results, change pad grit level and repeat process

Hand Polishers

7” Variable Speed (600-3000 rpm)

Pads remove wear and provide a variety of appearance levels from dull hone (no shine) to highly polished. Use on floors, walls and counter tops with little to no lippage (uneven tiles).

Instructions

• Dust or vacuum surface to remove abrasive soil
• Clean and rinse surface thoroughly prior to pad use
• Center selected pad on drive plate of hand polisher
• Apply water to 2’x 3’ area to lightly wet the surface – no need for huge puddles
• At lowest speed setting, move the tool in an oval pattern counter clockwise to keep the water inside the work area
• Check surface after 15 – 30 seconds to see if desired results are achieved
• If YES, repeat steps above on the rest of the area one section at a time
• If NO, repeat polishing step until desired result is achieved (usually 15 – 45 seconds per 2’ x 5’ area)
• If second polishing does not achieve desired results, change pad grit level and repeat process

TIPS

• For best results with a 175 rpm Floor Machines use a 60 lb drive plate (not necessary for 300 – 350 rpm machines)
• Use more water when using lower grits (200 – 1,500)
• Use more weight (or pressure) and less water on higher grits (3,000 – 11,000)
• Overlap sections by 4”- 6” to keep an even appearance
• Rinse area thoroughly prior to changing grits
• Rinse and allow pad to dry after each use

• Avoid contaminating the EcoPads™ by using them only on a clean surface.
• Pad contamination is a major problem. This is how most people ruin the pads; they don’t wear them out.
• Thoroughly clean and rinse the surface to be polished before using the pads.
• Store the pads in the box making sure that the pads are NEVER diamond face to diamond face.
• Stack them with the colored side up.
• It is better to under use the pads than to overuse them.
• Overusing the 200 grit brown EcoPad™, the 400 grit black EcoPad™, or 800 grit red EcoPad™ may result in a textured appearance or the “orange peel” effect. That can only be removed by honing the floor with a resin bond diamond pad.
• You only need enough water to keep the surface wet; you don’t need puddles.
• Edge work can be done by using the 5″ or 7″ pads with a hand tool.

Eco friendly Instruction for polishing Granite and Marble

Eco friendly Instruction for polishing Granite and Marble- Read