Are you considering garage floor cover options for peace of mind? Some people are very meticulous with their garages. There are individuals who would like nothing less than perfection for their garage. This is especially true for car lovers, hobbyists, and everybody else who spends most of their time inside the garage. Other people believe that their garage should be as attractive as the car that's housed in there. But however you use your garage, there is one way to make it look good and valuable - through your right choice of a garage floor cover.
In reality, the garage is just an open space. Some may build it with four walls. But without your car inside, it may look incomplete and bare. Now when an attractive garage floor cover is place over the entire area, it becomes more appealing and useful even.
By choosing the perfect floor covering, your garage can transform into a hobby center, game room, or a party reception area even. It surely is nice to have a very versatile garage.
As far as a garage floor cover is concerned, homeowners have several options. Covers are usually associated with mats. And a good number of consumers settle for floor mats simply because it is the easiest one to install. Floor mats are good to go after laying them on the floor.
They are not like floor paints, which require strict preparation and long drying time. And compared to floor tiles, garage mats are the much cheaper option.
Installing a garage floor mat requires an hour's worth of your time at most. These mats are sold in rolls. To know how much you need, measure your garage's floor area from each of the corners. Then go to the store to choose the design you liked best.
Garage floor covers come in many textures - coin pattern, ribbed, diamond, Levant, and clear. Choose according to the actual use of your garage. The ribbed texture is ideal for game room garage because this type of garage got loads of traffic. The friction-free design that these floor mats have is perfect for moving players.
The diamond texture is made for garages used primarily for storing vehicles. The garage mats with coin pattern is perfect for people who use the garage for hobbies such as carpentry. For other garage uses, either the Levant or the clear pattern should work.
If you're into buying the right garage floor cover anytime soon, take a look at these options. Check out the stocks of the hardware store or the builder's center. Choose the floor mat right for your garage. What's more, there's no need to hire a professional to install them. J
Garage Floor Cover - A Good Investment Or A Waste Of Money?
Consider Garage Flooring To Transform A Forgotten Space
For any of us who own a home, we have all come up against the decisions associated with choosing new flooring. Whether we’re picking flooring for our kitchen, hallways, or bedrooms, the material, style, and color that we choose will have tremendous impact in the room as a whole and transform the space as we know it. But quality flooring can have just as much impact in lesser used and seen rooms. Garage flooring, in particular, can transform an afterthought into a focal point in the home.
The garage is more than a place where we store our vehicles; in fact, homeowners today seldom use their garage for its original purpose. Instead, the garage is often used as a storage space, workshop, or recreation room. In light of these uses, garage flooring can elevate the aesthetics of the space and make the garage a place in which you want to spend time.
Most beneficial for garage flooring is commercial grade flooring. Affordable and durable, commercial flooring comes in a variety of materials, colors, and textures and can withstand the temperature changes, high traffic, and non-traditional function inherent in a garage space.
If you use the garage as more of a workspace and storage facility then the aesthetics of the garage flooring that you choose is not necessarily important. Rather, it’s more important to choose flooring that will hold up to the dust created by woodwork and long term storage. However, if you enjoy using your garage as a place where people gather as a recreation space then you may want to consider durable and attractive garage flooring that will offer form and function.
You can find garage flooring in any retail facility that sells traditional flooring. Give thought to the many varieties of commercial flooring that will work within your garage space and add function and life to an otherwise forgotten area of the home.
For easy to understand, in depth information about garage flooring visit our ezGuide 2 Flooring.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery
Bamboo Flooring and Other Exotic Floor Coverings
If you are looking for a great flooring option for your home that will be easy on the environment and that will also be easy on your wallet then you may want to look at bamboo flooring. The first advantage of bamboo flooring is that it is generally less expensive than traditional hardwood floors. You can save $1 or $2 per square foot by buying bamboo instead of a hardwood. The second advantage of bamboo flooring is that a bamboo plant can be replenished in about 5 years. This is because bamboo is a grass instead of a tree.
You have several options when it comes to buying bamboo hardwood floors. First you can buy it from an imported flooring store, or you can buy it from a domestic flooring store. Bamboo can be grown in the U.S. so you don't have to buy expensive imported materials. The quality of the bamboo does not change just because it is grown in the U.S., however, colors will vary by its growing area. Color variations can also be caused by the amount of water the bamboo plant receives during its life.
If you want to save money on your exotic floors you can look at buying bamboo laminate floors. By buying a laminate you will be saving a significant amount of money per plank without sacrificing the beauty of the floor. In addition to offering both beauty and affordability bamboo laminates also offer you extra durability. Many laminate flooring manufacturers offer up to 15 and even 25 year warranties which make laminate an economical alternative to bamboo and other wood floors.
Is bamboo flooring right for you? Find out more at LaminateFloorsCheap.com - your source for exotic laminate floors, do it yourself floor installation information and professional flooring advice. For more home decor and remodeling options visit the home and garden directory.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland
Here Are a Few Tips on Electric Radiant Floor Heating
Generally, in cold winter days stepping onto ice-cold and chilled floor in your room can be a great torture. Electric radiant floor heating is a great way to resolve the issue of cold floors in the morning. Similarly, on your bathroom tile in the morning stepping in can be tough especially when it is moist and damp. Perhaps it is one of the cruelest ways to wake up in the morning.
To protect our family members and ourselves especially small kids we take some extra precautions such as wearing slipper and bath mats. We literally spend a fortune to make our dream home where every member of our family can relax and enjoy irrespective or any weather. Nevertheless, some of us just do not care for the proper floor heating. However, if you care, electric radiant floor heating makes that possible.
No matter, what type or make electric radiant floor heating mats you have, they are almost same when it comes to construction. They have an aluminum foil heater with twin conductor having primary insulation of flouropolymer, which is sandwiched between two layers of specially reinforced aluminum foil.
Technically radiant heat is the most comfortable form of heating. Almost every electric radiant floor heating mat is simple to install & affordable to operate. Most electric radiant floor heating has the toughest and thinnest electric heating element on the market.
However, there are many companies that provide electric radiant floor heating mats and other systems, but a few have earned a great reputation in floor heating market segment. One such name is Warmup, which is the only company to offer radiant floor heat with a 30-year warranty, and a unique one-time homeowner transfer and a safe installation guarantee for total peace of mind.
Warmup is an award-winning, leading manufacturer of radiant floor heating products. They have a large range of radiant heating products for tile, stone, laminate, engineered wood and more.
Remember, as an informed customer you must ensure that every electric radiant floor heating mat meets all test requirements of IEC 60335. They should have all the necessary features, such as conforms to the requirements of CE marking, ease of laying and connection, temperature control through programmable / non-programmable thermostat, uniform heating, thermostat controller, proper earthing provision is provided for safety.
In addition to the above-mentioned features and characteristics for years of safe and trouble free service, they should also conform to the product safety requirements as per latest directives by the government.
Also as generally seen it is neither feasible nor economical to have alteration in our home construction. Therefore, we must choose a suitable electric radiant floor heating system that can be adjusted in our already existing setup. A wide range of heat-loads and sizes ensure suitability to different sizes and kinds of floorings.
They should be custom built based on our individual requirements of heat-loads, voltage requirements along with their lengths & width. Also as compared to other metals, they should be made of aluminum, which is technically considered as a green metal. At one hand, it is light in weight, while on other it does not emit any harmful greenhouse gases while heating.
We provide information on a electric radiant floor heating and electric floor heat. In these tough economic times, people are looking for ways to reduce their energy bills. Visit our site for more information on this heating alternative! http://www.radiantflooringheat.comBy M. Applebaum
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Applebaum
Everything You Need to Know About Garage Flooring
When it comes to the garage floor, you need it to be durable and capable of withstanding quite a lot of force. As your car will be going in and out of it frequently, it should be able to withstand the pressure of the car and for that reason usually the floor of the garage is concrete.
Maintaining Your Garage Flooring
Most of the time, the flooring in the garage is concrete because it is simply the best material for the job. It can be easily cleaned and it can last through all weathers. There are some people who use carpet but generally concrete is the material of choice.
Now in order to keep the garage flooring looking clean and tidy, there are various things you need to do. Cleaning it out ready for summer is one of them. Whilst you may not realize it, the garage floor often gets covered in leaves and dirt. Think about it - when you get out of the car you are likely to have some dirt on your shoes. This dirt will be transferred to the floor and it will stay there until it is clean. Leaves can also be carried on your shoes or they can blow inside on a windy day when the garage door is left open. So in order to make it look nice for summer, it is advisable to give it a good clean.
You may also want to repair parts of the flooring too if it is cracked and chipped. If you want to really work hard then you can break the concrete up. When you have done this you can then break the bits of concrete up into really fine pieces of concrete and they can be used on the driveway as gravel. That way you will be updating your driveway as well as your garage.
One handy tip that you can use which many people do not usually consider - is to spread straw over the new garage flooring. This helps to stop weeds growing up through the new flooring you will be placing over it and it will also act as insulation too. Once you have spread the straw over the flooring, you should then make a frame roughly two inches by six inches around the floor which will act as a border that stops the wet concrete from passing over it.
If you are new to construction then it is useful to know that you will need a fifty pound bag of concrete mixed with 3 gallons of water if you want to have enough concrete for the floor. Mix it together in a wheel barrow and ensure that all of the powder does completely mix with the water before you place it onto the floor.
It is a good idea to use a hoe to level out the concrete as you pour it onto the floor. This ensures that you give it an even coverage and it will allow you to cover every part of the floor too. You should leave it to dry completely before anyone or anything is allowed to touch it.
Adam Peters is a syndicated writer of http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com Keep reading about installing hard wood flooring and interior design at his web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Peters
What Do You Know About Electric Radiant Floor Heat?
Actually, electric radiant floor heat is used to warm up our floors in cold or winter season with bone-chilled weather outside. That is done with the help of electric radiant floor heating mats, which are designed to warm stone and tile floors in bathrooms, kitchens, entries and sunrooms, or wherever you need them.
There is an endless list of products available in online as well as offline market when it comes to floor heating. For example, laminate floor heating mats are used for laminate floor and under-carpet heating.
By construction, they comprise of an ultra thin electric radiant floor heating system primarily for use under laminate, engineered wood, glued hardwood and other floating floors.
Advantage of using an electric radiant floor heat mat is the ease of use and installation including uniform heating of your laminate flooring. The special materials used makes it free from problems of ‘Hot-Spots’ or localized heating.
Over a period, most of these electric radiant floor heat mats have become masterpieces. Actually, by construction they are made with fluoropolymer insulated heating cables. These are sandwiched between two layers of specially reinforced aluminum foil.
The main point here is that the uniform spacing of the heating elements, further backed by the aluminum foil, ensures even heat distribution. The heating element is connected to a power-supply cable, which exits the laminate mat from one corner. The power lead is a flat thin two core flexible cord, consisting of two insulated conductors with a metal sheath and an outer sheath.
Depending on your heating requirement, they are available in nominal heat outputs of 80 W/m² and 140 W/m². Most of them are available in predetermined lengths with cold tail – prefabricated & tested in a carefully controlled factory environment. In addition, next advantage is that they are also fully geared to meet any of your customized heating requirements.
The electric radiant floor heat mats are portable, easy to install and are suited to make any floor warm. They can be used on any floor, such as under tile; wood or laminate floors in bathrooms, kitchens, entryways and sunrooms.
They are lighter in weight, extra thin, and portable that can be moved easily from one place to another or one room to another. They are designed with sturdy construction that makes them ideally suited for renovation of homes, offices or anywhere you want.
Nowadays, they are easily available at most online stores so you need not to leave your home in cold winter days. Therefore, they are easy to order, ship and are easy to install within no time. The ease of installation makes them an ideal ‘DIY” project. Most of these heating mats come with an installation kit with clear instructions. Therefore, unlike other project at your home related to renovation or refurnishing or construction, there is no need to hire any technicians or experts.
As most of these electric radiant floor heat mats are flexible in design and installation, so you can fir them anywhere you want. They do not have any permanent installation, so you can move them from one place to another in your home.
So folks, forget about expensive installation and construction costs with these heating floor mats. They are built for common people with common requirements. Individual Requirements of heat-loads, voltage requirements, lengths & width can be designed & manufactured. They can be supplied with one-side adhesive with release paper for ease of installation.
Garage Floor Coatings - Getting to Know the Options
If you're like many people, you've got a garage. That garage, if you're like most people, has an ugly, stained concrete floor. There's no shame in this, of course (you're just like most people). However, many are starting to question whether having a rough, ugly concrete garage floor is the way to go. Many are asking themselves if there is a better way.
As it turns out, there is. There are many types of garage floor coverings available, but I'd like to focus on the coating options in this article. While installing some tile or a mat might be the way to go for many, sometimes its easier just to paint on a durable garage floor coating and be done with it.
So, what kind of coating should you buy? It might seem tempting to buy some tough exterior paint, clean up the floor, and paint it on, but there is a better way. Epoxy based floor coatings will prove much more durable and robust in the long run than other types of paints.
Epoxy, as many of you might be familiar with, is a resinous chemical that cures hard when combined with another chemical. This provides a thick, sturdy, moisture resistant coating for your garage floor. No longer will spills and leaks seep into your concrete floor. Instead, they will pool up on top of the epoxy coating, making it easy to clean up.
Installing an epoxy floor yourself is quite easy. Simply buy a kit, clean up your existing floor (this is most often the hardest step), mix up the epoxy, and begin to apply it to your floor. Typically, you will only need one coat, as the paint is really very think. After the painting, you'll need to wait about 24 hours before you can use your garage again.
Once the epoxy is cured, you'll have a garage floor that is both better looking and more durable than the original concrete. Of course, epoxy isn't full proof. Some brands of epoxy will be susceptible to damage from the heat of hot tires, while other may have same bad reactions with certain chemicals. On the whole, though, epoxy flooring is a great option for sprucing up your old garage floor.
David Wilson is the man behind Garage Floor Covering a site devoted to helping you pick the right flooring option for your garage. Visit to learn about the different flooring options, including garage floor mats
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_C_Wilson
How to Make Retail, Shop, and Garage Floors Glass-smooth
Ultra smooth floors (glass-smooth) are often a "required" look for showing off quality operations and merchandise. As is frequently the case in obtaining a high-end result, glass-smooth floors are achievable but at a cost in materials and effort. Of course, it helps to start with a smooth floor but even highly damaged floors can be brought back to glass-smooth with some hard work and…epoxy.
If you are going to invest in achieving a showroom quality smooth floor, you want to first make sure that your efforts are not spoiled by lifting or pealing. This means care must be taken to do a good prep job that will assure maximum adhesion to the concrete base. One good way to obtain a professional preparation is to use one of Durall Industrial Flooring's kits of materials that are customized to owner specification and delivered directly to the job site. These kits include full directions and 24/7 help lines staffed by seasoned flooring experts, so professionals and amateurs alike can successfully install a quality floor. See www.concrete-floor-coatings.com for details.
After the preparation work is done, all of the low spots in your floor should be filled. Joints and concrete cracks from sagging can be filled with the grout provided in the Durall kit. Mixing the grout to a peanut butter consistency and working it into the cracks with a gloved hand or putty knife is the first step. Try not to smear too much on the surface and strike the cracks flush before they harden.
Next come those dreaded holes from tack strips or walls that were removed, or stones showing through from water erosion. These all need to be filled with 100% epoxy for maximum adhesion. Make sure all of the holes are dry and dirt had been sucked out of them during the preparation process. Mix up the epoxy and pour a small amount in each crater and hole. Note that the surface tension of the epoxy will create a little edge to each pour, like honey poured on a counter top. Once the epoxy has set up (12-15 hours) use a grinder with a masonry wheel to bring the edges flush to the surrounding concrete. Then use a vacuum to remove all the ground off powder and loose grout that may be on the floor.
Next comes your 100% solid Dura Poxy coating. To achieve a glass-smooth finish you will need to plan on three coats. The first coat is rolled and brushed on at about 125 to 150 sq. ft. per gallon. When mixing, be sure to do at least 200 strokes or 2 minutes with a drill mixer. Then transfer from the mixing container to another container before application to assure that no material remains unmixed. Use a 9-in. 3/8" nap roller and a 4-in. china bristle brush on broomstick handles to apply. Mix the epoxy as you go to assure that it remains as liquid and fluid as possible. Mixing and applying the epoxy within 30 minutes will help it flow well. After 15 hours, you screen the entire floor with a 60-grit screen on a rotary scrubber. Then check all of the patched areas. If the filled holes or cracks show imperfections, applying additional epoxy to low spots, allowing them to harden, and regrinding may be necessary for that final glass-smooth finish.
For the second coat, plan on about 90 sq. ft. per gallon. Be sure to vacuum the floor thoroughly before proceeding with an additional coat. Again, mix the epoxy as you need it and pour it at the far edge of the floor and then use a 16-in. notched squeegee to pull the material over the entire surface. The notched squeegee will allow extra material to flow into any low spots to make them level. Pull back about 6 ft. and then use a 3/16" nap roller and pull it over the squeegeed areas to remove any rack marks or pools that may appear. Fifteen (15) hours later, screen again, vacuum well, and repeat the process to arrive at your final floor.
Web visitors can obtain free, job-specific quotes on materials or nationwide turnkey installations by completing a simple questionnaire at www.concrete-floor-coatings.com
For a high-resolution photo example, visit www.concrete-floor-coatings.com/photos/flood
For more information, contact Harvey Chichester at harvey@concrete-floor-coatings.com or phone 1-800-466-8910 or 952-888-1488 (24/7).
Underfloor Heating For Primary Heating
When planning a primary, electric underfloor heating installation, where the floor heating system is providing the sole source of room heating, it is important to take into consideration some basic principals.
All structures lose and retain heat according to their U-values. The U-value is a measure of how much thermal energy will pass through a square metre of structure when air temperatures on either side differ by 1 degree Celsius. The fabric of any building will typically consist of a number of components, each with their characteristic resistance values; the U-value is a combination of all these values.
In designing a primary under floor heating system, greater consideration of these factors of heat loss and heat gain need to be taken into account. For a typical convection heating system, on cold days, where the temperature on the outside of the structure is low, the room heating can be increased by turning up the boiler and opening up the radiators to improve the heat output.
On the other hand, an underfloor heating system acts as a low-level heat source, radiating thermal energy into the room as radiant heat. Unlike a traditional convection heating system, where a wall radiator or freestanding heater is used as sole source of room heating, the under floor heating cannot be turned up to produce a higher heat output, due to the comfort factor on the feet. Effectively, because we are converting the floor into a low level radiator and walking over it, the human foot factor limits the maximum floor operating temperature to a maximum of 27-28 degrees Celsius.
Electric underfloor heating systems are controlled using a digital thermostat. The controller can be programmed with 4 on/off settings over a 24-hour period. Once the floor heating reaches the programmed floor and room temperature settings, the thermostat will cycle on and off continuously (within 1 degree C) to maintain these settings.
The floor heating will radiate heat energy uniformly, warming the room evenly to your preset ambient thermostat settings, maintaining a comfortable room temperature; providing heat is not being lost to the outside by poor insulation (U Value) and frequent changes of air (drafts).
With a high performance insulation layer between the heating cable and the sub-floor below (concrete or wood), the underfloor heating will operate efficiently and very effectively. For cement sub-floors where no insulation can be fitted, a high-output (200W/m2) heating mat is normally recommended to compensate for the heat loss into the concrete slab below. With no insulation, the floor heating would otherwise be very slow to reach operating temperature; the extra output capacity of a 200Wm2 heating mat is used to good effect to bring the floor up to operating temperature quickly.
For more info on electric underfloor heating and how best to plan your installation, take a look at the underfloor heating Installation Guide. You can also browse the Floor Heating website where you will find informative pages packed with help and guidance. If you want to price your project and would like to get an idea of the costs involved, there is a very user-friendly online webshop to help with building a list of items needed for a complete installation, including flexible adhesives and leveling compounds.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_S_Short
Learn How to Install Ceramic Tile Flooring in Five Easy Steps
Step One: Get to know your tools.Learning how to install ceramic tile flooring begins with getting to know the right tools. You can buy most of the tools you'll need for working on your floor tiling at your local hardware store or home center. For equipment that might be too expensive to purchase like a tile cutter, or hand held micro cutter, try your local home center or tool rental yard. They may have the tools you'll need at affordable rental prices, or even at discount. And if you're a newbie at tiling work, they may even help you with information. Here are most of the basic tools you will need for your tiling job:a) Safety clothing and gear like a pair of safety glasses, heavy leather gloves, and long-sleeved work clothes. These are useful especially if your tiling work involves taking out the existing ceramic tiles. Broken shards and other debris from tearing out the ceramic tiles can cause nasty cuts.b) Carpentry tools like a tape measure, a carpenter's square and a bubble level.c) A tile cutter (which you can rent), some tile spacers, a putty knife, a trowel (preferably, the notched kind), and a rubber grout float.d) Mortar material for bonding your tiles to your subfloor surface, like a thin set mortar, or tile adhesive, tiling grout and sealant.Step Two: Prepare your subfloor before installing your tiles.Most tiling jobs start at this stage. It would be a great experience for you to learn how to install ceramic tile by learning about the type of floors you will be putting your tiles on. Always check for cracks and debris when If you're working on a concrete subfloor. Make it is smooth and clean. Repair as many of the cracks as you can. If you see cracks that are too large to repair, replace the floor section where they are found with new concrete. For plywood subfloors, be sure that the wood is at least 1 and 1/8 inches thick and is supported by an equally strong underlayment. Otherwise, your ceramic tiles will dislodge easily, or worse, break and need replacing.An existing ceramic tile floor may add another stage to your tiling job, and present something of a challenge for you. You'll need to tear out the existing tiles. For starters, all you need to do is use a large flat-bladed chisel and a mallet, and just hammer away. Then, you'll need to clean out the debris. If you to smoothen your subfloor -- you may want to rent a sander to do the job. Be sure to keep yourself protected. Use heavy-duty leather work gloves, safety glasses, and long-sleeved work clothes.Step Three: Measure and lay out your floor. To know where to start and how to install ceramic tile on your subfloor, begin by measuring the length and width of your floor. This will help you estimate the number of ceramic floor tiles you will need to purchase. Then, find the center point of your floor area. You Measure across floor area and mark the center. Do this in opposite direction and mark the center, as well. The intersection of the two lines is the center of the floor area where you can start your tiling work. To help with your tiling, run chalk lines over the intersection lines. These chalk lines will help you with how to install ceramic tile and help you keep your tiling straight and organized.Step Four: Start work on your ceramic tile installationPlace the first tile at the intersection of the two lines you made. Then, bond it to your subfloor by using a thin set mortar, or a tile adhesive of your choice. Using a notched trowel for applying the mortar is best on how to install ceramic tile. But you may actually use the more common trowel variety is you don't have one. To secure the ceramic tile in its place, press down while twisting it back and forth till the tile no longer is set. If some of the mortar or adhesive oozes out, use your trowel (or a damp sponge) to scrape off the excess. Do this process over with the next tile, and so on and so forth, until you've finished your ceramic floor tiling.Step Five: Finish your tiling job by putting in the tiling grout and sealantAfter your ceramic floor tiles have set, it's time to put the tiling grout in. Tiling grout is a material that you should know more about when you want to know how to install ceramic tile flooring. Grout is tiling material made cement, sand and water, and a little color. It is used to fill in gaps and seal in the spaces between tiles. Tiling grout comes in a wide variety of color tints that may be matched to your tile color. Use a rubber grout float and work the tiling grout into the gaps between the tiles. Use your grout float at an angle so that you can fill in the joint gap with as much tiling grout as possible.After laying in the tiling grout in between the gaps of your floor ceramic tiles, use a damp sponge to wipe off the excess grout. Rinse the sponge frequently to get as much of the excess grout off, and keep each tile clean. You have the option of applying a sealant to the grout lines after they dry.Don't forget about the setting (drying) periods that come after you have placed your ceramic tiles, and after putting in your tiling grout (before putting on the sealant). These setting periods last overnight, at the very least, to twenty-four hours, at the most. Your sealant has dried, you are done! Congratulations! Now, you know how to install ceramic tile flooring.
Epoxy Floor Paint Projects: Tips and Tricks That Save Time and Money
Here are useful tips learned during more than 40 years of installing epoxy urethane floor seals and coatings on Fortune 500 company concrete floors, as well as in basements, garages, and decks. These tips can help you avoid mistakes that can limit the life of your floor.
There are three broad steps to doing your floor project: planning and preparation, repairing, and applying the coating. This article is the first in a three part series, and deals with planning and preparation.
General guidelines for applying an epoxy coating to your floor:
Do no harm.
Investing in prep produces the best value, (cost divided by years of service).
Let the chemicals and equipment do the work.
What can go wrong, will go wrong, unless you think ahead.
Technique is what separates mortals from Rembrandts.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Now let's get started with tips on how to plan your job and prepare your floor.
Plan the job.
Stick your coating to something that is not going to move
The better the tools, the less work you have to do.
Removing loose concrete is as important as removing dirt
Different types of dirt require different cleaners
"Shocking" the floor can help free dirt and contaminants.
Some things must be abraded off.
Don’t blow bubbles through your finish
There is only one way to remove gum
Asphalt bleeds
If you coat over things that move, your floor may move
Vacuum out those holes
Gravity is unforgiving. Once you prep your floor, anything in the air will eventually end up as dirt on your floor. So don’t wait too long to do your coatings. Bugs, leaves, dust, and lint can eventually compromise the quality of the job you end up with.. Water settles in floor cracks and holes. If you vacuum them out or blot them with a rag, you will not have the problem of unexpected delays due to finding water still in your floor after the surface has dried.. Adhesives are often a problem to remove on floors. But if you leave the adhesive, your coating is like an eggshell. A hard exterior with a soft interior will often let the shell crack and peal away.. If you use a solvent-based floor coating and coat over any asphalt spots, the solvents will make the asphalt bleed into your finish spoiling the color. Use a scraper to remove any asphalt. Then follow with some degreaser or mineral spirits.. Modern gum is actually synthetic rubber and is not affected by cleaners or most solvents. Scraping is the most common method of removing gum but a 190-degree hot water jet works fast if you have one.. Gases often come up through your porous concrete floor. Methane and radon gas are very common under concrete slabs and move their way through the concrete causing some bubbles in the finish. But most often bubbles are caused by the chemical reaction still going on between your cleaners and the floor. One or two good scrub rinses are needed to help avoid generating gas bubbles in your floor.Gum, adhesive, asphalt, some paints, concrete splatters, silicone sprays from Rain X, and Tire Shine are just some of the blemishes that you may need to scrape or grind off by hand when preparing a floor.When you do your laundry you put your shirt in the wash and it is probably at a pH of 6.5 or 7. Then you add your detergent, which may bring the pH up to 8 or 8.5. That pH change is part of what make the dirt particles want to let go of the fabric. When we do floors, we shock the floor by bringing the pH up to 12 and then hitting it with the acidic cleaner dropping the pH to 5.5 or so. That really helps make concrete particles that are about to let to, let go.. If one cleaner worked for everything there would only be one cleaner sold. But some dirt and contaminants, like fats and oils, respond to alkaline-type cleaners and some dirt and contaminants, like minerals, rust and concrete respond, to acidic-type cleaners. If alkaline and acidic are mixed they cancel each other out to neutral, so two separate cleanings are needed for your concrete floor, one alkaline cleaning and one acidic, followed by a good scrub rinse to stop the chemical action.. If you walk over concrete with your socks on, you will usually see that they get all dusty. That’s because the concrete is constantly deteriorating and breaking away. Your preparation should leave only concrete that is well attached, so aggressive scrubbing is a must.Renting power scrubbers, walk-behind vacuums, double-bladed squeegees, and long-handled scrapers are all multipliers that reduce your work and increase your performance. You can try to do without lots of fancy tools, but you might have to ask yourself, will you stop your work earlier than you should because it's just too much work.. Remember that a floor that has 3000 lb. or more going over it every day needs much better adhesion than a wall that may get brushed by an elbow occasionally. Stick your coating to something that is not going to move.Save trips to the store and costly delays by getting everything you need ready before the job starts. One quick step would be to go to a website like www.concrete-floor-coatings.com for a free cost analysis which will list everything you need to do your job, including step by step instructions.
Remember, "Life imitates Star Trek." You may begin to notice in the future that virtually every floor in the galaxy seems to have a flow-coated, two-part coating on it. I am seeing fewer and fewer new wood floors, linoleum, or oriental rugs. How about you?
Follow the rules and your job will turn out with the great look you want.
For more information, contact Harvey Chichester at harvey@concrete-floor-coatings.com or phone 1-800-466-8910 or 952-888-1488 (24/7).
Garage floor puddles from low spots can be fixed.
Water standing in low spots on garage, shop and warehouse floors can often last for days creating safety problems and cleaning issues. During the troweling of floors some uneven ness can create low spots where spilled liquids can form. Low spots or depressions can now be filled in with 100% solid epoxy to bring them to level. Berms can also be adhered within an epoxy floor to contain liquid spills rendering them easy to squeegee out. Often containment of liquids to safe areas is all that is needed to avoid damage to items stored on the same floor.
An easy way to berm flooring to contain potential liquid spills is to hot glue strips of molding onto the floor before the epoxy flooring is applied. The epoxy flooring then seals the edges of the molding to the floor creating a watertight barrier. Often just ¼ inch of berm is all that is needed to contain liquid spills to areas where they can be easily squeegeed dry.
Epoxy flooring is not only seamless but can be Class III Laboratory qualified. These mold and mildew resistant surfaces are easy to clean with hoses and squeegees. Bleach resistant epoxy flooring can take strong cleaners and heavy abrasion.
Epoxy coatings have been used successfully in swimming pools, laundries, warehouses, garages, and various types of shops for decades. Epoxy floors offer the option of smooth or fine skid resistant textured surfaces that are still easy to mop and squeegee clean.
Epoxy floors can be flooded, pressure washed and scrubbed back into service in minutes. Mold, bacteria, and contaminants can be rinsed off. The surfaces are impervious to penetration by liquid-born contaminants. Even diesel, gas, and oil will not penetrate them and can be washed or wiped up. Old technology floorings, including paint, carpeting, vinyl tile, linoleum, and wood, are subject to severe contamination and damage if flood cleansing is used. Beautiful flood-proof epoxy coated flooring can be used from wall to wall, often including coated vertical surfaces to help further contain liquids.
Durall Industrial Flooring supplies kits of materials that are customized to owner specification and delivered directly to the job site. Kits include full directions and 24/7 help lines staffed by seasoned flooring experts, so professionals and amateurs alike can successfully install a quality floor.
Web visitors can obtain free, job-specific quotes on materials or nationwide turnkey installations by completing a simple questionnaire at http://www.concrete-floor-coatings.com.
For a high-resolution photo example, visit: http://www.concrete-floor-coatings.com/photos
For more information, contact Harvey Chichester at: harvey@concrete-floor-coatings.com Phone: 1-800-466-8910 or 952-888-1488 (24/7)
The Advantages of Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating offers many advantages over other forms of heat for business or home.
Radiant floor heating is a series of pipes coiled in a room under the subflooring. Heated water is forced through the pipes, and heat naturally rises through the room from these pipes. With radiant floor heating, there are no cold tile or hardwood floors. People with poor circulation in their feet, such as the elderly and diabetics, will appreciate always getting out of bed to a warm floor beneath their cold feet. Parents too like a warm floor when babies are learning to crawl or toddling around in their bare feet.
While radiant floor heating works on the same principal as steam or forced water radiators, radiant floor heating offers several advantages over a wall-mounted radiator. Wall-mounted radiators can cause hot and cool spots in a room, depending on your distance from the radiator. However, a radiant floor heating system covers the entire room under the floor, creating even heat distribution. Radiators are hot to the touch, which can cause burns. Because the radiant floor system is under the flooring, though, there are no hot pipes to touch, and the floor underfoot is never more than pleasantly warm.
Radiators also take up precious wall space, as furniture cannot be pushed up against them, and because they create hot spots, furniture has to be arranged so that no one sleeps or sits too close to the radiator. However, as the radiant floor system is buried under the flooring, it takes up no space and does not cause hot spots.
Radiant floor heating systems are usually cheaper to operate than wall-mounted radiators as well. Wall-mounted radiators have to have very hot water and get well-heated in order to cause convection, the movement of cooler air towards the radiator and the movement of warmer air away from it to heat the entire room. Because the radiant floor heating system distributes its heat evenly over the entire room, convection is not necessary. This means that the radiant floor system does not have to have such hot water in order to work effectively, lessening energy costs.
The primary advantage of the radiant floor heating system over a forced air system is air quality. Furnaces and heat pumps cause the air in a building to dry out rapidly. This can cause a lot of problems for people with sinus or lung issues. Also, coming in from cold and damp to hot and dry can be hard on people with poor health. People with allergies suffer under forced air systems as well because such systems stir up allergens and the dryness causes them to linger in the air longer than usual. Duct work can also harbor allergens, such as mold, compounding the problem.
In most cases, radiant floor heating, when properly installed and insulated, is cheaper to operate than any other system on the market today, and is considered by most to be the most comfortable home heating system as well.
The Benefits of Under Floor Heating
Under floor heating (UFH) is becoming increasingly popular in homes throughout Europe and it is no wonder as its benefits for health, energy efficiency, visual appeal, space saving and cost effectiveness are vast.
Under floor heating is most commonly used in bathrooms but it is also a popular choice for extensions and conservatories or anywhere wall space is limited or there is a desire to maintain a high standard of visual appeal without wall mounted radiators spoiling the look.
How Under Floor Heating Works
Under floor heating has been used since Roman times as a central heating system.
Any type of gas fuelled boiler can be used to provide the heat for a UFH system. Pipes are usually run underneath the floor surface and the heat from the water passing through the pipes transfers directly into the floor.
A warm floor creates warm air convection and this in turn heats the surrounding living space. Under floor heating is an exceptionally straightforward but highly effective way of providing a comfortably warm indoor climate with an even distribution of heat.
Five Reasons to Choose an Under Floor Heating System for your Home
There are many benefits associated with Under Floor Heating and these include:
1. Comfort
Heat radiating from the floor upwards is far more evenly distributed than heat that emanates from wall mounted radiators. Heat from wall mounted radiators is confined to a small area and rises upwards. This means that the warmer air stays around head height which does not tend to create the most comfortable feeling. Additionally, compared to traditional radiator systems there are no irritating noises arising from expanding and contracting pipes.
2. Cost effectiveness and energy efficiency
Under floor heating systems can give you a 15-40% energy saving over traditional heating methods.
3. Health
Under floor heating helps to keep moisture content levels low which means that house dust mites can be reduced. This will benefit anyone with asthma or breathing difficulties or any other allergies.
4. Ease of control
With a UFH system, the temperature of each room can be controlled individually. Being able to adjust temperature settings in each room of the house is a major benefit for any family.
5. Space and Aesthetics
Under floor heating saves space and offers heightened visual appeal in a home by eliminating the need for wall mounted radiators. Additionally, wet floors dry more quickly and décor is maintained due to a lack of damp walls.
If you are re-thinking your home heating system, refurbishing a room or adding an extension or conservatory to your property then you should give serious consideration to installing an under floor heating system as opposed to a traditional wall mounted radiator central heating system; the benefits are many!
Ivor Bates is the director of Bates Heating and Plumbing Limited, a plumbing and heating company established in 2001 and covering all areas of London, Docklands and Essex. Bates Heating is CORGI registered and all engineers are fully qualified and specially selected for their experience and range of skills. A 24 hour emergency plumbing service is also offered. For more information visit http://www.batesheating.co.uk or telephone 020 8924 3558.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ivor_Bates
Rubber Garage Flooring for Resurfacing
You have various options to perk up the appearance of your garage by altering the garage flooring. You can opt for a basic, cheap garage flooring treatment or a high end garage flooring treatment.
Rubber garage flooring or an epoxy-coating is durable. Covering the floor with garage floor tiles can lend the garage a snazzy look, and these are functional as well. If you want to convert your garage into an extra guest-room, you may go for vinyl or linoleum flooring. Garages nowadays have much greater utilities than mere car parking areas.
Rubber garage flooring adds value and expediency to a part of your property which you might have neglected so far. The advantages are as follows:
Rubber garage flooring significantly decreases the amount of dirt tracked into your home. The elevated patterns that are offered by most brands are not only decorative but help prevent debris that adhere to the tires and then to the bottom of the shoes from being carried inside the home.
Rubber garage flooring is very simple to install. It rolls out with no difficulty, and thus resurfacing your garage becomes a rapidly executable project. Pieces may be cut out and made to overlap, or ram the edges together easily for a custom fit.
Rubber garage flooring provides a comfortable padded surface for walking and standing. Thus if you want to use the garage as an activity centre, hours of toil will not tire out your legs. Noise is diminished and some level of insulation against hot and cold temperatures is also obtained.
Rubber garage flooring protects the underlying expensive concrete façade from oil spills, grease, chemicals, and other potentially damaging materials.
This type of garage flooring is not too expensive and will not create a dent into your home-improvement budget.
However, there exist a few limitations of rubber garage flooring, especially if you want to use the garage space for the conventional purpose of parking the car. This is because the rubber flooring has a low resistance to petroleum products. Hence parking your vehicle on rubber garage flooring is not desirable. Furthermore, car tires often tend to melt when they become heated from driving in scorching summertime temperatures. Then they would adhere to the rubber garage flooring and driving the car out would become a hazard. In the contrary, the tire could cool down and solidify again had it been in contact with the concrete floor.
Of course if you want to use the garage as an additional living space, then rubber garage flooring could be an ideal alternative for concrete floors.
Want to learn more about Garage Flooring?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-garages.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arturo_Ronzon
Garage Floors - How Much Do I Need?
Garage floors make a nice addition to any home and they are a fantastic home improvement project. There are many types of garage flooring products available with the most popular being rolled garage flooring, sometimes called rubber garage floors. With the wide variety of textures, colors and thicknesses available, choosing the right garage floor can be a difficult task.
Whatever type you choose you will need to determine how much flooring you need to purchase. If you have a rectangular or square garage, that calculation is quite simply length x width. For example, if your garage is 24' x 20', then you simply take 24 x 20 and determine that your garage is 480 square feet. If you were going to purchase rolled garage floors then your best option would be to choose a roll that is 10 feet wide and purchase the length you need for each 10 foot increment. In our example 2 rolls of garage flooring that is 10 feet wide by 24 feet long would be perfect. But what if you garage is 24' x 22'? If that is the case the best option would be to purchase rolled garage flooring that is 7.5' wide and then buy 3 rolls at 24' long.
In each of the examples above it is important to know the width and length of your garage. Many of the garage floors available come in various patterns and are generally rolled out from the back of the garage to the front. By doing this, the seem will run along the length of the garage. To determine the width of the rolls you will need you simply take the width of your garage and divide it by the various widths of flooring available. The most common widths of rolled garage flooring are 7.5', 8', 9' and 10'. If your garage is 22' wide then the best choice would be 3 rolls of the 7.5' width flooring. That would give you the least amount of waste when you install your floor. Three rolls at 7.5' wide would cover an area 22.5' wide providing only 6 inches of waste.
Once you determine the width of the rolls you need the length is easy. Purchase each of the rolls in the total length of the garage. For example, if your garage is 24' long then you will need each of your rolls to be 24'. But what if the necessary length of garage flooring is not available? The better garage flooring retailers can special order the perfect length of flooring you need. This eliminates waste and generally saves you money. Because there are usually custom order cut charges, it is best to order a single long run of flooring instead of 3 separate rolls. In our 24' long garage, that would mean a total roll length of 72', (24'x3).
Calculating the right amount of a rubber garage floor can be a difficult task but one that is extremely important if you are planning on this impressive home improvement project. You don't want to buy too much and waste your money but you also don't want to buy too little and end up short on the job. The right calculations are important. If you are not comfortable determining how much you need, ask for help. The better retailers will be more than willing to help you order the perfect amount.
The Rubber Garage Floors mentioned in this article are available online at StoreItWell.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelley_McIntyre
Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating - How Does it Work?
So, you're sold on the idea of radiant floor heating. Of course the question becomes "What type of system do I get?" Radiant floor heating comes in three varieties: electric, hydronic (liquid), and air based systems. The hydronic system is the most popular, for reasons that will be revealed shortly.
The "how" of hydronic radiant floor heating is fairly straightforward. A boiler heats up water, which is pumped through your house. This water flows through a network of tubing that sits just underneath your floor, radiating the heat outwards, giving you a nice, consistent heat that is the trademark of the radiant floor heating systems.
This method makes for quite an efficient system. In fact, hydronic systems are the most popular radiant floor heating systems on the marker. Since liquid holds and stores heat quite efficiently, hydronic systems uses less energy than almost any other heating system. However, since you'll need a boiler, a plumbing system, and installation underneath the floor, they aren't easy to install. In fact, they are quite a pain unless you're building a new house or an addition, in which case they can be a great option.
Keep in mind that you're not going to be getting any cooling from this system. If you need cooling, you'll need to look for alternate methods, such as forced air, or evaporative coolers. These can coexists peacefully with in floor heating, so don't worry. Just something to consider.
There are two types of hydronic systems available. The traditional "wet" system embeds the tubing into a concrete slab on the floor, which makes it quite efficient, since the concrete slab will absorbs heat and continually radiate it outwards throughout the day.
A "dry" system puts the tubes underneath the floor framing. A series of reflectors and diffusers help contain and diffuse the heat evenly. These systems are great if you don't have or don't want to deal with a concrete slab, but they aren't quite as efficient. They are still a good option, though, if your situation demands it.
If you are building or renovating your house, and you want to try a new, luxurious heating system, be sure to look into radiant floor heating. Because of it many advantages, you just might find that it becomes your favorite thing about your house. Talk to a professional today to learn about this great heating system. Thanks for reading.
David Wilson is the man behind the Radiant Floor Heating Guide Visit the site to learn more about the various types of radiant floor heating, including hydronic radiant floor heating
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_C_Wilson
Electric Radiant Floor Heating Can Keep You Warm On The Coldest Days
Are you looking for an efficient way to heat your home? Are you tired of being cold in the winter? The answer to your heating problem might lay in electric radiant floor heating. This type of heat flows through the floors of your home and gradually warms the entire room as the radiant heat slowly rises. Here are some helpful tips and information on this type of heating source.
An interesting fact about radiant heat is that it has actually been around since ancient Roman times. The Romans ran flues from slave tended, wood burning fires, under elevated marble floors. This would result in a heated floor that would heat the whole room, keeping its occupants toasty warm.
Obviously, electric radiant floor heating has evolved significantly over the centuries. These days, plastic pipes have taken the place of metal. This makes the heat much more affordable and easier to install. Unlike forced air furnaces, this type of heating system not only increases the comfort of a home, but it also reduces energy costs.
There are other advantages also. One of the biggest of them has to do with the silence of the heating system. There are no clanking radiators and no whoosh of a forced air furnace. There is nothing but silence and satisfying heat.
If you compare a forced air furnace to an electric radiant floor heating system you will immediately notice which is the better deal. The forced air furnace will shoot out warmed air into the room that immediately rises to the ceiling. The top of your head may stay warm, but your toes are still cold. That's why we often use throw blankets while watching TV or reading a book in our favorite recliner.
With the radiant floor heating there are no big fluctuations in the heat of the room. Your whole body stays warm from your toes up to the top of your head. The temperature of the room stays even. You will be more comfortable even in the coldest climates.
The system is installed by connecting a series of wires, which are ran below the sub floor of the home. The unit is designed to be used with hardwood or ceramic flooring. If you have a home that has carpeting and a lot of padding, you won't be able to use this type of heat. It will be insulated too much and it will not allow the heat to rise through the padding and carpeting. The result will be a very chilly room.
So there you have some interesting facts and great tips on electric radiant floor heating. Use these tips wisely and start saving money on your winter heating bill.
You can find out more about Electric Radiant Floor Heating as well as much more information on everything to do with radiant floor heating at http://www.RadiantFloorHeatingInfo.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards
Electric Radiant Floor Heating - Pros and Cons
As you may already know, radiant floor heating is a great alternative heating method that is gaining more attention in recent years. Unlike forced air heating systems, radiant floor heating systems give a nice, even, luxurious heat to a room.
There are several types of radiant floor heating, with the two main types being electric and hydronic. We'll be talking about the electric system in this article.
So, how does this electric radiant heating work? More or less, the system is an electric blanket that sits under your floor. Electric cables run underneath your floor, and generate heat from resistance, just like an electric blanket. Easy enough to understand. Let's talk about the pros and cons of this system.
One obvious issue is that electricity is quite expensive. To save electricity, it is generally more efficient to install the system over a concrete floor base. The concrete will absorb up the heat, and radiate out slowly, giving the radiant heating system its characteristic "glowing warmth". If you install the same system in something like a wood floor base, none of the heat will be absorbed, leading to an inefficient system. In fact, if you can't install the system in some sort of slab, you're better off just getting a hydronic system.
One situation where electric radiant heating does shine, though, is for additions where running the main heating system over is not practical. Since electric radiant heating requires no furnace or boiler, it is very convenient to install. Of course, since it doesn't provide cooling, you may want to run ducts in anyways, or use some other sort of cooling method. For heating in an odd addition, though, electric radiant heating is a great way to go.
You can see that electric radiant floor heating isn't a magic bullet. It can be inefficient for the amount of heat it provides, that is for sure. However, if you have the right setup, or simply have a hard to heat addition, be sure to give electric in floor heating systems a closer look.
David Wilson is the man behind the Radiant Floor Heating Guide. Visit the site to learn more about the various types of radiant floor heating, including electric radiant floor heating.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_C_Wilson
Shabby Chic - Creating the Look
Shabby Chic has become an increasingly popular style of home decor over the last few years. Some call it glamour styling, but whatever you call it, there is nothing more charming and romantic! Let's find out how easy it is to create the shabby chic look.
The first rule for decorating in this style is that all surfaces and soft furnishings are pale or shiny. Occasionally a little black or dark navy is added for dramatic contrast on woodwork or furniture. Furniture is normally kept fairly simple. For example, a sofa covered in pale damask is perfect for the shabby chic look.
Floors can be carpeted or wood. When using wood flooring, an off white or cream color is absolutely stunning! You can accomplish the look yourself if you already have wood floors. Simply sand the floor down, paint it with a pale colored paint that is durable and made for floors. Finish off with a couple of coats of semi-gloss polyurethane for protection. If you decide to use carpeting, a biscuit colored berber is perfect for using in the shabby chic decor.
There are a variety of ways to decorate your walls. A pale, neutral colored paint for the walls adds to the roomy and airy feeling. You can also use wallpaper, with patterns such as a fine striped or delicate floral effect. Top this with a textured border that depicts a three-dimensional effect for a striking room!
If you have large picture windows in your home, these are perfect for the shabby chic style. Use delicate sheers in pale colors, or a small stripe or floral pattern works as long as the colors stay in the white, pale pink or cream color. A very small touch of black or navy will work as well.
Accent your new look with distressed finished pieces such as wall mirrors, chandeliers and plant stands. A plant stand overflowing with delicate greenery adds romance and charm to your room. You can also find magazine racks, candleholders and shelves that are designed in the shabby chic decor style.
Shabby chic is the way to go if you're a romantic and love the charm and elegance this style affords.
You can also use this style and stay within your budget, since there are many aspects of this decor that you can easily do yourself. So get started on that new look - you will love the clean, uncluttered and airy atmosphere this style lends to your home!
Tess Tackett is the owner of All About Home Decor where you will find exquisite home and garden decor in many styles at wholesale prices! Also visit her blog, Interior Motives for more decorating tips and recipes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teresa_Tackett
Stop Runny Noses in Daycare Centers with Radiant Floor Heating
Stop Runny Noses in Daycare Centers with Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating for daycare centers are ideal to combat sickness, allergies, and keep the little ones care warm and comfortable ... all while saving energy!
How does Radiant Heating make a Healthier Daycare Center?
1. Radiant heating does not blow air around, circulating mold, bacteria, viruses, dust, and other indoor air pollution.
a. Reduces sickness by decreasing the spread of germs.
b. Minimize asthma attacks.
c. Significantly decrease allergic reactions from dust, mold, and other contaminates.
2. Eliminates dangerous combustion sources, such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, and wood.
a. Reduce fire hazards – most electric radiant floor heating products do not carry a risk of fire.
* Note: Check for UL listing.
b. No carbon monoxide emissions.
3. Keep Children Comfortably Warm from the Ground Up
a. Hot air rises, so most daycare centers must keep heaters at uncomfortably high temperatures to try to keep the children warm near the ground.
b. Keeping babies and children warm and comfortable where they play and walk is only possible with radiant floor heating.
c. When children stay warm, there are less runny noses, too.
In addition to the above-listed reasons to use radiant floor heating in your daycare or childcare facility, you can rest easy that you are using an environmentally friendly product.
When choosing a radiant floor heating company for your system, make sure to check:
1. Are they UL-listed?
2. Does it produce any EMR? (electromagnetic radiation known to cause cancer and a host of other health problems)
3. Are they environmentally friendly and energy-efficient systems?
4. Can systems be installed under all of your floor coverings?
5. Are installation services or DIY support available?
6. What is the lead-time?
7. Do they offer customized quotations based on your exact floor plan and needs?
8. Is installation difficult?
9. Is it a maintenance-free system?
10. Will I have to worry about floor buildup?
Above all, be sure to shop around to make certain that you have chosen the correct company. Ask for references if you are uncertain about a company.
Radiant floor heating is just one of several options to help make your daycare center healthier and safer. Be sure to check for other benefits of being an environmentally-friendly facility, such as tax breaks, grants, and special listings to help market your business.
For more information about safety and indoor air quality:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Air Quality Division - http://www.epa.gov/iaq/
Underwriters Laboratories - http://www.ul.com/
Indoor Air Quality Association - http://www.iaqa.org/
About the Author:
Ingrid Weir is a member of an elite team of electric radiant floor heating professionals. Being a mother, herself, Ingrid prides herself in researching healthy and eco-friendly ways to raise and support her children and help others do the same.
Ingrid Weir
For more information on Speedheat® electric radiant floor heating systems for under tile, carpeting, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, area rugs, and more, please visit www.speedheat.us.
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_193317_40.html
Will Epoxy Floor Paint Spruce Up Your Garage?
Let's face it, you are sick and tired of looking at your dirty, stained concrete garage floor. Epoxy floor paint is an excellent way to preserve your concrete flooring. Pulling your vehicle onto a beautiful, shiny showroom floor every night after work is a great feeling.
Epoxy floor paint is a very durable long lasting coating that is painted onto your concrete floor. It is a popular choice, especially among car enthusiasts because it resists oil, grease and other chemicals and substances that would otherwise damage standard types of paint.
Another reason this product is popular is that it is easy to clean if you do spill something onto it. There is a variety of colors available to use and regardless of the color; your flooring will look great for years.
Now this may sound like a great idea to you, however, it can be quite a labor-intensive job to undertake. Preparing concrete for epoxy floor paint can be a lot of work. In addition, not all concrete will hold the paint. To tell whether your floor is able to be painted you will have to do a moisture test. Tape a plastic bag to the floor and wait for twenty-four hours.
Once the time has lapsed, lift a corner of the bag to look for moisture. If there is moisture under the plastic then do not apply epoxy floor paint to your garage floor because the water will break the bond of the epoxy. If your concrete passes this test then another test is the weather test. The temperature outside must be between sixty and ninety degrees and the concrete must be at least fifty-five degrees as well.
If all these conditions are met then you can begin the process. If it is a completely bare concrete floor then you can begin the process, if it is a painted floor then the paint should be removed first.
Purchase good epoxy floor paint from your local hardware store or home improvement center. Make sure you follow the directions that come with the product. When you are ready to begin, make sure you wear the proper protective clothing and eyewear.
Your garage floor should be properly prepared before applying the epoxy floor paint. This job entails a lot of hard work as the floor needs to scraped and cleaned. Once any surface debris has been scraped off then make sure you sweep it thoroughly. A concrete cleaner and degreaser is then applied to the floor by scrubbing until the floor is clean.
Once the cleaning process has dried, you can begin the application of the epoxy floor paint. Be sure to follow the instructions that accompany the paint.
Your garage floor should be protected and we provide several different methods to protect any concrete floor whether using a garage floor sealer or any type of epoxy floor paint
by D. Karlson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Karlson
Prefinished versus unfinished hardwood floors
Deciding between prefinished versus unfinished hardwood floors can be difficult. You need to consider the pros and cons of each before making a decision.
Unfinished hardwood flooring is delivered raw then sanded, stained and finished on site. It is available in more widths and wood species than prefinished flooring and can be matched to existing wood floors.
Prefinished hardwood flooring has been engineered and finished at the factory, so it does not require any further treatment once it has been installed.
Prefinished hardwood flooring is relatively quick easy to install. Since it has already been coated at the factory, it is also far more convenient as no sanding or finishing needs to be done on site. This is a time consuming and dusty process that you may wish to avoid.
The multiple coats of finish applied at the factory give prefinished wood flooring a very durable wear layer and the finish itself is under warranty by the manufacturer. Such a durable finish can't be achieved on floors finished on the job site.
Prefinished hardwood floors are more versatile as they can be installed over a wider range of subfloors than unfinished hardwood floors. Because prefinished flooring can be floated, that is, not attached to the subfloor, they can be installed over almost any type of subfloor including concrete. Also, the durable coating on prefinished flooring and its engineered design makes it more resistant to moisture and humidity, making it suitable for climatic regions with high humidity or large variations in temperature, or when the subfloor is below grade and more prone to moisture.
However, when refinishing engineered prefinished flooring, it is necessary to remove a lot more wood to achieve a level floor, so you will lose more life of the floor in the first refinish than with a solid hardwood floor. Also prefinished hardwood floors are harder to clean between the cracks, as they are not sealed at the job site like unfinished hardwood floors.
A custom sanded hardwood floor is perfectly flat looking, with a tabletop appearance that can’t be achieved with a prefinished hardwood floor. If the subfloor is uneven, then a pre-finished floor will be uneven. Since unfinished flooring is sanded flat on site, it is more forgiving of slight irregularities in the subfloor.
If your prefinished floor is damaged, the whole section of flooring will need to be removed and replaced, whereas in most cases, site finished hardwood flooring can be easily fixed with a quick sanding and finish.
Over time, it is easy to forget who the manufacturer of the prefinished hardwood flooring is, making it difficult to get an exact match if part of the floor needs to be replaced. There is also the possibility that your prefinished flooring will be discontinued in the future and so you will be unable to order replacement boards.
There are several factors to consider which should make your decision a little easier:
• Is your home of historical significance? Unfinished flooring would be more appropriate - to capture the old-world charm and keep the look authentic, or to match existing historical flooring, hand-distressing and aging techniques can be used.
• Are the fumes and dust resulting from finishing the floor on-site a concern, eg if children or pets will be present?
• Consider the location of your new wood floor – will it be in a high traffic or moisture area such as the kitchen or bathroom? If so, prefinished flooring is best as it has a more durable finish.
• Are you looking for a specific plank width, unusual wood species or color? Unfinished wood provides many more options.
• Are you installing wood floors throughout the entire home, or just in isolated rooms? If throughout your home, unfinished wood may be best. Having your floors finished on site will help ensure a uniform color and finish.
• What type of installation technique is required? Only prefinished flooring can be floated above a concrete sub floor. If the flooring is to be installed below grade, prefinished flooring is the recommended choice.
• Does your new wood floor need to match with an existing wood floor? If so, unfinished flooring is easier to stain and match.
• What is your budget? Unfinished flooring is typically the more expensive option.
• Do you live in an area with high humidity? If so, prefinished flooring is the better option as it is more resistant to buckling and warping.
Resources:
http://tamalpaishardwoodfloors.com
http://www.thehardwoodfloorguys.com/prefinished.html
Laminate Flooring vs. Vinyl Flooring: Which is Best for Your Needs?
If you are looking at remodeling your kitchen, deciding what type and style of flooring to go with can be just as important as what type of kitchen cabinets to install and what brand and style of appliances to select for the room, if not slightly more so. Without a nice floor, your kitchen will fast lose its appeal and it should be a nice, pleasant place for people to go and be able to have a meal. Many people even go to the kitchen to talk and socialize, so it is important that you get the right floor covering for your needs and you are as pleased with your kitchen as you can possibly be. After awhile, kitchen flooring is semi-permanent, and whatever you pick you are probably going to have to stick with.
After figuring what your budget is, it is much easier to have some idea of what type of flooring you will realistically be able to afford, especially with all other expenses considered including materials and installation. Many times, laminate and vinyl flooring come up as the most cost effective option, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. While many people may wish they could have their real bamboo or cherry wood flooring, or perhaps that marble floor that you have always dreamed of, it is not often affordable.
Of the two choices, laminate flooring is definitely the least expensive but vinyl flooring is also an affordable option. Laminate flooring is great for many people because it is a cheaper alternative to some of the more expensive flooring options, like expensive wood or marble. Laminate flooring can be made to look just like the other type of flooring that you may have wanted but was unable to afford, but obviously of a lesser quality.
While it is not necessarily the same thing, laminate flooring does have its own advantages. For example:
Laminate flooring can give you the look of real bamboo, marble, or wooden flooring.
Laminate flooring is easy to clean. You don't have to have any expensive polishes or oils to clean your floor, just a wet mop and some cleaning supplies and you are ready to go.
Laminate flooring is very durable and long-lasting, if you take care of it properly and it is installed correctly.
Laminate flooring comes at a relatively low cost compared to other types of flooring, so if you are on a budget and want quality that is the perfect thing for you.
While laminate flooring is a great option, people are also deciding to go after vinyl flooring options as well. Vinyl is one of the most popular types of flooring out there as well. There are many reasons why, but the main ones have to do with the fact that not only is vinyl durable, but it is rather comfortable as well, as far as non-carpet flooring options go.
While it is not necessarily one of those things that everybody wants to have to settle for, vinyl is a lovely option for kitchen floor covering and like laminate flooring, it has its own set of advantages. For example:
Vinyl is available in large sheets or in tiles, so however you feel like dealing with your installation is up to you. Whether you want the tiled look or not, vinyl has got you covered.
Vinyl comes in many different colors and patterns, which makes it perfect for typing your kitchen floor up with a certain type of décor if you want to. This is something that other flooring options do not afford you.
Vinyl comes in self-adhesive form or you can purchase the flooring adhesive for the vinyl flooring. Either way, installation is much easier.
Whatever option you choose, both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring are excellent options for any kitchen makeover project or just for a simple change to one of your most well-used rooms. Your kitchen is important; it is the place that meals are prepared and maybe even a place where friends and family congregate, so it is important that you are pleased with your decision on flooring options. Whichever option you choose, vinyl or laminate, you have a variety of decorating options open to you.
This article is sponsored by My Dream Home Registry, the gift registry for everything home. Visit them on the web at www.mydreamhomeregistry.com
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_496092_27.html
The Different Types of Garage Floor Paint You Can Use
As far as garage floor paint is concerned, you have many options - latex, epoxy, and polyurethane. These paints can be directly applied over concrete. As far as these paints are concerned, epoxy is the most popularly used for garages. This is because it can bond well to the surface and produce a solid, durable surface that can resist stains and oils. The only downside with this type of paint is that you would have to devote a lot of time in preparing the floor prior to the actual paint application.
First off, you have to make sure that the floor of your garage is free from all types of dust and dirt that could settle into the paint as it dries. Epoxy is not advisable for use on garages that are exposed to too much light from the sun because it turns yellow over time. It also loses its gloss after being exposed to harsh sunlight. When applying epoxy paint on the surface, do so during the summer or the hotter weathers. When it is cold outside, the paint would take a longer time to dry. On the average, you have to wait for 48 hours before you set foot on the garage or use it to park your vehicle in.
Polyurethane is another good choice for garage floor paint. This paint is more resistant to spills than epoxy. It won't fade or turn to yellow as easily either. Polyurethane is very durable and glossy. However, you have to do an extra step before you can apply polyurethane onto your surface. You have to apply some primer first so that the polyurethane paint would bond properly to concrete.
Latex garage floor paint is another great alternative. It is cheap and that is one of the reasons why a lot of people are using it. However, this paint requires longer drying time. You need to seal the door of your garage for a full 72 hours to let the paint stick permanently to the concrete. Latex can resemble the look of stonework, antique, or even leather. The only downside of this type of paint is the fact that you have to put a protective cover over it to protect its finish. You would also need to put grooves onto the paint as it could get a little too slippery. It can also be damaged by the sun so it is not a good option for garage that doesn't have roof covering.
Sal provides expert information about different garage ideas through his website: Garage Floor Paint. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sal_Farzin |
Why Rubber Flooring Could Brighten up Your Home
If you have been thinking of updating your flooring then it is likely that you have thought about carpet, hardwood or laminate flooring. Very rarely does rubber come into the mind as a possible flooring material. However, rubber can actually look surprisingly good in certain rooms and so it is certainly worth considering!
Why Rubber Flooring May Be the Answer
Whilst rubber flooring is not overly popular, there are some rooms where it would fit right in. Three rooms in particular where rubber could fit well include the office, in a home gym and in children's bedrooms.
The home gym in particular is a room in which rubber would be really well suited. It is really durable and it will withstand heavy furniture and gym equipment. On a wooden floor gym equipment can often cause scratches and it does not always feel overly secure. With rubber flooring it would also be safer to use as if you slip or accidentally fall off the equipment, you will have a soft landing. Usually schools use this type of flooring in their gymnasiums as it is safer for the children and it is also economical in the fact that it does not need replacing very often.
Another room rubber flooring could fit right into is the home office. Once again the furniture will not be able to scratch the floor and it is easy to maintain too. You do not really have a lot of time to spend cleaning when you work from home. So having a floor which is easy to clean and which will only need washing occasionally is definitely a good idea. It also looks quite nice within an office environment too so it is certainly worth considering.
Finally the children's bedrooms are another place where rubber flooring will go well. With it being easy to clean you will not have to worry too much about the mess that children can make. Anybody who has children will know that they have the ability to make a mess out of nothing. Carpets can easily get stained and hardwood floors would simply be too dangerous for children as they constantly slip and fall over. So rubber flooring is a safe alternative that will cushion their fall if they ever do get a little over excitable. Also something which you may not have thought about is that rubber can be cut into various shapes and sizes. This means that you can make creative designs that your children will love.
Overall rubber is not always the first choice of flooring around the home, but it is definitely better suited in some circumstances.
Adam Peters loves writing for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com You can find more information and resources on bamboo flooring at his website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Peters
RSS Feed (xml)
