2008 Trends in Bathrooms Tempt Buyers

If you are thinking of putting your house on the market, take a weekend to improve it without breaking your budget.

Real estate agents are advising that in today's realty market, home owners do not get their money back on big renovating jobs. Therefore a small reno job is all that you should be considering to make your home more attractive to prospective buyers.

The new trend for bathrooms is for the area to become a 'haven' - a place to luxuriate and relax in hot bubbly water. Transformation into a haven can be achieved for very little initial outlay as this is usually a small room, and most of us have white bathroom fitments already.

Almost all of us can paint the walls, doors and windows in our home. Not only is it an easy job, it is a cheap job, and it makes a huge amount of difference in a home. The last two years have seen a big change in home decor; color schemes are almost non-existent.

To modernize your bathroom, paint it all in white, cream, pale beige or silver gray. The favorite color scheme is white all over with either silver gray or beige trim. This may sound austere to you, but it does suggest a recent decorating job to the prospective buyer.

You could completely remodel your bathroom just by using color - or rather neutral non-color! Do not be tempted to omit painting the bathroom ceiling. It may look pristine now, but once the walls are completed, the white of the ceiling will look shabby. Keep a fan running near the open window and do it all in one go.

Bathrooms suffer through a lot of steam due to showers and baths. It is advisable to paint them using the range of paints especially designed for bathrooms; these help to prevent fungus forming on the walls in the moist atmosphere.

If you decide not to paint white walls, but to choose a beige or gray tone, buy a small pot of the paint and come home and run a tester. Do this by painting a large square on the wall, say two foot by two foot and leave it to dry. (Drying makes a big difference to the color.)

If you are replacing flooring in the bathroom, then check out the bamboo colored wood floor tiles. Choose the same tone in your bathroom storage baskets, to carry the look through. If your bathroom still has all the teak or dark wood trim, consider painting them all white if they are not oiled.

If the sealant around the tub is old or grubby, it is a few dollars for you to replace it and it makes a big difference. Putting in a new set of bathroom taps will especially enhance the vanity unit; it is easy to do and also very inexpensive.

Once you have the bathroom decorated, resist the temptation to go out and buy some nice brightly colored towels and baths to 'liven it up'! This is a dated idea, and your bathroom will look more attractive if you stick to the neutrals and earth tones.

The type of lighting you have will also make a big difference to your color choice, so look at your two by two foot painted sample and decide if you really like the shade, by morning, by evening and by artificial light.

Once all this hard work is over, we come to the fun part. Creating the 'haven' feeling is mostly a question of color and lighting. If you have chosen neutrals you have the correct foundation for projecting a cozy ambiance.

Of course, the bathroom must be a functional place in the morning when there is a scramble to get to work and school etc. Lighting needs to be serviceable at this time of the day, but if dimmer bulbs are used they can become more welcoming in the evening.

If this idea is not practical, then use a secondary lighting system. Either have a wall lamp with a warm-tinted lampshade or use a pink or amber bulb in the light, or simply use candles (or both!).
A shower curtain with a filmy over-curtain will soften the feeling of having a cold plastic sheet around the bath tub. If you are lucky enough to have room for a narrow shelf unit or side table, this would go a great way towards promoting the haven atmosphere. It is somewhere to rest your glass of wine, cup of coffee or book!

Soft music playing creates the atmosphere that you want, and the last touch would be something to keep the air sweet: perhaps a bowl of oil scented potpourri (in neutral colors?).

Carolyn Capalbo is an expert military relocation specialist and real estate agent serving Virginia's Prince William County real estate market. Visit Just4Real.com to find updated market information about areas in Prince William, including Fairfax County real estate.

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Tags: Trends, Bathrooms, Buyers, Paint

Spring Cleaning Tips: Garage Flooring Ideas

Many people fail to realize the number of garage flooring ideas available. In fact, most people mistakenly believe the only possibility for covering the bottom of their garage is plain concrete. This simply is not true. In reality, there are a wide variety of garage flooring ideas available to meet anyone's needs.

Epoxy and Painting Garage Flooring Ideas

Even if you do want to keep your garage floor plain concrete, it is a good idea to cover it with an epoxy coat. Of the garage flooring ideas, this is the simplest to implement. It is important, however, to be sure to purchase epoxy coating that is created specifically for floors and that will adhere to the concrete. Otherwise, you risk the possibility of the coating peeling. Epoxy coating is inexpensive and helps protect the floor. It also makes it easier to clean the surface in the case of spills and even a clear coat of epoxy can make the garage more cheerful and bright.

Of course, the garage floor can also be painted to help protect the floor and add to the overall mood of the garage. This is one of the more difficult garage flooring ideas, however, because the floor must be thoroughly cleaned beforehand. In addition, painting the floor thoroughly can be quite an undertaking � particularly in a large garage.

Other Garage Flooring Ideas

In addition to coating or painting the garage floor, there are many additional garage flooring ideas to choose from. For example, floor mats are a popular choice. Floor mats can be easily rolled out onto the floor surface and they protect the floor from grease and oil. In addition, they resist condensation. Floor mats also add an element of safety to the garage because they are non-conductive. Available in a wide variety of patterns and colors, floor mats a practical solution to garage flooring.

Garage flooring ideas do not, however, have to be limited to those that work well with dirt and grime. Not all garages are even used for parking cars. In fact, many people use their garages simply for storage. In this case, you may even want to consider installing carpeting or tiling in the garage in order to make it more comfortable and inviting. Implementing any one of these garage flooring ideas will certainly help you create a garage to be proud of.

Carlo Morelli writes for Onlinetips.org, where you can read tips on
how to seal tile grout, cleaning ceramic tile grout and other home/garden projects

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Tags: Cleaning, Tips, Spring, Ideas, Flooring, Garage

Pros and Cons to Under Floor Heating

Under floor heating is a luxury that many of us would love to have. It not only gives us bragging rights, but it also is a wonderful addition to any home. After all, who wouldn't want to jump out of bed in the morning and not have to put on slippers? All over the globe people are taking off their socks and switching to under floor heating.

The #1 reason why people love under floor heating is because the heat is not just stored in one area. Everyone hates when their heater only warms up one tiny side of the room. We all have been there � frustrated with the furnace, and at some point we end up stubbing our toe just to try and punish the heat consumer. However, with under floor heating, warmth is distributed through the entire space, leaving many people cozy.

Another pro to under floor heating is the noise factor. Luckily with heating underneath, there is absolutely no sound. This makes it undetectable and is great because no one even realizes it is there. By keeping it hidden, you are able to do anything you'd like with the open space. Most people get very frustrated with the bulky radiators in their way. The last thing they want is an ugly piece of machinery sticking out of their wall. Fortunately, under floor heating provides extra space! This way any home decorator will get to add even more to their rooms.

There are also many other reasons why people are dying to change their heating systems. Although the installation itself is quite costly, you will be saving energy afterwards. This environment friendly option will cut your bills and allow you to focus on other problems around your house. You also will feel much better knowing that you are saving the environment by switching to underfloor heating. Controlling your heating system is also extremely straightforward. The manual is very easy to read and it is as simple as pushing a button.

Although the under floor heating is considered affordable, the installation is actually expensive. Therefore, it may be difficult for the normal home owner to afford such a luxury. It also generally takes a long time to heat up and cannot cool down immediately. Fortunately, DIY underfloor heating system kames installation easier. Another problem that worries owners is that the flooring may crack if you put in the heating yourself. If you have never done under floor heating before, it may be smart to contact a professional.

With thousands of people converting to under floor heating, many people believe that in a few years, it will be the norm in every home. After all, it is a great item to have if you have a large home with high ceilings. Most enormous quarters do not keep heat in very easily and hundreds of dollars are spent just trying to keep it slightly warm. Luckily, in this case, under floor heating will provide an owner with an affordable way to stay cozy throughout the winter.

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Tags: Heating, Floor, winter, rooms

Refinish Your Hardwood Floor Like a Pro

This article is written by a pro of refinishing hardwood floors since I have done too many to count. Maybe 300 would be a good guess. My father was in the business full time (as well as aluminum windows and doors (which I'll write another article about that soon) and while I attended college, and for a short time after, I worked with him as well as on my own refinishing hardwood floors.

In fact, I just did my mother-in-law's last summer and my back still hurts!

Before you even think of starting this DIY project, you need to be fairly good shape. There is a lot of bending, kneeling and scraping :(

Ok, you still are here reading so I guess you are serious :o)

Here are the easy? steps to a beautiful, shiny hardwood floor:

1. Determine what kind of finish you would like first. There are a couple choices, low gloss and high gloss. It's strictly taste as they both wear the same. I prefer a polyurethane paint but some like varnishes. I found urethane to be a durable finish and won't yellow over time. Look for 'non-yellowing' on the can.

2. Go to your local hardware store that carries floor sanders, edger sander, pain scrapers, sandpaper (medium) and the floor paint.

3. Prepare your floor by filling in any blemishes, depressions, cracks and nail holes.

4. Sweep and then vacuum floor. (at this point I would hang a plastic sheet over any door openings if the door has been removed (new construction etc).

5. Sand main floor being careful to keep sander going in same direction. Start with a coarse sandpaper and switch to finer for second sanding. The first sanding is to get to bare wood and the second for a finished look.

6. Sand the edges. The trick here is to use a fairly light touch and rotate the sander in semi-circle reducing sand marks.

7. Now the fun part. Take your scraper in scrape the corners and under heaters. Don't worry about under heaters too much as it won't be that noticeable.

8. Whew! The hard part is done. Now the fun part. Sweep and vacuum floor and if you see a swirl or sanding marks scrape the out.

9. Put the sealer down. Wait at least 2 hours, hand sand the whole floor, vacuum and apply the urethane. If you don't have air conditioning, put a fan on the floor to dry it quicker.

10. I usually waited at least 4-5 hours for it dry, most of the time overnight. I recommend at least 2 coats of urethane for a durable, hard finish.

For More Free Resources visit www.thedesignbuild.com

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Tags: Refinish, Hardwood, Floor, heaters

Take The Living Room Outside

If you mention the word flooring to most people they will immediately think of something that is inside the house, either carpet or vinyl tiles, for instance. However, flooring does not need to be in the house, because now there's a huge range of outdoor flooring available which can really transform your garden or patio. In fact some of them have such beautiful designs that you might even feel that your outdoors looks better than your indoors, and want to spend more of your time there.

One of the best places to fit outdoor flooring is the patio, and for this area there is a range of flooring options available. One of the most common ones is wooden tiles, which can be used to turn your patio floor into a really comfortable space, somewhere where it is almost comfortable to sit on the floor itself. However, the best thing about wooden tiles is that they are easy to clean, and some makes of tile actually have an underlayment which helps them to drain easily during wet weather. They are also extremely durable, and as an extra advantage there is also the fact that they can be taken with you when you move house. Simply pull them up and relay them onto a new patio.

However, wood is not the only choice, and if you're looking for something a little bit different you may want to look at rubber flooring as an option. Rubber flooring is available in fairly muted colors, but if you're looking for something that will really bring your garden to life you might choose some rubber tiles in yellow or green for instance. If you really want to make a splash then you could even hire a professional company to produce a rubber floor with your own design and it, something which can be great for areas where children play. Not only do you get a great design but you also get safety as part of the bargain.

And don't only think about the patio, since garden walkways can also look better with a different covering. Covering a garden pathway with wooden blocks can be a great way to make an architectural feature in your garden, particularly during the evening if you highlight the pathway with lighting. Garden decking is also another place that can benefit from a covering such as wood tiles or rubber.

The next time you're out in your garden take a look around at the various places that might well benefit from some kind of flooring. After all, you probably spend a lot of time outdoors, so you may as well spend some time making the place as comfortable and as relaxing as possible.

Carl Formby owns and operates http://www.modernflooringchoice.com, a website dedicated to providing information on Flooring and especially Outdoor Flooring.

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Tags: Room, rubber, flooring, garden

Choosing the Right Flooring Option For Your Home

When replacing an existing floor in your home what options have you open to you? Of course you've got your standard choice of carpet throughout or the more up to date favourite of wooden or laminate flooring both of which are still extremely popular, hard wearing and acceptable in the modern household.

But what alternatives have you got open to you that will set you apart from the normal crowd? Flooring is big business, this makes sense really, every home has some kind of flooring whether it be carpet, wooden, laminate, vinyl or tiles made of varying materials. Carpet has been not so popular in recent years, over the years the consumers demand for cheaper and cheaper product drove the quality down to such a level that people moved away from carpet to other types of flooring such as, initially laminates.

The carpet market has seen an upturn in business and surprisingly, considering the reason for its down fall, the reason for its resurgence is a growth in the higher priced product, the luxury deep pile carpet. Carpet may have its down side as a floor covering but a luxurious deep pile carpet does take some beating.

10-15 years ago when laminate flooring first became popular it was the must have flooring for the home. DIY superstores had every imaginable shade of wood available as a laminate floor covering but as is the way of the market a price war broke out and the product got cheaper and cheaper and the quality suffered. At first the consumer accepted that laminate flooring was an affordable commodity but of course after the flooring being laid for a couple of years the consumer realised that it wasn't built to last and then they have to go through the process of re-laying another flooring.

In recent years in the same way the carpet market suffer before the laminate flooring market has seen a drop in business at the cheaper end of the scale but a rise in the better quality product at the higher end of the market. Floor tiles are now a popular option for flooring certain rooms of the house although floor tiles do not suit every room in the house they do lend themselves well to the rooms where water may be present, bathroom, WC and kitchen. These are the rooms that in the 1970's and 80's were covered in linoleum when the original tiles were ripped up.

The problem with floor tiles back then was that they were extremely cold to the touch, no one likes cold feet first thing in the morning and linoleum offered a warm to the foot and cost effective alternative to floot tiles. The fashion for a period was to fit cork floor tiles in kitchens but these were very difficult to keep clean so that fad soon moved away. In the 90's under floor heating became more cost effective and this offered people an option to replace the vinyl or wooden flooring with original or modern floor tiles on top of an under floor heating system that does away with the problem of cold feet.

The trend for flooring certainly looks as if the battle has been won by the better quality products, laminates have been in a lot of cases been replaced by solid wood flooring, cheap carpets are still available but we're seeing a growth in better quality luxury carpets and linoleum has been seen off by the introduction of under floor heating and the resurgence of floor tiles.

protective flooring uk You may not always agree with my writings but I hope to inform. Harwood E Woodpecker

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Tags: flooring, heating, Choosing

Electrical vs. Hydronic Underfloor Heating

When it comes to deciding which is the best underfloor heating system, you have two alternatives to choose from: electrical and hydronic systems. Both are intended to provide your floors with a warming sensation, preventing the uncomfortable cold characteristic of some floor finishing's.

Diy underfloor heating systems are the way to go for heating a home with an electric device that warms floors more evenly that underfloor heating, which is powered by an hydronic system, this is a system that requires water.

Hydronic heating systems have the inconvenient of providing heat that diminishes as the water travel further away from the boiler. However, underfloor heating systems only require about 65% to 85% electricity in comparison to Diy underfloor heating systems, powered 100% with electrical supply.

An electrical system is efficient in any environmental circumstance, including the same performance and efficiency at higher elevations, while traditional underfloor heating systems are less effective at any elevation higher that sea level.

Compared in costs, Diy underfloor heating systems does not require other maintenance that keep the power cord and heating cable in good conditions. While underfloor heating systems need annual maintenance and the change of filter to keep the water running smoothly, even though, electricity costs are dramatically increased by electrical systems.

Because the water circulates through the floor by means of tubing, pipes may require changing over time. In the case of water heating systems, the heat is produced by different devices that also could need additional maintenance, such as wood stoves, water heaters, heat pumps, solar collectors or on-demand water heaters.

Installation of heating systems also have pros and cons for each one. A diy underfloor heating system can be installed in any floor section, including a small one, because the heat is radiated from its location throughout all the floor. A typical underfloor heating system requires more localized floor space to disperse the heat concentrically

Whether you choose one system or another, both are easy to control but electric systems are more reliable, and the thermostat enables full access to heat control, while the temperature is harder to maintain when it comes to water underfloor heating systems.

Deciding on an underfloor heating system or a diy underfloor heating system depends on your need, cost you can afford and extension of floor that will be covered by the heating system. If you observe the manufacture's indications and proper care, both systems are safe to use.

Natalie Aranda writes on home and gardening. When it comes to deciding which is the best underfloor heating system, you have two alternatives to choose from: electrical and hydronic systems. Both are intended to provide your floors with a warming sensation, preventing the uncomfortable cold characteristic of some floor finishing's. A DIY underfloor heating system can be installed in any floor section, including a small one, because the heat is radiated from its location throughout all the floor.

Thank: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Aranda

Tags: Heating, Hydronic, Electrical, heaters

Engineered Hardwood Flooring - Designed to Provide Great Flooring Stability

Have you ever wondered what engineered hardwood flooring is? It is flooring that is made up of a core of hardwood, plywood or HDF that has a top layer of hardwood veneer that is glued to the surface of the core. You can find engineered hardwood flooring in just about any species of hardwood. The end product has the natural characteristics of the hardwood you selected instead of just a photographic layer. This engineered product has been designed to provide the flooring with greater stability, especially in areas of moisture or heat that would pose a problem for conventional solid hardwood flooring.

The difference between a laminate flooring, solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring is this: a laminate core floor is usually made of High Density Fiber or HDF. The top layer is a photographic layer that mimics the appearance of the product it is replicating. This can be wood, vinyl, or tile for example. This product is usually about 3/8 inch thick and has a tongue and groove locking system that doesn’t use glue. This enables you to install and reinstall the flooring several times if you wish. A laminate is the least expensive of flooring options.

Solid hardwood is the natural wood species throughout the whole flooring. This too usually comes with a tongue and groove installation. A solid hardwood floor has good sanding and refinishing capabilities. It tends to be more expensive, and solid hardwood flooring has limitations to where it can be installed due to moisture or heat issues.

Engineered hardwood flooring usually has three or more core layers. The more layers you have, the greater the stability you can expect. The core layers of engineered hardwood flooring can be made of plywood, high density fiberboard or hardwood. The best part of engineered hardwood flooring is that is does not destroy the natural warmth and beauty of a traditional solid hardwood floor. The top layer is the same genuine hardwood you would have in solid hardwood flooring.

You can add the warmth and grace of more expensive solid hardwood flooring at a fraction of the cost when you decide to use engineered hardwood flooring. With all the money you save, you may want to think about remodeling the rest of your home.

For more information about Engineered Hardwood Flooring, feel free to visit us at: http://www.aboutflooring.net/Engineered-Hardwood-Flooring.html

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Tags: Flooring, Great, Designed, Stability, engineered, hardwood

Types of Hard Flooring

This comprises of cement polyester resin and an aggregate (crushed stone or sand). It can be laid over concrete or a timber base. It provides a hardwearing non-slip surface, which has a slight texture.

Terrazzo

This is a composite material made up of cement and marble aggregate, it is then mixed and poured in situ onto a concrete base. It is then ground waxed and polished. It has a mosaic look. It can also be premade and is available in slabs or tiles. It is very hard wearing, if it is polished or wet it is very slippery. It is a suitable product to be used with under floor heating.

Terrazzo flooring in a mall situation.

It is very useful in commercial situations i.e. malls and shopping centers as it is very durable and easy to clean.

Over large expanses control joints are required to reduce the risk of cracking. It is expensive but worth it in these situations. It can be used to great effect in design work, using brass strips to define the edges with the use of different colored terrazzo between can be very effective.

Concrete Screeds

These are usually used as a base for other floor finishes. There are many forms, monolithic, laid over the concrete base within a few hours of the base being laid. Bonded - existing concrete base with aggregate exposed has a cement screed laid over it. Unbounded - a cement screed is laid over a plain existing concrete base. Floating - is laid over thermal or sound insulation materials.

Epoxy Resin

Produced by combining epoxide resin, fillers, aggregate and hardener. It can be laid over a cement screed, plywood or other surfaces. It provides a thin hardwearing layer available in numerous colors and textures. It can be made non-slip if required.

Polyester Resin

Produced by combining polyester resin, aggregates, fillers, glass fibers pigments and catalyst. It can be laid over a cement screed or plywood. It is a hardwearing product with a wide color range.

Polyurethane Resin

Produced by combining polyurethane resin and fillers. It can be laid over a cement screed or plywood. It provides a hardwearing non-slip surface available in numerous textures and colors.

All the hard flooring examples above are joint less liquid floor finishes. They start as a liquid form then harden to form the desired finish. Terrazzo and cement screed floors are required to be laid in bays with control joints to reduce the possibility of cracking and shrinkage. The majority of these products are best suited for commercial industrial and institutional applications.

Tags: Flooring, color, Hard

Epoxy Garage Floor Paint

Epoxy garage floor paint is an excellent project to undertake because it will help protect your floor from stains and deteriorating. It will also give your garage a fresh new look like that of a showroom. Another benefit is that it could save you money over the long term because it could reduce the need for major floor repairs later. You may notice that auto shops paint their floors for this very reason.

Epoxy garage floor paint is a tough protective coating that you paint onto concrete. It is meant to resist grease, oil and chemicals that would damage or ruin regular paint. It is quite easy to clean and is available in several different colors. People are very happy with the look of the floor once it has dried after application. It will keep the floor looking good for years to come.

Not all concrete floors will keep a coating of epoxy garage floor paint. A concrete floor must be prepared properly and it is not an easy job. One way to test whether your floor is suitable for this job is to tape a plastic bag to the floor for approximately twenty-four hours. If moisture appears under the plastic then you cannot coat the floor with epoxy.

If there is no moisture then you can begin the prep work before applying epoxy garage floor paint. Remove all the oil spots and degrease the floor. You will have to etch it with a mild acid and scrub it thoroughly. It will require a lot of rinsing as well. This portion of the job will take you an entire day depending on how many spills are on the floor. The next day you are going to fill in the cracks and apply the first coat of epoxy. If all goes well then the second coat can be applied the next day.

Epoxy garage floor paint should be applied when the weather is good too. The temperature should be between sixty and ninety for peak epoxy drying and curing. Before heading out and purchasing the first epoxy you find, speak to a professional at the local home renovation center or hardware store. The more information you get on this project the better.

Your garage floor should be protected and we provide several different methods to protect any concrete floor area whether using a garage floor sealer or any type of epoxy garage floor paint.
by D. Karlson

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Tags: Epoxy, Floor, Paint, Garage, concrete

Where Are The Ideal Places To Install Underfloor Heating In Your Home

Underfloor heating is one of the most versatile forms of domestic heating available to professional and DIY enthusiast alike. Today's technology has made underfloor heating affordable and easy to fit in almost any situation imaginable; from bathroom to paths, underfloor heating can be the practical and affordable solution.

Underfloor heating systems are ideal for large open areas and are substantially more effective than traditional radiators which heat the periphery of a space and rely upon convection currents to spread warmth. Because heat is emitted by every sq mtr of floor space, hot and cold spots are eliminated and droughts caused by air currents significantly reduced. Consider the floor space available and the room layout - how close will the nearest radiator be situated. If the room is too big will there be cold spots? Underfloor heating may be the solution or form part of a composite solution.

Systems are also eminently suitable for situations where available wall space is at a premium. For bathrooms and kitchens etc where domestic appliances and cupboards rightly have priority for wall space over radiators, under floor systems can provide the warmth whilst freeing wall space for the essential conveniences of modern life. Also consider the flooring material - stone and tiles can be practical, but can be cold and detract from the comfort of the room.

Conservatories are not new but the way we use them is changing. What was once the preserve of warm summer's evenings is becoming, thanks to modern building materials and insulation, an often essential extension to every day personal living and working accommodation. Under floor heating is playing a significant part in the revolution, providing warmth and comfort without need to influence the structure itself.

An increasingly important sector of the market is loft conversions and extensions, which has been undertaken in recent years has seen an exponential growth. The typical large open floor areas and lack usable wall space again make underfloor heating an attractive option. If you're look at conservatory or loft heating, will there be a base wall? Will there be sufficient room for a radiator?

Even garages, insulated summer houses and greenhouses can benefit from modern underfloor heating but what ever the project, consideration must be given to maximising the insulation and reducing wasted heat. Money spent on insulation is rarely wasted

Underfloor heating is not a panacea for heating but it is adaptable and easy to install either in a new build or as part of a retrofit DIY project.

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

Tags: Heating, Underfloor, Install, Home, houses

Save Money With Laminate Flooring

By Tom Turner

Laminate flooring is the answer for spills, messes, and cleaning up that mess. You will find many grades of laminate flooring to choose from when you start shopping for laminate flooring. This article will examine some of the many benefits to choosing laminate flooring for your next home improvement project.

Think About the Traffic

Laminate flooring is wonderful since you can choose a little less thickness for rooms that will have less use. On high traffic areas you should choose the best material as it will endure higher traffic better.

When considering the kitchen flooring laminate floor is a top choice among many. This room should be considered a high traffic area and you will need to install some thicker laminate flooring. You can tell a real difference in the quality of cheap laminate and nice think rich laminate flooring.

One benefit to laminate flooring is the fact that you can often install it yourself for most situations. The cost to have this flooring installed by a professional is not all that bad, but if you are doing it yourself you may be able to get a little higher grade material.

Cleaning Is The Key Benefit of Laminate Flooring

If you spend time in the kitchen you know how often you need to clean your flooring. Laminate flooring is very easy to maintain with only a wet mop and some light cleaner. You can clean the laminate flooring in a couple minutes with some basic household cleaner found at most any store. For this reason alone many people choose laminate flooring for any high traffic room like the kitchen and bathrooms.

For more information on flooring try visiting http://flooring-solution.com a website that specializes in providing helpful flooring tips, advice and resources to include Laminate Flooring and more.

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

Tags: Save, Money, Laminate, flooring, rooms, cleaning

How to Protect Your Garage Floor from Winter Weather

By Richard Ferguson

Focus of water damage prevention when choosing a garage floor covering.

Several easy, inexpensive garage floor covering solutions can be found online, but the main thing you want to keep in mind when choosing a product for wet weather climates is avoiding concrete deterioration in your garage floors and walls.

Choose a garage floor cover with a ribbed or textured surface.

These products are designed to capture dirt and channel melted snow and rain out of your garage. Roll out garage flooring will often feature this type of textured surface as it is designed to avoid heavy accumulation in any one area. And, since it catches dirt and debris, it also reduces messy tracks into the house! You also want to be sure whatever you install is durable, stain resistant from oil, mud, and dirt and easy to maintain.

Check the estimated installation time before you buy.

Be sure to review the installation process before you order anything for your garage floors. Often it’s as easy as unrolling the mat and sealing it, taking as little as 30 minutes! You’ll find it’s best to choose garage floor covers that do not require any sort of adhesives as they are much easier to install.

Decide how much of your garage floor you want to cover.

You can buy a garage floor covering or simple parking pad that just targets the area beneath your car. There are also several products that allow you to cover a larger area—even your whole garage.

More on garage floor covering. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Ferguson

Tags: garage, floor, surface, choosing, Winter

Floor Heating Is Cozy In The Winter

By Kurt K. Schefken

Are you feeling a bit chilly in your house? Did you have it made or did you buy it as is? You should consider these factors when shopping for a home because the age of the house can play a huge role in how much trouble you will have with the plumbing, cooling, and heating of your home. You might even buy an costly place only to discover later that everything needs to be updated. You should try to find a home that is up to your standards or if you know you need to fix it then it should be reflected in the price. You need a solid frame that won’t let leaks go through it. You need good plumbing, electrical work, and your windows should seal shut. You should know about heating that you can buy for your flooring. Floor heating can be a great purchase when you want to do a home improvement project.

Floor heating systems are not a new idea if you aren’t that familiar with them. My sister and her husband bought one a few years ago when they were building their own home. They talked to me about floor heating and then decided that this would be a great option for them. If you live in a cold climate than this is a great option for you. If you get hardwood floors then you may have to go with floor heating. If you hate walking to the kitchen in the morning with your bare feet pressing against the cold floor then you should consider getting this kind of floor heating system. Floor heating systems are one of the most popular designs for people who are creating their home on their own. You can add lots of different types of features to your home so make this one that you can enjoy all winter long.

If you want floor heating for your home that you want to build or if you want it for your current home then you can shop in lots of ways. Look online to figure out some great deals on floor heating systems. You can search different websites for the best options and keep your feet warm all winter long!

Kurt Schefken's reports can be discovered on a lot of web publications linked to granite floors and marble flooring. His publications on stone flooring are published on his webpage and other online sites.

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Tags: Heating, Floor, Winter, idea, system, house, Home

Is Radiant Floor Heating The Best Way To Heat Your Home?

By Terry Edwards

Radiant floor heating is a heating system that supplies heat directly to the floor or directly to panels in the walls or the ceiling of the house. It works by the science of heat transfer. This simply involves delivering heat from a hot surface to people and objects in the room. It is also sometimes called infrared radiation. Read on to discover more about radiant floor heating.

So what is the best way to describe this type of heating? Think about the heat that you can feel from an electric burner on your stove from across the room. That is somewhat similar to the way this type of heating feels. The big difference is the heating elements are located in the floor so the heat rises up through the floor and into the room.

Radiant heating is more efficient than standard baseboard heating. Most of the time it is also more efficient than forced air heat. The big advantage is that no energy is lost through the heating ducts in the home. The heat goes to where it is most needed and keeps a room toasty warm.

Another advantage that you have to take into consideration is that this type of heating is a lot easier on people who have allergies. There is no dust and allergens flying around the room like you would find in a forced air heating system. Without these offending elements in the air, it is much easier for people with severe allergies to breathe.

There are three types of radiant floor heating systems. They are radiant air floors, electric radiant floors and hot water radiant floor heating. The type of system used in a particular home depends on a lot of things. Some of these being the price of electricity in the area or the location of the home in relation to the power grid. Read on to uncover a little more information about each type of heating systems.

The first type that we will examine is also the least cost effective of the three. This is the air heated radiant floors. This type of floor heating is rarely installed because air does not hold heat well and is therefore not a very effective means of heating a residential building.

The second type is the electric radiant floor heating system. This is the second least cost effective type of radiant heating due to the amount of electricity it takes to run this system.

The third type is the most popular and the one installed most often. It is the hydronic or liquid radiant heating system. This system involves pumping heated water though tubing that is laid underneath the floor.

So there you have the basics of radiant floor heating systems and a good overview of what is most cost effective. They can be a great way to keep warm in the cold climates.

You can find out more about Radiant Floor Heating as well as much more information on everything to do with radiant floor heating at http://www.RadiantFloorHeatingInfo.com.

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Tags: floor, heating, Best Way, Home

Start Thinking About More Efficient Ways To Heat Your Home Next Winter

By Alana Tanner

When it gets warmer outside you tend to think more about air conditioning than heating. That's fine, but sometimes you can save a lot of money by purchasing products in the off season. So once you're done making sure your air conditioner is working for the up coming summer heat, take a look at the options for heating your home. One of the options available to you is radiant floor heating, or under floor heating.

It's generally easier to make this decision if you're building a new home or are in the middle of a major remodel as it does require you to install things under the floor. You will need to choose between electric and water (hydronic) systems. You'll also need to consider whether the installation will be embedded directly in the concrete (wet) or attached beneath the subfloor (dry).

Radiant floor heating has been used for centuries. The Romans channeled hot air under the floors of their villas. No single system is perfect for every house so you'll want to speak with an expert to get their opinion on the best method for your home.

Electric radiant floor heating is designed to warm your flooring materials which will not only heat the floor but then radiantly heat anything sitting on the floor, such as your furniture. With the objects in the room warm the air around them will maintain a higher heat level without needing your regular furnace to run as often. You also gain the benefit of a warm surface under your feet which is great on a chilly morning.

For more information on this home improvement project please visit our webpage topics on radiant floor heating systems and radiant floor heating costs.

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

Tags: Flooring, Heating, Home, Floor

Cork Flooring May Be the Answer to Your Leg Pains

By Tom Turner

Cork flooring could possibly be one of the most creative ideas to ever come along. There is very little waste in cork flooring and the process for creating it is very sound. No tress are destroyed which makes for some very happy people. Cark flooring may not be fit for every room, but it is surely worth looking into. This article will examine cork flooring and some of the benefits of this material.

Many people may not realize that cork flooring is a recycled material by way of a process using the waste from wine cork stoppers. The cork waste is recycled and then processed into cork flooring. Most cork flooring manufactures will use all natural water based products to process and create the cork flooring material. So, it is a very natural flooring material and this may be very attractive to people who are concerned about the environment.

How Did God Make It?

Cork is harvested from the bark of oak cork tree. You will mainly find this tree growing in the Mediterranean. The discovery of the benefits of cork was well known to the Egyptians and Greeks. The Egyptians used cork for olive bottle stoppers to keep it form spilling. They also used it for corking their wine bottles as still practiced in today’s society. Cork used to be harvested as fast as possible, but that all change in the 1930’s when a laws was passed that states you must wait 9 years between harvest periods for a cork oak tree bark.

Walk Lightly

The amazing thing about cork is the structure that it has naturally. That is why it makes a perfect material for cork flooring. The durability of cork flooring makes it the perfect choice for schools, court rooms, and other high traffic areas. The work place is a very common place to find cork flooring material because it can be much easier to walk on and less stress on your feet and legs.

For more information on flooring try visiting http://flooring-solution.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful flooring tips, advice and resources to include Cork Flooring and more.

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Rubber Flooring Can Have Many Uses

By Tom Turner

Rubber flooring is a nice choice for many schools, athletic gyms, and recreational places. You may even consider installing rubber flooring in your home gym or other place where a professional look and feel is desired. This article will look at some key aspects to rubber flooring to help you decide if it is for you or not.

All across this country you can find rubber flooring installed in gymnasiums, athletic clubs, and even in some work shops. It is an extremely durable flooring, and easy to care for. You may even find it in some places that are not commonly thought about.

If you have dogs you might want to create a nice environment for your pets for training purposes or just to give the m the life of luxury. Rubber flooring is aggregate choice for these types of room. The durability is very nice and goes well if you have a training room set up for teaching your dogs or starting a business.

Another convenient place that you will find rubber flooring will be at your local golf course. Many golf shops across the world have installed nice looking rubber flooring to not only protect their facility, but they are much easier on your shoes as well.

If you have a room where you tend to have little feet tracking in mud and debris you may consider rubber flooring as it will clean easily. If the worker comes home and walks in the room with their boots on there will be no harm done. This can be very nice in many situations.

If you have the luxury of building a recreation room large enough for your kids to play basketball or hockey they can do so on rubber flooring. Many indoor hockey arenas use rubber flooring instead of ice. It is really a different game and the athletes use roller blades as skates.

Rubber flooring can make a wonderful play ground surface as well. You could install a jungle gym and other items for your children and not worry about them getting dirty or tracking anything in the house. You could even build the gym in the home.

For more information on flooring try visiting flooring-solution.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful flooring tips, advice and resources to include Rubber Flooring and more.

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Tags: Rubber flooring, athletic gyms, rubber, flooring

Garage Flooring Paint - Renew Your Garage Floor with Paint

By Gregg Hicks

If you're tired of looking at that dreary unattractive floor in your garage, take a stand! Utilize garage flooring paint. Not only is painting a great protection for your floor but it also provides an added dimension to your garage. Your choices are many and you are sure to find just the right product to match your home's style and colors.

Many of us have oil spots, radiator fluid stains or grease spots on the garage floor. Though most garage floors are equipped to handle such nasty spills and stains, they still make the area unattractive and difficult to clean.

It is important to use garage flooring paint that is specifically designed for the purpose. Using standard paint can cause more issues than just an unattractive floor. Oil based paints will heat up and melt to anything that may run across them, where as water based paint will wash away during attempted cleaning. Using one of the many garage floor paints available on the market can eliminate these problems.

Garage Flooring Paint

The garage flooring paint must be applied to an extremely clean floor. There are solutions available to remove old dirt and stains that may be on your concrete floor. If you are still unable to remove the stains, you may want to try using a pressure washer. Once your floor is clean and dry you can apply the garage floor paint. These paints are designed to withstand oils and other common liquids that may come from vehicles in your garage. Staining once the paint is applied should not be a problem.

Another option that adds a little spice to your garage floor is masonry staining. As with the garage floor paint, it gives you a splash of style but keeps your floors practical. Stain can be purchased in a variety of colors.

With both options, cleaning will still be necessary. Instructions for cleaning should come with the particular type of paint or stain you purchase. If you cannot locate cleaning instructions, call the manufacturer, as proper maintenance is crucial to the performance and longevity of your newly surfaced floor.

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.

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