Laminate Flooring Problems You Should Be Aware Of

Like all types of flooring that you install in your home, you may never have laminate flooring problems, but just in case you do, you should be ware of how to repair them. The usual problems that homeowners have with this type of flooring are:
* Peaking
* Buckling
* Gapping
* Mold and mildew
* Expanding chipped corners

Peaking refers to the boards pushing one another up in places in the floor and forming a type of small peak. It could be the result of a lack of room for the flooring to expand because there was not enough room left around the sides of the room. To repair this problem, follow the board along to the wall and remove the baseboard or molding. Thai may allow the flooring the space it needs or you may need to cut away some of the laminate close to the wall. Then you can replace the baseboard.

Moisture and water damage can cause the flooring to buckle. A laminate floor should never be wet mopped because the moisture can get into the MDF layer of the plank and damage it. If this is a problem you encounter, you will have to replace the floor.

Gapping happens when the planks of the flooring start to pull away from one another. However, this problem does not occur very often. It will happen if the temperature of the room drops to below normal causing the planks to contract.

Mold and mildew are caused by excessive moisture. If you have this problem with your laminate flooring, you first have to find the source of the mold and mildew and eradicate it. Then you have to find the source of the excessive moisture and take steps to prevent it from occurring again. Once you clean up the mold from the flooring and make sure you have solved the moisture problem, you won't have this problem with your flooring.

If you notice chipped corners, you may not have installed the flooring properly. If you tap the planks together using too much force, you could chip the corners. If you notice this happening, you should replace them as soon as it happens. Using a vacuum cleaner on laminate flooring with a beater bar can also damage the floor and it could also be the result of poor quality flooring. If you choose thin flooring because of the cheap price and install it in a high traffic area, then you will probably have to replace it because of this chipping problem.

For more information on laminate flooring and other related topics, visit Home Flooring at http://www.homeflooring.info

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Tags: Laminate, Problems, Flooring

Should You Invest in Garage Floor Paint?

Garage floors are usually overlooked when remodeling the home. Some houses look beautiful from the outside but inside, the floor looks neglected for years. Keep in mind that garages suffer the worst conditions because they are the most exposed to the weather. The tires of your car even add up to the torture it face everyday. This is where floor paint comes in. It is not merely used for decorative purposes. It also works to protect your surface from normal wear and tear.

Garage floor paints are composed of epoxy resin-based solutions. Armor Proxy and Original Color Chips are popular examples. These paints can resist oils and other chemicals that can damage concrete floors. But more than that, it adds a whole new look to your garage. It can make the extra room look twice as attractive than before.

Epoxy floor paints comes in a range of colors. It is easily available from hardware shops and do-it-yourself stores. Other solutions can be added to it too, to add more luster, grip, or durability to the paint. You need to apply it on the floor of your garage for the simple reason that bare concrete doesn't last long enough. In time, it would crack, get stained, and become very hard to clean. Use floor paint to lengthen its lifespan.

However, epoxy resin-based floor paints can't be used on floors that were sealed. You have to determine first if there's some sort of a sealant applied on your garage floor. A good test will be to use some water. Pour a glass of water on one part of the concrete floor and see if it will be absorbed by the concrete after a few minutes. If the water stays on top, then it probably is treated with a sealant and epoxy paints can't be used to cover it.

If you want to preserve the beauty of your garage and keep your home's worth at maximum, simple add-ons such as floor paint is definitely worth the investment. Your garage floor needs protection too. Whenever you remodel your house, don't overlook the extra room in the house. It is part of your house too. And if it isn't maintained as much as the rest of the parts of your house are, it can pull down the market value of your house unnecessarily.

Sal provides useful information about quick and easy garage floor painting through his website: Garage Floor Paint.

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Tags: Invest, Floor, Paint, Garage

Never Put Tiles Over Your Vinyl Flooring

Many people continue to keep placing tiles on their existing floors. There are several disadvantages on doing this. While most people tend to think that such a procedure will save on time, fact is that putting tiles on top of vinyl can jeopardize the appearance and durability of the ceramic tile itself. Here are the 3 main reasons why you should not put tiles on vinyl floors directly.

1. Sticking is a problem

The surface of vinyl is quite similar to the surface of plastic. That's why sticking anything to it becomes problematic. Since the surface of vinyl has an artificial shine it also means that achieving bonding because of non-porosity can be difficult. Irrespective of the type of glue you use on the vinyl surface, the tiles will not stick to the vinyl. Some people might suggest you to roughen the vinyl surface to ensure better adherence but it is not a very effective plan.

Since the vinyl surface will not stick to the tile, you might even experience lifting, even after laying the floor. Sometimes the vinyl might push or lift the tiles upwards. This can cause you to replace either the entire flooring or a certain section as well. It is critical to ensure that the newly tiles flooring is securely fastened. It needs to possess stability and directly adhering the tile to vinyl floor will not achieve this. You will not find mortar which can be used to stick the tile to the vinyl surface which will be needed for installing the tile.

2. Not in level

Tiling right on the vinyl surface will not ensure a smooth and level surface of the floor. Estimation of anchoring patterns becomes very difficult and redious when you place tiles directly on top of the vinyl surface. Determining the anchoring pattern is a crucial stage in ensuring a level and stable flooring surface.

3. The next layer of vinyl isn't conducive for direct tiling

Usually all vinyl flooring is placed over a particleboard or plywood which has a thickness of one-fourth inch. Such a sub-layer is not suitable for tiling, as it constitutes a different material altogether from vinyl. Placing the tiling directly over linoleum or vinyl surface will affect the safety and stability of the flooring. Placing tiles over a cushioned floor can jeopardize the stability of the flooring and many cracks can be caused in the grout or the tile areas. Especially since vinyl has a tendency to flex, it can develop cracks on the tile.

If you want to cover up the vinyl surface with tiles, make sure to perform adequate preparations on the vinyl surface for making it structurally conducive for tiling. Make sure to screw the old vinyl down followed by establishing a base made of mortar with the help of concrete and mesh. If pouring cement is not your cup of tea, you could place a sub floor comprised of plywood. You'll find many products available in the markets these days which provide more crack resistance to tiles which are placed on sub floors made of wood. However this procedure is similar to lifting of the vinyl upwards. While the process may appear to be time consuming, doing it with attention to detail will ensure you save on the money in future.

Linden Walhard's detailed reports are published on large numbers of web sites associated with what is the best kitchen flooring. With his writings, he demonstrated his capability on areas similar to vinyl kitchen flooring and what is the best kitchen flooring.

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Tags: Tiles, Flooring, Vinyl

Installing Floor Tiles Onto Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating has now been in our homes for a few years and has made a big impact on the sales of ceramic tiles. Some people go for under floor heating in the form of pipe work laid under the concrete / screed with hot water running through it. This method is favoured by some people that are building a new house or having a major renovation project. Another type of heating that is often used and preferred is the electric cable.

This type can be incorporated under floor tiles (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, quarry, terrazzo), wood, carpet, mirror. Heated mirrors are now also available.

Although under floor heaters are easy to install, on completion, will need to be inspected by a qualified electrician. If you need to install under floor heating on to a screeded floor prior to tiling, this is what to do.

Lay on the cable following the manufacture's advice and test for faults. Make sure the cable is secured on to the floor before next step. Apply a latex based levelling compound up to the cable height. Before fully cured apply another coat of levelling compound. This layer protects the cable during tile installation (lifting and re-laying). It also allows the carrying out of safer repairs to the tiling if ever needed. Retest the cable for faults. Tile floor as per usual making sure to use the appropriate fixing material according to tile and substrate.

On completion of the tiling allow a minimum of 2 weeks before using the heating making sure you follow the adhesive manufacture's instructions for the gradual increasing of the temperature on a daily basis until the material has finally cured.

Enjoy your warm floor.

© Tile Master © 2008

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Tags: Installing, Floor, Underfloor, Heating

Flooring Ideas For Studio Living

Lofts tend to feature hard finishes - exposed brick, concrete and timber floors - which increase sound levels, but these can be muted by adding rugs and other resilient materials. Under-floor heating, which is enjoying a revival, is compatible with most types of flooring styles, but is particularly efficient with ceramic, stone and well-seasoned hardwood.

Textured rubber flooring is available in sheet format or tiles, natural or synthetic (or a blend of the two). Rubber flooring is extremely hardwearing and is available in an extensive range of shaped tiles and decorative patterns for modern designed living. This type of flooring is also easy to clean and offers a non-slip quality that is ideal for bathrooms and kitchens alike. The only downfall of using textured rubber flooring is that it shows up scratches very easily, but not too worry over time these tend to fade away unless the scratches are deep and heavy.

Textured vinyl has similar characteristics to textured rubber in that it is easily maintained. Sheet vinyl or PVC as it is also known is also very tough, waterproof and also has the same non-slip action as textured rubber flooring. It also comes in a large range of colours and textures to suit any application. Downfalls to using this type of flooring; it may be marked by furniture without castors (wheels) and can be stained by shoe polish and fibre pens. Vinyl tiles share all the same advantages and disadvantages as sheet vinyl except for the fact, as the name suggests comes in a tile format.

Wood has its own charm, but a soft paint wash can brighten up weathered boards or mask poor-quality timber. Wooden flooring planks are available in a large variety of thickness', widths and lengths to suit all applications. Wooden flooring can be left natural or a tint may be applied to give that extra bit of personal touch. To increase the durability of wood flooring it must be treated with the correct types of varnish. Outdoor flooring in the form of wooden decks and porches require outdoor varnish to be applied. Indoor flooring on the other hand requires indoor varnish. Wooden flooring is highly compatible with under-floor heating but does tend to amplify sound levels. Due to the high costs of certain woods, a wood laminate is your next best choice. Made from pressed, resin-impregnated papers, laminates offer an immense variety of colours, patterns and textures that resemble natural wooden flooring planks. They are more durable than natural wood planks and less easily stained, however, they are much harder and tend not to have the same soft 'walk' as natural timber does.

Assessing your flooring needs before you start renovating is extremely important. This will ensure you make the right choice for the desired area. For example, if you are planning neutral-coloured walls to create a feeling of space, a natural-coloured floor will help to add warmth. Does the luxury of walking on carpet appeal to you? If so, have you considered how much cleaning and maintenance it requires and whether it is practical in the chosen area. When in doubt, even if a light coloured flooring is chosen, always go for the textured version to hide scuff-marks and scratches.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Flooring

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Tags: Flooring, Studiom, Living

The Range of Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is becoming a very popular choice for flooring. There are many different varieties available with a wide range of prices. Bamboo's reputation as a durable, ecologically friendly material that's quick to renew itself makes it a great option for many people. However, not all bamboo flooring is created equal. That's why you'll see many different prices and qualities of flooring on the market.

Here's some information to help you choose between them.

• If you're interested in bamboo flooring, it's important to know as much as possible about it. While bamboo can be produced in a sustainable and non polluting way, not every farmer is doing so. Some people are growing bamboo with large amounts of unnecessary fertilisers and pesticides, which can pollute the environment and endanger animals. Also, labour practices on some bamboo plantations are problematic.
• However, a large amount of bamboo being produced for flooring is also being grown responsibly. That means that if you're concerned about the impact and ethics of your bamboo flooring, a little bit of research ought to tell you whether or not the product you're considering is worthwhile. Check to see if there's a stamp from a certifying organisation to tell you that your flooring has been grown using sustainable management.
• Bamboo flooring can also range in hardness and colour. Unlike wood, which is tinted or dyed, bamboo is treated with heat to obtain darker colours. The darker the colour, the softer the bamboo will be, though it's still harder than many hardwoods. If hardness is an issue, lighter bamboos will be a better choice.
• Bamboo floor construction can also be variable. Look for flooring that's made using the lowest number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and which uses glues that contain no formaldehyde. These glues are better for your health, as well as for the environment and make bamboo flooring part of a healthier, more sustainable home. Look for non toxic, environmentally friendly finishes, too.
• Because of the structure of bamboo, there are no solid bamboo floors. They come in either laminated pieces or as part of an engineered floor. The thickness of the bamboo layer on engineered laminates can vary. There are also manufactured tongue and groove bamboo products made from bamboo flooring waste. Colours range between natural and dark amber, because of carbonisation. Various types of bamboo flooring are installed in different ways. Some are glued, while others are nailed and there are even some floating types of bamboo floor.

When looking for a quality bamboo floor, pay attention to how long the maker has been in business. Longer is usually a sign of better practices and higher quality. Local companies may also be a benefit, as they allow you to track the manufacturing of your flooring better and to deal with damage issues if they arise. Avoid extremely low priced floors, because paying a little extra will get you a higher quality floor that meets more environmental guidelines. As bamboo flooring gets more popular, more and more options appear on the market. Knowing as much as you can about the product and its manufacturing process ensures that you'll get the floor you want for a fair price.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For Bamboo Flooring styles, he recommends Completely Flooring, one of the UK's leading suppliers of Bamboo Flooring.

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Tags: Range, Bamboo, Flooring

The Most Expensive Marble Tile Flooring

Marble tiles can be used for a lot of different ways, one of which is for flooring. Marble tiles are very appealing in terms of their use for flooring since they are quite durable, very beautiful and exceptionally versatile. They are not only functional, but are very aesthetically pleasing as well, which helps make any room, or whatever surface it is applied to, appear more elegant and exquisite. This is probably one of the reasons why a lot of people would prefer to have marble tile flooring instead of using some other kind of natural stone.

Marble flooring, which is basically a natural stone that is very durable, is actually quite expensive. Although marble tiles can be quite pricey, a lot of people still see it as a good investment, especially due to its different qualities and effect. Marble tiles can improve the aesthetic value of a room if it’s installed properly, and if it helps complement the rooms overall appearance.

However, marble tiles may not be exactly worth what they are paying for, especially since it takes a lot of extra effort to keep its beauty and effectiveness, maybe costing you even more in the long run. Marble tiles require a more complex cleaning and caring system as compared to other types of stone flooring. It requires regular polishing, mopping and towel drying. Regardless of such facts, a lot of people are still willing to spend a considerable amount of money just so they can get the effect that marble tile flooring can give to any home.

Prices for marble tiles are generally measured by square foot, which can still vary depending on comparisons of tiles that differ in size and shape. Other factors also help determine the price of the marble tile, factors such as the tile’s edges, customization such as design and patterns, its instillation, and the finishes.

One of the most expensive marble tile flooring that people can spend on is the Rosa aurora marbles, which is actually a great material to use for sculptures. Rosa aurora marbles are considered to be the most attractive and charming, pretty marbles in the market today. This type of marble tile has a unique way of catching people’s eye, especially when used on flooring and wall decors.

This type of marble tile possesses the qualities that make marble tiles so sought after and appealing to a lot of homeowners. Rosa aurora marble is versatile, which can be attributed to its characteristic of being relatively soft and easy to work when it is first quarried, but it becomes harder as the finished marble ages. This makes it very advantageous to use as materials not just for flooring tiles, but for sculptures and other similar applications as well, especially since it has a slight surface translucency that makes it look even better, making your home look more elegant.

Rosa aurora marbles price range can start at around 45 euros, which is one of the most expensive out of the other types of marble tiles. This price can still vary depending on the factors mentioned above, but overall, it helps add an aesthetic quality to your home that no other type of marble can.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor
http://tilenet.net

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Tags: Expensive, Flooring, Marble

Modern Flooring to Up-grade Your Home

Having your older home up-graded to include modern flooring can be a great selling feature. It improves the quality of your home without compromising the character of older architecture. There area lot of easy and relatively inexpensive modern flooring options.

Flooring is something that definitely deteriorates over time. If you have an older home and haven't replaced any of the flooring, chances are it looks as though it needs it. While linoleum and carpet were common floor coverings of the past, current trends lead towards cork, bamboo, tile or even restored hardwood flooring.

Many older homes have beautiful hardwood underneath layers of carpeting, lino or laminate. This is sad, as the process of installing the carpet undoubtedly covered the original floor in hard-to-remove adhesive. Also, the covering won't last nearly as long as the original hard-wood. But there is hope, and restoring hardwood floors can actually be easy. It can be done yourself, or by a professional, depending on your time and budget. Firstly, the old flooring will need to be removed. This can sometimes involve manually scraping glue off of the wood surface. A thorough washing with warm water can also help loosen glue. When all the adhesive is removed, a sander can buff your hardwood floors to a beautiful smooth consistency. After that, it's your choice for a finish, with many acrylic finishes being inexpensive and practical options.

If you want something warmer than hard-wood, consider a cork floor. A renewable resource, cork flooring is also often made of recycled cork, making it a great choice for the green-aware homeowner. Cork flooring usually comes in snap-together tiles, making installation super-easy. However you'll probably still want to spend some time and energy cleaning up the floor underneath. While you can install cork overtop of lino, you will probably want to remove any carpeting, if only to eliminate the dust and germs.As cork insulates, it is popular in homes that typically have cold floors. It also insulates against sound, and is soft to walk on, so is ideal for upstairs suites. A nice way to enjoy both of these options is to restore the hardwood, and then add cork mats in high-traffic areas. Alternatively, bamboo mats are popular.Bamboo is also renewable, as it grows very fast. It is also quite strong and durable. Bamboo mats are readily available, but a complete bamboo floor covering can also be installed. Ceramic tile is another popular flooring material. While it doesn't have the natural warmth of cork, heating pipes can be installed under tiles. One of the main advantages of tile is it is easy to clean and is very attractive. As tiles are available in a variety of styles, colors and surfaces, consider your needs carefully when selecting something for your home. As elegant as high-gloss white ceramic tiles are, remember that they'll show every bit of dirt. If you've got kids or pets, something darker and with a matte finish is probably more suitable. Granite, slate and other stone tiles are also popular flooring material. They also make great counter-tops and kitchen or bathroom wall tiles. While stone tiles can be more expensive than ceramic, they are very attractive and tend to be long lasting. If you are considering upgrading your floors, do a bit of research to find out which modern flooring meets your needs, and your budget.Written on behalf of Lee Cameron, experienced Orlando, Florida Realtor®, your source for up to date Orlando, Florida MLS listings.

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Tags: Modern, Flooring, Home, Up-grade