Posts Tagged ‘home repair’

A Guide to Installing Tile for Your Kitchen

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

Before beginning to install any random type of tile in your kitchen, you must first consider the pros and cons for each available variation of tile. It does not matter if you are installing tile for the floor, backsplash, or countertops because every part of the kitchen needs to have the best tile possible for its unique purpose. While backsplash and floor tile can sometimes be rather similar, you are going to probably go with a different, more sturdy piece of material for countertops. For example, in my kitchen I have some rather cheap hardwood flooring, but the countertops are made out of granite. If you are looking to lay down some tile for either of these three parts of the kitchen you have come to the right place because all three will be discussed in this article.

The whole process will begin with the installation of the floor tile since kitchens are more commonly renovated in this manner. Before laying the floor tile for the kitchen, you would need to remove the material that was previously installed on the floor. After removing the material, check if the floor boards that were used by the previous material are durable and suitable enough to install the tiles on. Check whether the floor boards are flat to prevent an unbalanced floor once you have installed the tiles on them. You can purchase a powdered material to make the floor flat if in case some areas are not even before you begin to install the tiles. Once this is done, you can begin to lay down the tiles on the floor of your kitchen. Since you need to apply some grout in between the tiles, ensure that there is a small space for it and once this is done, allow the floor tiles of the kitchen to settle for at least one week. You can finalize everything after one week and benefit from the hard work that you put in for the project.

Installing the tile for the backsplash is quite similar to the procedure for the floor tile. The backsplash, also known as the wall tile, is the tile found above the countertop. The backsplash gives personality to your kitchen and makes it appear more welcoming. Much in the same way you have to remove the existing floor tile to make room for new ones, you must also remove any tile or wallpaper on the backsplash. This must also be cleaned and evened out before putting the tile on the wall. For this kind of installation, you will have to make use of an adhesive to make sure the tile stays on the wall.

It will be necessary to have a support post near the base of the backsplash before the installation process begins, which is what makes the backsplash different from the floor tile. Since the adhesive may lack adhesiveness, the support post will help keep the tiles up as well as let you make the tiles straight as they are being installed. Placing a plastic spacer in the middle of two tiles will ensure that the whole thing will be properly aligned, which is one more piece of advice to keep in mind when installing a backsplash.

The last install process we will talk about is countertops. Countertops can be the toughest to install because they will be bigger and heavier than tiles and are usually made out of more expensive material. The cutting process is usually too hard to complete on your own, so you will need to find a professional to do that for you; however, once the countertops are cut, you can probably handle installing them with the help from a friend or two. When a professional cuts your countertops for you, they will come over to your house and measure out the sizes before anything else. This means when you are installing them, you don’t have to worry about spacing anything out or anything like that. You just have to lay the countertops on top of the counters in their correct locations, much like the classic children’s game with the shapes and the holes to put them in. Once you are done laying the countertops down, you just need to drill them into the counters. Do this from underneath so there aren’t any nails or screws sticking out on the top of the counter.

Joe Wallis publishes the Learn How to Lay Tile website that can help you learn to install tile backsplash and other tile projects.

Regrouting Your Shower Tiles Works Wonders on the Shower’s Appearance

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

Grouting might be vital when it comes to shower unit tiles which are blemished, grimy or coated with mold. Several issues with bathroom tiles, predominantly elder layouts, entail troubles which in fact make them tasking to cleanse or treat even with great industrial cleaners. When this situation develops, it is the right time in order for regrouting shower tile. Let us discuss the steps you ought to take:

1. Perform a complete exploration prior to when performing work on tiled surface. Regrouting the shower unit tiles could very well defend against even more harm, so start off looking at what sorts of problems there are. This will grant you an impression with reference to the level of the restoration which in fact really needs to be accomplished and also which exact types of supplies you need to use.

2. Detach spoiled caulk and also shower tile grout. Start off repair tasks by simply removing all of the outdated, damaged and also grimy portions by using a first rate razor scraper. If perhaps mold and maybe mildew are discovered, cleanse the facade to start with with a mold and mildew solution or even bleach diluted carefully in water. Painstakingly scrape as much of the old grouting and caulking as is possible in order to prep the surface. The best depth really needs to be 1/8 inch deep at minimum. Try not to place newly bought grout into a shallow facade mainly because this will likely not latch on on the previous material.

Once you finish work, wash the top part by using a washed, damp cloth to eliminate all spare rubbish. Gather up the various parts and/or tiny pieces or you can work with a carpet cleaner. If perhaps aged grouting proves stubborn, using isopropyl alcohol can help to peel it off. You will be able to make this endeavor less demanding with the use of a grout saw or alternatively a reliable chisel to take away hardened grouting. Right before completing, examine tile grout lines to discover virtually any unattached pieces and detach these pieces.
In the event that you come across spoiled floor tiling, remove the pieces and then substitute them before beginning the regrouting. So that you can accomplish this entire duty expertly, always operate on dry material. Taking away moist surfaces could render the surroundings welcoming to development of mold or maybe mildew.

3. Position shower floor tile grout. Pick the grout shade ahead of utilization so that it looks nice with the shower tiles. Floor tile grout may be obtained in dry form or else pre-mixed; just conform to suggestions regarding the best approach to put together and then employ. Tile grout without sand is really a fantastic mixture for this style of undertaking as a result of the modest entrances between shower tiles.

In spite of the fact that just about all different kinds of grout can do, you might try a latex based mixture that could be a lot less inclined to splitting and often is more resistant to water as well as moisture. Spread the floor tile grout at an angle by using a grout float. Press securely over empty spaces down the crevices between floor tiles up to the time when the spaces are filled up and next remove all spare. Permit the new tile grout to harden for just about ten moments or so after which you need to employ a moist sponge to wipe the tile floor fresh. Enable the great new floor tile grout to harden for a minimum of three or maybe 4 days previous to walking in the area.

Wondering how to regrout shower tiles? Learn about that topic and more by reading articles on how to regrout a shower by Phillip Davis.

Advice for Planning Your Bathroom Tile Project

Friday, January 6th, 2012

Selecting the pattern and motif of the tiles that you want to lay on the bathroom floor will most likely be the toughest thing to do in the project. With a huge variety of designs and colors available in the market today, it will be essential for you to carefully select the most appropriate design and color that will be suitable for the bathroom and will also express your personality.

The amount of choices can get a little overwhelming, and in some cases, the process of choosing with bathroom tile to install takes longer than the actual process of installing the tile. If you are planning on installing tile for your bathroom floor, shower, or around the toilet, then continue reading this article to find some helpful tips when choosing and installing your tile.

Depending on what kind of tiles you are going to get, they can be rather expensive, so the first thing you will want to do is plan out how much of your bathroom you are going to tile and what your budget is for this project. It definitely pays to take a look around at multiple locations in your area and on the Internet before you purchase your tiles because often times you can find a good deal if you end up in the right place at the right time.

It may be possible that you were only planning to install tiles on the bathroom floor, but you may come across a deal where you can include the shower walls in the project. Even as it would be great to include the whole bathroom in the project, you can limit yourself to the floor if you want. Perhaps you can add on to the project and include the other areas that you did not include when you first started working on the project.

The color is the most important factor that you need to keep in mind when selecting your tiles. A number of bathrooms will look bigger than its actual size if light-colored tiles are installed on the floor and walls once light bounces off them. Installing lights and a couple of mirrors will significantly enhance the appearance of the bathroom giving it a feeling of big spaces.

Although a light color is preferable, using white tile for a bathroom in not recommended. This is because white tile usually reflects too much light, making for an unpleasant experience for you and your guests. Instead try a pale yellow or something similar. This will give your room the lightness you seek without overwhelming users with too much bright reflection.

Author Joe Wallis publishes Learn How to Lay Tile advice site, which provides info about how to install wall tile and similar tile projects.

Personal Training Studio Safety tips: Why you should use interlocking rubber floor tiles!

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

The gym culture is growing in our world today, and as the credit crunch hits and gym membership soars, many of us are creating their own personal training studio. After the initial expenditure, it is free to use as much as you chose for free. There is one consideration that you do need to build into though when you are building your personal training studio or once it has been built; your own personal safety.

When establishing your individual training studio, you have to consider whether you’ve thought of your safety. For instance any lifting weights machines, could they be safe and safely fitted, have you got anyone to spot you when you’re using the heavier dumbells. They are some aspects that may result in personal injuries if not allowed for in your home gym planning.

Another is the flooring. Some floors are especially designed for the gyms and some are not. The types that aren’t are the more traditional type of flooring, such as wooden, laminate and carpets. These floorings, although they have many great qualities for regular flooring, they are not suited for the gym.

When enjoying a good work out session, we sweat into the carpeting that will harbour the liquid and help produce the old gym sock smell. Wooden flooring will probably be easily damaged when the weights are dropped and often exercising machines put undue pressure round the equipment footings. Laminate flooring cracks easily which is damaged with any consistent amount of liquid soaked onto it.

There’s a solution – rubber flooring. Rubber flooring consists of all the qualities that rubber has. Meaning it’s bouncy and can resist any weights that are dropped accidentally on the floor. Rubber flooring rolls and interlocking rubber flooring is also water-resistant, meaning in the event you sweat or spill anything on the floor it will be easily cleaned up, without soaking into the floor

So, rubber flooring is not only easy to maintain, it is long lasting and great for the personal safety of you and anyone who is going to be using your studio.

With all the good features and benefits about recycled Rubber flooring rolls and rubber tiles, it is the clear choice to use on your fitness studio. Safe, durable and eco-friendly it is the perfect choice.

When establishing your home gym flooring it appears sensible to purchase the interlocking rubber flooring simply because they could keep it simple to install and easy to match your decor, in addition you can replace tiles in very hard wearing spots without needing to replace the whole floor. And for corporate clients, they can incorporate the business Logos and colors.

Using USA made Recycled Rubber flooring and interlocking rubber tiles means you could train while knowning that you will not be damaging your floor or possibly your pricey fitness equipment.

Did you know that some Rubber Flooring Rolls are made from recycled auto tires? You can recycle and go green at the same time as you renovate. Learn about what you need in rubber flooring rolls and Interlocking Rubber Floor tiles for home gym flooring, dog housing, garages, for durable & safe waterproof areas.

Water Damage Solutions

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

There are a variety of elements that could cause water damage to your house or business. You may have a slow leak due to pipe fixtures or you may have an act of nature put a hole in your roof. However, no matter if you are a casualty of Mother Nature or perhaps bad luck, the truth remains that you must handle the situation without delay.

There are usually 3 categories of water damage. These categories are set up according to amount of water damage and severity. Category 1 water damage usually involves clean water and the clean up may be small enough to handle on your own. For larger areas or category 2 damage, you may need to call in a professional. Category 2 damage will normally have slightly contaminated water that can cause some illness. With category 3 damage the water is usually highly contaminated and clean up should be left strictly to the professionals.

If you find yourself with a category 1 or a manageable category 2 here are some steps that you need to take to remedy your situation.

The initial and perhaps most critical step will be to turn the power off. Contact your electric company and have them shut off the electricity. The very last thing you want to do is commence your clean up in standing water with the electricity still on. If water is still running make sure you shut off the water also.

The next step is to clean out the water. You need to remove all the water that you possibly can, as quickly as you can. The longer the water stays the more chance you have for mold growth. If mold develops you will have a whole other set of problems to deal with. Remember to wear rubber gloves and safety masks when cleaning.

Once you’ve eliminated all of the water possible you have to start the drying process. Get some good heavy-duty fans from a neighborhood renter and utilize them to dry out the residual dampness. Keep your fans operating until all of the dampness is fully gone. If you have something that can’t be fixed you have to get rid of it. Soggy drywall, ruined carpet or furniture all have to be removed and/or discarded correctly.

After everything is dried up and all objects are taken away from the site you must carry out an examination on the area. You may still have to contact a specialist service to help you deal with mold, deodorize and disinfect, or even inspect your wiring.

The key element in water damage restoration is to get all of the dampness out as early as you are able to. And don’t forget to contact a professional when the damage is too much to safely manage by yourself.

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Exactly What You Need To Understand About Water Proofing

Monday, November 28th, 2011

Water proofing is a procedure in which items are produced water resistant, in impact making them much less susceptible to absorbing water, which can result in damage. Such proofing isn’t only limited to stopping water from reaching the surface of an item but additionally prevention of moisture or vapor. Such proofing is not only typical but very essential within the construction industry exactly where the use of membranes and coatings are utilized. Such proofing is essential within the construction industry simply because performing so ensures structural integrity.

You will find various materials utilized in water proofing. Such consist of bitumen, PVC and silicate amongst others. These act as a barrier between water/moisture along with a structure (in this case construction structure). Technological development has nevertheless produced it feasible to have much more advanced integral proofing supplies. These are largely those materials that are incorporated in concrete structures, giving such structures waterproof quality. Simply put, materials for building structures are in themselves made water proof. Although such usually price more, their use in construction is one sure way of ensuring a long-lasting building.

Such integral supplies include hydrophilic systems that literally replace water in the concrete with insoluble crystals. An additional integral water proofing technology will be the hydrophobic method that employs the use of fatty acids in blocking pores within concrete. In addition to these two technologies, polymer-based proofing goods have become extremely well-liked with contractors. Their popularity in proofing basements is based on 3 important elements; they last for a building’s lifetime, they are not affected by soil PH and ease of their application (spraying).

Nowhere is water proofing most needed than in creating basements. Due to its location, a basement is prone to high levels of moisture and water that can seep from the outside through the floor, walls and joints. Proofing a basement can be done each on the inside and on the outside. Although various basement water proofing systems are accessible, not all are suitable for use either internally or externally. For this cause, only a expert licensed contractor requirements to become contracted to undertake proofing functions.

Sealants are extremely effective in proofing basements from the inside. They perfectly proof cracks and pipe penetrations, that are probably the most common entry points for seepage. Common sealants used are epoxies and urethanes, which are injected under pressure into seepage points, in effect cutting off seepage path. Like polymer-based proofing goods, sealants are also long-lasting. Even though not considered a water proofing method, basement drainage is also component of basement proofing. Basement drainage systems are very effective in draining underground water via drainage pipes to a pump (sump), which pumps exactly the same water from the basement.

Exterior water proofing goods are designed to stop water and in some instances moisture from reaching basement foundation and walls. They are therefore very efficient in preventing formation of moulds each externally and internally. Unlike prior to when degradable asphalt-based covering supplies had been the only proofing supplies accessible, numerous modern water proofing solutions are now within the market. The degradable asphalt-based coverings used then were in fact only for damp proofing.

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Common Causes Of Water Damage

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

You should know what causes water damage before you can prevent it. In this article, you’ll know the visible causes of water damage. You should read the second part of this article for the invisible causes of water damage. Sufficient knowledge about water damage will help you prevent it and also enable you to save a few dollars. A number of causes of water damage are controllable and therefore preventable, but there are also those that you just don’t have control over.

Rain water: Without proper drainage, rain water can collect under the floor or near the foundation. It might be hard to control the damage from this, but you can reduce the effects.

The Gutter and Drain: Clogged gutters will push rainwater under shingles, or will cause water to travel down the walls internally. Not having enough drains will cause the water to overflow. Gutters shouldn’t be near foundation walls, otherwise, water will collect and will lead to damages.

Your Windows and Doors: Unprofessionally installed windows and doors will allow water to penetrate into the wall. If the seals around your doors and windows are damaged, it can lead to windblown moisture penetration. Check your doors and windows thoroughly especially during wet seasons.

Roofs With Leaks: The roof deck is at risk if the roofing material is old and worn already. Old shingles can also allow water intrusion. Water can also get in through cracked chimney caps. Flat roof drain aren’t ideal since they tend to clog and hold water on the roof, which can lead to a leak or even the collapse of the whole roof.

The Attic: Improper attic insulation and ventilation allows heat to escape, turning rooftop snow into an ice-dam. An Ice dam will push water underneath the roof shingles, and this will lead to leaks inside the house.

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What to Do When You Have Water Damage

Sunday, October 30th, 2011

Anything can happen to be the reason for you needing to do water damage repair. Surely this may not be something you are looking forward to or even need happen. Reasons may include weather, seeing, flooding or a broken pipe. You might have the crack in your homes foundation and this result in water damage.

This is the initial thing you want to do in an occasion that you discover water damage. If it occur in your bathroom, you might have a new lock off within the sink. If it is any pipe in the wall, then you have to find the major water lock off switch for the residence and shut down every thing. Better safe when compared with sorry.

Then you will have to bring in the professionals to gain access to as well as carry out your own water damage repair. Whatever the sized the damage it is best to have someone come in and look at this, so that there is no upcoming hopes for leakage. Tend not to do the job yourself, specifically if you are a complete beginner. The further problems you create might cost you thousands a lot more than what already was around.

Water removal, distillation as well as aeration are some of the techniques that might have to be carried out in order to make your own water damage repair successful. The distillation process will require chemicals; these must be APA allowed, so talk to the organization about that.

A typical homeowner has no clue on how to handle situation of this magnitude. Neither do they have any technical knowledge. How will you dry out the area sufficiently? How will you check for leaks in other places? How will you check for them without damaging anything else? How fast are you able to pump the water? A professional is bound to tell you the main cause, and find out by assessing the house, if there are more problems areas.

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Selecting a Reputable Restoration Company

Thursday, October 20th, 2011

Going through any kind of fire or flood damage to your residence or company can certainly leave you in a state of shock. Your property and personal belongings are now destroyed and the emotional trauma can be very difficult to take. In moments like these the least amount of extra stress, the better. And making sure you select the very best restoration company for your situation is a key part to acquiring relief and beginning the rebuilding process.

The best plan for finding yourself a dependable restoration company is to do so prior to when you absolutely need one. Call around and research the various companies in your town. Ask them if they’re licensed and certified. Ask about their years of experience in the business and about the relevant skills and expertise of their experts. Use the Internet to investigate their track record in your town. Ask your friends and colleagues for suggestions and recommendations. The more data you are able to acquire, the more educated your decision will be. Pocket two or three companies that you feel good about and keep their information for future reference.

Make sure that any company you are considering offers 24/7 service. Disasters don’t only happen during business hours. Many times these events take place after hours and you need to make sure your restoration processes begin immediately. This will usually begin with an agent arriving and assessing the damage. They will take photographs and consult with you about the best course of action. They will tell you what needs to be done and how much it will cost you.

Selecting a reliable company to take care of your restoration needs means that you won’t have to worry about being exploited during a period of crisis. Sadly there are actually companies around that prey on individuals in need. However, if you do your homework you should be in the position to easily weed these organizations out.

Another major element of a legit company is whether or not they will take the headache of insurance paper work off your hands. Many companies will offer to fully assist you with filling insurance claims and working individually with the claims adjustors. A restoration company that is worth its salt works for you, not the insurance company. They will be fighting for your interests and making certain you are getting treated fairly by the insurance agents.

Picking a restoration company that you can put your trust in isn’t very difficult. Just be sure to do your homework in advance in order to save yourself the frustration of recruiting one after the fact.

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Maintaining Natural Stone Floors

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

Natural stone floors can give a wonderfully unique feel to any home. They can make a house look beautiful in different ways with the available varieties, such as marble or granite. But as easy as it is to get your home looking beautiful just by adding natural stone floors, keeping them clean and in good condition might just be another story entirely.

If you have natural stone flooring you know that it isn’t as eye catching when it’s not clean. Below are great tips that will help you avoid dirty natural stone flooring. They may seem basic, and they are, but they’re also very effective and will certainly make it simpler for you to keep your natural stone flooring in great condition.

Daily Sweeping – Dust and dirt are probably the biggest factors that contribute damage to natural stone floors. These particles may be extremely tiny but they can do a lot of destruction to your stone flooring over time. These small particles can cause abrasions and scratches on the surface of your natural stone and, after time, reduce the natural luster. This is why daily sweeping is so important. It really doesn’t take but a few minutes of your time and a small amount of your energy. Use a micro-fiber broom rather than a traditional straw broom. On natural stone, the traditional broom may leave scratches. Micro-fiber is much gentler and less abrasive. Plus they pick up more particles.

Damp Mopping – Utilizing a damp mop to clean your natural stone flooring is a great technique to get rid of any dust and dirt and also make it shine in the process. A damp mop can eliminate the dust and dirt particles that sweeping couldn’t. Try using a string mop or one composed of micro-fiber for your stone flooring. This kind of mop is far less abrasive and will reduce the possibility of scratching. Warm water is really all that’s necessary to get a good mopping but if you do decide to use a chemical cleaner be sure that it’s safe for your type of natural stone.

Stay Away From Acidic Cleaning Agents – Cleaning agents that contain any form of acid are incredibly bad for your natural stone. Any acidic or even citrus based cleaning agents can easily etch into the surface of your natural stone and leave scarring and scratches that will need professional polishing to get rid of. Should you feel the need to utilize anything other than water on your natural stone then select a neutral pH cleaner or a stone soap.

Maintaining your natural stone floors isn’t as challenging as it can appear to be. Following these suggestions will optimize your cleaning endeavors and make sure that your natural stone floors will always be gorgeous and healthy for many years.

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