Archive for December, 2009

You Can Utilize Laminate Flooring in your home

Posted by Dave McIntosh on December 19th, 2009

Laminate flooring is an innovative type of flooring that has been available for only a few years. If you haven’t paid attention to laminate flooring in a house you will be very surprised by how good it really looks. Laminate flooring is all about creating an actual wood flooring appearance, yet having a lot less care than hard wood flooring and also a lot less cost.

Laminate Flooring in your homeThis type of flooring may be installed in whichever area of a home you want except rooms where dampness may be developed, like in a laundry area where you could have water dripping on the flooring on a regular basis. You should steer clear of adding laminate flooring in that area as well as bathrooms and kitchens. Laminate flooring is usually fantastic in the bedroom, in the hall, in the living room and so on.

Hardwood flooring even with the most recent floor treatments will still scratch, fade, dent and stain in a rather small amount of time. That’s why laminate flooring was invented. Because its machine made and its’ top layer is a hardwood photographic laminated surface, laminate has the look and appeal of real hardwood floors, but it’s more durable and it requires less maintenance. Unlike real hardwood floors, laminate flooring is more resistant to scratching, staining, fading and denting.

Laminate Flooring in your homeLaminate flooring is usually simple to care for. In order to clean your laminate flooring you will need simply your dust mop or else to use an extremely dry damp mop. As with your wood flooring, you truly don’t want to over dampen the flooring in your home. They are fantastic if you own dogs and cats so you can simply sweep up to get hair off the floors in your home.

Any flooring, wood or laminate that gets damp constantly is ultimately going to warp. If water gets into the pieces they will hold the water and swell. As the water dries up your pieces of laminate flooring will shrink and shift just as true wood can. Don’t worry; laminate flooring that is installed and cared for correctly can stay looking good for many years in your house, often more than linoleum or many other types of flooring.

Laminate Flooring in your homeIt is important when installing Laminate flooring that the area you’re installing the flooring is level and smooth. If you have an area in which your sub floor isn’t level, you should install a new sub floor prior to adding your laminate flooring. Laminate flooring will join together better and fit easier if everything is level. Your floor will also look better and last longer if it is installed on a level floor.

Some people will install laminate flooring in a bathroom though this is NOT recommended and is asking for trouble. This only works when your family is very careful about the amount of water they get on the floor. People also install laminate flooring in kitchens but again you have to be extremely cautious about how much water you spill on the flooring. Though I must say these identical standards apply to wood flooring also, consequently don’t worry about becoming the ‘first’ to do this. Laminate flooring though is much better installed in the family room or any room in which you spend lots of time.

Finally Laminate flooring has good warranties ranging from 10 years to lifetime, with entry level laminates coming with a 10 to 15 years one. They are very durable for most house hold uses. Remember that choosing the right laminate flooring is not as easy as it may seem, but if you take your time and make a wise decision you will save money in the long run. Select the best laminate flooring for you, its’ look is almost timeless and its’ beauty is unmatchable.

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Why Install a Tin Ceiling?

Posted by Dave McIntosh on December 15th, 2009

When looking for that old world charm of a decorative ceiling a tin ceiling is the best product for you to use. Whether this is a DIY job or whether you are planning on hiring a professional you must seriously consider using tin paneling rather than drywall or sheetrock, depending on where you live in this world.

What are they made of?

Tin CeilingToday they are made of an aluminum alloy has been created to especially suit these beautiful art metal ceilings. Aluminum is good because it is a corrosion resistant, durable product which doesn’t rust. Steel which was used and is still used by a few manufactures of pressed tin panels will rust and corrode. Even though this is true the panels are still widely known as pressed tin panels.

Panel Sizes/Weight Differences

Aluminum ceiling panels are generally only 2′ x 2′ with some being as big as 3′ x 6′. These metal panels are quite thin, only one-fiftieth of an inch thick. Though this is actually thicker than the original older style tin paneling it is much lighter. One person can carry several sheets at one time. The weight difference is enormous. Imagine how much easier it is to hold a lightweight sheet of metal above your head as opposed to a very heavy sheet of wallboard which is easily more than twice as big as the largest aluminum sheet. And this is exactly what you will be doing – holding the sheet above your head while you attach it to your ceiling.

Painting your Ceiling

Tin CeilingPainting these ornate ceiling panels with all their fine detail is quite easy. If you don’t order it already painted it is recommended you paint it before it gets fixed to your ceiling or at least primed. If you order it unprimed it is recommended you prime it with an oil based paint. It can then be painted the color of your choice.

Strength

This special aluminum alloy holds its shape exceedingly well because of the alloy used and the embossing of the panels.

Variety Of Patterns And Designs

There is a large range of patterns available and these patterns can be arranged in an endless variety of designs to suit your ceiling. There are contemporary designs as well as traditional patterns suitable for all applications including both residential and commercial situations.

A Long Lasting Ceiling

Tin CeilingThese ceilings, because of the material they are made from, are non-porous so they resist moisture and odor. They won’t rust or crack and they won’t fall off. If water enters your roof and if you can remove it promptly then you will have no damage to your ceiling. Anyone who restores buildings will tell you that ceiling restoration is a major cost and time factor issue for them. Install an aluminum ceiling and you won’t be facing ceiling restoration problems later on. Additionally, aluminum ceilings move and flex with the structure so if you are in a server storm area you will find these products particularly suitable.

Ornate aluminum ceilings will add more value to your property than they cost. They can be painted in myriad ways creating works of art on your ceiling. Their value becomes priceless. Stunning results are being obtained by the average home handyman.

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