Blog : February, 2010 | Flooring Supply Shop Blog - Part 2Flooring Supplies

Radiant floor heating systems: An affordable luxury

You may have installed a state of the art, ‘thermostat controlled heating system’ in your house, but you may not be aware that there still would be a significant temperature difference between the air temperature and the floor temperature. It is this temperature difference that results in a lot of discomfort and forces people to look out for a floor heating solution.

Radiant floor heating systems offer luxurious yet affordable solutions to the problem of cold floors. Contrary to common belief, installing and using radiant floor heating systems is quite easy and uncomplicated. Basically there are two main types of floor heating systems; ‘Hydronic’ and ‘Electric’. A Hydronic floor heating system uses a network of pipes to carry hot water below the floor, thereby heating it. However, due to the complex nature of this system, electric floor heating systems have become more popular.

People who are concerned about the visual impact of these radiant floor heating systems need not worry since these systems can be installed beneath any type of flooring. Be it tiles, hardwood, laminates or carpets; the compact dimensions of a radiant floor heating system ensure that there are no visible effects on the aesthetics of your room.

A few reputed radiant floor heating systems, such as SunTouch, can be customized according to your specific requirements, thereby enabling you to install these systems in rooms of any size and dimensions. In case you feel that your kitchen and bathroom are the two areas that require floor heating, you can get custom designed floor heating solutions from reputed companies such as SunTouch.

One of the major issues that make people skeptical about indulging in this luxury is that of Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF). It is generally feared that a radiant electric floor heating system would significantly raise the EMF levels, which would have a negative effect on people. Although this concern is genuine for electric floor heating systems having a single wire; products such as SunTouch radiant floor heating systems have a unique twisted dual wire technology. This unique structure works effectively in reducing the EMF thereby eliminating the ill effects associated with it.

Since these radiant floor heating systems work on electricity it is natural for people to worry about the operating costs associated with them. However, a number of radiant floor systems have an inbuilt thermostat that you can use to control the usage as per your requirements. This ensures that there is no wastage of energy, thereby lowering your power consumption. Further, by using these floor-heating systems you would be able to turn down your main thermostat by a few degrees and still maintain a comfortable environment and adding on to your savings at the same time.

Therefore it becomes evident that although a radiant floor heating system is nothing less than a luxury, it is still quite efficient and affordable. So you can go in for a radiant floor heating system and enjoy its warmth without worrying about the costs or maintenance associated with it.

Properly maintain your eco friendly flooring

Going the green way and adopting eco friendly products is not enough. When we turn our homes into a green home and use eco friendly materials for our walls and floors it becomes our responsibility to maintain these products as well. Maintaining eco friendly flooring is not such a tedious job as one might think. In fact very traditional methods can be used for cleaning eco friendly flooring. Moreover, many companies have launched floor cleaning and polishing products which are eco friendly in nature and do not contain harmful chemicals.

Hardwood flooring can be cleaned quite effectively by using products like ’Wow hardwood floor cleaners’, which are non-toxic, water based environment friendly floor cleaners, suitable for all types of hardwood and even laminates. These are ready to use products and easily remove stains, dirt, spills, oil, and footprints and even leave a soothing and refreshing scent. Many companies have also come out with eco friendly floor waxes which help to maintain the shine of wood and at the same time do not compromise on health and indoor environment. You can even just sweep cork and bamboo floors everyday or mop occasionally with water.

Cleaning ceramic or glass tiles is also not at all problematic and can be cleaned with a dust mop or vacuum cleaner. There is no need for a floor finish which can contain hazardous chemicals. ‘511 Spray on Grout Sealer’ is an innovative, fast and easy solution which seals tile grout and creates an invisible barrier that protects the tiles from dirt, oil, spills etc. This is a non-toxic, recyclable and transparent product which can be used on ceramic tiles, glass & porcelain tiles, marble, granite & stones and provides a long lasting flooring solution. A better option is to purchase a complete tile and grout care kit from Black Diamond Stone works’, which contains a ‘Grout Sealer’, ‘Ultimate Grout Cleaner’ and a ‘Marble & Tile Cleaner concentrate’. These products are 100% biodegradable, safe and gentle on tiles and are perfect for regular use.

Similar products related to stones and marbles are available which help to maintain the luster, color, longevity and durability of eco friendly stone flooring for years. Though stone floors can be easily washed or mopped, it is always advisable to keep a complete stone care kit at home. The ‘Glaze ‘n’ Seal’ Stone care kit is comprised of a stone cleaner concentrate, stone color enhancer and seal & a stone gloss. All the three products prevent damage to stone floors and can be used on a regular basis. EcoStone offers various stone and tile cleaners, color enhancers and Impregnators which are eco friendly, easy to use and cost effective.

As for recycled carpet or 100% woolen carpet flooring, it requires the same type of maintenance and cleaning as traditional carpet. Regular vacuuming, spot cleaning and deep cleaning is required so that dust or grime does not set in. Green products meant for cleaning eco friendly carpets are also available, though they might be a bit costly.

How to select the best radiant electric floor heating system

Although floors made up of tiles and hardwood are aesthetically beautiful, they can get uncomfortably cold during the winters. You might have installed the best dry-air heating system in your house but there would still be a difference between the floor and the air temperature. In order to eliminate this difference in temperature you would require an efficient floor heating system.

While the decision of installing radiant floor heating systems is an easy one, deciding on which one to install can be quite complex. Since this concept has become quite popular you would find an abundance of electric floor heating systems in the market. However, not all products would suit your specific requirements and it is essential to make the right choice in order to achieve maximum benefits.

Ease of installation is an important factor that you must keep in mind while deciding on a radiant floor heating system. Reputed radiant floor heating systems such as those manufactured by SunTouch are quite easy to install and can be used in rooms of any dimension or size. A floor heating system that requires complex tools and equipments to install would not only be more expensive but would also be more difficult to maintain.

Another factor that you must consider while purchasing a floor heating system is its heat output. In case you simply want warm floors, a low output floor heater should be selected; however, in case you want to heat the entire room you should select a floor heating system that has a higher output. By carefully analyzing your specific requirements you would be able to achieve significant savings in your power bills in the long run.

Although most radiant floor heating systems have a thermostat control, the options available in those thermostat control varies from product to product. Therefore, it would be beneficial to look at the thermostat control options offered by different radiant floor heating systems. High quality products, such as those offered by SunTouch, enable the users to program the thermostats for different times of the day. This would enable you to program the thermostat to start heating an hour before you wake up in the morning and ensure that you do not step on cold floors again.

Finally, the most important aspect of a floor heating system that should be considered before making a final purchase decision is the EMF exposure associated with it. Since radiant floor heating systems use electricity, there is a genuine concern regarding EMF exposure. It is for this specific reason that you should install a floor heating system that has a dual wire structure. This dual wire structure minimizes the EMF levels significantly and reduces the negative effects associated with it.

A little effort during the initial stages of selecting a radiant floor heating system would pay beneficial dividends in the future. Not only would you be able to achieve the desired level of heating but would also be able to reduce the daily operating costs associated with using this technology.

How to select the best eco friendly flooring solution

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Nowadays, eco-friendly or ‘Green homes’ are gaining a lot of popularity since, apart from being environment friendly they are highly cost effective as well. More and more people are choosing eco friendly products for their daily use, so that there is less pollution and minimal waste. Newly constructed and renovated houses are made with environmentally friendly materials that are non-toxic, recyclable, and safe for the occupants as well as for the ecology. Therefore, in order to have a green home, eco friendly flooring products are the first choice for many builders, home makers and architects. However, it is important to select the appropriate eco friendly flooring solution as there are various options available in the market.

Carpets as a flooring option are the first choice for people living in regions experiencing cold weather almost all the year round. Eco friendly carpets are the ones made from natural fibers with no chemical treatment. These carpets usually have high recycled content, and less toxic adhesives and backing. Recycled rubber is another product which proves to be an ideal eco friendly flooring solution. Rubber floor tiles are tough, durable and easy to clean and maintain. Rubber has numerous ecological benefits and can be used in industrial/public places, places subjected to heavy traffic and even for residential purpose. Rubber flooring absorbs noise, reduces vibration and provides sound insulation.

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Hardwood floors have long been a standard choice for many, due to its elegance, affordability, durability, and above all eco friendly characteristics. For hardwood flooring cork is the perfect option since it is derived from the bark of the cork oak tree, which does not harm or kill the tree. Moreover cork flooring is attractive, hypoallergenic, sustainable and even relieves joint strains and foot pains. Bamboo is also considered to be an eco friendly flooring solution, since it is highly sustainable and grows back very fast. Moreover bamboo is water and insect resistant, and since it is a type of grass, it does not harm the environment. Natural linoleum floors are also biodegradable products that are anti-allergen in nature.

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Stone floorings are growing in popularity and there are various eco friendly stone flooring solutions available nowadays. Due to its growing demand brands like EcoStone have also come out with excellent stone cleaning and polishing products which are easy to use. Stone is found in abundance and does not incorporate any synthetic elements, which makes it quite environmental friendly. Stone floorings are also water & scratch resistant. Same is the case with tiles, like glass, ceramic etc which are eco friendly as well as durable. In order to maintain the shine and beauty of stones, products like EcoStone’s powerful stone and tiles cleaner should be used regularly. These products also act as deodorizers, are biodegradable and environment friendly. There is also the Rock Star aerosol sprayer which is an excellent non-acidic and non-alkaline solution that helps to improve the shine of natural stone. These products do not have offensive odors and are the perfect solution for removing grime, dust and stains to safeguard natural stone surfaces.

Eco friendly flooring for your bathroom

While setting up your new home or renovating your existing house into an eco friendly and green home, special attention should be given to the floorings, especially in the bathrooms. Flooring options for your bathroom should be water resistant, durable and long lasting. Costs may vary and some options may be a bit on the costlier side, but ultimately it proves to be beneficial and cost effective for the occupants as well as the environment in the long run.

Linoleum is considered as an inexpensive and eco friendly flooring option for the bathrooms. Linoleum tiles (VCT) are scratch, water, and fire resistant, durable and long lasting. Linoleum is manufactured in vibrant and attractive colors and designs which can provide an artistic touch to your bathroom. Due to its high content of linseed oil, linoleum is anti-microbial in nature and fights bacteria naturally, giving you a clean, green and healthy bathroom. Linoleum grows tougher with age, and therefore you do not need to replace it for years.

Glass Ceramic tiles as a flooring solution for bathrooms are also advisable. These tiles are usually made from recycled products like discarded glass, bottles, jars etc, and its manufacturing process is also quite simple, and does not have any hazardous effects on the environment. Usually ceramic tiles do not get easily damaged by moisture and are long lasting. Moreover, these come in attractive designs, colors and shapes and give your bathroom an elegant look. Cleaning products like EcoStone tile cleaners are easy to use and effective in removing stubborn stains, which can be used regularly to maintain a sparkling clean bathroom.

Having Hardwood flooring for a bathroom is also not a bad option. Bamboo is a good option when it comes to durability, water and moisture resistance and longevity. Bamboo flooring is quite affordable and a sustainable product that can be re harvested easily which makes it eco friendly. Apart from these benefits bamboo floorings are bacteria, mildew and mold resistant and prove to be the perfect option for a germ free bathroom. Bamboo flooring can easily be maintained by using products like “Hardwood floor cleaner’ which is a non-toxic, environment friendly, water based solution that helps to keep wooden flooring in a shiny new state.

Cork is again considered as one of the most eco friendly flooring material and can easily be used for bathroom flooring since it is naturally water resistant. Moreover cork is derived from the bark of a tree which does not kill the tree, and can be harvested every nine years. Eucalyptus is also a fast growing hardwood and a sustainable product that can be used as an eco friendly flooring option.

Though a bit on the costlier side, stone is also another popular choice for bathroom flooring because of its durable and tough nature. Stones like limestone, slate are eco friendly in nature and are obviously water resistant. Nowadays textured stone is available which is perfect for bathroom flooring since it is non-slippery and safe. Moreover eco friendly stone floorings for bathrooms can easily be cleaned and maintained by using popular and effective EcoStone products. Chemical free and eco friendly diamond pads are available that help to polish limestone and other stone floorings to preserve their shine.

Month: February 2010

Radiant floor heating systems: An affordable luxury

Properly maintain your eco friendly flooring

How to select the best radiant electric floor heating system

How to select the best eco friendly flooring solution

Eco friendly flooring for your bathroom

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