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The Best Drainage Options for New Construction Projects

Serene Invisible Slim Design Linear Drains

When it comes to construction projects a lot of things go overlooked until they are a problem or the primary focus of the project. Drains are no exception. When is the last time you thought about the drains at your own home? Let’s face it probably never. However, this doesn’t mean that the various drainage options available to install during a new construction project should receive any attention.

The primary task of a drain is to control the flow of water and elevate pools that may form in areas where water is common. On a construction project, drains may be used in kitchens and bathrooms where sinks and showers are commonplace and in landscaping efforts where pools, koi ponds, and sprinklers may produce excess water. Below the three best drainage options commonly used on new construction projects are discussed and explored.

Traditional Drains

Traditionally drains were quite standard. Typically, your standard drain utilizes curbs or another type of barrier to separate wet and dry areas. These barriers work alongside a primitive style drain. These drains are great in showers, sinks, and bathtubs where curbs and other barriers are present. However, for several reasons, it is more and more common for showers these days to lake curbs or another type of barrier. These barriers make getting in and out of the shower more difficult, and sometimes individuals with mobility issues are not able to utilize a shower with a curb. When working on a construction project where a curb or basin less shower is being installed, a traditional drain just won’t cut it.

SereneDrains Broken Lane Design Linear Drains Satin Gold

Linear Drains

If you are on a construction site where you are installing a curbless shower or another barrier-free element that requires a drain, then you may want to look into installing a linear drain. Unlike traditional drains, a linear drain possesses a shallow channel and less invasive design that will allow you to lower the floor height around the shower or other elements. Linear drains are also a great drain option that is compatible with a slew of modern tanking techniques. Tanking, or waterproofing a bathroom or other element, is done differently across the United States. In most areas, rubber liners are the most common. However, in some regions copper and additional styles of liners are utilized to meet style and aesthetic standards. A linear drain is compatible with most PVC, rubber, copper, and other modern tanking techniques.

Pre-sloped Trench Drains

In order for in-floor drain systems to work, the floor has to be slightly sloped. Unlike traditional in-floor drains, a pre sloped trench drain does not require standard four-sloped floors to be installed. Compatible with two-sloped floors, a pre-sloped trench drain is a great choice to minimize the different levels a floor of a property possesses. In addition, a pre-sloped trench drain is easier to install than a standard floor drain and requires virtually no additional maintenance after installation. If you are looking to install an in-floor drain in your newest construction project you will probably want to go with a pre-sloped trench drain!

Right Drain For Your Project

All types and styles of drains that are currently on the market were created for a reason. A certain drain may be designed to perform better in a particular situation or when installed for use on a certain project. However, the best way to find the right drain for your current project is to do some research on the various different drains on the market. A traditional drain may be perfect for your new sink installation, but that new walk-in shower may require a linear drain.

Skylar Ross is a contributor to the Innovative Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Skylar is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.

How To Remodel Your Bathroom With Aging In Place Features In Mind

modern bathroom with white tile, a big mirror, faucet and more

The concept of aging in place isn’t new, but it is gaining steam in today’s world. Nursing homes can be lonely and expensive. With more people opting out of nursing homes than ever before, aging in place has become the standard for elderly citizens.

Whether you’re housing an elderly family or you yourself are looking to age comfortably in the peace of your own home, there are features you’ll need to keep you safe. Old age typically comes with a decrease in balance as well as other functions that you use to avoid injury on a daily basis.

This means you need extra support and stability in the form of aging-in-place features. In case you’re interested in aging in place, here are some bathroom features you should incorporate.

A Non-Slip Floor

Bathroom floors can get pretty slippery. Slips lead to falls and falls lead to injury, so having a non-slip floor is essential. Both cork and rubber make excellent choices for flooring that won’t become slippery, even when wet.

They also have some give to them and won’t result in bruising should you or a loved one hit the deck. Of course, you’ll need to make sure you have adequate floor drainage as well, especially if you have a wet bathroom.

Touchless Faucets

Bathrrom Round Sink

No longer just a staple of public restrooms, touchless faucets allow you to turn your sinks on and off without reaching all the way to the back of your counter to grab a handle or knob. They lessen the likelihood of a muscle strain or fall occurring, and they are easier on the small joints of the hands and fingers too. Shop Kissah Single Lever

Curved Countertops

Bathrrom Bathtub

Countertop edges take the lives of many elderly people each year. These edges tend to be hard and pointy, which spells disaster for a vulnerable citizen who might stumble or slip into one. If you want a bathroom fit for aging in place, you need curved, smooth countertop edges.

You might also consider fitting some specialized padding around the edges of your bathroom countertops for extra protection. It might seem insignificant but it can quite literally mean the difference between life and death in many cases.

High Toilets

Many elderly folks have weak or compromised knees, which makes squatting down onto a normal toilet a painful and potentially dangerous experience. Raise your toilets up to the point where you don’t need to put undue pressure on your knees when sitting down.

You should also have at least two handrails in your bathroom. One for support getting in and out of the shower and one for getting up and down on the toilet.

Make Your Bathroom Nearly Injury-Proof with these Safety Features

The bathroom is one of the deadliest rooms in any house, so implement non-slip flooring, curved countertop edges with padding, touchless faucets, and high toilets. Doing so will allow you to rest easier at night knowing your bathroom won’t be the cause of injury to yourself or someone you love.

Skylar Ross is a contributor to Innovative Building Materials. He is a blogger and content writer for the residential and commercial flooring industry. Skylar is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and manufacturers discover materials and methods of installation that increase property value, improve durability, and discover innovative flooring options for their home or commercial space.

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Different Flooring Options For Your Home

While renovating your home’s flooring can be a very rewarding and exciting process it can also be quite stressful. There are a variety of flooring options to choose from, and each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages. It can be challenging to understand what material offers the most advantageous profile for your home’s Flooring. The following list discusses popular flooring materials and the advantages and disadvantages these materials possess. If you are looking to renovate your home’s flooring in the foreseeable future then this list was meant for you!

Ceramic

Tile Flooring

Ceramic tiles are made from natural elements like sand and clay that have been baked in a kiln. This flooring option is highly durable and offers homeowners the choice of several different designs and colors. Ceramic tile also does not get easily scratched or damaged and is a solid choice for high traffic areas and home’s with pets and children.

There are also several disadvantages associated with ceramic flooring. This material can be quite slippery and can pose a potential hazard to the elderly or young children.

Ceramic also does not conduct heat and can be quite cold to touch. Therefore, walking on ceramic tile, especially in the winter, can be uncomfortable.

Shop ceramic bathroom accessories, Handmade ceramic tiles, & ceramic corner shower shelf

Concrete

A slightly unconventional but widely available flooring material, Concrete can come in a variety of colors and designs that can add texture and depth to a room via its flooring. Floors made out of concrete will also increase the overall energy efficiency of a home and improve a home’s fire protection. The material is not combustible and acts as an additional source of insulation.

Concrete floors are very hard to repair. Any section that does crack or fade can’t be easily patched or replaced. Concrete floors also can be quite loud and uncomfortable to stand on for long periods of time. Shop: Concrete polishing pad, concrete cement board

3. Wood

A classic home flooring material, wood floors are an investment and drastically increase the resale value of a home. This material is also highly customizable and comes in a variety of shades, designs, and patterns. Wood floors are also a good source of insulation in a home. However, wood floors are also very expensive, easy to damage, and require extensive ongoing maintenance and care. Shop: hardwood floor cleaner, hardwood floor installation kit

Vinyl

In recent years, vinyl flooring has seen tremendous advances in design and functionality. Similar to linoleum, this flooring material is normally installed in kitchens and bathrooms. The material is very easy to clean using a broom and dustpan. Vinyl flooring is also water-resistant and can be moped and dried quite easily. The disadvantages of vinyl flooring relate to the chemical compounds of the material. These compounds are quite harmful to the lungs and eyes when broken down. Therefore, vinyl flooring has to be removed completely to replace even the smallest of defects.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is designed to imitate hardwood flooring in a home. This material is easy to install and easier to maintain than wood flooring. The material is also highly inexpensive and comes in a variety of shades, designs, and textures. The major downfall associated with laminate flooring is its water resistance. While the material is somewhat water-resistant it should never be installed in a laundry room or other area where water damage is likely.

Carpet

Carpet is making a comeback in the flooring discourse because of its consistency and softness. The material also comes in a variety of styles, textures, and designs. The maintenance of carpet flooring is also rather simple as it only requires regular vacuuming and occasional shampooing. The disadvantages associated with carpet flooring are that the material can make a home appear dated and that it is easy to stain or damage. Shop: Carpet stain remover

Enjoy Your Home’s New Floors

It’s true that there are a variety of flooring options on the market to decide between. However, homeowners who follow the list of materials above are sure to choose the perfect flooring option for their home.

Modern Shower Drains For Your Home’s Bathroom

SereneDrains Shower Drains

Bathroom remodels are one of the more popular and exciting renovations that a homeowner can undertake. Creating that beautiful walk-in shower; elegant, two-person vanity; and luxurious tile floor is the subject of many homeowners’ fantasies.

However, despite the enthusiasm with which many people approach most bathroom remodeling projects, one of the most important aspects of a quality bathroom often gets overlooked: the shower drain.

A good shower drain will serve a variety of purposes, including the following:

Provide a complementary aspect to the overall decor of your bathroom
Prevent any puddling in the shower bed that can lead to unsightly residue
Effectively catch any debris that may lead to plumbing issues

To this effect, not all shower drains are created equal. While there are a number of solid options available on the market, the Serene Drains offered by the Flooring Supply Shop offer industry-leading features in their modern drain products.

Serene Square Drains

SereneDrains Tile Inseret Shower Drains

Serene Square Drains are a type of point drain, which is generally the most common type of drain found in residential showers.

For those showers using a point drain system, the shower floor is designed into a sort of funnel, in which the floor is gently sloped from the outside into a “point” in the center of the shower, where the drain then allows the used water to flow from the shower and into the pipe system.

When looking through the Serene Square Drain catalog, there are a few important points to consider when choosing a point drain system:

Point drains are typically the most economical drain choice, making them a strong option for modest bathroom and shower designs or sizes
When using this type of drain, smaller floor tiles must be used on your shower bed in order to create the funnel-like effect that is characteristic of a point drain
If a Serene Square Drain is chosen, you will likely want to use square tiles on your shower floor as well. It is a bit awkward to combine a square drain with flooring tile of different shapes

Serene Linear Shower Drains

SereneDrains Linear Shower Drains

Although not quite as popular as point shower drains, linear shower drains are becoming an increasingly trendy choice in home showers.

Unlike a point drain system that slopes gently toward the center, a linear drain system slopes gently toward a specified edge of the shower, where the water escapes via a long, straight, bar-like drain.

If a Serene Linear Shower Drain piques your interest, consider the following points:

Linear shower drains range in size from as short as 16 inches to as long as 60 inches. They can also be fabricated in a dual drain structure. As such, linear drains tend to be a bit more expensive than point drains
Because they are located on the side of the shower, linear drains can be used with large, single-piece flooring tiles, making for a smoother transition between the shower floor and bathroom floor
Linear shower drains are becoming a preferred option in luxury bathroom remodels

Decorative Drains vs. Invisible Drains

Thanks to the industry-leading features offered when choosing Serene Drains, homeowners can decide if they want their shower drain to be used for decorative purposes or be largely invisible.

For bathrooms that have an industrial feel, with exposed pipes and prominent fixtures, it would be recommended to feature your shower drain as an important piece of this ambiance.

On the other hand, modern bathrooms that want their quartz countertops and luxury tile to take center stage may prefer a hidden shower drain, with tileable grates over the drain offering an aspect that is very hard to distinguish from the shower floor itself.

Conclusion

Although it may not be the first point that comes to mind when speaking of a bathroom remodel, choosing the appropriate shower drain is an important component in making your bathroom complete. Whether you want a point, linear, decorative, or invisible drain, the Serene Drain options offered by Flooring Supply Shop have a sleek and modern option sure to meet your needs.

7 Innovative Drainage Options for Your Home’s Property

Drainage problems usually begin to appear as small puddles and wet spots, and can be caused by a variety of factors. These include the slope of your yard, your gutter’s downspout, front walkways that block proper drainage, or water erosion. Luckily, there are tons of drainage solutions that you can do yourself quite simply and inexpensively. Below, we’ll discuss innovative options that will help you tackle drainage issues.

Reconsider Watering Schedule

You could be over watering your garden or yard, leading to improper drainage. If you scale back your watering for a few days and see an improvement, your drainage just wasn’t able to keep pace with your previous schedule. Sprinkler systems can easily be adjusted to operate at longer intervals.

Check the Gutters

The downspout of the gutter could be causing your problem. The first thing to check is if there’s a blockage in the gutter itself – this leads to overflow and excess runoff. Next, try extending the downspout away from the side of your house, although you’ll want to ensure that you’re sending the runoff into a storm drain or other source rather than your neighbor’s property.

Dig a Creek

If a downspout extension isn’t working you can dig a long shallow trench and fill it with gravel. This is essentially a slide for runoff.

Evaluate Driveway Drainage

Experts recommend accounting for slope and placement in order to ensure that your property has effective drainage. For homes that are below street level, a trench drain is often necessary – these are long and run the entire width of the driveway. If your driveway is sandwiched between two downward slopes, you’ll opt for a swale that allows storm-water to make its way back to the groundwater. The most popular driveway drainage solutions are permeable pavement driveways; these surfaces reduce runoff and protect you from flooding and can handle considerable driveway traffic.

Build a Rain Garden

A rain garden is positioned in a particularly low spot in your yard and is designed to house water-loving plants. This is a much more aesthetically pleasing option than a muddy wet spot in the yard and reduces runoff and lawn chemicals.

An Underground Drainage Pipe

If you have an area that’s positioned lower than the inlet, you can install an underground drainage pipe by digging a slowly sloping trench from the source to a catch basin.

A Dry Well

This is no more intricate than a large hole with gravel that catches excess runoff water and holds it while it socks back into the ground.

Proper attention to your property’s drainage will ensure that your lawn always looks aesthetically pleasing as well as that you aren’t faced with problems such as a flooded basement due to soggy patches too close to the home. Many of these solutions can be implemented quite simply and inexpensively and will save you in the long run.

Author: flooringsupply