Blog : Home Improvement General | Flooring Supply Shop Blog - Part 13Flooring Supplies

The Must-Have Flooring Tools

There has been an increasing trend among homeowners to opt for the ‘Do it Yourself’ task regarding home renovation. Some of these DIY home renovation tasks include flooring, painting and grouting, among many others. These DIY tasks not only demand homeowners to possess a particular skill set, but also require them to have requisite tools.

Possessing adequate tools is necessary to accomplish the task properly. Having necessary tools not only reduce the efforts and stress, but also ensure perfection in job. Moreover, a badly done home renovation defeats the sole purpose of doing DIY, which is to save money. This is so because a badly done DIY task would result in incur of expenses for repair and correction. Hence, homeowners who wish to indulge in DIY home tasks should have all the necessary tools required for successful completion of the job.

One of the most commonly chosen DIY tasks by homeowners is flooring and that too tiling of the floor in particular. While installing tiles at home, one of the most common problems faced by them is lippage. This problem occurs when the tiles are not uniformly set to form one flat surface. As a result, the aesthetics of the house is adversely affected and also lippage may result in cracking or breaking of the tiles. For this, homeowners can opt for the Tuscan Leveling System which ensures that the tiling is done perfectly without any lippage. This leveling system has been designed for DIY enthusiasts and can be used by homeowners with any skill set. Another tool that proves useful while tiling is the tile spacer that facilitates straight grout lines. The uniform finish renders a neat look which enhances the appearance of the place.

In addition, homeowners can also purchase the Primo Bucket Brush, which takes the hard work and mess out of cleaning buckets, saving a lot of time, money, and water.The Bucket Brush is designed to use a ½” portable drill to provide the power. Not only does the Bucket Brush save time, it saves the environment. Mixing buckets can now be used over and over again before they ever end-up in landfills.

Homeowners doing flooring on their own must also possess tools like tile cutters, tile saws, diamond hole saws and undercut saws. In addition, they can purchase straight edges, trowels, grout floats, diamond blades and stone fabrication products. The grout grabber tool, polishing pads and Montgomery degree pitch level tool are few of the other tools that homeowners should have.

Besides these specific tools, there are several other tools that the homeowners must possess to ensure proper completion of DIY flooring tasks. The most important among them is the safety gear, which includes knee pads, gloves, eye gear and respiratory mask, among others.

Homeowners should ensure that they possess all the tools before initiating any DIY project. However, before going on a shopping spree to purchase flooring tools, homeowners should first make an itinerary of the tools that are actually required. This would help avoid purchasing something that is not required and also ensure buying tools that are necessary.

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Slate A Great Flooring Option

Flooring is an integral part of the house, which can significantly affect its appearance. Hence, it is vital to select the right flooring option for your home, which can make it look more attractive and appealing. Among the various flooring options available, more and more people are opting for slate, for residential as well as commercial buildings. Owing to its versatility and aesthetic appeal, it is increasingly being used in interiors as well as exteriors. Not only is it a feasible flooring option, but is also a great option for the walls, ceilings and roofs.

Slate adds elegance and sophistication to an interior, which other flooring options cannot. This sturdy natural-stone flooring option is formed when minute particles of silt and clay bind under high pressure and temperature. Owing to this process, slate gets its monolithic and ultra-fine texture. It is generally gray in color, but can also have shades of blue or green on it. However, it is also available in other colors like purple, brown and white pink, among others. You can make use of slate’s different shades of color for creating unique designs for your flooring. Along with its diversity in colors, slate tiles are also found in varied shapes, thicknesses and finishes. You can combine these variable attributes to your advantage and come up with different flooring ideas for house.

In comparison to various other flooring options, slate is a more durable and long lasting material. Once installed, it can last for many years and you may not have to replace it with any other flooring; thus, proving cost advantage. Additionally, it also has low maintenance requirements, unlike some other flooring options such as hardwood flooring. Slate is also resistant to dirt, and requires regular mopping with mild detergent cleaning.

The fine molecular structure of slate renders several advantages over other flooring options. Along with being tough, it is also resistant to moisture, which guarantees firm footing and avoids slipping or gliding. Owing to this, slate is a great flooring option for high traffic areas, or areas that are exposed to water, like hallways, porches, kitchen and bathrooms. In addition, this anti-stain flooring option is also bacteria and allergen resistant, thereby reducing the risk of diseases. To top it all, slate is quite affordable as compared to most of the other available flooring options, like marble and granite.

Due to the various advantages offered by it, slate proves to be a great flooring option that can enhance the appearance of any décor. However, an important thing which one should always keep in consideration is that the installation must be done in the right manner. If the installation is not done properly, flooring may be susceptible to breakage.

Since slate is a heavy natural stone, it needs to be installed correctly on a strong, solid subfloor instead of a flexible subfloor. Once properly installed, it will last for several years, without much maintenance requirements. Hence, if you are planning to install new flooring, you should opt for slate, which has become a preferred flooring choice of many people.

To seal use Slate Sealer by Glaze n Seal that offers unsurpassed low gloss protection for slate, quarry, tile, and other dense tile. This easy to apply, fast drying, non-yellowing acrylic provides a barrier against oil, water, based stains, acids, and efflorescence indoors and outdoors. With excellent UV and abrasion resistance.

Installation of shower shelves – You could do it too

Have you ever thought how important are those little recessed shelves, in helping you have a perfect shower? Well, if not, let me tell you; a lot. What else makes it so easy to keep your soap, shampoo and other important toiletries within your arm’s reach while taking a shower and save yourself from all the discomfort of stepping out of the shower to get the necessary toiletry from the other corner of the bathroom? In a way shower recessed shelves help you take not just a shower but a ‘lazy shower’ so as to pamper yourself and relax your stressed nerves, right?

Now that you have conformed with my opinion, it’s time you also know that installing shower recessed shelves in your bathroom is no rocket science. If you ever need to add another recessed shelf in your shower cabinet, you can do it yourself; without waiting that extra hour for your plumber. How? Through ready to tile recessed shelves.

They have more than one feature which makes them a common man’s game. First, they are light, which means they do not demand a whole team, with you, to bring them from the store. And second, they are easy to install. Neither do they need framing prior to installation nor are they particular to the dryness or wetness of installing area. In addition they are easy to mount and are flexible with respect to being installed prior or after tiling. This means all that you have to do is mount them, place mortar mix (sand & cement), and tile as desired.

But do take care of the quality of the ready to tile shower recessed shelves. Low quality recessed shelves have cellulose or wood fibers and thus, are not water proof. They can rot and corrode and have a short life. One the other hand, high quality recessed shelves are made of corrosion resistant materials, with obviously, no hint of wood or cellulose. Once you fix them, you can rest assured to have long years of lazy showers with a contribution from these shelves by your side.

To help you in your lazy showers, there are another kind of shelves too-corner shower shelves. For many people, they come before the recessed shelves, in the choice for shower shelves. Fortunately, now they are available in the ready to tile form too. You can find them in all colors, designs and sizes at your nearby ready to tile bathroom fixtures store. But again, do take care of the quality. Given their constant exposure to water, they must be water resistant and corrosion free.

Well, if you do not have enough time to visit the store in your locality, don’t worry. You can still get your favorite kind of shower shelf. You do spend a certain amount of time on the Internet, right? Well then check out our collection and place your order, log on to www.flooringsupplyshop.com

Maintain Concrete Pavers and Brick

How To Seal & Maintain Concrete Interlocking Pavers & Brick

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The following information is based on product application reports and manufactures information and is provided in good faith to assist the consumer. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND PRODUCT LABELS COMPLETELY BEFORE USING. PRE-TEST IN AN INCONSPICUOUS AREA PRIOR TO APPLICATION TO DETERMINE IF THE DESIRED RESULTS ARE ACHIEVED.

Unsealed interlocking pavers & brick are subject to staining, fading, sand loss, and can sometimes develop weeds and mildew growth. With proper sealing and maintenance your pavers will be more likely to have a long lasting, beautiful and durable life and appearance. The sealer selection for Interlocking Pavers, brick and other types of sand set pavement material is generally based on the desired “finished” look and the degree of stain resistance required as well as the need for joint sand stabilization. Most paver installations will benefit from a sealer that has joint sand stabilizing properties. Use of Glaze ‘N Seal’s Paver Sealer & Joint Stabilizer will protect from stains, oil and fading as well as sand erosion.

Recommended Product	Stain Resistance	Finished Look	Comment
Paver Sealer/Stabilizer	Excellent	Low-Medium Sheen	Water-based – Film-forming

Surface Preparation

Newly manufactured concrete pavers should cure 14 days or more before sealing. Follow paver manufacturer’s recommendations. Prior to the application of Glaze ‘N Seal’s sealer products, surface must be thoroughly clean. Remove all dirt, oil, grease, paint, efflorescence and any previous sealers that may not be compatible with the new sealer. General cleaning may be done using Glaze ‘N Seal’s alkaline base Heavy Duty Cleaner. Mix the concentrated detergent according to label instruction depending on severity of surface soils. For Efflorescence stains or hard water deposits, use Glaze ‘N Seal’s mild acidic cleaner Efflorescence Remover. Note…(When acid has been used for any reason, surface must be neutralized). For neutralizing, we recommend Glaze ‘N Seal’s Neutralizing Rinse. Always read cleaning product instructions and cautions with any cleaner.

After tamping down joint sand and sweeping the sanded areas for new installations, be sure the sand is at least 1/8 inch below the surface of the pavers. Make sure all sand residue and fine powder is removed with broom & blower before application of any film forming sealers. Allow any moisture in or on the surface of the pavers to dry at least 24 hours. Allow 48 hours or more if temperatures are cool or a pressure washer has been used. For best results the sand should be dry to its full depth before sealing. It is always recommended to test the sealer of choice in a small area first. Always read product label and directions carefully before beginning to use any sealer products.

Seal

Apply Glaze ‘N Seal’s Paver Sealer & Joint Stabilizer to a clean dry surface using a compressed air hand pump garden-type sprayer. Apply a heavy saturating coat of sealer. Ensure that all joints are flooded to maximize sealer soaking into the dry sand. Immediately squeegee any excess product down into the sand joints using a large foam or rubber squeegee. Avoid puddling on the surface. An optional second thin coat may be applied to the surface of the pavers after two hours if desired to increase protection & gloss. Ideal surface temperatures should be above 55° and below 85°.
After final coat, allow sealer to dry 2 hrs before foot traffic. Limit heavy traffic. Keep vehicular traffic and moisture off for 72 hours while sealer cure

Maintenance & Other Sealer Options For Concrete Interlocking Pavers & Brick

Seal

Maintain your pavers with periodic cleaning of grease, dirt, loose soil and hard-water stains with Glaze N Seal’s (Heavy Duty Cleaner). For stubborn grease spots use Heavy Duty Cleaner in a more concentrated formulation. Rinse surface well with water.
Reapply maintenance coats of sealer as needed. All Glaze N Seal sealers are re-coatable. Make sure surface is clean and dry at time of reapplication.

If Considering Other Glaze ‘N Seal Sealers For Concrete Interlocking Pavers & Brick, See Options Recommended From Chart Below

Finished Look	Stain Resistance	Recommended Product	Comment
“Wet Look”	Excellent-S, O, W	“Wet Look Lacquer”	Solvent-based – Film-forming
Low-Medium Sheen	Excellent-S, O, W	Multi-Purpose Sealer*	Solvent-based – Film-forming
“Natural Look”	Excellent-S, O, W	Stone Sealant Impregnator	Water-based – Penetrating
“Natural Look”	Excellent-W	Natural Look Penetrating Sealer*	Water-based – Penetrating

Stain Resistance: Stain (S ) Oil (O) Water (W)

*Economical water repellant. If a natural look with oil resistance is needed, use Stone Sealant Impregnator.

If a deeper wet look appearance is desired, Glaze ‘N Seal’s “Wet Look” Lacquer can be applied to an unsealed surface, When applying film-forming sealers as “Wet Look” Lacquer or Multi Purpose sealer, use 2-3 thin even coats. Minimize foaming. A solvent resistant spray applicator is recommend when applying “Wet Look” Lacquer“.
Glaze N Seal’s Natural Look Penetrating Sealer may be used to provide a long lasting water protection that looks natural on the paver surface. Glaze ’N Seal’s Stone Sealant Impregnator will provide premium stain, oil and water protection that looks natural on the surface. When using penetrating-type sealers Stone Sealant Impregnator or Natural Look Penetrating Sealer, apply one liberal coat using a sprayer or roller. Do not allow excess Natural Look Penetrating Sealer to dry on the surface. Wipe up excess sealer before it dries. After 10-24 hrs check repellent by dropping water droplets on surface to check for water bead. If need apply second coat.

More information on how to clean Seal and maintenance your hard surface

How to Seal and Maintain Concrete Counter Tops

How to Seal and Maintain Concrete Counter Tops

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Recommended Sealers for Use on Concrete Counters

The following Glaze ‘N Seal sealers are popular choices for use on concrete counters. They will resist water stains, oil stains and enhance appearance. They are durable and re-coatable. Always perform a test patch, allow it to dry thoroughly and “test” likely contaminates.

Wet Look Lacquer

A clear coating sealer (solvent base)
Non-Yellowing
Will not turn white
Excellent oil resistance
Resists acids
Resists efflorescence (white residue)
Imparts “wet look” appearance
Additional coats add gloss
Safe for food surfaces (after fully curing)
Re-coatable
Leaves a coating on top of surface

Multi-Purpose Sealer

A clear coating sealer (water base)
Leaves a coating on top of surface
Non-Yellowing
Resists acids
Excellent oil resistance
Safe for food surfaces (after fully curing)
Re-coatable
May be applied over Wet Look Lacquer
Medium to high sheen (based on number of coats)

Stone Sealant Impregnator

A below surface penetrating sealer (water base)
Leaves no film or coating on top
Natural look appearance
Safe for all food surfaces
Excellent oil resistance
NOT acid resistant
May be re-applied if needed
Not recommended over coating-type sealer

New concrete counters should cure at least seven (7) days or more before sealing. Read package label carefully and perform a small test-patch before sealing entire surface. Concrete surface must be clean, dry and free of any contaminants including old wax and failing sealers. Wax or polish should be stripped with a quality item such as Glaze ‘N Seal Stone Stripper or Heavy Duty Cleaner. Old coating-type sealers (if peeling or damaged) should be removed with a quality item such as Glaze ‘N Seal Paint, Sealer and Coating Stripper.

Estimated coverage per gallon for the first coat – 150 to 200 square feet. Additional coats will add fifty-percent more coverage.

Coating-type sealers will build protection and gloss with multiple, thin and even coats. Use a lambs-wool applicator, brush or paint pad. Apply additional coats until the last coat does not darken the appearance.

Penetrating-type sealers will not add gloss but will protect. Apply two liberal coats with a brush or paint pad. Generally, additional coats will not affect appearance, but may leave a residue if over applied.

Routine Maintenance

Even AFTER sealing, the concrete counters are not indestructible.

Use coasters for glasses and hot pads for hot items. Minor scratches should be removed with non-abrasive “Scotch Brite” pad.

Do not place hot pans and dishes (above 300°) on sealed surface.

Stain resistance to water-based spills, oils, food items, etc., is excellent; however, spills should be removed as soon as possible.

Coating-type sealers will be etch-resistant to acidic items such as colas, citrus juices and wine because of the film barrier. Penetrating sealers do not protect against etching.

Clean the sealed surface regularly with a soft cloth using diluted Glaze ‘N Seal Neutral Cleaner or Stone Cleaner. Rinse with a minimum of water and dry promptly. Soaps and detergents can leave a film on the surface. NEVER use abrasive cleaners, bleach or ammonia.

The use of Glaze ‘N Seal’s Acrylic Floor Polish or a quality paste Carnauba food safe wax is optional as a sacrificial maintenance top coat…. Not a silicone type product.

Reapply polish as needed (remove any old polish or wax first) before reapplying sealer.

Note: Always test a small area of surface to be sealed to verify penetration and satisfaction of sealed appearance.

More information on how to clean Seal and maintenance your hard surface

Category: Home Improvement General

The Must-Have Flooring Tools

Slate A Great Flooring Option

Installation of shower shelves – You could do it too

Maintain Concrete Pavers and Brick

How to Seal and Maintain Concrete Counter Tops

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