Blog : Flooring Supply Shop Blog | Flooring and Floor Heating Supply - Part 33Flooring Supplies

Flooring Products That are HypoAllergenic for Sensitive People

There are several people who suffer from allergies that are triggered by allergens present in their surroundings. People can develop allergies due to a multitude of allergens, such as dust, dust mites, mold spores, sawdust and others. Presence of allergen in the environment may cause adverse reactions in hyper sensitive people, including sneezing, coughing or scratching. Watery-eyes, spots like blisters that are quite painful or lung infection are some other problems which they might face. To prevent these, it is important to avoid all activities and products that aggravate allergens.

There are so many things in the house, like flooring, cleaning solutions and others, which have the potential to harbor allergens, such as dust and dust mites. These can be found in homes where people spend over twelve to fourteen hours daily. Therefore, precaution must be taken to keep homes free from allergic-causing substances.

Homeowners can opt for ‘hypoallergenic’ products which are made using ingredients that are usually light on chemicals. These products are mostly eco-friendly and are manufactured using recycled or organic material. Further, these comprise fewer components, thereby reducing chances of developing allergies. The hypo-allergenic products are generally free from perfumes and odors, which normally make sensitive people sneeze, or feel breathless.

There are many hypoallergenic flooring products that can be chosen by sensitive people. Among all the available options, ceramic tile is the best choice, primarily because of its hard, slick surface that does not allow allergens like dust or mold to settle on it. Ceramic tiles are available in diverse sizes, shapes, designs and patterns. You may also select glass tiles, which are little expensive than ceramic tiles.

People also have the option of selecting environment friendly cork flooring. The tough surface of cork prevents dust and moisture absorption that can give rise to allergy. In addition, cork is free from toxic substances found in few flooring and carpeting products. Besides, you can also choose amongst concrete, rubber, bamboo and hardwood, finished with organic shellac or varnish.

You can also opt for various rugs and carpets, made using natural material like cotton and wool. Linoleum is another great hypoallergenic, Eco green flooring option which is soft, durable, easy to maintain and clean. This naturally fire resistant flooring option is available in a wide palette of appealing colors that can enhance the appearance of any room.

Apart from these flooring options, there are various cleaning and washing formulas that are hypo-allergenic, organic and green. Before purchase, people must read the information and details of each product. This simple measure helps in avoiding purchase of products that contain allergic substances.

In case you are planning to renovate your home and want to install new flooring products, do check whether or not you are allergic to any of them. For example, if you sneeze continuously while walking through the carpet section of a store, probably you are allergic to it. Bamboo can also lead to allergy in certain individuals, causing red rashes all over the body. Thus, it is advisable that you carefully test each product, and purchase those that do not trigger any allergy. With so many options available, you will easily find hypo-allergenic flooring products to which you are not allergic.

Vinyl composeal waterproofing vs. fabric Schluter and Blanke

A leaky ceiling or wet basement is a huge problem which, a lot of homeowners are facing these days. It can cause damage to furniture, walls and floors. In addition the dampness also attracts wood rot and termites which can aggravate the damage caused. Since home is probably a person’s most expensive investment, it is important that homeowners take adequate measures to prevent damages to their house. Waterproofing is an important measure you can take to prevent water from damaging your house, eventually safeguarding your investment as well as the house. Some of the popular waterproofing options you can use include vinyl (composeal) and fabric (Schluter and Blanke). These can be used for basement, foundation, floors, walls, leaking ceiling and other sections of the building structures.

Whether you are building or remodeling your home, you should install waterproofing system to prevent penetration of water. Vinyl (composeal) waterproofing system is quite popular with homeowners as it is long-wearing and lasts for decades. Along with durability, it is easy to assemble and very affordable. The Composeal vinyl fabric provides protection against common shrinkage cracks, common in houses and prevents moisture migration as well as water damage. Moreover, it has an excellent bonding strength and can be easily installed on terraces, roof decks or any kind of flooring, including marbles, tile, stone or brick. In addition, it also provides excellent resistance against chemicals. Only drawback is that the place should be well ventilated as this fabric does not breathe, and if the underside of the fabric gets wet then it might lead to mildew growth.

You can even opt for the Schluter fabric waterproofing which is reliable, durable and easy to install. This bonded waterproof membrane is appropriate for ceramic tiles and other kinds of floor as it does not give moisture a chance to penetrate. In addition, it also has crack bridging capabilities and also acts as a vapor block. Moreover, it does not constitute any hazardous wastes and is physiologically safe. It can be easily installed using a dry-set hydraulic adhesive without requiring any waiting period.

Another popular option being used at residential and commercial buildings is the Blanke waterproofing fabric. These are durable and be installed easily on most of the surfaces that are flat, dry and structurally sound, with help of thinset. In addition, it is ideal for steam rooms as it provides a vapor barrier. It also provides a long lasting barrier against moisture and is effective even in areas such as bathrooms and shower stalls which have continuous moisture penetration. Even the tiles can be installed directly on it without any need for cure time, which is generally required for liquid applied products. Furthermore, the Blanke fabric also offers resistance to mold growth, UV destabilization as well as adverse effects of chemicals. Hence, Blanke waterproofing fabric proves to be a convenient option, which is durable, cost-effective and easy to install.

Before opting for a flooring option, you need to make a detailed study of the choices available. Along with that you also need to assess your waterproofing requirements and accordingly make the decision.

budget friendly flooring options

Flooring is an integral part of any house; be it construction or renovation, it is essential to select the appropriate flooring material that not only provides durability but enhances the interiors as well. Amongst the numerous options available in the market, choosing the right flooring option can be overwhelming. Natural hardwood flooring and carpets, though makes a place look great, but are quite expensive and beyond the budget of most of the homeowners. Nevertheless, there are many budget-friendly and beautiful flooring options which can render a great look to your home.

A cheap but nice flooring idea which can make your floor look attractive is the bamboo flooring. Bamboo, a grass, effectively imitates the look of a wooden floor and is generally harder than most of the hardwood flooring. These are available in two shades, the natural light-color and the darker look which is accomplished after the grass is carbonized. Moreover, apart from being budget friendly, bamboo is also an environment friendly flooring option.

Another great budget flooring option is the laminate flooring, which is durable as well as attractive and easily simulates wood or in some cases, stone. These are available in a wide range of colors, patterns and designs which can easily complement the decor of any house. Moreover, the versatile flooring is easy to install and can be done by ‘DIY’ enthusiasts without any professional guidance.

Ceramic tile flooring is a cost effective flooring option, which is increasingly being used in residential and commercial buildings. It is one of the most durable flooring options which is available in scores of color; light, dark and blended colors. Furthermore, the tiles are available in different styles and sizes which can be customized as per your requirement. You can mix & match different tiles to render an attractive look or use mosaic tiles to enhance the look of the interiors. The ceramic tiles resist staining and are easy to maintain, without any special cleaning requirement. However, these tiles can sometimes be slippery, so it is advisable that you apply an anti-slip coating, which is readily available in the market.

Inexpensive than other types of natural flooring, the cork tiles provide natural and rich look to the house. This flooring option is especially perfect for those for those with an ecological bent of mind. Along with lending a striking elegance and finish to the room, one of the most endearing qualities of cork is that it is a great insulator. As a result, it keeps the floor warm during winters and cool during summers. Moreover, its soft texture gives a comfortable feel when you walk on it, similar to that of carpet. Available in both tiles and planks, you can choose amongst a variety of colors and finishes.

Concrete flooring is also a popular budget flooring option which gives the place an unfinished and earthy look. The option is nearly endless as these can be stained, colored, painted and even customized. Furthermore, these are easy to install, inexpensive, highly resistant to various elements, easy to clean and maintain.

Amongst all these flooring option, you can choose the one which best complements the house interiors. The right budget flooring can render a great look to your home, without burning a hole in your pocket.

Benefits of Sanding and Sealing your Hardwood Floor

wooden flooring

Homeowners are increasingly choosing wood as a flooring option for their home. Wooden flooring is not just durable but adds to the aesthetic appeal of the house. In addition, it is also a great insulator which keeps the house warm and comfortable. However, in order to maintain the attractive look of the wooden floor it requires to be ‘sanded and sealed’ from time to time.

Over a period of time, the wooden floors develop scratches, dents and cracks; which tarnish the visual appeal of the interiors. However, such an unpleasant scenario can be avoided by proper sanding and sealing.

Sanding is the process of removing the upper layer of the wooden floor with the help of an abrasive material. Prior to sanding the floor, it is advisable that the defective nails are tightened and cracks are sealed. Proper sanding ads shine to the wooden floor, bringing back its initial rich appearance. Sanding the wooden floor is performed with coarse sandpaper initially, followed by a finer one. The coarse sandpaper removes the gross crudeness and imperfections, leaving behind scratches, which can be removed with the help of finer sandpaper. For a smoother finish, one can use floor polisher or disk sander as well. Proper sanding removes the scratches and stains on the floor.

After the wooden floor has been sanded, it is coated with a layer of wooden floor seal. Sealing is an important process which protects and enhances the life of the wooden floor. It can be done by putting a protective layer of an appropriate sealant. It is advisable not to choose cheap and inferior quality seal as it requires frequent re-sands which results in greater expenses. Quality seal, on the other hand, protects the floor by offering a stain resistant layer which can last years through proper maintenance. The protective sealant layer offers stain resistance, prevents water seepage, protects from dirt particles as well as keeps mold and mildew at bay.

The most important benefit of sanding and sealing, if done properly, is that it provides a whole new look to your floor. The refinishing results in visual magnificence making it look like a newly installed flooring. Due to this, more and more homeowners are resorting to sanding & sealing instead of installing a new floor, which can be time consuming as well as expensive.

Though it can be done by hand, most of the homeowners use electrical machines as these are easily available in various stores. However, before you choose to do this job on your own, you must realize that it requires patience and demands time, apart from money. You can always take professional help to perform this job if you don’t feel confident enough to do it yourself.

Sanding and sealing your wooden floor is highly essential and must not be overlooked. Not only does this process, enhance the visual appeal of the floor but also provides longevity to it. Therefore, if your wooden floor needs a facelift, then you must get it sanded and sealed either yourself or through a contractor.

Cypress and Hickory Unique Hardwood Flooring Trends

Amongst all the different flooring options available in the market, hardwood floors are undeniably the most elegant flooring option which adds an aesthetic look to the whole place. Moreover, the hardwood flooring can be installed anywhere, including kitchen, hallway, dining room and living room. These are increasingly being used in residential and commercial buildings. Amongst the different types of hardwood floors such oak, maple, pine, fir or birch; cypress and hickory are the most unique flooring trends of today.

Cypress has become quite popular among homeowners; it resembles knotty pine with better natural tone. These are available in delicate cream and soft brown shades, sometimes with hints of green. Over time, the natural darkening and aging of the wood occurs giving it an amber or honey-colored appearance. In addition, the knots and swirls gives it a more natural and unique appearance. The cypress hardwood flooring beautifully compliments the decor of the house, including any type of furniture or color of the interior. Harder than red oak flooring, cypress hardwood flooring is durable and can easily withstand heavy wear without any damage.

This hardwood flooring option has become the foremost choice of homeowners who want to give a warm and rustic country look to their dwelling. The rustic country look has gained popularity in remodeling old homes as well as in new construction in the past decade. The availability of Cypress hardwood flooring in a wide range of cream and brown tones with so many knots makes it the ideal flooring choice for this effect.

Moreover, the natural darker knots and striations in the cypress wood, makes it a good option for high traffic areas as the scratches and dents, if any, get camouflaged with the wood’s natural patterns. As a result, it easily hides abrasions and stains, unlike other glossier floors. Furthermore, cypress has also become a favorite choice of many hardwood flooring contractors, they find it easy to work with, since it is easy to sand and cut cypress wood.

Another popular choice is the hickory hardwood flooring which is available in a wide spectrum of colors. These are available in almost whites, to tan, and from soft brown to rich dark brown tones of the heart wood. Installing different shades together can produce quite vibrant, unique and dramatic looking hardwood flooring, which easily compliments any kind of decor. As a result, it prevents homeowners from worrying about fixtures and furniture clashing with the flooring. Next only to mesquite wood flooring, it is the second hardest domestic wood species used for hardwood flooring, and proves quite durable and cost-effective over other hardwood flooring such as oaks and maples. Similar to cypress hardwood flooring, hickory can also be used in any part of the house, such as the den, bedroom, living room or family room, giving the place a whole new look.

Hence in case you are building your new home or remodeling the old one and are looking for a good flooring option, choose the cypress or hickory hardwood flooring to give your place a royal and elegant appearance.

Flooring Products That are HypoAllergenic for Sensitive People

Vinyl composeal waterproofing vs. fabric Schluter and Blanke

budget friendly flooring options

Benefits of Sanding and Sealing your Hardwood Floor

Cypress and Hickory Unique Hardwood Flooring Trends

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