Tag: floors

Epoxy flooring: Tips and tricks

Epoxy flooring: Tips and tricks

Epoxy flooring has become a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties, thanks to its durability, aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast looking to upgrade your garage floor or a professional seeking to provide the best solutions for your clients, understanding the ins and outs of epoxy flooring is crucial. This article will cover essential tips and tricks to ensure the successful application and maintenance of epoxy flooring, ensuring a stunning and long-lasting finish.

Choosing the right epoxy coating

Selecting the appropriate epoxy coating is the first step toward achieving a durable and attractive floor. Epoxy coatings come in various types, including water-based, solvent-based and 100% solids, each with its advantages and specific applications. Water-based epoxies are user-friendly and have a lower odour, making them ideal for indoor residential spaces. Solvent-based options provide a higher gloss finish and greater durability, suitable for commercial and industrial environments. Meanwhile, 100% solids epoxy is the most durable and resistant, offering a thick, hard finish perfect for high-traffic areas.

Surface preparation

The key to a successful epoxy flooring application lies in thorough surface preparation. The concrete surface must be clean, dry and free of any contaminants, such as oil, grease or previous coatings. Start by repairing any cracks or damages in the concrete to ensure a smooth application. Grinding or shot blasting the floor can also improve the epoxy’s adherence by creating a rougher surface texture. Ensure the floor is thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned before proceeding with the epoxy application.

Application tips for a perfect finish

Applying epoxy flooring requires precision and attention to detail. Temperature and humidity can significantly affect the epoxy’s curing process, so it’s essential to apply the coating under optimal conditions – typically between 50°F and 90°F with low humidity. Mixing the epoxy resin and hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions is crucial for achieving the right consistency and ensuring a strong bond. Applying a primer before the epoxy coat can enhance its adhesion and longevity. When applying the epoxy, use a roller or squeegee evenly to spread the coating, working in small sections to maintain control and ensure an even layer.

Decorative flakes and finishes

Epoxy flooring offers endless possibilities for customisation through decorative flakes, metallic pigments and other additives. These not only enhance the floor’s appearance but also provide additional texture and slip resistance. When using decorative flakes, scatter them evenly across the wet epoxy surface and then seal with a clear topcoat to protect the design and ensure a smooth finish.

Maintenance and care

One of the advantages of epoxy flooring is its ease of maintenance. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and water is usually sufficient to keep the floor looking new. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can damage the epoxy surface. In high-traffic areas, consider applying a new topcoat every few years to maintain the floor’s appearance and protection.

Troubleshooting common problems

Even with careful preparation and application, you may encounter issues such as bubbles, peeling or uneven curing. Most of these problems stem from improper surface preparation or incorrect mixing ratios. If bubbles appear, using a heat gun over the surface shortly after application can help release trapped air. If the epoxy peels or doesn’t cure correctly, removing the affected area and reapplying after addressing the underlying issue is necessary.

Conclusion

Epoxy flooring is a versatile and durable solution that can enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of any space. By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure a successful epoxy flooring project that stands the test of time. Remember, the key to a perfect epoxy floor lies in proper preparation, choosing the right materials and meticulous application. With a bit of practice and patience, you can transform any concrete surface into a beautiful and resilient floor that lasts for years.

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Laminate flooring: A good idea for your home

Laminate flooring: A good idea for your home

Perhaps you’ve recently bought a doer-upper and you’re about to embark upon some major renovation work. You’re excitedly contemplating colour schemes, creating mood boards and researching interior decorating retailers. Maybe you’re beginning to contemplate what the best floor coverings are to use in each room. In this post, we’ll be going through many of the reasons why laminate flooring is a good idea for your home.

Practical

Laminate flooring is quick and simple to install; it’s supplied in packs of precut lengths that click together effortlessly. There’s no need to use nails, screws or glue. Lay it over a thin foam underlay then trim with beading along the edges to create a neat finish. You should be able to start and complete laying a laminate floor in an average-sized room in less than a day.

Also, this type of flooring is very easy to keep clean and maintain, merely use a damp mop once a week or so and sweep with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner as and when needed to keep it looking in tip-top condition.

Hard-wearing

High traffic areas within the home such as the inner porch, hallway and corridors can see a lot of footfall on a daily basis. Soft flooring options such as carpets, rugs and runners in these spaces will quickly become worn and stained and soon begin to look scruffy and unattractive. Not so with laminate – just a quick mop and a speedy sweep after a procession of muddy boots have been through and the floor will look as good as new again!

So much choice

Laminate flooring finishes can imitate a range of other types of materials; hardwood, stone, slate, ceramic tile etc. In addition to this, laminate is available in many different colours and patterns – so there’s bound to be at least one product that will suit your taste and décor.

Many modern examples are water resistant and therefore suitable for use in bathrooms, utility rooms and other spaces that may experience a fair amount of dampness. Some types may even be laid over underfloor heating.

Furthermore, as well as laying laminate planks in the traditional parallel line formation, there are some models that are designed to be laid down in a herringbone or chevron pattern. This will allow you to create a parquet style floor – but much more quickly and cheaply.

Affordable

Laminate is one of the most affordable flooring materials out there. If you like the idea of hardwood floorboards but don’t have the big budget required to buy and install it, a good alternative is laminate printed to give the impression of a much more expensive oak or teak timber floor.

We hope that the points we’ve made above will help to persuade you that laminate flooring is a suitable and viable option for use in many of the rooms in your home.

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Tips on choosing a new carpet

Tips on choosing a new carpet

At some point in time, many of us will face the daunting task of choosing a new carpet for the home. And although other flooring materials such as wood and luxury vinyl are growing in popularity, nothing beats the soft warmth of a carpet underfoot – especially in the bedroom. Of course, carpets differ in quality and price. So, it’s worth taking a bit of time over your decision. But what considerations do you need to think about? And why are they important?

Close up of brown & cream carpet pile

Choose the right pile

Different techniques are used to make carpets, and this offers us a range of styles from which to choose. But more than just looking good, the pile can determine how hard-wearing and comfortable your carpet is.

Carpet can be made with looped fibres such as Berber or level loop carpets. Or they can have cut fibres such as Saxony or twist pile carpets. Loop pile carpets are generally considered to be better for high traffic areas as they’re more resistant to crushing. However, these can develop pulls from pet claws and other things catching in them. Plain Saxony pile carpets often show up vacuum and foot marks as the fibres move easily but other cut piles such as Frieze-style carpets have dense, short fibres that hide traffic marks well.

A third option to consider is a woven carpet such as Axminster. These can provide a highly textured or smooth finish. They’re often very durable; however, they can be much more expensive to buy.

Cat lying on a natural woven carpet

Think about materials and cleanability

Material is also very important in your carpet choice. It can be made from natural materials such as wool or sisal or from synthetic materials such as polyester and polypropylene. Along with the type of pile, this can affect the durability of your carpet. It’s also worth considering materials based on cleanability, cost, the environment and vulnerability to pests.

It’s a good idea to decide what your needs are first and match these to the material options. If you have a busy household with pets and young children, then cleanability and durability are a priority. And although wool is naturally stain-resistant and quite hard-wearing, cleaning chemicals are not suitable for this type of carpet. So, a synthetic carpet made of nylon could be a better choice. However, if sustainability is your priority, then wool or other natural and hard-wearing materials such as sisal or jute could be appealing to you. Alternatively, a carpet made from recycled polyester could give you a balance of eco-friendliness, durability and cleanability.

Carpet on a bedroom floor

Choose a style

The style of your carpet isn’t simply down to material and pile though. Colour and pattern play a large part too.

If you like to redecorate frequently, then a neutral-toned carpet will blend in with changing colour schemes. And small or dark rooms will benefit from light colours. On the other hand, in high traffic areas, this may soon become discoloured. You also need to think about how colour can date your décor. Grey carpets have been very popular over the last few years. Yet now, as trends begin to change, home-owners face the dilemma of whether or not to renew their carpet even though it’s still in good condition.

Coins spilling from a jar on to the floor

Avoid costly mistakes

Fitting a new carpet is a big investment that takes time and money. Thus, prior to buying any carpet, it’s worth seeing it ‘in the flesh’. This could mean a trip to your local showroom or ordering a selection of samples. Nonetheless, it’s essential that you do one or the other. Simply looking online won’t tell you the exact colour of the carpet or how it feels.

Don’t forget to factor the underlay and other accessories into your costs. It’s tempting to think you can reuse the existing underlay, but this may be worn or lack the right thickness to give you a satisfactory result.

If you choose to buy your carpet online from a national or international retailer, they may offer to arrange the fitting for you. Don’t automatically think this is the best option. Finding your own carpet fitter means you can choose a local trades-person that you trust.

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6 common problems to look out for with wood flooring

6 common problems to look out for with wood flooringcredit

Wood flooring is a lovely choice to make a part of your home. It not only looks really good, but when installed right, it can last for a long time. There are some key problems you need to look out for to maintain your wood flooring properly. With the necessary tools and techniques, you’ll be able to have these issues resolved. Here are some common problems you need to look out for with wood flooring.

Cupped wooden flooring

1. Cupping

If the bottom of a board becomes wetter than the top, the edges of the board cup. Wide plank floors tend to be the most prone to cupping, but it can also happen to strip flooring. The cause of cupping is usually when the flooring has been installed over a wet basement or crawlspace. The solution to slowing moisture migration is having a vapour retarder installed between the floorboards and the sub-floor.

In some cases, after the moisture issues are resolved, the cupped floors will end up lying flat again. In other cases, the floor may be permanently deformed. The floor will have to be sanded after the moisture content of the bottom and top of the board is within 1%. You can check the bottoms of the boards by placing a moisture meter through the sub-floor.

Gaps in wooden floor boards

2. Abnormal gaps

Gaps that are big and irregular can take away from the look of your wood flooring. This type of flooring can be more prone to this problem. These gaps tend to be more evident during drier times. One cause of abnormal gaps is flooring that’s too wet when installed. Another cause is installing flooring in areas that are excessively dry, such as when wooden floors are installed on heating ducts, homes heated with wood stoves or areas that receive a lot of direct sunlight.

The best time to have gaps in your floors repaired is during the most humid time of the year when they hold tight to one another. Repairing them when the wooden floor gaps are widest might lead to a floor that buckles when it expands. When repairing the floors, never use wood filler. Instead, glue slithers of wood to the edge of the floorboards. Be sure to apply the glue on only one side of the slither to avoid gluing any boards together.

Peeling paint on wooden floorboardscredit

3. Peeling floor finishes

A wood floor finish can peel if the floor is improperly prepped or contaminated when the finish is applied. Any chemicals or dirt embedded in the finish or on top of the floor will cause the coats of a finish to flake. Other times, excessive sanding with high-grit paper causes the surface to be too smooth for the finish to adhere. Perhaps the most common cause of peeling is stain residue that’s not cleaned before the finish is applied. You can prevent any build-up of stain residue by removing excess stain no later than three minutes after it’s been applied.

The floor should dry thoroughly before any finish is applied. Don’t make the mistake of letting stain sit or applying multiple coats of stain to darken the wood. One of the best ways to fix a peeling floor is sanding it down to bare wood and restarting the process of applying the finish. Having the floor abraded and getting a new topcoat applied probably won’t fix the problem. If resanding isn’t done, furniture polishes and waxes used to clean wood floors will seep in the pores of the finish and potentially prevent the finish from successfully bonding.

Wet wooden floor boards

4. Buckling

When boards can’t expand, they end up buckling. A wood floor can buckle because of a flood, a damp basement, or if it was too dry when the floor was installed. Additionally, improper fastening aggravates the condition. Sometimes, buckled floors can be refastened, while other times, they have to be removed. If the grooves and tongues are torn apart, or the boards have been cracked, they have to be replaced. The moisture issues in the home have to be fixed, and the moisture content of the sub-floor and floorboards needs to be the appropriate level before the buckled floors can be repaired.

Stained wooden floor

5. Stains

When a floor finish builds up with stain, it can typically be removed with a wood floor cleaner. If the stain is within the actual finish, it has to be sanded out. If a floorboard has been deeply stained, it’s best to have it replaced. In particular, pet urine can go deep into the wood fibres and be very difficult to remove. Two-part wood bleach can sometimes remove stains, though it does have disadvantages. Bleach can break down the wood fibres, causing the wood to be more susceptible to denting. If you use wood bleach, make sure to apply it to the entire floor, so the floor can remain consistent in sheen and colour. Once dry, sand and refinish the wood.

Fractured wooden floor

6. Fractures

Factory-finished floors tend to have more cracks than other types of flooring. Flooring nailers damage the finish on the boards. More manufacturers are making an adapter for their nailers to keep the force of the nailer from concentrating on the floorboard’s surface. Ideally, boards with badly damaged edges should be replaced. Cracks can be common on the face of regular and factory-finished floorboards. It happens because different wood types tend to crack more than others.

A factory-finished board can be fixed through using a manufacturer repair kit, which has a coloured marker, a bottle of finish and wood filler. If you’re unable to get a kit, the next best option is to either fill the crack with wood filler and apply finish over the entire floor to keep the colours matching, or replace the board.

Being aware of common wood flooring problems can keep you prepared with the tools you need to maintain your floors. Be sure to fix any problems that you notice with your wooden floors as soon as possible to keep it preserved. You can learn more about hardwood floors at this link: HomesPure.com.

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