Everything you need to know about laminate flooring

Laminate flooring mimics the look of traditional woods while offering easy installation and lasting durability. At first glance, it can be difficult to spot the difference between hardwoods and laminate flooring. What appears to be a natural wood grain pattern is really a thin layer of decor paper (a photographic image) under a tough-as-nails protective film that is glued and pressed to a high-density backing board. Laminate Flooring comes in an array of wood effects as well as stone and ceramic effects.

Laminate floorings main advantages are that it is easy to install, is very hardwearing and relatively inexpensive compared to real hardwood flooring.

Laminate flooring is a floating floor, which means it does not fasten directly to the sub-floor. Instead the planks are clicked together. This enables the floor to be fitted fast and with no real mess.

Most laminate floors today fit together with a click system with the most common being the UNICLIC system as used by Quick-Step. This is extremely easy and fast to fit. The ingenious UNICLIC-system has a special shape of tongue and groove. You simply place the tongue of one plank into the grove of another at an angle and press down. Their sophisticated and very accurate milled shape makes it possible to create a very tight connection during the installation. The floor can be walked on straight away.

If you are laying laminate flooring over a concrete sub-floor then you will fist need to lay down a damp proof membrane (DPM). This is basically a sheet of plastic usually around 5mm which helps protect the Laminate from moisture. On top of this goes the foam underlay this acts as sound absorption and also helps even out minor irregularities in the sub-floor.

Most manufactories now offer a combined DPM and underlay along with several underlay's that have better sound absorbing qualities

Most of the leading laminate floor manufactories now also have ranges of flooring that also include built in underlay. This underlay is pre-fitted to the bottom of the flooring and is usually of sound absorbing quality. You do not need to install this type of floor a secondary but if you are laying over a concrete sub-floor you still have to lay down a D. P.M. (Damp Proof Membrane) first.

Laminate flooring has been around in Europe for around 15 years and has seen massive growth in the past few years. In 2004 over 750 million square meters of laminate flooring was sold worldwide this was an increase of 13% on the previous year. The biggest growth market is in the US with an impressive growth rate of 25%.

What is laminate Flooring Made From?

Laminate flooring is usually made up of four layers:

1. Overlay (Wear Layer)

The top wear layer is provided by the melamine resin, a highly wear resistant material that makes laminate flooring so hard wearing. This top layer is very similar to the top layer on counter or kitchen work tops but is usually around 40% stronger. This makes the laminate flooring highly resistant to scratches, burns, dent’s, stains, etc.

2. DPL (Decorative Paper) or HPL (Decorative Paper + Add High Strength Paper)

It is the decorative paper which gives the laminate flooring its individual appearance, ranging from highly authentic wood reproduction, ceramic or stone designs. An important thing to look out for when purchasing laminate flooring is to understand the difference between DPL and HPL. We will talk about this latter

3. Core layer

This is made up of either high density fibreboard (H. D.F.). or medium density fibreboard (M. D.F.) This is saturated in resins to make it extremely hard. Most manufactures also add a moisture resistant resin to the core. This is important as it helps keep the flooring protected against moisture penetrating the boards.

4. Stabilizing layer

The bottom layer is the stabilizing layer; this is what gives the laminate floor its stability. It is made up of moisture resistant resins

How is Laminate Flooring Produced.

This is where DPL & HPL are different.

In the direct-pressure laminate process the decorative covering layer and stabilizing layer are pressed together onto the core layer.

While the high-pressure laminate process, on the other hand, the decorative paper and overlay are pressed onto special high-strength paper first. Only in a second stage is this so-called high-pressure laminate glued to the core layer. This makes the flooring a lot more tougher and more resistant to dents etc.

How is Laminate Flooring Graded

Apart from the different warrantees that manufactures offer and the difference between DPL & HPL the other thing to look out for when purchasing laminate flooring is industry standard load and traffic categories. These are broken into two different categories and are as follows.

Residential

Class 21 – Moderate Loads. Ideal for bedrooms etc.

Class 22 – Normal Loads, Ideal for living rooms etc.

Class 23 – Heavy Loads. Ideal for anywhere in the house (except bathrooms)

Commercial

Class 31 - Moderate Loads. Hotel Rooms, meeting rooms, etc.

Class 32 – Normal Loads. Offices, waiting rooms, etc.

Class 33 – Heavy Loads. Large offices, shops, public buildings.

How to do home repairs yourself and save time and money

Could you imagine how much time and money you can save if you could do your own home repairs yourself. Well you can, if you have the right tools and some time on your hand.

But most people are too busy or have no idea on how to fix simple things around the house. If you have a house, things will brake over time, which is only natural wear and tear. Your home will need regular maintaining to upkeep the value.

When you first buy a house, it will need minor repairs, that you can do yourself. Some of the repairs may be; changing window blinds, doors locks, and painting. In most cases when you move into your new home, it might need a fresh coat of paint on the walls to make you feel at home.

If that’s the case, you should paint the house before you move-in any furniture’s. Before you start to paint, cover the floors with drop cloth, to prep the house for paint. Fill any dents and holes in the wall with sparkle, allow it to dry, then sand and prime the spots.

If you are painting the entire house! Paint the ceilings first, and the walls second. Cut-in the corners with a brush and paint the large areas with a roller. After the house is painted, it’s time to move-in to your freshly painted home.

Do not neglect the outside of the house, because if the outside is poorly maintained, it could bring down the value of the property. When something breaks and needs fixing, attend to it (ASAP) as soon as possible or it can get out of control.

If you cannot do the repairs, call someone that can. In some cases, it only takes a couple of minutes to repair things around the house; like changing out a door lock, replacing a blow-out light-bulb, or resetting a breaker switch. They are all simple repairs that you can do. Having a home needs a lot of care, if you keep-up with the repairs.

Tricks for removing snow easily using snow throwers

Snow throwers will allow you to cozy up inside your house

When it snows, it is the worst time for men folk of the house. (I know, I know, it is not politically correct to say this, but give that guy some credit) while the government and municipal corporations try to keep the highways and streets clear of snow. The snow removal from the front of the house to the gate is the family responsibility. To ease this work we have snow throwers that can do your job in a jiffy, allowing you to go back into the house quickly.

Single Stage Snow Throwers Are Gas Engine Operated

A snow thrower can be single stage or two stages. A single stage snow thrower has an auger made out of combination of metal and plastic or hard rubber. The Engine drives an auger through a series of gears. This auger cuts through the thick coat of ice by chipping, collects it, and then directs it out of the machine with some force. This way the ice on the ground is cleared from the driveway. In a single stage thrower, the machine is self-propelling as it rides on snow. Single stage machine clear a width of 12? to 22? and multiple passes are required to clear the snow in the driveway.

A Two-stage Machine Is More Powerful

A two-stage machine has a pump in addition to the auger in a single stage machine. The ice churned by auger is sent to pump. Additional force imparted to snow by the pump makes it possible for the machine to throw the cleared snow to greater distance. Distance can be up to 45? in some cases. Children enjoy this and with a double throw machine, laughter of children comes free. (Keep your children out of the landing place of snow) This makes the work of clearing snow easy and enjoyable. Double stage machines clear the width of 2? to 3? in one pass and this reduces time required for clearing

Tricks For Removing Snow Easily.

The snow can be cleared easily by sprinkling salt over the snow. (Check with authorities though, before sprinkling salt on snow to check if it is permitted).

When you go out in the snow for clearing it, use layered clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.

Take precaution, and do not to slip on the hard snow. There is a possibility of landing on the head. Use spiked shoes if possible.

When to purchase window replacements

They serve as our view to the outside world and bring the glowing sunlight into our home every day. What is this mystery product? Windows, of course. They are so much more than a view, however, as they also shield us from the cold air, the rain and anything else that the hand of mother nature decides to deal.

With all of this responsibility weighing upon them, windows take an absolute pounding - sometimes literally. There will inevitably come a time that every individual will need to consider repairs or completely new window replacements.

Window replacements are available as either wood or vinyl and can usually be matched to the current look of any home. The time to consider window replacements is when the cosmetics of the current window or the structure is beyond repair. Additionally, many individuals decide to replace their windows for insulation reasons. The majority of window replacements carry a warranty but, if cared for properly, are expected to last for up to 20 years.

As for installation, it is often recommended that the homeowner enlist the help of a local home improvement company or licensed contractor. If an individual isn’t comfortable with window replacements or isn’t familiar with the installation process, this will be the only option. The window specialist can provide the supplies or the homeowner can purchase them directly from a local home improvement store, which can often result in substantial savings. By purchasing the products, homeowners will sometimes save on the higher prices that contractors may charge for the convenience of providing the window replacements.

During the installation of window replacements, homeowners will want to pay close attention to the work being done. It is advisable to look for small cracks around the window that may lead to higher energy costs. How? If cool air finds it’s way through the cracks and into the home, the heating system will have to work harder to keep the home’s interior warm. This will result in a higher heating cost. The opposite is true of the warm summer months with air conditioning having to work harder to keep the home cool if hot air is creeping into the home through cracks in the window construction. Window replacements should include caulking and weather stripping to help eliminate this problem. The company that provides the window replacements installation will also be able to provide some type of weather protection as well.

Little giant ladders a guide to choosing the best model

Everyone needs a good, stable ladder. It is always best to invest in a ladder that will fulfill any challenge you take on. Little Giant ladder is the only answer if you are looking for the best ladder. But do you know which little giant ladder is most suitable for you?

Here are the top 8 tips before purchasing the giant little ladder:

1. Stability. Look for the little giant ladder system with flared footings to enable you remain stable when you climb high, on the topmost rung of the ladder. Your little giant ladder should give you 100% protection.

2. Warranty. The Little giant ladder company should give warranty; make sure you get a warranty to prevent you from unnecessary expenses incase your ladder breaks down in the first one year

3. Construction. Look for the ladders little giant that are most durable with a longer life span and offer the best value for your hard earned money.

4. Value. Look for a ladder that will prove valuable to you. Little giant ladders have many models; so please consult the shop assistant to know the various types of ladders and the one that fits your needs - if you really have limited space you should go for little giant folding ladders for you. Get your ladder little giant in accordance to the height that you want to reach for.

5. Versatility. It is not possible to afford a garage full of ladders. Therefore your little giant ladder should serve multipurpose and thus save your money and space.

6. Weight. A professional grade aluminum ladder weighs between 25-45 pounds and a fiberglass model will weigh between 35 to 50 pounds. Anything lighter won’t be as durable or stable.

7. Accessories. When choosing your little giant step ladder, make sure you purchase the accessories for it. Accessories include wall stand offs, leg levelers, and work platforms.

8. Origin. Look for your little giant ladders manufactured in the USA as offer better craftsmanship and are of a higher quality.

Invest a little thought before purchasing your little giant ladder - you are simply not using it to get the job done; you are using it to save your life and health.

Choosing the right gas water heater

Choosing a gas water heater is perhaps the wisest choice when installing or replacing a hot water heater in your home because they are much more economical than their electric counterparts.

In fact, most gas water heaters operate on less than half of the cost associated with conventional electric water heaters. Considering that hot water heaters are the second largest user of energy in the home, finding a more economical solution is very wise indeed.

Natural gas hot water heaters are also very popular among homeowners because they reach their set temperature more than twice as fast as an electric water heater does. That means that you could probably run the dishwasher after your morning shower and still have hot water, not lukewarm water.

And are you always the one having to wait around for more hot water after a shower hog has carelessly used it all for himself? A gas water heater may not make him more considerate, but it would cut your wait time in half.

While gas water heaters heat water faster and cheaper than electric heaters, it is still very important to purchase the right size tank for your household needs. A gas water heater that is too small can still leave you showering in lukewarm water.

Most homes will require a 40 gallon gas hot water heater. This heater will take care of a moderate sized home with 3 to 4 occupants, two bathrooms, and a washing machine.

Of course, if you live alone and only have one bathroom, you can get by with a smaller water heater. On the other hand, you may need a larger heater if there are more family members, especially teenagers, in the home and a dishwasher or whirlpool baths.

Even once you have figured out which gas water heater is the right size for your home, you may want to purchase a size larger for a few reasons.

Most of these reasons will center on your family's lifestyle. For example: If you have a family member who is notorious for taking long, extremely hot showers, or if you have to run the dishwasher, washing machine and take a shower at the same time and in the few hours that you get to spend at home, you may want to purchase a larger gas water heater than is recommended for your family size.

No matter what size gas water heater you choose, you can rest assured that you are heating water for a fraction of the cost associated with electric heaters. Now that's smart.