January, 2016 | F&F-Home

Dry Chem Versus Steam: Carpet cleansing Services

When you purchase furnishings for your home, you’re creating a big investment in your home’s worth. As time goes on, that investment will become broken and worn thanks to excess dirt and dirt buildup. Even new carpet will begin to seem dirty while not frequent cleansing. After you are able to reverse the injury, you may, az carpet cleaning, however to try to do that you just can need to choose between dry chem and steam carpet cleansing services.

What is Dry Chem? Dry chem carpet cleansing can use chemical compounds to get rid of the dirt from your carpet fibers. Tho’ these ways need wetness, the drying time is considerably reduced as compared to steam cleansing. The disadvantage, however, is that the dry chem may be a substance, which suggests it’ll plant itself at intervals the fibers of your carpet and may really leave your carpet feeling dry and rough. What is Steam Cleaning? Steam cleansing is that the best methodology for deep cleaning a carpet. Mistreatment this methodology, an organization can initial saturate the carpet mistreatment plight and eco-friendly cleansing solutions. From there they’re going to bread down the dirt and take away them with a plight extraction methodology.

From there the furnishings can need to dry before it are often used, that takes 24-48 hours. Drying Times Traditional steam cleansing takes longer than chem dry ways. This is often as a result of additional water is employed and since there are not any chemical agents that naturally evaporate, the carpet fibers should air dry. Steam cleaners, however, leave less water overall within the carpet fibers, which suggests there’s no risk of mold or mildew growth like there is with dry chem ways. Effectiveness Deep carpet cleansing is what you rent knowledgeable service to try to do to your carpets. With steam cleansing you’ll be able to rest assured that the embedded dirt and dirt can come back up from the fibers thanks to the recent water extraction methodology that breaks them down deep at intervals the fibers..… READ MORE

May 14, 2019

Nathan Robinson

Bathroom Flooring

Bathroom Flooring Ideas

Most of the time, bathroom flooring is not the element that receives much attention from homeowners and decorators. This is understandable because it only has your feet to attend to, unlike sinks, toilets and shower enclosures that have crucial specifications affecting their performance and usage. However, if you are considering a complete bathroom renovation, you should give the flooring some attention, it adds more to the overall appearance of your bathroom than you realize.

The list of bathroom flooring ideas is actually long; including familiar and unusual choices, but the bottom line in making the selection is safety and cleanliness. The bathroom floor material that you should choose must not cause much slippage when wet, which means that it has to have the friction of some sort. Also, it should be easy to clean and inhibit odor. Whether you are considering luxury bathroom designs or a simpler one, you should take note that the flooring material depends on the amount of water spillage that occurs, the amount of time you can devote for cleaning, and the durability of the material.

Ceramic tile is one of a lot more prevalent bathroom floorings simply because it’s tough and hygienic. It is actually perfect for compact bathroom designs as significant ceramic tiles can generate an illusion of a larger space. Apart from being simple to clean and waterproof, these tiles are safe from stains. The benefit of tiles are obtaining a wide option for colors, patterns, shapes, sizes, textures, and styles, although the disadvantage is it often feels cold underfoot, it may be slippery and is prone to mold and mildew inside the grouting.

Vinyl flooring is another option that can look like slate, marble, brick or even wood flooring. The advantages are it is non-allergenic, waterproof, stain-resistant and durable and easy to maintain.

There significantly less frequent bathroom flooring selections that you just will nevertheless find utilized, for example, hardwood or laminates, carpet, cork, or rubber. In case of your home’s big floor plan is of hardwood, it will be pleasing to make use of the same material for the bathroom. Hardwood provides a warm feeling in addition to a very good visual appeal, but it could be destroyed by moisture unless coated with water-resistant sealant. Another promising option is carpet, which has to be resistant to water, stain, and mildew to be able to last for an extended time. Having said that, it is actually not advisable for households with young children, for even high-grade carpet will likely be unable to withstand frequent soakings and spillage. If opt for cork, a flooring material overloaded with excellent qualities, as it is warm underfoot and sound insulation, also as becoming non-slip and rot-proof even when wet. Rubber is also extremely sturdy and resistant to components, nevertheless, it must be studied so that you can prevent slipping.

Lastly, should you are soon after style and high quality for your luxury bathroom designs, stone flooring, marble, slate, and limestone will be the most effective decision, … READ MORE

May 9, 2019

Nathan Robinson

Bathroom Flooring

Hardwood And Laminate Wood Flooring – What You Should Know!

I can’t deny that wood floors are lovely to look at, warm and inviting, but the same effect can be obtained with laminate wood for a lot less money and headaches! And in many cases, laminate wood may be the better choice. Not only does it look like “wood”, under most situations it will out-perform real hardwoods…

Since the very beginning of laminate wood floors, improvements have already been a constant endeavor with manufacturers, like Alloc, Mannington, and Dupont, to produce this flooring material a “perfect” product. The “wear” (prime) layer is made of aluminum oxide, a shield about as robust as steel and penetrating it is near not possible.

With hardwood flooring not much has changed since the 70s to improve its tolerance of normal living conditions. Other than developing a new type of finish to give it more protection, there’s not much that can be done to change its profile. This is a beautiful natural product.

But let us be honest, there are some areas where any kind of wood flooring products is not the best choice. There is risk involved if you use wood in a kitchen or bathroom. If the flooring is porous, like hardwoods, it is a fort for harboring bacteria and germs.

Waterproof or Not?

When I hear the word “waterproof” I think “unaffected by moisture”, do not you? Effectively, that’s not the case with either hardwoods or laminate wood. Flooring suppliers marketing and advertising their wood flooring supplies as “waterproof” is really a selling point, and why not they are within the business enterprise to “sell”, but the truth is wood and water/moisture usually do not mix.

The factor with hardwoods or laminate wood is neither a single is entirely waterproof. Too substantially exposure to moisture and hardwoods will expand, and because it dries it contracts. This type of action will cause all sorts of problems with completed hardwood floors.

Laminate wood tolerates moisture a great deal far better than hardwoods. The HPL (high-pressure laminate) is constructed with sealed waxed edges, this really is in addition to the Aluminum Oxide surface coating, that increases water resistance. But if exposed also extended to moisture/water it is going to buckle.

But between the two, laminate wood tolerates moisture and bacteria far better than hardwoods.

The Affect From Impacts

As really hard and challenging as hardwoods are, they are basically dinged from impacts! Tough to assume, but precise! Drop a sharp-edged object or heavy pan about the hardwood floor and it really is going to leave a mark.

Do the identical challenge with laminate wood and it is not going to faze the flooring at all. The Aluminum Oxide surface coating on laminate is normally when compared with steel. Definitely really hard as a rock!

Scratching The Wood

Hardwood floors scratch very easily. You have to be very careful when moving furniture, or anything of considerable weight or with a rough bottom, not to drag it but to lift it, unless you have floor … READ MORE

May 6, 2019

Nathan Robinson

Backyard Fence

Backyard Fence: I Hate It, But I Needed One

Being from the country, I was never inclined to like nor need a backyard fence. I thought they were ugly and made me feel locked in and shut other people out. After I moved into an urban area, I started to feel differently about them and saw more of a need for a backyard fence.

While I still didn’t like them, I was forced to come up with a backyard fence plan of some sort, if for no other reason than to keep my pets in my yard and my neighbor’s critters in theirs. I really didn’t know where to start. I knew I needed a backyard fence for privacy, but what kind? I certainly didn’t know how to build a backyard fence. Should it be made of wood? Brick? Chain link? On top of that, I didn’t know anything about fence gate hardware!

I didn’t even want the stupid thing in the first place, and now I was forced with a big decision, not just about a privacy fence, but about what type would increase the value of my home. One of my neighbors had a backyard decorative fence wire woven, and it seemed to keep in the good and keep out the bad, but not obstruct the view.

The only thing I did know for sure was that our neighborhood was changing. The kids were cutting through the yard and snooping around, and even strangers would occasionally pass through. It started to get a bit creepy, so I was forced to quit putting it off and I had to make a decision on what kind of fence I was going to put up.

The problem is that I thought the type of fence that I wanted didn’t exist. I was a kid once, and I understand how easy it is to jump some backyard fences. Chain-link fences can be jumped. A wood backyard fence would probably be no good because the kids could knock a hole in it and go on through. Then I’d be stuck doing fence repair. The last thing I would ever consider for a backyard fence is a barbed-wire fence. Even though I didn’t want the neighborhood kids coming through, I didn’t want them getting hurt either.

One day while my family and I were out for a casual drive I saw the answer I was seeking – a wrought iron fence! I thought it was beautiful. However, there was one problem; I’m kind of a do it yourself landscaping guy, and I had no idea how to go about putting that kind of backyard fence up.

So, I went to Home Depot for some pointers. There was a really knowledgeable guy there and we talked about it for quite a while. After he explained most of the details to me. I hired a contractor that he recommended and I watched football and drank beer while the contractor built the fence. … READ MORE

Apr 11, 2019

Nathan Robinson

Backyard Fence

The Best Way To Maintain Your Backyard Fence

Your fence should provide you with many years of service; more if you make certain that it is adequately preserved and you carry out routine maintenance check-ups.

Wood Preservatives

If at all possible, buy fence timber which has been factory-impregnated with preservative, as this is considerably more effective in infiltrating below the surface of the wood than home applied treatments. When erecting a fence, any cut ends must be soaked in preservative for a day before use.

Unless fences are built of natural rot-resisting timber, like cedar or oak, you\’ll also need to treat them regularly with a wood preservative. Re-apply solvent-based products every two or three years and water-based preservatives or creosote every four years.

Creosote

Creosote is an effective and popular treatment for preserving fencing. Nevertheless, it’s got a very strong smell, which many people may find objectionable. It’s also poisonous if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through your skin, which means you must wear protective clothing when applying it. Because of this, creosote isn’t suitable for fences which support plants.

Water Based Preservatives

These are generally a lot less noxious to plants and also less unpleasant to use. They prevent the growth of surface molds and enhance the physical appearance of the timber. However, they’re normally less effective at controlling rot.

Wood-Pitch Preservatives

These kinds of preservatives produce a barrier that helps prevent water penetration, making the timber too dry for bacterial action.

Fixing Support Posts

Among the important problems which develop as fence ages are broken timber support posts. If the damage reaches soil level, the best way of fixing is using a concrete spur – this is a small post sunk into the ground alongside the current one and bolted to it to give support.

Dig a hole 45-60 cm (18-24 in) deep about the damaged post and cut off the rotten part.

Paint the cut end of the timber post with a wood preservative.

Place the concrete spur in the hole, resting it against the post, and pack hardcore around the bottom to support it.

Push bolts through the holes in the spur and tap them with a hammer hard enough to leave an impression on the wooden post.

Remove the bolts and spur and then drill holes through the post for your bolts.

Bolt the concrete spur onto the post, tightening the nuts on the spur side so that the wooden post is not harmed.

Make certain that the post and spur are vertical if necessary brace them in position temporarily with stakes driven into the ground.

Fill the hole using a fairly stiff concrete mix tamping it down securely to remove any air pockets.

Once the concrete has set (usually after around a week), get rid of the supporting stakes and saw off any excess length from the protruding bolts.

Repairing Arris Rails

Damaged arris rails can be easily repaired with specially angled metal brackets. These can be found in styles either to support a rail which has rotted where the … READ MORE

Apr 5, 2019

Nathan Robinson

HVAC

Your Pre-Spring HVAC Checklist

Spring will be here before you know it. Among other things, that means preparing your HVAC system for warmer weather. Since there is more to this than simply turning down the heat and turning up the AC, here’s a checklist of ways to prepare your heating and cooling system for the spring.

Change Your Air Filter

You should at the very least check your air filter every month to see if it needs to be changed. After running your heat throughout the winter, your filters probably need to be changed more often, so take the time to do that if you haven’t already this month.

Clean Up Around Your AC Unit

Since you probably haven’t needed your air conditioner in the last few months, you might have piled up boxes and other things around the unit without thinking about it. To ensure that everything will work properly when you need it, take some time to de-clutter your basement or wherever your air conditioner might be. There should be some space around it in case you or an HVAC contractor needs to reach it.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are wonderful things, but they only work when you know how to program them. Right now, your own thermostat is probably set for the cold winter weather, so make the necessary adjustments to ensure that your home doesn’t feel too hot this spring.

Schedule a Tune-up

You should contact an HVAC contractor to perform some routine maintenance on your system every fall and spring. You can usually find a good contractor by searching “HVAC maintenance Chicago” or wherever you might be located and performing some basic research on some of the services that you find. Don’t wait until the last minute to find a good service though. Even when you do everything right with your HVAC system, emergencies can still happen. You will need to find someone who can perform repairs before the weather really starts to change.… READ MORE

Mar 8, 2019

Nathan Robinson

Laminate Flooring

5 Tips To Keep Engineered Timber Flooring In Its Best Form

Floors covered with wood lends a different level of aesthetics altogether while also helping in keeping the rooms warm during the colder months. While most homeowners prefer solid wood flooring options, modern trends are witnessing the use of engineered wood.

While it consists of plywood with a veneer of hardwood to it, engineered wood is known to lend a rustic appeal to the floors when installed. While this type of wood can be a great investment for you, there is a need for you to ensure that it is maintained and cared for well as suggested by installers for laminate flooring in Sydney.

Avoid excessive moisture on the surface

The top layer made of hardwood can endure moisture, but that doesn’t mean that you have all the freedom to keep it wet. Experts who install engineered timber flooring in Sydney agree that whenever you clean the floor, ensure that the mop or cloth is slightly damp and nothing heavily soaked. This would ensure that the floor is clean yet avoiding the accumulation of moisture on the floor surface.

Take heed of scratches

Installers for engineered timber flooring in Sydneysays that the most common scratches on engineered wood come from stilettos, pet nails, furniture legs as well as abrasive dirt with shoes. To avoid scratches, avoid walking on the wooden floor with your stilettos, keep pet nails trimmed at all times and use padding underneath furniture that may cause scratches when dragged or moved even for cleaning purposes. Even though sanding on the hardwood can remove scratches, but that is limited only to once or twice as it only has a single layer or hardwood on top.

Treat spillage immediately

Whether you spill wine or cola, ensure that you have cleaned it up almost immediately. Chemical or acid present in these liquids can create a permanent stain while also making the wood absorb the water and expand. To avoid permanent damage to the wood, keep a mop or a cloth handy all the time. The moment there is a spillage, clean it up.

Sweep or vacuum clean the floor every day

Some homeowners think that wooden floors do not hold up dust and dirt on its surface and therefore cleaning it every day isn’t a compulsory task. Well, accumulation of dust and dirt in addition to moisture often leads to caking of dirt on the surface. When you make plans on cleaning the wooden surface yourself or with the help of cleaners for engineered timber flooring in Sydney after several days, it takes up a lot of effort to scrub out the dirt. This would take up a lot of time while also making it vulnerable to scratches and stains.

Avoid placing electronic appliances directly

Whether it is the refrigerator or the air cooler, avoid placing them directly on the wooden flooring. Installers for engineered wood and laminate flooring in Sydneystate that the heat emitted from them can allow the wood to get damaged and faded over time. Therefore, keep … READ MORE

Feb 27, 2019

Nathan Robinson