Archives November 2017

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Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher, located in the kitchen. Better still is to install fire extinguishers on each level of a house and in each potentially hazardous area, including (besides the kitchen) the garage, furnace room, and workshop.

fire, extinguishers, extinguisher, fire extinguishers, class, fires, fire extinguisher, rating, usually, kitchen, water, weigh, pounds, grease, charge

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Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher, located in the kitchen. Better still is to install fire extinguishers on each level of a house and in each potentially hazardous area, including (besides the kitchen) the garage, furnace room, and workshop.

Choose fire extinguishers by their size, class, and rating. “Size” refers to the weight of the fire-fighting chemical, or charge, a fire extinguisher contains, and usually is about half the weight of the fire extinguisher itself. For ordinary residential use, extinguishers two and a half to five pounds in size usually are adequate; these weigh five to ten pounds.

“Class” refers to the types of fires an extinguisher can put out. Class A extinguishers are for use only on ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, and cloth. Generally, their charge consists of carbonated water, which is inexpensive and adequate for the task but quite dangerous if used against grease fires (the pressurized water can spread the burning grease) and electrical fires (the water stream and wetted surfaces can become electrified, delivering a possibly fatal shock). Class B extinguishers are for use on flammable liquids, including grease, oil, gasoline, and other chemicals. Usually their charge consists of powdered sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).

Class C extinguishers are for electrical fires. Most contain dry ammonium phosphate. Some Class C extinguishers contain halon gas, but these are no longer manufactured for residential use because of halon’s adverse effect on the earth’s ozone layer. Halon extinguishers are recommended for use around expensive electronic gear such as computers and televisions; the gas blankets the fire, suffocating it, and then evaporates without leaving chemical residue that can ruin the equipment. Another advantage of halon is that it expands into hard-to-reach areas and around obstructions, quenching fire in places other extinguishers cannot touch.

Many fire extinguishers contain chemicals for putting out combination fires; in fact, extinguishers classed B:C and even ARC are more widely available for home use than extinguishers designed only for individual types of fires. All-purpose ARC extinguishers usually are the best choice for any household location; however, B:C extinguishers put out grease fires more effectively (their charge of sodium bicarbonate reacts with fats and cooking oil to form a wet foam that smothers the fire) and so should be the first choice in a kitchen.

“Rating” is a measurement of a fire extinguisher’s effectiveness on a given type of fire. The higher the rating, the more effective the extinguisher is against the class of fire to which the rating is assigned. Actually, the rating system is a bit more complicated: rating numbers assigned to a Class A extinguisher indicate the approximate gallons of water needed to match the extinguisher’s capacity (for example, a 1A rating indicates that the extinguisher functions as well as about a gallon of water), while numbers assigned to Class B extinguishers indicate the approximate square footage of fire that can be extinguished by an average nonprofessional user. Class C extinguishers carry no ratings.

For protection on an entire floor of a house, buy a relatively large extinguisher; for example, a model rated 3A:40B:C. These weigh about ten pounds and cost around $50. In a kitchen, choose a 5B:C unit; these weigh about three pounds and cost around $15. For increased kitchen protection, it is probably better to buy two small extinguishers than a single larger model. Kitchen fires usually start small and are easily handled by a small extinguisher; smaller extinguishers are more manageable than larger ones, especially in confined spaces; and, because even a partly used extinguisher must be recharged to prepare it for further use or replaced, having multiple small extinguishers makes better economic sense.

A 5B:C extinguisher is also a good choice for protecting a garage, where grease and oil fires are most likely. For workshops, utility rooms, and similar locations, obtain IA: lOB:C extinguishers. These, too, weigh about three pounds (some weigh up to five pounds) and cost around $15. In all cases, buy only extinguishers listed by Underwriters Laboratories.

Mount fire extinguishers in plain sight on walls near doorways or other potential escape routes. Use mounting brackets made for the purpose; these attach with long screws to wall studs and allow extinguishers to be instantly removed. Instead of the plastic brackets that come with many fire extinguishers, consider the sturdier marine brackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The correct mounting height for extinguishers is between four and five feet above the floor, but mount them as high as six feet if necessary to keep them out of the reach of young children. Do not keep fire extinguishers in closets or elsewhere out of sight; in an emergency they are likely to be overlooked.

Buy fire extinguishers that have pressure gauges that enable you to check the condition of the charge at a glance. Inspect the gauge once a month; have an extinguisher recharged where you bought it or through your local fire department whenever the gauge indicates it has lost pressure or after it has been used, even if only for a few seconds. Fire extinguishers that cannot be recharged or have outlasted their rated life span, which is printed on the label, must be replaced. In no case should you keep a fire extinguisher longer than ten years, regardless of the manufacturer’s claims. Unfortunately, recharging a smaller extinguisher often costs nearly as much as replacing it and may not restore the extinguisher to its original condition. Wasteful as it seems, it is usually better to replace most residential fire extinguishers rather than have them recharged. To do this, discharge the extinguisher (the contents are nontoxic) into a paper or plastic bag, and then discard both the bag and the extinguisher in the trash. Aluminum extinguisher cylinders can be recycled.

Everyone in the household except young children should practice using a fire extinguisher to learn the technique in case a fire breaks out. A good way to do this is to spread a large sheet of plastic on the ground and use it as a test area (the contents of most extinguishers will kill grass and stain pavement). To operate a fire extinguisher properly, stand or kneel six to ten feet from the fire with your back to the nearest exit. (If you cannot get within six feet of a fire because of smoke or intense heat, do not try to extinguish it; evacuate the house and call the fire department.) Holding the extinguisher upright, pull the locking pin from the handle and aim the nozzle at the base of the flames. Then squeeze the handle and extinguish the fire by sweeping the nozzle from side to side to blanket the fire with retardant until the flames go out. Watch for flames to rekindle, and be prepared to spray again.

Chimney Fire Extinguishers

If you operate a fireplace or wood-burning stove, keep on hand two or three oxygen-starving sticks, available at fireplace and woodstove dealers. In case of a chimney fire, tossing the sticks into the flames will quickly quench a fire inside the chimney flue or stovepipe. Evacuate the house and call the fire department immediately in any case.

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A porch swing is a great focal point for the front of a home, but it should be chosen with care.

home decorating, home decoration, decorating, porch glide,porch swing, interior design, home ideas,

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A porch swing is a great focal point for the front of a home, but it should be chosen with care.

A porch swing is a wonderfully simple yet beautiful addition to any homes front or back porch. Today, there are many products to choose from. Before heading to the local department store and purchasing the model that is on sale, do a bit of research and make sure that your investment is worth it. Some of the models you will find in these low priced locations are just not worth the cost and you will lose much of the benefit of having a porch swing with them.

What To Look For

There are several things to look for when it comes to a porch swing. The first thing that you should always consider is the construction of the unit. Is it made to the highest quality? To determine this, learn a bit more about the considerations that you have.

For example, select the type of product that the swing will be made out of. They can be made out of virtually any type of material from wood to wicker to fabrics and plastics. While this choice is yours to make, it is recommended that you look for a wood or wicker made swing. In woods, look for pine, oak or maple. These are the highest in quality and give us that look that we all want from the swing.

Next, consider the swings seat size and weight limits. A good quality swing will be able to hold three adults to it. Yet, there are some that are much smaller. Selection here is up to you but you want to make sure it can hold you and your loved one for that midnight swing.

Look at the details. The bolts and other fastenings should provide a good quality tight feel to the unit. You should not be afraid to sit on it. Anything that is not highly secure is a signal that something may not be right. Also, avoid those units that are nailed together. This is not enough of a tight fit for comfort.

Finally, look at the details of the piece. The porch swing can be as simplistic that you would like it to be or as decorative. Add a bit of flair to it with a bold color. Or, stain the wood to match your homes color. This is up to you. Most pieces will come stained already with waterproofing. If not, you will need to do this to protect your unit for many years to come.

Taking these steps will allow you to have the best possible result in the furniture that you purchase as a porch swing.

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Hardwood floor styles come in strips, planks and parquet, and are available with numerous edge treatments such as square, micro, and beveled edges. The state-of-the-art technology and almost limitless choices of today’s stains, finishes, styles and designs makes hardwood flooring one of the most practical and versatile floor coverings available.

interior decorating, flooring, hardwood flooring,floors,home improvement

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Hardwood floor styles come in strips, planks and parquet, and are available with numerous edge treatments such as square, micro, and beveled edges. The state-of-the-art technology and almost limitless choices of today’s stains, finishes, styles and designs makes hardwood flooring one of the most practical and versatile floor coverings available.

The shade of hardwood flooring you choose can dramatically change the look of your room. You can compliment the other design aspects in the room, bringing continuity and balance to the overall design. Lighter colors of hardwood help small rooms appear larger, while rich, dark tones add drama to larger rooms to create a warmer, more intimate feel.

One of the most popular attributes of hardwood flooring, is its natural coloration. Natural flooring adapts to any style, now or in the future. For rooms with plenty of natural light, you may want to consider some of the darker tones available. If the room doesn’t have natural light, you can lighten it up considerably by choosing a floor with a lighter color. Just remember, you can avoid being tied to a particular scheme by choosing natural colors.

Hardwood comes in a variety of strip and plank options. Strip flooring is 21/4 wide and plank comes in varying widths starting at 3″. You can visually expand the size of your room by selecting a strip floor, while a plank floor enhances a larger room. Choose a width that corresponds to the overall scale of the room. A popular option is to use different width planks ranging between 3-5-7″. This can create a more traditional and less formal look.

Beveled edge planks can help delineate detail in the natural wood and adds a more casual feel while square edge planks fit flush against each other creating a smooth, traditional look. An eased or micro-beveled edge creates an angled effect where boards meet to create more depth and dimension while creating a more casual, relaxed look. These profiles can give the overall floor pattern distinctively different looks.

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A canopy can add a touch of sophistication as well as provide shelter from the elements. A canopy should provide optimum shade and also be a stylish extension your living space. A canopy can help you create your very own outdoor room. There is a wide choice of colours, styles and models to choose from so that your canopy will be a perfect feature for your garden. Whether you want it to be an eye-catching feature or to blend in with the rest of your house and garden there is b…

home improvement,canopy

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A canopy can add a touch of sophistication as well as provide shelter from the elements. A canopy should provide optimum shade and also be a stylish extension your living space. A canopy can help you create your very own outdoor room. There is a wide choice of colours, styles and models to choose from so that your canopy will be a perfect feature for your garden. Whether you want it to be an eye-catching feature or to blend in with the rest of your house and garden there is bound to be one that suits your tastes.

A canopy has to be designed and built to cope with the demands of life outdoors. It needs to be tough and stable to ensure that it will look great for years to come – no matter what the weather. A canopy needs to have strong frames and should have casings manufactured from heavy-duty aluminium that will not bend, twist or buckle during operation. The finish should be highly resistant to cracking, chipping and peeling. Experienced canopy makers have used extensive research to develop superior fabrics that resist fading and temperature extremes. A canopy should be coated with Teflon to make them stain resistant and have a regular anti-mildew treatment to reduce unsightly spots and markings. There are special water-resistant coatings available so your canopy can be used in wet weather too.

Gardens come in many shapes, styles and sizes and that’s why a canopy should be made to measure so that it is as individual as your garden. The most expensive types of canopy are handcrafted so that it can be tailored perfectly to meet your needs. Special brackets and fixings can be used to cater for any special requirements and a top of the range canopy will even include a remote control unit so you can adjust your canopy without having to get up, giving you extra shading, privacy or cover in seconds. There are even some canopy manufacturers that incorporate light and wind sensors into their canopy designs meaning that it automatically adjust in line with the weather. This is especially useful if you are in an area that is prone to heavy winds. If the canopy is open and the wind speed detected exceeds the safety limit then the canopy will be automatically retracted to prevent it from damaging your property.

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When you have made your house, you had long discussions with your family members, consultants, architects, and the builder. The discussions continued over breakfasts, lunches and dinners, during the weekends, on your shopping trips and holidays too. You are not going to spoil the result of this by having a bad job of deck railing. Therefore select your railing systems as you would have selected everything in your house, with care and love.

Railing Designs, railings, deck railings, deck railing designs, wood railing, glass railing, vinyl,

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When you have made your house, you had long discussions with your family members, consultants, architects, and the builder. The discussions continued over breakfasts, lunches and dinners, during the weekends, on your shopping trips and holidays too. You are not going to spoil the result of this by having a bad job of deck railing. Therefore select your railing systems as you would have selected everything in your house, with care and love.

Select Modern Railings To Suit Modern Lifestyle

The items you should consider when selecting your railing systems can be summarized as follows.

1. Your lifestyle: A large porch, a larger sit out, verdant lawns, large spending power, a two or three car garage, and a big house, certainly means that you will not be having the painted wooden posts and wooden railing at least for deck area. (may be it is acceptable for the compound fencing) Such railing would look incongruent with your lifestyle.

2. The porch and the entrance area of your house has been decorated carefully and tastefully. You are not going to spoil the area by cheap looking PVC railings. The PVC railings also look beautiful when they are made properly. UV rays can mar the look for PVC railings over a period. Use a CPVC material for porch railing if you wish to have PVC railings at all.

3. Wooden railings look give the solid look of your lifestyle. Decorative and useful, wooden railings will suit your house, you have tastefully decorated. The feeling of grandeur of your house will be spoilt by having an aluminum railing. The bigger halls of your house will and the grandeur that you have created in it will be accentuated well with wooden railings. Stainless is the next choice, here you cannot use PVC railings.

4. If your house has a period look, you can use wrought iron railings and the fittings associated with it.

The above are just examples. They indicate the thinking that should go when you decide the railing systems.

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If you can’t see it, doesn’t mean its not there. Air beds and Air Mattresses uses air to give you a whole new level of comfort. Find out why.

air mattress, mattress, airbeds, air bed, air beds, airbed

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Being a manager of my fathers mattress store, I get all queries about mattresses and particularly air mattresses latelt. Most air mattress customers want to know, for a person like me, what I consider as the best of the best air mattress among all mattress products. I can understand their desire to avoid buying the wrong air mattresses and it’s my pleasure to help those who have the opportunity to meet me. Anyway, I thought it’d be great if I can share this those who won’t cross path with me in life. At least I have a chance to give them a better sleep.

Alright folks, if I were to have only one choice, I would go for a mattress that is designed with 5 comfort zones. Mattresses with 5 comfort zones can increase circulation, reduce pressure points and respond to the shape of your body. A particular brand that has an enticing sleep surface is the Serta Perfect Sleeper’s exclusive patented Advanced Comfort Quilt. The Advanced Comfort Quilt layer is made from fluffy fibers and rolling peaks of foam that offer gentle allover cushioning; it rests upon tiers of Comfort Foam that reinforce body support and conformance. Balanced head-to-toe coils reduce mattress movement and promote spinal alignment, while the StabLbase Double Beam foundation lends added strength. The FireBlocker system helps to enhance the user’s safety and peace of mind. A very sound choice if you ask me.

If you’re looking for something larger, then I’d suggest the Queen-sized Rising Comfort Air Bed. Despite being an air bed, this baby Stands 22″ off the floor, just like a real bed. It’s big with a 80 x 60″ sleeping surface made of nylon flocked top. Always ask if the shop that sells you this mattress gives you a complimentary Fast-Fill internal pump that provides automatic inflation in just 3 minutes. Not all shops will give them for free. You can also use the double valve for easy manual inflation. This mattress is ideal for moving as its giant porthole releases air when you’re ready to pack up. Usually a purchase would include a duffel bag with shoulder strap. This baby Weighs roughly 24 lbs.

Speaking of airbeds, I have something for you that will bring you a whole new level in airbed comfort! Ever heard of the Intex High-Rise airbed? This model comes with a built-in comfortable, inflated back-rest. It really enables you to sleep in perfect comfort. No matter what you want to do, whether it is to sit up and read a book, watch TV, or just relax and talk, the back-rest is perfect! Its Coil-Beam construction provides a more-evenly and firmer support. As if that’s not enough, for additional convenience sake, this bed’s built-in high-powered electric pump is controlled with a multi-directional remote control unit. So you can inflate the bed, or adjust the comfort level while lying on the bed! Makes me lazy if you ask me. But heck, this is one of the ways you can pamper yourself.

Anyway, I can’t simply leave you with air beds without the pumps, that’d be cruel. One of the favourite I’d like to see in the shopping list of my customers is the Interdynamics 120V PowerAir Air Compressor. The Interdynamics 120V PowerAir Air Compressor utilizes household current to provide users with greater power. The internal fan allows the compressor to be run non-stop without over heating. This pump has highly visible, easy to read pressure gauge that allows you to provide accurate inflations. This pump is also great for car and truck tires, bicycle tires, air mattresses, inflatable pools, inflatable boats, beach balls, and many more items so it’s an excellent multipurpose tool. If you buy a unit of this pump, make sure you check that it includes adapters for inflatables and athletic balls, as well as six feet of power cord.

So next time when you are shopping for air mattresses or air beds, check out my recommendations. Your air bed experience will never be the same again.

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You’d be right to be concerned about security with your wireless garage door opener and remote. An intruder can gain access to your garage contents, or even your home if you don’t follow some simple security steps.

garage, door, remote, control, security, secure, burglar

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You’d be right to be concerned about security with your wireless garage door opener and remote. An intruder can gain access to your garage contents, or even your home if you don’t follow some simple security steps.

Different radio frequencies are used for communication between the remote and the opener. Tiny switches known as dip switches are used to adjust the frequency used between the two. It is a wise idea to reconfigure the dip switch settings to make sure your garage more secure.

A dip switch is a small block of plastic about the size of a dice cut in half. They are usually colored blue or red with 8 to 10 tiny white switch levers positioned up or down. Only when the up / down switch patterns match on both devices will your garage door opener remote control be able to communicate with the opener unit. By adjusting the switch pattern, you are changing the radio frequency used to communicate between the two.

You should be able to easily locate the dip switch on the opener and on the remote control clicker. But to get access to the dip switch on the remote you might need to open it up if the dip switch isn’t found in the battery compartment. Remove the screws holding the remote together, or carefully pry it apart if there are no screws. Once you have access to the dip switch on the remote, scramble the switch positions, and then match the positions on the openers dip switch block. It does not matter what the pattern looks like, so long as its a random pattern that would be difficult for someone to guess.

If you have trouble getting the remote to work after doing this, verify that the dip switch patterns are the same on both units. Then check the remote battery is in good condition, and as usual, make sure the opener has power, and operates normally using the control panel inside your garage. You might have to read the manual if all else fails.

If you are thinking of getting a new garage door opener or have already gotten one, then you will want to change settings, just to make sure everyone is honest. Don’t forget, your installer or anyone working with him knows your frequency switch settings unless you change them. So go ahead and mix up the switch pattern settings and test that it works.

Even if you are a garage door opener installation do-it-yourself type, you’ll want to make the same changes. Don’t just stay with the factory default settings. If you did, then anyone could just drive down your street with a compatible remote until he finds a door that opens and gives access to your home. Make sure that’s not you.

This advise also applies to anyone buying or renting a new home too. Just like you might change the lock to guarantee there are no spare keys floating around that could compromise your home security. You have no way of knowing how many previous residence there might have been. And you wouldn’t want someone to just walk right into your garage or home.

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Modern seating arrangement is all about a great symphony of functionality and comfort. You need chairs for almost every imaginable important work, at home and in office. This buying guide will direct you with different aspects of seating furniture to help you find the best one for your office, and home.

Modern Sofas, Contemporary Chairs, Bar stools, Seating, Modern lounge.

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Modern seating arrangement is all about a great symphony of functionality and comfort. You need chairs for almost every imaginable important work, at home and in office. This buying guide will direct you with different aspects of seating furniture to help you find the best one for your office, and home.

We have separated this article into home and office seating arrangements. Just like people come in all sizes and heights, chairs are designed to fit most body contours to provide optimum comfort. From moderate to heavy use, you need to figure out the amount of time you spend on the chair before you decide on buying one.

Heavy Users : For people who need to work for long hours on the computer, you may like to invest in a good chair to avoid stressing your back and neck. You get contemporary chairs with ergonomic designs that allow tilt mechanism and foot rest to allow you to keep changing the posture for optimum comfort. It is important that your back is well supported and your thighs form a right angle with the floor. Also, you must take a break and do a few neck and shoulder exercises every once in a while.

Moderate Users : There are many modern designs for executives and managers and people who use chairs on moderate basis. You must consider a desk chair with a good head rest and knee-tilt mechanism. There are many ergonomically sound designs and material that allow complete comfort while your mind is on race with work.

For home seating arrangement, you can choose from traditional designs and material like wood to more modern and ergonomic versions of comfort. Seating can be segregated as per a room, starting with the living area; you have modern sofas and chairs that offer multifunctional use.

Sofas : Sofas, futon beds and convertibles are great for utility. With furniture gaining momentum along with changing lifestyles, you dont want to lose out on the new face of modish furniture that helps you save space and add utility by many folds. The material can range from luxurious leather to natural and synthetic yarn and micro-fiber to allow breathability.

Bar stools : Allow yourself the comfort of ergonomically designed bar stools that come in different sizes and material to fulfill your desire, fit your pocket and suit almost any taste and theme. Now you can find great bar and counter stools for almost any space. The combo includes wood and metal, with many different styles and finishes to choose from. Depending on the design you choose, a metal stool can give your bar a sleek, contemporary look, or bring a classic, wrought iron design into your home.

Dining chairs : Dining chairs are the soul of any dining area and also important family furniture. Events like Easter and Thanksgiving bestow dining rooms with special meaning. Apart from the arm chairs and end chairs used at traditional rectangular dining tables, there are several other chair designs that go with modern lifestyle. The rectangular tables have come to be replaced with more modern shapes that consume less space like oval, round and square shaped tables. To match it up, you get chairs in as many fancy materials as the table design right from polypropylene, fiber and plastic, to traditional wood, steel and other material. Comfort should be the prime concern while rounding up on a design.

Folding Chairs : Just like the name suggest, folding chairs are simply great for transitory seating arrangement. They can be easily folded away and stored when not in use. Ideal for gardens and patios, you can match them up with folding tables. Depending upon the usage, you can choose from a variety of material like wood, plastic and metal.

Recliners : Recliners are the best things to have around your entertainment area. Inbuilt with a great reclining mechanism, they greatly enhance your TV viewing experience, especially sport events. You get recliners in different material, though the favorite is leather for its lavish smooth feel and appeal. The key consideration when picking a recliner is where it will be placed and making sure when reclined it has clearance so it won’t hit a wall.

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The sealing of stone is quite different to sealing other floor types. When sealing wooden floors for example a protective coat is added to the outside. When sealing stone the pores in the rock , or the spaces between the crystals that make up the rock are filled with the sealant with no trace of the sealant on the outer surface.

stone sealing, stone cleaning

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The sealing of stone is quite different to sealing other floor types. When sealing wooden floors for example a protective coat is added to the outside. When sealing stone the pores in the rock , or the spaces between the crystals that make up the rock are filled with the sealant with no trace of the sealant on the outer surface.

The purpose of this process is to stop liquids seeping into the stone and staining it. A sealant does not protect the stone from physical damage as a sealant on another surface would..
So what is the best sealant to use?

Natural stone must be allowed to breathe. What does this mean, because stone does not breathe like we do. Stone is made up of a variety of crystals. Each crystal is made up of different minerals. The minerals that make up the crystallised structure of the stone determine whether it is marble, or limestone or granite. To maintain the integrity of these crystals they must interact with the air and the component parts of the air in particular the oxygen. Hence they must be allowed to breathe. It is also essential that any water that gets into the stone is able to evaporate by moving through these spaces until it reaches the surface and can evaporate.

Most importantly and a little considered aspect of stone structure is the interaction between the crystals of the stone and the many millions of bacteria that live in these pores. Very slowly research is demonstrating that bacteria would seem to play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the stone in ways that are as yet little understood. In order for these bacteria to survive and prosper the sealant used should be one that does not damage them but possibly promotes their activity.

Acrylic type sealants or impregnators should be avoided at all costs because they fill up the pores killing the bacteria and blocking completely the movement of water through the stone. This can ultimately lead to the stones cracking if the underside becomes wet for any reason. They are also very difficult to remove if excess sealant is applied and not properly removed whilst still wet. What you end up with is a covering of sealant on the surface of the stone which discolours and dulls it.

The best sealers to use are those based on natural products and made up of fatty acids such as soap. These can be applied in the normal cleaning process to top up the seal and clean at the same time. Any excess is washed off with pure water. Most importantly these fatty acids fill the spaces but not in a rock hard manner. Because fat is hydrophobic it repels water stopping it penetrating during any spillage so preventing absorption into the stone and subsequent staining. Being semi hard only it does not stop the natural movement of water through it so it can still escape by evaporation. Most importantly it encourages the bacterial population by providing another source of nutrient and a comfortable environment in which to live and reproduce.

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After youve installed your new hardwood floor, youll no doubt be wondering how to protect it and keep it new looking. Should you apply a sealant? Should you wax it, leave it alone or what? Here are some tips on what to do.

home renovation,flooring,floor refinishing

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After youve installed your new hardwood floor, youll no doubt be wondering how to protect it and keep it new looking. Should you apply a sealant? Should you wax it, leave it alone or what? Here are some tips on what to do.

Did you have pre-finished flooring installed? This type of hardwood flooring typically uses a process called acrylic impregnation. Prefinished flooring companies recommend that no additional finish be applied. Compatibility and durability of the finish can be a problem. Waxes and oils should be avoided- they may contaminate the wood and cause problems with adhesiveness when refinishing.

If you absolutely must coat the prefinished wood make certain to prepare it well, with either sanding or a deglosser. The finish will not stick otherwise. Additionally, when you refinish prefinished flooring, you can throw any finish warranty provided by the manufacturer out the window, since you just voided it.

For laminate floors, there is also no need to put any sealant on. Actually, do not put anything on top. It’s perfect as is. That’s the great thing about laminate flooring; it is already protected from scuffs and spills. Read the warranty and installation guide, and maintain them according to the manufacturers instructions.

Unfinished hardwood flooring is a whole different story. Preparation of the floor prior to finishing is critical here. The wood is sanded first, to smooth the surface and to open the wood pores up for better absorption of the finish. If at all possible, it is recommended you have a trained and experienced professional do the sanding; hardwood floors are easily ruined beyond repair by gouges and warpage due to uneven sanding. Thorough vacuuming follows sanding and sweeping to rid the floor of wood chips, saw dust and debris. Finer dust and oily residues are then removed with cloth soaked in special spirit-based cleaners.

Two types of sealers are available: water-based and solvent-based.

Water Based Wood Flooring Sealants- becoming more widely used because of the interest in healthier and more environmentally friendly construction. Some of the solvents used in the polyurethane and epoxy finishes face disposal issues, as well as health concerns over exposure to volatile organic compounds. Another benefit to the water based sealants is they are less flammable and some are even completely non-flammable. The downside is their greater cost, as they are not as widely available yet as the solvent-based types.

Solvent Based Wood Flooring Sealants- include polyurethane, moisture-curing urethane, and solvent-based epoxy finishes. The moisture-curing urethane type finishes are currently no as widely used, due to their high flammability and strong odor, which necessitates the use of respiration equipment during application. In their favour, these flooring sealants are very durable and tough, although on the other hand, this makes removing them for refinishing difficult. The solvent-based epoxies have much the same properties, although they do have a more preferable appearance to some.

The polyurethane finishes are probably the most commonly used hardwood flooring sealant. The balance between durability, cost and appearance finds a sweet spot here. Relative to other finishes, they are simple to apply and dry within 6 hours. However, they do have a moderately solventy smell and must be disposed of according to environmental protection laws in a safe manner.