Common Problems with Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are a popular choice for homeowners because they are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to maintain. However, some common problems can occur with this type of flooring. 

Deterioration

Wood floors have a protective finish that helps them withstand ample abuse from pets, furniture, kids, and more. Over time, though, this finish will begin to wear off. As it does, you can expect your wood floors to show signs of everyday wear and tear, such as scratches, dings, and dents. You may also notice worn spots that could be caused by high traffic or by a subpar finishing job. Using protective pads under furniture and leaving your shoes at the door can help protect your floors. Source: BuildDirect

Warping

When exposed to or saturated in water, wood can swell and warp. Prevent water from coming in contact with wood floors by using area rugs below sinks and near entry doors, and by placing houseplant pots or containers on top of water-collecting dishes. Source:  Angi

Chipping finish

Floor finishes peel because the floor was contaminated or improperly prepped when the finish was applied. Excessive sanding with high-grit paper can burnish wood and create a surface too smooth for the finish to adhere. Inadequate abrading or cleaning between finish coats, applying a top coat over a floor that is not dry, or working with incompatible finishes all can cause peeling. However, the most common cause of peeling that I see is stain residue that isn’t cleaned from the floor prior to applying finish. Source: FineHomeBuilding

Splitting or cracking

Over the years, many hardwood floors develop small splits or cracks in the surface of the wood. These can be spot repaired with some angled nails to secure the two pieces together, along with some wood putty to hide the blemishes. If your floor is suffering from large cracks, however, you might want to think about refinishing the floor. And if the split is particularly bad, you should probably replace the damaged plank altogether. Source: HomeAdvisor

Are you experiencing any of the above at home? Let us know, and we’ll help!

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Grout Cleaning Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

We all want a pristine home, but sometimes the cleaning process can feel daunting. Here are some grout cleaning tips that you must do every once in a while to make sure your tiles are in the best condition.

Use commercial products

One of the best grout cleaners on the market could make quick work of removing mold and mildew and restoring bright grout white lines. These often work in one of two methods: (1) spray and wipe, or (2) scour with a brush. Spray-on products claim to work without scrubbing, which can save time and energy, but they may contain harsher acids, solvents, or chlorine bleach. Scouring with a brush and cleaner does require a little work, but this method can be especially effective on floors and heavily soiled grout. So, before you begin using a product, pay attention to the active ingredients and heed the instructions (particularly safety precautions). Source: BobVila

Use steam to soften stains

In the bathroom, you’re probably dealing not only with surface dirt and debris, but also soap scum residue, which can be harder to remove. Make it easy on yourself by spritzing the tiled floors and shower walls with surface cleaner, then cranking the hot water for five minutes until steam builds. Wait 20 minutes and the tiles will be noticeably easier to wipe clean with a cloth. Source: MarthaStewart

Grout renewal

And when the above doesn’t work to remove the stains, there’s one more thing you can do short of changing the entire grout: grout renewal. There are products to consider that add a layer of color and protection against future staining and can extend the life of your grout for quite a few years.

Signs that your grout needs changing include flaking and breaking and tiles coming off. It’s especially important to take action as soon as you see this kind of breakage in your grout because water can seep into your wall and cause much worse damage. Source: TheSpruce

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Types of Marble Tiles

Marble is a beautiful and durable stone that has been used for centuries. It’s often seen in kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas because of its durability. In this article, we will discuss the different varieties most homeowners choose for their homes. 

Carrara 

Mined in the quarries of Massa-Carrara in northwestern Tuscany, Carrara marble arrives at worldwide locations in massive blocks. Slabs are cut from the blocks and either honed, giving them a satinlike, smooth matte finish, or polished to a shiny gloss. Distinguishing true Carrara marble from others is like identifying gemstones. You have to know what to look for. Carrara marble has a white/gray background with delicate blue-gray veining that’s evenly spaced. The whiter the background, the more costly the slab. Source: HomeGuides.SFGate

Calacatta

Calacutta marble is another type of Italian marble, mostly found in the Carrara (yes, do not be confused) region in Italy. Calacatta marble is whiter and smoother than Carrara and has more darker and dramatic veins which are thick and generally run in a mesh on the entire surface, as seen in this picture. You could use marble on the counter top, and match the walls with marble effect wallpaper too for a great looking kitchen. Source: Homify

Emperador 

Quarried from three regions in Spain, this stone varies from the whites and grays associated with Calacatta and Carrara and comes in different shades of brown. It typically exhibits fine grains with irregular veins. Its darker color makes it an ideal choice for a high-traffic floor or a charming fireplace surround. 

Crema Marfil 

Also quarried in Spain, Crema Marfil comes in many tonal variations. The most prevalent and well-known tiles have a light-beige or yellowish color with uniform backgrounds and veins varying in intensity and irregularity. Crema Marfil is typically used with other darker and more colored natural stones, and is commonly found in exterior cladding, flooring and decorations. A large reserve and wide market availability makes this an appealing choice for homeowners and architects. Source: BuildDirect

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