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.
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Considering An Attic Renovation
Have you ever thought of converting idle space into living space? A lot of homeowners have considered an attic renovation in order to increase the resale value of their home and also to make this area usable. You too can do the same but the only way this can happen is by using what you have on top of your existing home.
But can you do this in your home? The truth is, not all homes can undergo an attic renovation. This is because not all attics have enough headroom directly under the ridge line and less than 7 ½ feet of headroom over at least half of the attic floor space.
Also, it is difficult to have an attic renovation if the existing roof uses a "X" or "W" shaped frame. However in some cases, a contractor may find a way to work around this as long as the roof is supported by cross braces.
Another thing you have to think about when you are considering an attic renovation is the structural integrity of your flooring. Keep in mind that the flooring here also serves as the ceiling of a room below. Should the floor joists be insufficient when you step on it, someone could fall down and get hurt.
This is why you should assess the strength and suitability of the attic floor by contacting a professional to do the study. If these two things have been met, you can already plan what you want to do with your attic.
Most homeowners who consider an attic renovation may convert this into a bedroom or playroom. This means providing sufficient insulation, lighting and ventilation to this room. You can provide insulation by putting in additional layers to what is already present there. For lighting, you can install a skylight. As for ventilation, you can put a window so air is able to go in and out.
Another thing that is related to flooring and part of attic conversion is accessibility. If the only way here was through a trap door or a pull down stairs, you will have to change it because this is prohibited. This has to be changed with stairs that is permanent measuring 2 feet by 6 feet that has handrails on both sides. You can also have only one handrail as long as the other side is opposite the wall.
If you have no idea how to get this started, why don't you look at home improvement or interior design magazines? You can even get a professional to help you plan it out because in the end, he or she can help put into drawing what you want done in your head.
A few other ideas for those considering an attic renovation include making this into a gym, a home theater room, an art gallery or a stellar room. If you have other great ideas, go ahead and try them out so you can empty out this storage space.
If you are considering an attic renovation, think about these two things. First, this project should not cost you a fortune. This means you don't need additional foundation to make sure that this can be used as living space. Secondly, if you are able to get a return on your investment in the long term, then hiring someone to do the job is all worth it.
But can you do this in your home? The truth is, not all homes can undergo an attic renovation. This is because not all attics have enough headroom directly under the ridge line and less than 7 ½ feet of headroom over at least half of the attic floor space.
Also, it is difficult to have an attic renovation if the existing roof uses a "X" or "W" shaped frame. However in some cases, a contractor may find a way to work around this as long as the roof is supported by cross braces.
Another thing you have to think about when you are considering an attic renovation is the structural integrity of your flooring. Keep in mind that the flooring here also serves as the ceiling of a room below. Should the floor joists be insufficient when you step on it, someone could fall down and get hurt.
This is why you should assess the strength and suitability of the attic floor by contacting a professional to do the study. If these two things have been met, you can already plan what you want to do with your attic.
Most homeowners who consider an attic renovation may convert this into a bedroom or playroom. This means providing sufficient insulation, lighting and ventilation to this room. You can provide insulation by putting in additional layers to what is already present there. For lighting, you can install a skylight. As for ventilation, you can put a window so air is able to go in and out.
Another thing that is related to flooring and part of attic conversion is accessibility. If the only way here was through a trap door or a pull down stairs, you will have to change it because this is prohibited. This has to be changed with stairs that is permanent measuring 2 feet by 6 feet that has handrails on both sides. You can also have only one handrail as long as the other side is opposite the wall.
If you have no idea how to get this started, why don't you look at home improvement or interior design magazines? You can even get a professional to help you plan it out because in the end, he or she can help put into drawing what you want done in your head.
A few other ideas for those considering an attic renovation include making this into a gym, a home theater room, an art gallery or a stellar room. If you have other great ideas, go ahead and try them out so you can empty out this storage space.
If you are considering an attic renovation, think about these two things. First, this project should not cost you a fortune. This means you don't need additional foundation to make sure that this can be used as living space. Secondly, if you are able to get a return on your investment in the long term, then hiring someone to do the job is all worth it.
Basic Insulation Buying Tips
Insulation is the process of enclosing or covering an object with a material that serves as a barrier and reduces (or blocks) the flow of energy, specifically heat. It is essentially used for the following reasons:
-To reduce heat energy losses.
-To prevent nearby objects from heating up.
Below are some examples where insulation is typically used:
-On appliances - stoves and ovens, refrigerators and freezers, water heaters, water pipes, etc.
-On industrial applications.
When done properly, insulation can provide indoor comfort (by keeping your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter) and energy efficiency.
Determining and buying the insulation that is right for your household can be a challenge. Below are some helpful hints on how to go about buying the perfect insulation for your home.
1. What to insulate. The first thing to consider is to identify where the insulation will be installed or used. A personal inspection of your home may be sufficient, but it is still best to let the qualified people (such as your contractor) do the job.
Depending on your (or an expert's) findings, your household might need any or all of the following insulation:
-Wall/cavity wall insulation. Cavity wall insulation prevents your house from being exposed to rapid temperature changes outside. Studies show that heat loss due to un-insulated walls can reach as much as 50%, and cavity wall insulation could possibly prevent 70% of this from happening.
-Loft/roof insulation. Because hot air rises, heat loss through the roof can reach as much as 25%. This can be greatly reduced with proper attic or loft insulation.
-Duct/pipe insulation. Leaky ducts or pipes can contribute to an increase in your heating (or cooling) costs. They can also burst (or freeze), so it is also important to have them properly insulated.
-Water cylinders/storage tanks. Hot water cylinders and cold water storage tanks also need to be insulated to prevent them from being exposed to intense cold or heat.
2. What to use. Traditional insulating materials that are commonly-used in the households are the following:
-Fiberglass/fiberglass mats/mineral fiber. Fiberglass is the most common and versatile type of insulating material that is made from molten glass and spun into microfibers.
Usually pink or yellow in color, fiberglass comes in 3 forms:
Rolls - blankets of insulation that may or may not have vapor barriers, which prevent condensation in cold areas that could result in damage (such as mold).
Batts - similar to rolls but come in lengths ranging from 4 to 8 feet.
Blown - these are loose insulation that can be 'blown' into walls or ceilings.
-Cellulose. Another insulating material that is commonly used in households is cellulose. It is a fibrous material made from scrap or recycled paper (like newsprint or cardboard) that is shredded and treated with chemicals that would make it resistant to fire and insects. It is then applied (poured or blown-in) into place, either as loose-fill or wet-sprayed with the use of a machine.
-Rock wool. As the name implies, rock wool is an insulating material that is made from rock. Manufactured similarly to that of a fiberglass (with molten rock replacing glass), rock wool can be in the form of a hollow brick or a porous concrete block.
-Synthetic insulation. Synthetic insulating materials are manufactured in several forms, some of which are the following:
Polystyrene foam - usually as rigid, pre-cut boards.
Polyurethane foam - usually as boards or foamed 'insitu' ("in position").
Spray-on expanding foam - similar to that found in aerosol cans, it can completey seal and insulate even the smallest areas in the house by 'poofing' up to as much as 2 to 4 times the original size when applied.
Deciding on the right material to be used for installation largely depends on the area that requires installation. Below are some of the standard insulating materials that are recommended for the specific areas in your home:
-For loft or roof insulation
*Mineral wool quilt
*Blown mineral wool
*Blown cellulose fibre
-For duct or pipe insulation
*Mineral wool mat
*Pre-formed split foam insulation
*Foil-faced fiberglass insulation
*Vinyl-faced insulation
*Ridged foam insulation
-For wall insulation
*Blown-in cellulose
*Fiberglass (batt and roll) insulation
3. Check with an expert. Aside from your personal considerations, the key to finding the perfect insulation for your home is to consult a professional who is knowledgeable in this field. It is still best to check with an expert, who could provide you with several options that would best suit your needs.
Insulating your home may add to your household expenses today, but in the long run, it will not only save you money (by lowering your utility bills); it will also protect you and your property.
-To reduce heat energy losses.
-To prevent nearby objects from heating up.
Below are some examples where insulation is typically used:
-On appliances - stoves and ovens, refrigerators and freezers, water heaters, water pipes, etc.
-On industrial applications.
When done properly, insulation can provide indoor comfort (by keeping your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter) and energy efficiency.
Determining and buying the insulation that is right for your household can be a challenge. Below are some helpful hints on how to go about buying the perfect insulation for your home.
1. What to insulate. The first thing to consider is to identify where the insulation will be installed or used. A personal inspection of your home may be sufficient, but it is still best to let the qualified people (such as your contractor) do the job.
Depending on your (or an expert's) findings, your household might need any or all of the following insulation:
-Wall/cavity wall insulation. Cavity wall insulation prevents your house from being exposed to rapid temperature changes outside. Studies show that heat loss due to un-insulated walls can reach as much as 50%, and cavity wall insulation could possibly prevent 70% of this from happening.
-Loft/roof insulation. Because hot air rises, heat loss through the roof can reach as much as 25%. This can be greatly reduced with proper attic or loft insulation.
-Duct/pipe insulation. Leaky ducts or pipes can contribute to an increase in your heating (or cooling) costs. They can also burst (or freeze), so it is also important to have them properly insulated.
-Water cylinders/storage tanks. Hot water cylinders and cold water storage tanks also need to be insulated to prevent them from being exposed to intense cold or heat.
2. What to use. Traditional insulating materials that are commonly-used in the households are the following:
-Fiberglass/fiberglass mats/mineral fiber. Fiberglass is the most common and versatile type of insulating material that is made from molten glass and spun into microfibers.
Usually pink or yellow in color, fiberglass comes in 3 forms:
Rolls - blankets of insulation that may or may not have vapor barriers, which prevent condensation in cold areas that could result in damage (such as mold).
Batts - similar to rolls but come in lengths ranging from 4 to 8 feet.
Blown - these are loose insulation that can be 'blown' into walls or ceilings.
-Cellulose. Another insulating material that is commonly used in households is cellulose. It is a fibrous material made from scrap or recycled paper (like newsprint or cardboard) that is shredded and treated with chemicals that would make it resistant to fire and insects. It is then applied (poured or blown-in) into place, either as loose-fill or wet-sprayed with the use of a machine.
-Rock wool. As the name implies, rock wool is an insulating material that is made from rock. Manufactured similarly to that of a fiberglass (with molten rock replacing glass), rock wool can be in the form of a hollow brick or a porous concrete block.
-Synthetic insulation. Synthetic insulating materials are manufactured in several forms, some of which are the following:
Polystyrene foam - usually as rigid, pre-cut boards.
Polyurethane foam - usually as boards or foamed 'insitu' ("in position").
Spray-on expanding foam - similar to that found in aerosol cans, it can completey seal and insulate even the smallest areas in the house by 'poofing' up to as much as 2 to 4 times the original size when applied.
Deciding on the right material to be used for installation largely depends on the area that requires installation. Below are some of the standard insulating materials that are recommended for the specific areas in your home:
-For loft or roof insulation
*Mineral wool quilt
*Blown mineral wool
*Blown cellulose fibre
-For duct or pipe insulation
*Mineral wool mat
*Pre-formed split foam insulation
*Foil-faced fiberglass insulation
*Vinyl-faced insulation
*Ridged foam insulation
-For wall insulation
*Blown-in cellulose
*Fiberglass (batt and roll) insulation
3. Check with an expert. Aside from your personal considerations, the key to finding the perfect insulation for your home is to consult a professional who is knowledgeable in this field. It is still best to check with an expert, who could provide you with several options that would best suit your needs.
Insulating your home may add to your household expenses today, but in the long run, it will not only save you money (by lowering your utility bills); it will also protect you and your property.
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