GROUT: SANDED OR UNSANDED

     Sanded grout is grout with very fine sand added to increase density and strength.  It is used for spaces between (grout line) tiles that are wider than about 1/8th of an inch (about 1/3rd of a centimeter).
    Be careful of scratching tile surface with grout.  There are numerous varieties of grout.  Some brands won't scratch anything.  Know what you're after before heading out to the home improvement stores.
    Also, don't forget the hardy backer boards for certain surfaces.  The spacers also come in different sizes.  Once, you've decided how much space will be in between the tiles, you'll know what size spacers to buy and the type of grout (and grout color).   Grout sealant is a must also.

Straw Bale housing might become the norm

So.... If it's true (and people are claiming it is) about how global warming always precedes an Ice Age, then it's time to think about weatherizing one's home and adding insulation.  
Straw bale construction is looking more attractive all the time.  Although, none of these measures could be enough.  Cellers, Bunkers (like the US govt. is supposedly building), learning hydroponics...  could be useful if one plans on continuing the human race.....

 What do you think?  See this link for more info...

New Ice age coming?

Problem Drywall Fires & Recall

      It appears that a specific kind of drywall is causing corrosion of electrical wiring and pipes and has been recalled in the U.S.  Many web links indicate that this drywall comes from China. 
      The U.S. imported a large quantity of this product between 2005 and 2007.  The primary States reporting problems appear to be in the south.  Many insurance companies are refusing to pay out due to these problems.  The substances causing erosion appear to be Hydrogen Sulfide and Formaldehyde.  The typical climate of the affected homes doesn't appear to be working well with this type of drywall.  CNN  


RECALL INFO:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelmar11.html

MEASURING FOR CARPET

Carpet usually comes in 12 foot widths.  When there is a pattern to the carpet you've chosen and the room is wider than 12 feet, you'll have to buy more carpet than the size of the room.


There will need to be a pattern match with the piece(s) of carpet that will need to be seamed in.  So, if one has to go with a pattern, choose a smaller one to reduce cost/amount of carpet needed to do the job right.


Also remember that the light source for the room (especially natural light from a window) will determine the direction the carpet is laid.  The seam should be pointing toward the light.  The other way will cast a shadow across the seam and it will show.

GROUT SEALANT

Grout sealant for tile showers:  Should be applied at the beginning and sprayed on again about once every year approximately.

SAVE MONEY ON CARPET INSTALLS

In some cases, one can save money by moving one's  own furniture.   There are large coasters one can buy at Wal-mart or mega hardware stores (like Lowes) that make moving large and heavy items easier.

SAVE MONEY ON TACK STRIP

If you have carpet to be removed... and you choose to remove it yourself... leave the tack strip where it is unless you are told by the actual installer to do otherwise... this might save you money in time and/or materials.

CARPET: Cost Consideration

Cheap carpet and padding in your own personal home will result in dis-satisfaction in more cases than not.. if budget issues prevent buying better, then go for a mid-range carpet like Frieze.

Frieze carpet is a cut pile with twisted fibers. Nice for walking on while bare-foot:  

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-frieze-carpet.htm 

 

 

HOW TO FIX LOOSE COUNTER-TOP LAMINATE

For those pesky loose pieces of laminate that stick out from a countertop side, the fix is easy.
The treatment depends on the cause of the problem. 
So, FIRST try this:  Set a regular clothes iron to a medium setting.  Get a flat piece or block of wood of any thickness of over 1/3 inch.  Then iron the laminate by rubbing back and forth while holding the laminate against the countertop side.  Do this for about 60 to 80 seconds only.  Then hold the wood block tightly against the laminate for about 90 to 120 seconds.  This should reactivate the existing glue and set it in place.
If this doesn't work, more contact cement is needed.   SECONDLY, try this:  Get some contact cement (which is a gooey, snot looking, glue and can be bought anywhere you'd find school or hardware supplies).  Apply thinly, with a popscicle stick or similar thin & stiff item if the brush doesn't reach, on the underside of the laminate and also on the surface of the counter it will be stuck to.  Wait until the glue is partially dry or tacky.  Tacky is when you stick your finger on it and it is sticky but the glue doesn't come off onto your finger.  Then apply your piece of wood and then a C-clamp (or any clamp that will fit the space).  Then let it sit for at least 24 hours in regular temperatures.  In very hot temperatures, it may take longer for the glue to set.
THIRDLY:   if this doesn't work, then a replacement piece of laminate might be needed.  Since lots, dyes, or designs become obsolete so quickly it is recommended that this replacement be handled without delay.
Most problems with loose laminate will be solved with the first recommendation above.  The second recommendation happens about 1/3 of the time.

BERBER CARPETS

Berber carpets tend to 'run'. If one is set on buying Berber, it should be all wool or all nylon... here's a site with more info: http://www.carpetdyeing.com/berber.html

BAD FLOORS COST MORE

If one's floors are old or uneven, an under-layment will need to be purchased and installed. This will add to the cost of new flooring (carpet, laminate, hardwood, etc.).

CARPET SEAMS

These will eventually show. No seam is perfect.... just some are better. Also, the major light source from windows will show some seams more than others. It that light crosses that seam, it will show more than if it 'goes' WITH the seam.

CARPET ON STAIRS

If you're using the same carpet on the stairs... prepare to have a large section of carpet left over if it can't be used in a closet or somewhere else. The grain/knap and pattern needs to be going the same direction.

Flooring/Moisture

MOISTURE is a huge deal on any kind of flooring choice. On carpet, it can cause some seams to loosen or delaminate. Some fake wood floor companies void their warrantees if they are installed in kitchens or baths. If there is no basement, be sure there is a moisture barrier under the house and plenty of drainage.

A Carpet buyers guide online...

http://www.carpetguru.com/

FaceBook Carpet buying tips..

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/pages/Carpet-Buying-Tips/111658918865007?sk=wall