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5 Things You Should Pay Attention To when Finishing Your Basement Flooring

October 8, 2020 by SanGan Leave a Comment

There are 101 problems you’ll face when purchasing a new house. One of them is a damage basement flooring. Basement flooring which is prone to leaks and humidity, could cause bigger problems if not repaired immediately. But fixing basement flooring is not an easy matter. Especially if you do it alone. Leaks, humidity, and poor ventilation are the biggest challenge that probably will give you a headache.

Let’s leave the worry at the bay and find some tips on how you can finish the basement flooring during weekend, without leaving headache.

1. Do a Total Check

Before making repairs, you must check the overall condition of the basement. Play detective and look for cracks, seepage or leaks which so often become the very basic problems. Don’t forget to check for mold and humidity in the room.

do the total check

Write down all the things you find, whether they need to, or not need to be fixed. The list will definitely help you to sort out which parts of the basement that is prioritized for repairing. If there is a part of the floor that is leaking, then you must immediately fix it. Leaks can cause floor foundations become brittle, and increasing humidity in the room which can lead mold growing wildly and leaving a musty nasty smell.

Don’t forget to also check the walls and roof around the basement, before you start working on the flooring.

2. Budgeting

After doing a total check, list down the financial planning and budgeting you need, to fix your basement. Prepare the largest budget for repairing parts that have suffered severe damage. After that, you can start sorting out the budget to buy equipment, paying the workman, and buying furniture that will later be used in your basement room.

3. Choosing Floor Material

Choosing Floor Material

After preparing managing your budget, you can start hunting for flooring material. It is important to use the right flooring material based on your basement condition. Budgetdumpster.com said, you can choose various types of flooring materials, from concrete, vinyl, tiles to carpets.

If you want to save money, you can simply paint the concrete floor once or twice, though this way has plus and minus, but panting your floor can help if you’re in a tight budget.

Another way is to Coat the concrete basement floor with epoxy. This material will make your floors waterproof and durable. Epoxies are available in water-based, solvent-based, and 100 percent solid solutions and in various colors.

Epoxy can be easily applied when you work to finishing basement flooring. While epoxy is great for protecting your concrete slab from water sources from above, it should not be used if moisture is coming from below through your concrete slab. Because epoxy is waterproof, it holds water inside the concrete slab. This can lead to increased pressure which can damage the concrete slab.

Vinyl is one floor material which is easy to find and commonly used. Being waterproof, this type of material is also known to be durable. It also has a variety of interesting pattern that can be adjusted to the basement room theme you want.

While flooring with tile material, it will make you easier to clean the basement floor, in case of a leak or flood. Besides being easy to clean, this type of material can also make your room look more beautiful.

Flooring with carpet can also be another option. But remember to choose the right carpet material at a price that fits your budget is also important.

4. Clean the Basement

 

Make sure to clean the basement first. Starting from moving items, sweeps away debris and dust, also ensuring there are no harmful electrical wiring which could cause accident.

If you are unsure about cleaning or checking electrical wiring, don’t hesitate to contact a professional who can help you with the problem. Better leave the job to the expert than sorry.

Just like installing electrical wiring, you can ask a professional to help check and install a good plumbing. This is useful so that you can avoid problems in the future, such as leaks.

You should also look for signs of cracks in the floor, which often occurs due to concrete floors. After marking the cracked area, you can patch the crack. Apply the concrete fillings to the cracks and make sure there are no gaps or uneven areas.

Smooth the patch with a putty knife. If the crack requires a second patch, wait for the first coat to dry before applying the second coat. Seal the concrete patch and let it dry for a few days. Certain cracks may be caused by structural damage and may require professional assistance or a specialist.

5. Install the Basement Sub Floor

Install the Basement Sub Floor

Installing the basement sub floor will help you to avoid moisture. You can use plywood or polystyrene sheets as a sub floor. But beforehand, make sure to check the following things before installing the sub floor basement, such as cleaning, levelling, dry, and do  structural sound.

While it’s important to have a clean surface, no matter what floor material you use, you should thoroughly clean the floor, with the aid of a steam cleaner.

For anything that sticks to the floor, you need to clean the floor from paint, and any other product. It’s best to use a concrete grinder, which will also leave the floor with a slightly rough surface, so the new floor will stick more together.

After cleaning, it’s important to have a level floor not just for aesthetic reasons. An uneven floor can limit where you place your furniture and can also cause standing water. You can level floors that feel uneven, with a concrete grinder and low areas can be levelled by layering the concrete.

Testing the dryness of the floor can help you choose the right floor material. If you have a very dry basement, you can probably get a modified hardwood floor. If there is a lot of moisture, use a waterproof and durable material.

As previously explained, it is important to check for signs of cracks in the building structure, especially in the basement. If you see signs of structural damage, it’s time to get in touch with a professional. Any significant spider cracks or cracks that should be aware of.

After all the checks are done, you can start installing the sub floor. First, lay the polystyrene sheet using the adhesive in the same way you used to insulate the walls. Then on top of the insulation lay the plywood sheet. Secure the new sub floor using a rock drill and concrete screws. Once the plywood has been installed, you can use it as a basis for installing almost any type of flooring material you want.

6. Check the Room Humidity

There are various inexpensive ways to finish basement flooring, for example by painting the concrete. However, keep in mind that this doesn’t last long. It might look good at first, but painting on the concrete doesn’t protect your concrete slabs. Especially if you want to use the basement as a new room that can be used by family members. You will feel the cold nuance of painting the concrete. Therefore, the choice of flooring material must be in accordance with your basement repair goals.

Finishing basement flooring

Finishing basement flooring is not just a fix, but its use must also be in line with the ideas and the needs of the family.  Floorcritics.com said, the comfort of a room also needs attention. When finishing basement flooring, make sure you know where the moisture is coming from.

If it’s from under the floor, any material, including vinyl, can grow mold. This can be very dangerous, because mold and mildew can be inhaled and disturbing your family’s health.  This is why it is important to check for moisture on your concrete slabs before laying your floors.

It’s a good idea to seal your basement floor, whether you plan on installing a new floor or not, as this can provide unnecessary moisture protection.

If you want to check that your plates are tightly closed, simply pour water over the concrete. When the water stays in place, the concrete is tightly closed, but when the water seeps in, the concrete is not properly sealed.

7. Note the mistakes that are often made when finishing basement flooring. Reported by thechronicleherald.ca, there are mistakes that are often made when finishing basement flooring.

1. Make sure the room is not damp
Weather and environmental are the main enemies for basement. Coupled with leaks, it is a big challenge for homeowners who want to renovate their basement. So, make sure your room is dry with a variety of checks, starting from cracks in floors, walls, and checking for signs of leaks. You can do monitoring for several weeks, (some even up to a year) to see the humidity conditions in the room when the seasons change.

2. Installing the carpet directly on the concrete
Sub floor becomes important if you are going to choose carpet material as flooring in the basement. Carpets are known to be poor materials when it comes to leaks. Carpet material can hold water, and lead to mold or mildew growth.

In summer, humidity can increase due to hot weather. The problem can again be solved with a good sub floor. If you are unable to make a sub floor, then find a professional who will help you to install the sub floor, so you can use your favourite carpet in your basement.

Filed Under: Flooring

7 Things Why You Would Love Gray Wood Flooring

September 25, 2020 by SanGan Leave a Comment

Gray Wood Flooring

It is boring to have the same design for your house. That is why people would like to re-decorating from time to time. Some people go for the furniture, some go for walls and some go for more major change like floor. If you want to change your floor, try consider gray wood flooring that is popular nowadays.

Many of you may be not that familiar with the color gray for your wood flooring, and the usual brown comes in mind when mentioning wood. However, it became more and more popular. Here are why:

  1. Neutral Color

gray wood flooring planks seamless texture

When you want to change a major part in your house, you must think of matching it with the wall and all appliances beforehand. The color of your wall or floor must be in sync with all the furniture and appliances in the house. This might be one of the reasons why many people go with gray color. At a first glance, you may think it is a dull color. It is normal, since it is only a combination between black and white, but it is actually even more.

Gray has a neutral tone that makes it easy to be combined with any color. When you pick this color for your wood flooring, you can choose whatever color for the wall or furniture based on your preferences. For example, you can use pastels for the wall to give a softer ambiance, or you can pick red sofa for bolder appearance.

  1. Can Camouflage Dirt

This color is perfect for the busy bee. Either you are a bachelor who works from 8 to 5 and still wants to have social life in the evening or a mother with babies and toddlers who finds it difficult to find time moping the floor, this is for you.

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Filed Under: Flooring

Garden Hose Storage Ideas and Smart Tips to Store Your Garden Hose

August 9, 2020 by SanGan Leave a Comment

Want to organize a large backyard means having a set of gardening tools that needs some functional space. Since it’s important, you can store your garden hose and wrangle them up in a good way. Just keep the stuff out of sight after using it.

Stores offer a selection of storage like wheels or boxes to keep the garden hose in. You can find the one that fits on a budget, or even style. As an alternative, try to make them by putting your creative side into it and add a more personalized touch.

Are you looking for garden storage options for outdoor items? Here are some options to store your garden hose with handy DIYs steps that spark everyone’s creativity.

1. Things About Garden Hoses

Things About Garden Hoses

A hose is an essential gardening tool that must be stored and maintained properly. However, no one wants the frustration of cracked, a leaking, or even tripping over it.

Proper maintenance can make a garden hose last for many years. Putting the hose carelessly can be dangerous for you. It is likely to become a stumbling hazard, get run over by a mowing machine, or even worse.

Hose storage ideas mechanisms make it easy to put them away. A pot is a practical and attractive way to coil and store it safely out of sight. Besides, the hanger that attaches to the garage or the house is the well-known solution for gardening.

The idea is spreading the weight of the hose by hanging them. Moreover, you should avoid it getting wind when hanging your garden hose on a nail. Remember, that you need to store it out of the sun.

When you’re storing hose for the winter, do not forget to empty all the water and remove any attachments. Open ends allow freezing contraction and expansion that can weaken its material.

After that, replace washers at the slightest sign of a drip or leak coupling. You can change it every spring as a precaution since a dripping hose means wasting the water.

2. DIY Hose Storage Materials

DIY Hose Storage Materials

Homemade reel storage won’t necessarily have the same capabilities as the one you bought in the store. It easily creates the perfect form to store your garden hose by using junkyard or household items. Here’s the list of the materials needed in the process.

· Wooden Post

Wooden Post

You can create a hose stand reel with a wooden post. Just nailing in a curved piece of metal to make sure it doesn’t fall off.

· Metal Pail

Metal Pail

The old metal pail is important to secure the bottom of a wooden post. The inside of the materials also acts as a storage unit to store your garden hose and gardening tools.

· Tire Rim

Tire Rim

Lastly, you’ll also need any old tire rims that help to secure a wall or post. This material is essential to store your garden hose and wrap around for a quick-fix reel.

3. Garden Hose Storage Ideas

Garden Hose Storage Ideas

A garden hose is a significant part of the backyard that can be an unsightly clutter when left lying on the ground. You might have tripped over it in worst cases.

Don’t worry, here’s the list of garden hose storage ideas to keep your backyard organized and presentable.

· Garden Hose Storage Pot

Garden Hose Storage Pot

This storage pot is a great idea to store your garden hose and hide it entirely. It has a variety of materials, shapes, and colors that fits outdoor needs. There’s a small hole to make sure that you can easily unravel it.

· Modern Hose Hook

Modern Hose Hook

You can create a simple and modern water hose storage by using a bracket. It is easy to install and can be a good option for those looking for a clean look. The materials can be found at most local hardware and garden stores.

· Up-Cycled Tire Hose Pot

Up-Cycled Tire Hose Pot

One of the best ways to save money for the garden is by up-cycling. Try to repurposing old tires that will give you something customizable and durable garden hose storage. However, it can be eye-catching and bring industrial vibes to your backyard.

· Garden Storage Bench

Garden Storage Bench

A wooden outdoor storage bench is a great option for hiding and stores your garden hose. The materials are also easy to utilize by drilling a hole in the back.

· Copper Drum

Copper Drum

The copper drum is pretty similar to the hose storage pot. It will add a unique and interesting look to the garden. No need to buy new material, you might even repurpose an old small washer.

· Wooden Textile Spools

Wooden Textile Spools

These old textile spools can make an interesting and functional feature to store your garden hose. Besides, it can also keep it nice and looking orderly. You can find the supplies on the flea market and turn into excellent projects.

· Coiled Hose Storage

Coiled Hose Storage

PVC pipe can be a great hose storage ideas that are budget-friendly. You can use this material as a coiled hose. It’s really easy to make, just leave it as is, or customize it with paint for a more interesting look.

· Galvanized Metal Pail

Galvanized Metal Pail

Galvanized metal pails are useful to store your garden hose. Meanwhile, it can be a creative solution to keep the small tools neat. This storage can also give your outdoor space a few rustic vibes.

· Galvanized Wash Tub

Galvanized Wash Tub

You can use an old galvanized washtub as a simple option for organizing the hose. Try to drill a hole in the bottom or keep it as to make storage even easier.

· Mailbox Garden Storage

Mailbox Garden Storage

Installing an old mailbox will give a unique and charming touch. This one can be a great place to store your garden hose and extra storage for other gardening tools.

· A Convenient Wall-Mounted Whee

A Convenient Wall-Mounted Whee

This convenient wheel is designed to be mounted on a wall. There is an inlet hose that can be connected to another one as a water source in the garden .Even though it made from solid metal, the unit can be mounted parallel to the wall or perpendicular.

· Durable Hose Butler with Decoration

Durable Hose Butler with Decoration

Another option to store your garden is using durable hose butler. It will not be able to wind it, but you can easily wrap it. This storage has a decoration on the front. There’s also a keyhole mounting system that will give it more stability.

Besides, this hose storage designed to be water-resistant since it cannot be removed from its position easily.

· Under Deck Storage

Under Deck Storage

Installing under deck storage might be perfect for store your garden hose and other outdoor tools. It is a great idea how to use of otherwise unused space.

4. How to Maintain a Garden Hose

How to Maintain a Garden Hose

Knowing how to maintain a garden hose is important for maximum experience and performance. These steps will show you the way to prepare and store the gardening tools that will make it performs optimally and last long.

· Secure the Washer

Secure the Washer

Firstly, you need to locate the washer before watering with a brand new garden hose. Sometimes it may be attached to the packaging, or already inserted in the coupling.

To prevent leakage at the spigot, make sure to set it firmly into the coupling with no deformations, gaps or nicks. Don’t forget to check the washer if you are using hose accessories.

You may do a quick check of the washer for older hoses. It could impact the seal if the washer becomes dislodged or compressed that causing leakage. Try to replace worn washer to increase a maximal performance.

· Acclimatize the Hose

Acclimatize the Hose

To prevent kinking a new hose, you should uncoil it and attach an accessory on the of the piece. After that, lay it out in a straight line while turn on the water. This step allowing it to sit under the sun for a few minutes to acclimatize.

This process also helps the condition of the tools and allowing them to be more flexible.

· Avoid Over-Tightening

Avoid Over-Tightening

You should attach the hose to spigot or faucet securely, and do not over-tighten. It can crush the washer that probably causes leakage. Therefore, it is recommended to do hand tightening for optimal force.

· Store After Using

Store After Using

When you’re done with watering needs, make sure to store your garden hose and coil it in a shaded area. This could gives a negative impact on its durability if it’s leaving out in the sun.

Before you’re ready to store your garden hose at the of the season, make sure to detach all watering accessories and disconnect it from the spigot. After that, start to drain it thoroughly.

· Winterize the Hose

Winterize the Hose

Store your garden hose in an environment that stays above freezing on the winter days. You can put it on the garage as a good spot. It’s best to keep them indoors in a room temperature location to maintain its flexibility and resistance to kink.

5. Tips and Trick for Hose Storage

Tips and Trick for Hose Storage

One of the easiest ways to get the longest possible life is to store your garden hose properly. On the other side, it should also be paired with other good practice care techniques. These simple tips and tricks will help you out with some gardening problems.

· Selecting a Hose Reel

Selecting a Hose Reel

Hose reels are one of the best mechanisms to store your garden hose. They make it easy to roll up after use that can minimize the occurrence of winding faux pas, like tangles and kinks.

There are several things to consider when selecting a hose reel. You should think about what types of functionality and budget since it can get to be expensive. Meanwhile, pricing depends on different factors, such as brand, material, and additional functionalities.

A decorative hose reel can specifically less expensive, and have lower quality since it traditional. Hideaway or box might have similar functionality, but they can also be difficult to use even it helps protect from the elements.

Retractable reels also protect hoses from the elements and being more convenient to put away. It is often prone to breaking and cheaper. Other types like stationary or mounted hose are referred to as higher-quality materials.

You can use the hose reel cart even it has more expensive because of the additional equipment needed like wheels. However, its portability can helpful for gardens with a large area. They can also be moved out of the elements or sun when not in use.

· Winding and Unwinding

Winding and Unwinding

Winding the hose on a reel is easy, just simply roll it loosely, and then going slowly enough to allow any excess water to drain out. As an option, coiling the stuff in 3-foot loops around your arm and put it into a holder.

You should take care when unwinding it for use, make sure to gently undo it so the kinks do not develop when it comes to storing your garden hose.

· Using a Hose Reel Leader

Using a Hose Reel Leader

A leader hose is a shorter than average segment that designed as an extension when necessary.  It is really helpful when trying to attach to hard-to-reach spigots or water supply.

For instance, purchasing universal leader hoses can be an alternative to avoid worrying incompatible couplings. Attach it to the reel by securing the compatible side to the spigot and then store your garden hose properly.

That’s all the things you should know about how to store your garden hose properly. This gardening tool can be unwieldy, kinking, and bending when left on a patio or in the yard. It can be a great solution to keep your backyard clean, tidy, and out of the way of pedestrian traffic or car tires.

One of the best ways to maintain the health of the hose for a long time is proper storage. There are a lot of options that help you to store after using it. So it’s essential to choose the right place to keep them so the tool will stay lasts as long as possible.

Creating a place to store your garden hose is a great idea to save your money instead of buying. Just try to repurpose old items and put your creative mind to design a unique and functional space for all of your gardening tools.

Filed Under: Garden

The Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro Recommendations Which Best for Your Home Need

August 9, 2020 by SanGan Leave a Comment

Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro has added to new products that will deliver a superior experience to your home. This brand is known for its quality and affordability, and also tend to be functional. You can use it on both hard floors or carpets and other surfaces.

Deluxe Pro has several models completed with amazing features like other Shark series. It also has some versions to match the essential needs of its user. Nevertheless, the aforementioned item quite affordable for its ability.

If you’re looking for a new vacuum cleaner, here is a complete review and tips about Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro so you can get a clear picture of them before buying it.

Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro Specifications

Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro Specifications

Before buying a new vacuum cleaner, you should know the quality and durability of the machine. Here’s the list of Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro specifications including all features.

Accessories

shark-rocket-complete-duo-clean-tech-duo-clean-all-accessories

Each variant of the Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro has different accessories. But in general, the products will include a generous set of tools, such as Dusting brush, handheld portion, 12” crevice tool, Motorized floor brush, and Upholstery tool.

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Filed Under: Appliances

Planter Boxes Ideas and Tips on How to Handle Your Garden

August 9, 2020 by SanGan Leave a Comment

The traditional gardens might require a lot of work and hard to maintain, especially for those who have small backyards. Planter boxes are a great idea for gardeners without space, or in a tight schedule. It is perfect for keeping quick-spreading plants under control and contained, like bamboo.

These boxes can be an alternative solution to common gardening problems. You may use terra cotta or plastic planters since it looks cheap and clashes with your style. So, instead of buying them, it’s better to make one and being creative.

If you want to organize your garden, check out this collection of planter boxes idea to find the perfect style to the patio or yard. Keep an eye out for some creative ways to DIY multi-purpose stuff.

Easy Steps DIY Large Planters

Easy Steps DIY Large Planters

Large planter boxes can get very expensive in prince. Instead of buying them, you can build them one and bring some height to the floating deck. Besides, it would still last for a long time against the outdoor area.

Here are some steps you need to follow on how to build extra large planters for outside.

1.      Build the Frame

Build the Frame

The essential part before making a large planter box is to build the frame. The material is made of 2x2s and plywood. After that, you have to create a false bottom which is about 16” down from the top.

Building the false bottom helps to move the planter around after the plants are planted easily.

The next step is to build a small frame on the bottom of the planter boxes using 2x4s boards. This step can help the base raised off the ground. It can also be removed or replaced since the piece was not glued.

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Filed Under: Garden

10 Best Outdoor Storage Ideas for Your Backyard

August 9, 2020 by SanGan Leave a Comment

Besides the interior space, the backyard area needs to be arranged and decorated. There are a lot of outdoor storage ideas that can help you to organize and store your stuff. So, you can keep the pool cleaning equipment, landscaping tool, kids’ toys, and gardening materials.

No need to buy a new one, you can have some unique and customizable furniture to tackle a multitude of outdoor situations. It’s like a DIY project that could be done in a single weekend and designed it to fit whatever needs.

For those who want to arrange the backyard, here are some wonderful DIY outdoor storage ideas that will transform it into an organized and clutter-free space.

Creative DIY Outdoor Storage Ideas

Creative DIY Outdoor Storage Ideas

A creative mind is needed when it comes to organizing the backyard. Here is the list of outdoor storage ideas that easy to follow.

1.   Bench Outdoor Storage Ideas

Bench Outdoor Storage Ideas

You can repurpose a narrow bookcase and turn it into an outdoor wood storage bench. Just gather some fabric, foam, and a can of paint to make a unique dual-purpose seating area in the backyard.

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Filed Under: Backyard

Lowes Brunswick Shopping Tips and Flooring Solutions You Need to Know

August 8, 2020 by SanGan Leave a Comment

Home improvement can be done by fixing, repairing, or even upgrading the house’s features. The purpose is to make the dwelling place more functional and aesthetically appealing. Lowes Brunswick could be the best choice for products that you need related to our topic.

When your home is adequately maintained, it will raise the real estate value. It is important to check regular maintenance because it can help avoid structural damages that were noticeable in your property.

Many homeowners regret not having a plan. They have no clue of what to expect from the renovation process. Unlike building a new house, it can be disappointing. Therefore, before going down to home maintenance, you should consider the things about Lowes Brunswick here.

  1. About Lowe’s Companies, Inc

 

About Lowe’s Companies, Inc

Based in North Carolina, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a supply and home improvement firm that headquartered in Mooresville. It then became one of the nation’s largest retailers. In 1921, I.S. Lowe founded the store and brought Carl Buchan, his son-in-law, into the business.

About three decades later, Buchan expanded a chain of 15 stores after appointed the new owner. Then, the store experienced rapid growth and started as a public company in 1961. In the same year, they were listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

During the early days, the company sold the products to a professional contractor. Meanwhile, Robert Strickland implemented to target do-it-yourself homeowners in 1978. By the middle of the 1980s, their sales were to nonprofessionals in the public.

After that, Lowe’s became huge warehouse-style buildings competing with Home Depot. The product lines were also expanded beyond the original building supply and large tools, such as decorations, appliances, and garden materials.

If you are living in Maine, Lowes Brunswick has everything you need from home improvement to a wide variety of healthy flowers and plants. Find the best deals on major appliances, paint, tools, and patio furniture there. The staff is also friendly and knowledgeable, which will be around to assist.

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Filed Under: Flooring

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