16 March 2018

What Type of Flooring is Best for Your Home?

Many homeowners are looking into purchasing new flooring for their home. But, which type of flooring is right for you? You may be surprised to learn how many types of flooring are available in today’s market. The following are some of the more popular flooring options available today. Since your home has unique needs when it comes to flooring, make sure to choose carefully before purchasing your new floors.  If you're looking to get it installed professionally then you'll have to explore your options depending on the city you live in. Those looking to install flooring in Toronto can consider hiring Zelta Floor & Design to complete the job.

Cork

In cooler climates, cork flooring can be a popular choice. This is because cork flooring insulates homes very well, keeping feet warm in the winter months. Because cork can yellow over time, it’s best to use it in rooms which may not be exposed to as much sunlight, such rooms with windows that don’t get direct sunlight. Cork is a great insulator, meaning it won’t make much noise when you are walking. Cork flooring can also be damaged by standing water.

Hardwood 

Hardwood flooring is an old standby in the flooring world. Hardwood floors retain their value well, and are easily refurbished with some new varnish and a little bit of sanding. This flooring choice is very durable, generally just needing a little vacuuming or sweeping now and then. But, hardwood floors can be costly. Additionally, hardwood can warp if exposed to standing water. Hardwood floors may also be loud when walked upon.

Hardwood flooring can be stained, creating unique shades to compliment your home’s style.
Image Source: Grandiva Online

Laminate

Many homeowners are choosing laminate flooring which mimics the look of hardwood. Laminate flooring is tough to scratch, and it’s easy to clean just as hardwood is. It is also incredibly affordable when compared to other flooring materials. But, standing water can cause major damage to laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring can be made from many materials, including bamboo.
Image Source: Bath Safe Remodeling

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is a popular choice, due in part to its ability to absorb warmth and sound. It is ideal for louder rooms, such as living rooms or dens. But, due to its inexpensive costs, vinyl may not stack up as well against other flooring types when it comes to durability. Vinyl can tear, and its gaps make cleaning a challenge.

Hard Tile


Tile flooring comes in many materials, including stone and ceramic. The pricing of this flooring can vary greatly depending on the type of tile you choose. Typically, tile is not damaged by standing water or high foot traffic. But, tile does not insulate as well as other surfaces. Additionally, the grout between tiles can be difficult to clean.

When it comes to flooring, tile is a popular choice. Due to its strength against
standing water, tile is popular for bathrooms.
Image Source: Hotel Residencia

Carpet

Carpet always brings a luxurious feeling to your floors. It is easy to install, and it provides wonderful heat and sound insulation. But, carpet can be difficult to maintain. The surface can stain easily. Carpet also requires routine steam cleaning to keep the surface looking clean.

With a wide variety of textures, colors and styles, carpet is ideal for any room in your home.
Image Source: PXHere

Factors To Consider When Choosing Home Flooring

Below are the essential considerations when choosing the best flooring for your home:

  • Durability  

Flooring is a home investment. So, invest in high-quality flooring that can provide lasting shelf life, such as tile, vinyl, and laminate. These flooring options are aesthetically pleasing and durable, which your home needs if you have children or pets. Moreover, your kitchen and bathroom flooring should be water-resistant to handle moisture and spills.  

  • Climate   

Moisture and condensation pose damage to hardwood flooring. People in extreme climates shouldn’t get away with hardwood floors. Hardwood flooring cracks when it’s too dry. It also swells and breaks if it’s too humid. The best flooring for hot and humid climates includes vinyl, porcelain, concrete, and rubber.   

  • Underfloor Heating System 

It’s crucial to consider your home’s underfloor heating systems when choosing the best flooring for your home. Tile and stone are the most suitable flooring types for underfloor heating. They possess high thermal conductivity. The heat from the underfloor heating wire or pipe instantly transfers to the floor surface, making your underfloor heating system more energy-efficient.  

Easy-to-install underfloor heating systems are popular, allowing the flooring to generate and retain heat underneath the floor surface. Visit this website to learn more about underfloor heating systems.

There are many different options available when it comes to choosing flooring for your home. Different rooms may call for different flooring materials. Of course, your personal flooring tastes will help determine the type of floor you choose. You should consider cost, flooring comfort, and ease of cleaning when choosing your new floors.


14 March 2018

Meet the Mean Green team

The good folks at CR Brands have made me a Mean Green brand ambassador for 2018 and as such, I get to display the nifty Mean Green banner you can see in my right column and they sent me a collection of Mean Green products to take for a test drive.


I spend a lot of time at home and I spend an undue amount of that time cleaning it seems. I consider myself to be a particular and selective house cleaner and I don't shed my brand loyalties lightly.  With that said, the Mean Green products that showed up here over the past month or so have impressed me mightily and I'll explain why in a moment.

Before I get to that, let me show you the Mean Green products I'll be working with for the next few months.

Mean Green Super Strength

Mean Green Auto & Garage

Mean Green Mildew Destroyer

Mean Green Orange Champ

The product line is rounded out with Mean Green Anti-Bacterial, Mean Green Boat and Vehicle, Mean Green Car Wash (with hose-end applicator), Mean Green Concrete and Driveway Degreaser, Mean Green Heavy Duty Wipes, Mean Green House, Deck and Fence, Mean Green Multi-Purpose and Mean Green Pine Power.

I tend not to use specialty cleaning products in my day to day. Ammonia and hot water is more or less my default cleaning product and I suppose that makes me not only selective, it also makes me cheap.

But my initial trials of these Mean Green products have me second guessing myself. One of the reasons I reach for ammonia so often is that it not only cleans well, it doesn't leave a residue. Well, the mean Green products I've been using work better than my beloved ammonia and they don't leave behind a smear I then have to clean up after I've cleaned.

The Mean Green Mildew Destroyer cleaned the grout lines in my bathrooms and kitchen and honestly, I'd completely given up hope of ever getting my kitchen grout lines clean. I didn't even have to scrub, I just sprayed Mildew Destroyer, let it sit for a few moments and then mopped everything up. Honestly that floor looks brand new.

I bake all the time. I teach baking classes after all so it makes sense that I would bake at home a lot too. I keep my ovens clean but nothing I've ever found can get my oven racks clean. All that changed when I used Mean Green Super Strength on them. I took the racks out of the oven one at a time and set them in the sink. I sprayed them with Super Strength, let them sit for a bit and then rinsed them off. Unbelievable. It worked!

Mean Green Auto and Garage makes short work of engine grease as well as brake dust on wheel covers. Once the weather warms up I'll have it outside and will be able to truly put it through its paces when I wash my car on the driveway.

And finally, Mean Green Orange Champ cleans up my gar cook top better and faster than the plain soap and water I usually use. As a bonus, it makes my kitchen smell like a citrus stand.

Mean Green's website is filled with tips and tricks and there's even a coupon so you can give these products a try,

The whole line of Mean Green products can be found at Lowe's and Walmart; and their website has a store locator to help you find other retailers.