Polished concrete is a kind of concrete, which is polished through a series of mechanical and professional machinery which is specifically designed for polishing concretes. It takes various grinding procedures to fully utilise the equipment and get perfectly finished polished concretes. A hardener or also called densifier is a penetrant chemical which is used during the process that penetrates right into the concrete, making it harder and dust-proof. Polished concrete is a part of the ‘green flooring system’ and has been approved by the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Dyes specially prepared for concrete polishing are generally applied to add colour to the concrete as well as other options like creating radial lines, grids, scoring, bands, borders, and other similar designs. The concrete is polished up to at least 800 grits and more since it is not considered as polished concrete below that. Sometimes it is also polished till it reaches the level of 800, 1300 or even at 300 grit.

Polished Concrete

Known and unknown facts of polished concrete:

Lower lifetime cost

One of the major benefits of polished concrete is that it requires minimum maintenance. In areas like schools, hallways, corridors; polished concrete proofs to be long lasting and effective. Polished concrete can be cleaned with ease and requires occasional damp mopping and can also endure scuff marks and tire marks. They eradicate the need of any top coating of messy wax or other coatings and the labour, time and expense associated with it. They only need to be refinished in every five to ten years.  Such concretes are dense in nature, thus can bear the oil stains or other sticky liquids. Polished concrete is said to be better than vinyl composite tiles or superior stone tiles.

Aesthetics

It is typical of people to judge a material on the basis of its price and appearance. Being inexpensive, viable and long-lasting, polished concrete is often questioned for its appearance and the results are positive. The concrete is shiny, beautiful and striking. The reason why it looks expensive and elegant is the smoothing and exposing the concrete while polishing which reflects its natural stone appeal. Sometimes the polishing may also affect the flaws or imperfections or also show a rusty look of the concrete but then the customer has to make peace with that. Sometimes the concrete also shows the crack on the floor or uneven concrete, which make its imperfections visible, but according to some people, that is an organic and natural form of the stone which they find aesthetically pleasing.

Concrete Polished

Ambient lighting increases

Polished concrete, as the name suggests, is highly polished and thus has a high light reflectivity which is beneficial especially for offices, hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and other formal public facilities which have a clean and professional image. It makes the place look unique, formal and beautiful. It is believed that highly polished concretes look very similar to granite and provide a very higher degree of shine, more than what can be achieved by high-gloss coating.

Environment friendly

The most unique feature about polished concrete is that it is eco-friendly and is not fatal to the environment in any way. Polished concrete contains compounds like Volatile Organic compound (VOC) which make it completely harmless to nature. Also, there are no other top coatings added like epoxies, urethanes or waxes, so there is no accumulation of slurry or any other hazardous waste.

The process of making polished concrete:

The floor is cut into various diamond slabs and polished wet or dry according to one’s preferences. However, various industries are encouraging wet refinement system developments and also the use of industrial vacuums. Then the densifier is applied which determines the slab hydration. After being applied, the concrete opens up and accepts the chemical readily. The densifier is allowed to harden, followed by more cuts and trims until it reaches the required level of reflectivity.

Blocked drains are not only inconvenient but totally disgusting. They emit an odor which seems to be long lasting; besides they can be the cause of ill-health among the family members. This is one problem which needs a ‘quick’ sorting out. The causes of these blocked drains can be accumulation of hair, grease, flushing down foreign objects and the list goes on.

Drain Blockages

What are the major causes of blocked drains and how will you get rid of it?

#foreign objects:

Many a times, unintentionally we tend to drop foreign objects down the drain.  This might seem a small error but for sure, can lead to the major problem of blockage. This problem needs to be addressed and your family members should be strict about this.

#Hair and hair strands that block the drain:

Wash your hair as frequently as you want but make sure to clear up the stray hair which has fallen. Slowly but surely this gets collected in the drain and lead to that unwanted blockage. A little care is required to keep this nuisance of blocked drains at bay.

#Fat/Grease:

Beware of what you flush down the sinks, more so with the kitchen sinks. Oil and grease can be a major problem with drains.  They tend to stick to the sides of the pipes and after a short span of time cause blockages which might require professional help.

Blocked Drain

#Plants:

As we know roots normally head towards moisture or sources of water to keep the trees breathing. This might lead them to your drain. Pipes tend to get cracked, which in turn, leads to blocking of drains. During autumn you have the trees shedding leaves.

#Pipe installation:

Inexperienced professionals installing pipes is asking for big time trouble. You need to ensure you only opt for qualified professionals who have the required experience in pipe installation. In correct installation is one of the major causes of drains getting blocked.

#Toilet paper blockage:

Flushing down toilet paper in excessive amount down the toilet can lead to this blockage. Though not too serious, you need to make sure this is cleared up as soon as possible. You can try using the plunger for this blockage. You need to flush excessively to ensure the drain is back to normal. Toilet papers of any varieties are harmful as they clog even the smallest of drains. The mouth of pipes and the drainage lines must be put and lined in the most perfect order to enhance the flow of water.

#Concrete in the pipe:

This concrete in the pipe is due to the carelessness of the workers working in a new house. They normally pour the left-over concrete down the drain without realizing that this can solidify and damage the drain. This problem requires only professionals as homeowners will not be able to tackle this.

Block Drain

#Tips to avoid drain blockage:

Following some tips in a routine manner can reduce the drain blockage problem.

• Small blockages can be cleared by throwing a handful of baking soda and flushing this down with warm/hot water.
• Pour some hot water regularly in your drain. This can flush out small blockages.

#Opting for professional help:

Drain blockages attended immediately might be easy, but blockages which are stubborn cannot be handled by any homeowner. You need to seek professional help. Look for well reputed professionals who have the experience in clearing drain blockages. An online search is one convenient manner to search for professionals dealing with drain blockages. Blocked drain specialists are also available online to help you out in cleaning the drains. You can call 24X 7 plumbers to get rid of the blocked drains problems.

Security is a top concern in all countries around the world. A roller shutter is a good option to secure the house and also protect from weather extremes. As a result, there are many places where you can find these installed. If you are considering getting these installed in your home or office, here are some of the important things that you need to know and knowing these things will help you in making the right decision.

Roller Shutters

What is a roller shutter?

As the name suggest security roller shutters operates by rolling up or down and are closely fit to the door and window. They are fitted to either side of the window and move along the special guide. The shutter can be pulled to one side to access the door. The shutter when pulled up rolls into a compact cassette.

Similar Post – Give A Modern Touch to Your Windows by Installing Shutters

Types of security roller shutter

There are varieties of roller shutters available in the market. There is aluminum roller shutter made of aluminum slate which has insulated foam filled in cavity of each slat. Other types of roller shutters are steel roller shutter, timber roller shutter and poly carbonate roller shutter made of polycarbonate and metal.

Roller shutters can be manually operated or motorized. A manual roller shutter has a winder that lowers or raises the shutter when the winder is turned. The motorized roller shutter is fixed with small motor to operate the shutter when the button is switched on.

Electric Roller Shutter

Electric roller shutter vs. manual roller shutter

Electric shutters are convenient as they can be operated from a distance by a remote control. On the other hand, a manual roller shutter requires someone to work on the winder. The electric shutters are expensive and time taking to install but can be low on maintenance when good quality material is used. Working with manual shutters is time consuming and it requires more maintenance to have them in the best condition.

Benefits of a security roller shutters

• Security – The fact that the shutters are so closely fitted to the window or door makes it safe. The sturdy shutters require great deal of effort to be broken. The biggest benefit of the roller is definitely security as it is a good physical deterrent.
• Insulating – Security roller shutters have insulated material filled within the slats. The insulators prevent extreme weather conditions to affect the temperature inside the house. The shutters not only prevent external temperature to affect interior conditions but also stop the heat or cold to leave the home. They are also sound proof thus reducing the transmission of sound.
• Gives control – The security shutters can be used to control the room condition. A completely rolled up shutter will allow good amount of sunlight and fresh air to enter the room whereas the lowered shutters will darken the room completely even during the day. One can even choose to partially roll up the shutters.
• Provides privacy - The rollers give a complete solution to privacy issues. The firm shutters when lowered provide complete privacy to the house. Installing roller shutter gives a control over the privacy. Unlike fabric shades the roller shutters are sturdy structure that guards the view.

Security Roller Shutters

Cost of installing security roller shutters

The cost of roller shutter will depend on four factors:

1. Size of the shutters
2. Type of roller shutters. You can choose between manual or electric rollers
3. Material of the roller shutter
4. Price quoted by the manufacturer

Some manufacturers customize paint the shutters in colors as requested but this will add up to the cost. Some companies provide DIY installations as well. To get the security roller shutters installed, get the quote from the manufacturer or a local company that specializes in installation. It is advisable to get several price quotes before choosing the vendor to install the shutter. Also taking reference and conducting good research should be done before selecting the type of shutters.

About the Writer

Mike Warner, an experienced and professional blogger. I love to write blog on various topics, like: home improvement, locksmiths, fashion, travel, automotive, wedding, pet, health etc. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter.

Is your roof leaking? Are you planning to get the roof restoration done? If yes, find out the professional who can complete the work in the best possible manner. When you are sure that the expected lifespan of the roof is reducing as the leakage issue is disturbing you, plan for a visit to the professional who can suggest you regarding the roof replacement. It is in your interest to keep the shape of the roof intact so that you can be protected from all odds of weather like heavy sunrays, rainfall, etc. It will also help to increase the value of the house, as the appearance will improve during the restoration process. With routine maintenance, homeowners can increase the life of the roof but there are certain issues, which they cannot stop. They occur after a period of time due to many reasons.

Roof Restoration

While planning for the contract, you will have to consider certain things so that the process of roof restoration takes place smoothly. A professional will help you in getting maximum benefits along with the enhanced look of the roof.

Requisite tools:

The professional has the right tools to accomplish the task. With the safety equipment, they are able to give you the desired results for roof restoration. The guidelines of the expert are of utmost importance in fixing the issues faced by the homeowners. The protection of the residents is highly dependent on the roof. Therefore, the workers need to be accurate in their work. Even while they are doing the work, they are aware of the tools they will require and they always make it a point to carry them to the work site. Professionals do not delay the work due to lack of any tool or equipment for the on-going project.

Selection of the style:

Experts in this industry deal with the work of roof for a long time. They are aware of the latest styles and colors that can suit your house after the roof restoration is completed. As the selection is not routine for the homeowners, it becomes difficult to take the correct decision. They will help you in reducing the unnecessary cost if mere repairs can solve the leakage issue. If the issue is serious and cannot be repaired, professionals will guide you to get additional protective layers to remain safe from harmful ultraviolet rays and reflection of the sun. Now, when the new roof is to be installed they will make sure that it looks much appealing than the previous one and you get more appreciation.

Roof Repair

Experience and training:

The experts gain knowledge from their experience. They have been in the business for a long time and so they understand the issues of the clients and suggest them the best way. To be able to give guidance and attract a good number of customers, the professionals need to get more and more experience. Even the workers performing the task of roof restoration are trained for the best techniques. The task of roof restoration is complex and cannot be completed by any individual who is not well trained. They use the material available to give the homeowners the exact look of the house as per the planning.

Whenever you are in search of the professional, they should have these qualities to get the project for home roof restoration. A local contractor might not be well equipped with latest tools or he might lack the required experience. He may have done small projects but if you demand quality outcomes, you have to trust a professional for proper guidance and accomplishment of the set goals.

With the safety equipment, they are able to give you the desired results for roof restoration. Click here for more info.

Pocket spring mattress is an epitome of luxury, as it is incorporated from small individual springs into the own pocket of fabrics. What it means is that each spring moves in an independent manner, which goes on to provide more support than the traditional mattresses. You can opt for the soft, medium, or firm versions of it. It involves your very own preferences and it is more breathable than a foam or memory mattresses. It works out to be an ideal mattress when you are feeling too hot at night.

Mattress

To turn it is a difficult task and it could be incorporated with natural materials that may go on to agitate allergies. It works out to be a better option if you are considering bed for a couple of people where different weights along with needs come into play. On a lighter note, it does minimize the risk of rolling over your partner in the middle of the night.

Pocket Spring Mattress

Are the pocket spring mattresses on the expensive side?

Well, this question might pop up in your mind. Such a form of mattress does not need to be expensive. They work out to be cost effective, and the best part is that they are cheaper than what was a few years ago. Take into consideration that a majority of the pocket spring mattresses are nowadays produced in a bulk.

A good mattress should take into consideration the support and budget aspect. If you ignore them, then it is going to be a cause of regret. It all boils down to your choice. What are your expectations? So on and so forth.

Mattress Qquality

How to figure out the firmness of your pocket spring mattress and how to take care of it?

The firmness of your mattress indicates how well you are going to sleep. It is dependent on the sleeping position along with the height and weight. Once the mattress reaches out to you, do keep in the air for a couple of hours. This will remove any form of dampness associated with it. In the ideal context, it should be put out to air weekly by taking off the bed linen. Do consider turning your mattress often. In order to prolong the life of a mattress, you can put a cover on top of it. 

You should ensure that your mattress is replaced once in every 10 years. Not only it is important from the hygiene point of view, it is gradually going to soften over due course of time. If your back is sore, or other beds seem appealing to you, then the time calls for a change.

Mattress Toppers

Similar Post: Advantages of Memory Foam Mattress Topper

• Mattress toppers: A protective or extra layer of cushion is put over mattress before the bed linen is put on. An additional form of support of layering along with support is provided, which makes your bed cosy and luxurious at the same time. There is a variety of materials to choose from though cotton, linen along with wool work out to be the popular ones.
• The basics of pocket spring mattress: Spring count is normally based where the number of springs comes into consideration. In case of a super king mattress, it is bound to be more. When you are aware of the count, the chances of going wrong are on the lesser side. The only point of difference between the various types of mattress manufacturers is the spring count. The total spring count ranges in the bracket between 200 and 2000 pockets per unit. If it is a lower spring count, it is going to have a large diameter spring for sure and vice versa in other case. 

For knowing more information about pocket spring mattress, please visit here for further information.

Are you in search of right electricians for emergencies? Picking one is not as simple as going through the directory, running your fingers on the page and choosing anyone with the nice name. In fact, doing that can be a wrong decision, which can cost you a lot of damage. Do not cut corners on electrical work. Hire a qualified electrician familiar with the type of work you want. Working with the electrical systems is not a task that you should consider doing it by yourself. It may look simple but can be dangerous and fatal. They are some complex network of wires and circuits, which only an expert can work on with precision. Hence, it becomes imperative to hire one, if you face any such problem in your electrical system be it an emergency.

Electrician

Here are some important factors you have to consider for selecting a good emergency electrician:

Certification and licensed: This is the key factor you need to look for. You should go with an emergency electrician who has proper license and certificate by recognized institutes. In case, if they are from any company, you need to check the company's reputation and their worker who have right skills and training. You can visit their website, as these days most of the companies put their license numbers and other credentials on their website.

Training and experience: They must have a good number of years of experience. They must have worked on major projects is of utmost importance. You should always be aware that it could be your home or office, which might be a risk. Emergency electrician should be able to understand the problem, provide with correct solutions, and fix them. With years of experience, they acquire complete knowledge and can work with confidence.

Emergency Electrician

Addresses the concerns and honest: An electrician who listens well is an ideal one to hire. One of the major quality of a good emergency electrician is to explain the problem and deal with the same. They should be honest about the cost involved and the work, which needs to be done. They must be fair on the pricing and should not take advantage of your situation.

Availability: It is always a better choice that you hire an electrician from your local area. Doing this can benefit you in many ways. It is easy to contact them whenever necessary. You can even drop by to the place or the company of the electrician. A good emergency electrician is always up 24/7 for any electrical work, as the emergency can arise any time of the day. They need to be responsive and active by showing promptness in their work.

Safety: An emergency electrician needs to understand his personal and the client’s safety. They are always with all the safety measures the moment they are at your office or home. They are well trained to deal with any danger and emergencies and protect themselves and client if need be. They should have insurance coverage for themselves so that in case of any mishap while working you will be on a safer side. 

Use up to date technology: One of the great traits is they should be trustworthy and should have good knowledge of present technology. They should understand the uses of technology and the advantages of the same. This will make the functioning faster and accurate. Sometimes, when the new technologies do not work, they should have the proper training to deal with the problems.

You should always look for these essential qualities in an emergency electrician. A good electrician is always handy and the right choice to make.

There’s an old adage in home decor that predicts that if you stick with an old style long enough, it will come back into style. One 2018 kitchen design trend, the classic black and white kitchen, is predicted to be a smoking hot trend!

It’s no wonder. The color combination of black and white is a perfectly neutral backdrop for you to play with fashionable colors, rich textiles, fun furnishings, and anything else you can dream up!

Kitchen Design

Why does a black and white kitchen hold so much appeal?

The black and white kitchen is appealing to the eye because it has a graphic appeal, an interesting juxtaposition between the two colors that’s almost stark. They contrast completely.  The white and black are perfect counterbalances...one brightens the room, the other keeps the look elegant.

Home decorators are sure to have fun with the classic black and white kitchen! Here are a few of the elements that make this classic look modern and new again.

What’s the deal with the black and white kitchen?

The first black and white kitchens emerged in the 1920’s during the Art Deco period. The architecture and design of that era were over-the-top and opulent. Black and white were chosen to show off luxurious kitchens. They were the perfect way to show off gleaming copper pots, gilded art pieces (yes, on the kitchen wall), and oversized cast iron ranges. The look was decadent and rich.

Originally a look for rich households, it filtered down to the middle class. Husbands who made a comfortable living adopted this style in their own homes. It was a statement that the husband could well provide for his wife and children. For the wives, it provided affirmation that she married well and she took pride in preparing meals in this kitchen.

The style stayed in place through the 1950s but became shabby through the years. The Great Depression and World War II changed how Americans decorated for two decades. Once the war was over, these grand kitchens were “modernized” and the look faded into obscurity.

How can I get the new black and white kitchen?

The re-emergence of the black and white kitchen is here. It’s updated for today, yet it’s as chic as ever!

Kitchen

#1. Kitchen floors:

One way to add the graphic impact by pairing black and white is using flooring. Remember those black and white tile floors?  They are back, but with some updates.

One way to look current is selecting large floor tiles. The 12x12 floor tiles of the art deco era have been super-sized! Large format floor tiles in a 20x20 size are the way to add this flooring element to your kitchen without appearing outdated!

Another option is in the pattern of the floor tiles. You can install them in the classic checkerboard for a timeless and elegant look. But if you want to add an extra boost of drama, consider a herringbone pattern instead!

The black and white floor is an investment, but sticking with these classic neutrals will ensure that they will go with any future changes in your decor.

#2. Kitchen cabinetry:

In the old era of the black and white kitchen, cabinets were often metal. These were torn out long ago and replaced by the wood cabinets that we know today.

The most cost-effective way to update your kitchen cabinets is to paint them. If you have solid wood cabinets that are in good condition, this is a great cost-savings for you.

A modern way to paint your cabinets is to paint the upper-cabinets and the lower-cabinets two different colors. This is where you can work in that black and white color scheme! If you have high ceilings, you can easily pull off painting the uppers black to create a cozier feeling. However, if your ceilings are low, paint the uppers white to make the room appear more spacious.

A fun element to add is a contrasting color if you have an island. Make it pop against the neutrals by selecting a bold color instead of black or white.

Before you paint, remove the cabinet doors and all hardware. No special carpentry is needed, your simple hand tools will do just fine! Give them a fresh coat of a sparkling metallic spray paint to add extra pizzazz and a high-end finish.

#3. Kitchen countertops:

If new countertops are in your budget, you can work the black and white colors into those surfaces as well.

Kitchen Design Trend

You can choose solid surface countertops in either color. Or, you can go high-end and choose black and white marble countertops. Countertops are a significant expense, so only you can determine which material is best for your budget!

#4. Kitchen table:

Keep the look of black & white from becoming too heavy by painting your kitchen table a fun color that pops against the black and white elements. Cobalt blue, greenery, canary yellow, and barn reds are all cheerful kitchen colors that will add a fun twist to the kitchen.

Top off the table with simple DIY placemats, napkins, and tablecloths that you can sew from black and white, washable fabrics from the craft store.  This pulls the whole look together perfectly!

Summary:

In conclusion, the classic black and white kitchen is back...better than ever. By incorporating those classic graphic black and white colors with fun, fashionable colors that are contemporary, you will achieve a balanced, updated look in your home.

Author Bio: Deborah Tayloe is a professional freelance writer and regularly contributes to home tip top.  She is a DIY enthusiast and loves decorating. She and her husband are currently renovating their mid-century ranch home one room at a time!