Essence of Home Improvement

Posts Tagged ‘Flooring’

Ceramic tiles are created by reducing different types of clay to a fine powder, the mixing with other materials. The tiles are then fired in a kiln at high temperature. When ceramic tiles are glazed, they have been covered with a finely ground glass substance and re-fired. The glass melts on the tile sealing it and creating the hi-gloss surface found on the tiles. The tiles are very durable and resistant to water and staining.

Mixing clays and other materials with a finely ground sand produces the ingredients from which Porcelain tiles are made. These tiles are also fired at extreme temperatures and when the sand melts one sees the glass-like quality of each tile. While these tiles are more durable in many ways than ceramic tiles, they do chip and are not recommended for high traffic areas. When the tiles are installed special equipment must be used to cut the tiles so that do not chip and become damaged.

Agglomerate tiles are made using a combination of polyester resin with marble or granite chips. This tile looks like marble or granite when it is done. It is extremely strong, has the classic look of natural stone, and is resistant to wear. Many businesses use these tiles in foyers and other areas where an elegant tile is desired. This is also a popular tile for counter-tops and bathrooms.

Combining natural clays, one of them being red, results in the earthen red color of the Quarry tile. These tiles provide a beautiful earthen flooring that is water and weather resistant. The clays can also be tinted to create other colors. Quarry tiles are extremely popular in regions with extreme weather conditions because it does not crack or break in freezing conditions.

Similar to Agglomerate tile in the way it is made Terrazzo is a very popular tile for people wishing to put floating tile flooring in a room. The tile, when sealed, provides the resistance to damage of Agglomerate. It is available in a variety of natural stone colors as well as a variety of other colors.

Mexican tiles are beautiful handmade tiles that vary in texture, appearance, and color. These tiles are used primarily in desert regions because they emit cool temperatures in hot areas. The tiles are sealed after being installed and provide a home with a beautiful old world or rustic charm.

The small mosaics are made from ceramic, glass, porcelain, or natural stone. Mosaics are most popular as decorative additions to tile design. They are also growing in popularity as contemporary back-splashes in kitchens.

Radiation is the transfer of heat through empty space. This type of system works on the same principal as baseboard heaters, but does it more efficiently, by heating the entire floor. Another advantage is that the heat can be felt directly by the inhabitants while walking around barefoot. Radiant floor heating systems can be divided into three categories depending on the heat carrying medium: radiant air, electric, or hot water. There are also two installation methods: wet or dry.

Radiant floor heating systems, when used in residential applications, are not very efficient due to the limited heat carrying capacity of air leaving electric and hot water systems. Electric heating systems consist of cables built into the floor or electrical conductive plastic mats that are usually placed between the subfloor and the floor covering. Electric systems are the most efficient when combined with time-of-use rates, allowing the user to heat the concrete floor during off peak hours. If the mass of the floor is large enough, the heat stored in it will keep the house comfortable for up to ten hours. This can save the homeowner a considerable amount of money compared to heating it during the day.

The most popular type of radiant heating is the hot water system, mainly because it is the most efficient. In this type of system, water is heated in a boiler and then circulated through pipes located in the floor. There are many different ways to heat the water with each one having its advantages. The easiest and probably least efficient way is by using electricity. There are also wood fired boilers available, but then you would have to find a wood supply. If you don’t live in an area where wood is plentiful, this could pose a problem. This leaves gas. Most municipalities provide natural gas service, and when it is not available, propane usually is. These systems can be controlled by a thermostat and valves. The valves control the flow of water into the tubes thus controlling the temperature in the room. Also popular is the under floor electric system.

There are two types of floor systems, wet and dry. When the electric cables or pipes are embedded in a solid floor, it is referred to as a “wet” installation. The most popular way to accomplish this is to embed them directly in the concrete foundation or “slab.” This is the most popular method because of the immense heat capacity of the concrete. The biggest down side of concrete is that it takes a while to heat up initially. When the cables or tubing are run in airspace beneath the floor, it is called a dry system. These systems are gaining in popularity, mainly because they are faster and cheaper to install. One of the downsides to this type of installation is that it has to run at a higher temperature to compensate for the heat loss in the air space.

When it comes time to cover the floor a few considerations must be made. For instance, carpet can be used, but since it is an insulator, it decreases the efficiency of the system. This can be compensated for by running the system at a higher temperature. Most people use tile because it conducts and holds heat well. If hardwood is to be used, then stick to the laminated flooring instead of solid wood. The reason behind this is wood tends to shrink and crack when heated.