on March 12th, 2010

There are many opinions when it comes to the best way to maintain polished marble and terrazzo floors. With regards to what is best, no one should claim – or can claim – such.

One of the most popular methods is crystallization. Before we delve into this topic, let us first review some points:

• The first crystallization product for maintaining polished marble and terrazzo was developed in the 1960s by Jorge Riera More', who owns a company in Barcelona, Spain, named Coor & Kleever. Hardly a new process.

• The Coor & Kleever crystallizer contains no wax, and has been used for decades to maintain polished stone surfaces in many of the finest casinos, resorts, homes and public buildings around the world.

• The process is designed as a safe maintenance procedure to remove the light wear patterns, created by foot traffic, in the polished surface.

• This is achieved by chemically transforming microns of the surface from calcium carbonate to calcium fluorosilicate.

• Laboratory tests have proved that this chemical transformation creates a more-durable finish, thus enabling the polish on marble to last longer under foot traffic.

A large part of the success that crystallization has seen over the decades is due to its ease of use and production as compared to alternative methods of maintaining stone surfaces. However, just because something is easy, does not provide enough merit for use.

With that being said, I'll attempt to provide you with the benefits and drawbacks of this widely accepted process.

WHEN AND WHERE TO USE

To begin with, there is no one product or process that is the be-all and end-all to maintaining polished marble & terrazzo. Crystallization is simply one method of many that may or may not be the application of choice depending on the floor.

Obviously, you would not want to use crystallization on a honed, non-reflective surface. This process is meant only for polished surfaces. If you are confronted with maintaining a large polished marble or terrazzo floor with high foot traffic, an excellent way for maintaining this polish, more times than not, will be crystallization.

Keep in mind that, today, some crystallizers contain wax. This can create a build-up on the stone surface over time. When this happens, you will need to use an alkaline detergent, recommended by a professional in the industry, to remove this build-up. If the alkaline detergent does not remove the build up, then you will need to use diamond abrasives to remove the build-up before continuing the maintenance program.

There are proven crystallization products in the market place that contain zero wax. To find one of these no-wax crystallizers you can simply research the marketplace, find a company who claims their crystallizer contains no wax and have it analyzed. Then, you can be confident you're on the right track to using the correct product.

Crystallization product with no wax will take much longer to create a build-up. If a build-up does eventually occur it will be from the chemical reaction, which we discussed earlier.

A proper maintenance program should not allow the crystallization to build up on the stone surface. If you begin to see a build-up when using a no-wax crystallization product, you're attempting to use the product in a way that it was not intended to be used.

This is a maintenance process, not a restoration process. By overusing a no-wax crystallizer and allowing it to build up on the surface, you're pushing the product to remove deeper scratches in the surface that it cannot remove. This type of damage should be removed by restoring the floor with diamond abrasives.

Another popular method of maintaining polished marble is the use of powder/paste compounds, which contain oxalic acid or potassium oxalate, among other ingredients. Here, you're attempting to recreate what happens in the stone processing factories around the world.

The factories polish most marble in a polishing line, running the material through a series of abrasive stones. The final polish is achieved by using something such as a 5X brick; this brick's main ingredient is oxalic acid or potassium oxalate.

The factory polish is created by chemically transforming the marble surface with the acidic slurry from the 5X brick. This transformation changes microns of the surface from calcium carbonate to calcium oxalate.

Maintaining polished stone surfaces with oxalic acid compounds usually provides great results and is a widely accepted method. However, these types of products may have adverse effects on green and maroon stones. These compounds will also begin to build up on the surface if overused.

In many cases, the build up occurs quicker than crystallization. Also, when compared to crystallization, the process can be slow and messy.

FULFILLING THE NEED OF THE CUSTOMER

It's impossible for the factory polish on marble to last forever under foot traffic. Therefore, these methods were created to fill a need for those who wanted a solution to their problem.

Both crystallization and oxalic acid compounds achieve very similar results. Both create a chemical transformation, and both achieve a high degree of reflectivity on the stone surface. Depending on the situation, one may be better suited than the other.

But no one process is best for everything. These two methods are only portions of a maintenance program for polished stone surfaces.

In the end, when looking for a complete maintenance program for natural stone, I would suggest that you ask for name brands proven to be successful with decades of documented historical evidence, and backed by trained, qualified people or firms familiar with stone and the stone industry.


paul Lundberg

Paul Lundberg - VMC Technical Assistance Corp.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Now this is a common question asked by most people who install a TV out on their deck or in their backyard near their pool, let us put both points forward.

In this age of global warming, the weather from day to day is not guaranteed to be the same, throughout he world there has been freak weather from huge snow falls in Washington D.C. to high flood waters in Portugal, destroying everything in its way.

We will look at three areas that are key problem areas for people when they deploy a TV outdoors and they are;

  1. Weather
  2. Theft
  3. Vandalism

Weather.

With the changing weather, a standard TV screen will not stand up to the snow, sleet or rain, you know what happens if you accidentally spill coffee on the screen – it damages the circuits inside the television set resulting in the screen failing.

Then there is the extreme where bright sunlight can damage the LCD crystals and thus again causing the screen to fail.

One thing is for sure, you would not take you home computer and put it outdoors and leave it there – would you? Because the moment it rains – the damage is done.

The solution would be ideally to put it in a sealed unit that has its own micro climate, so no matter what is happening outside of the case, the electronics are kept at their ideal temperature inside the case.

Theft.

Well most of us have experienced this from time to time, if you haven't, just imagine you have a $1000 TV set in your backyard, what is stopping someone accessing your backyard in the early hours of the morning and stealing the television?

We read on a regular basis that in a recession as we are, burglaries increase as this is classed as an easy crime to feed the family-sad but true.

Vandalism.

It could be accidental or deliberate, but it does happen, if your children are playing ball in the backyard and Johnny does go wide, the ball hits the screen and the screen needs replacing or at least repaired.

On the other hand if you have had a dispute with a neighbour, what is stopping them from using a catapult to fire stones at the screen? This also goes on and it is down to society.

What is to be done?

Well if you can afford to buy an outdoor weatherproof television set, buy it as this will offer the protection from the weather and vandalism, however it will not protect against theft.

The other option is to purchase an outdoor LCD enclosure, these offer an environment that the temperature is regulated and can be either cooled or heated depending on what the external weather is. Some units come with a front viewing screen that is vandal proof and provides anti glare so the screen can be seen perfectly as well as protecting the screen from the damaging UV rays. They also bolt to the wall, so theft is a little difficult as thieves just want to smash and run.

Or alternatively, you could leave the TV in your backyard unprotected and if the children don't damage it, or the weather, you may be really lucky and not have it stolen, however I for one would not risk it – would you?


Graham Gallagher

Graham has over 20 years experience manufacturing protective enclosures from computers through to LCD enclosures. He now owns the leading manufacturer of LCD monitor enclosures that supply the outdoor digital signage market.

Tags: , , , , ,

on March 12th, 2010

Escalating property prices in congested big cities has meant that living space has become increasingly expensive. A number of young first-time home buyers have to settle for very small flats at exorbitant rates in order to be at a commutable distance from their work places.

Living in a small flat can be incredibly difficult. In theory, living in a small living space should mean that you naturally curb your desire to accumulate belongings. But this hardly ever translates to practice. Within no time at all a small flat tends to get cluttered. In the case of studio apartments where the bed is in the same room, it starts to take on an untidy appearance, especially if one is entertaining.

One very effective space saving idea for small living spaces is the installation of sliding glass doors. People tend to underestimate how much space a conventional door takes up in its opening arc. Also, in tight spaces, there exists the problem of people stubbing their feet and otherwise injuring themselves while trying to squeeze through a partially opened door.

Sliding glass doors do away with this problem and also serve to make the living space look more fashionable and modern. The glass in the sliding glass doors gives the appearance of increased space. There is also the option of installing one-way mirrors to protect the privacy of occupants on the other side, as in the case of restrooms.

The concept can be extended to cover wardrobes and windows too. Wall to wall wardrobes in bedrooms especially tend to benefit from a mirrored sliding glass door makeover as the bedroom instantly takes on a more spacious appearance. Glass windows also let in more light. In the case of floor length windows, replacing them with sliding glass doors transform them into more eye-catching access areas.

Of course, the largest part of sliding glass doors is glass. To make sliding glass doors truly energy efficient, high-performance glazing is the key. But fortunately, most manufacturers of sliding glass doors let you specify the type of glazing you require when you place your order.

Remember to specify exactly what it is you would like in order to become satisfied with the final product. Sliding glass doors come in a variety of thicknesses and weights, You need to specify for what purpose your glass doors are going to be used, if you need it to be bullet proof, tinted, hurricane proof or sanded. Many people make the mistake of not really specifying the type of glass doors; they prefer an end up becoming disappointed in the end. Just like everything else, this is highly preventable by being specific, showing the company you are ordering from the shade of tint you would like and also letting them know if you are going to add a screen door or not. Also indicate if you want pre sanded screen doors or screen doors that you want to put a sanded sticker on.


Sasha Hess

Tags: , ,

You really have to do your homework before you have anyone to start any work at your house. Hiring a Contractor to do any kind of work for you can be a pain if you don't pick the right one. If you're planning to hire a contractor to do work in your home, make sure you follow these tips:

- Begin with your trusted network. Ask your family and friends if they can refer you to anyone. You can always talk to neighbors who renovated their own home. If you have a long list of contractors to check out, make sure your list is down to the best three and go from there.

- Investigate their work past. Find out how long they have been in business as a contractor. Maybe you might want to know where they're from and how long they been in the area. You should ask this information because they might not be as good in one city and move to another to start a new reputation.

- See if they have references. Do they freely offer referrals? Do they offer referrals before you even ask? Pay attention to their level of free speaking. Maybe you might want to contact the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has had any problems.

- Check out the credentials. A few organizations can help you determine the contractor's credentials. Your state licensing board can tell you whether or not a company has a legitimate license. One very important information you do not want to overlook - make sure the contractor has some kind of insurance, especially liability insurance.

- Is the contractor really good as they say? Bascially you want to check out the skill level and to inquire about additional certifications because a license does not guarantee quality, it just means they fulfilled some minimum requirements.

- Do up a written contract. You want to include the start date and the completion date. What type of work will be done. The payment amount which has to include work schedule, penalties for delay, and materials needed to complete the job.

In summary, be aware of the signs that may indicate incompetence. The biggest thing to worry about is do they ask for large sums of money up front. It should be no more than one-third of the full amount. Make sure the contractor does not work without a license or insurance.


Colon R Bolden

Colon Bolden is a professional home business provider. Learn more about developing a real online business and unlocking your personal potential. To get Free Information about the Internet's Number One Wealth Building Opportunity go to http://www.BigWayToWealth.com

 

Tags: , , , , ,

What do you think when you hear the word "bathroom"? Well, it is the place you visit everyday. Bathroom remains the only place in the house after the kitchen which is frequented the most. You need to visit the bathroom several times in a day. How do you feel when you visit the same old place? Why not add some oomph to this very necessary place? You may wonder what could be done in this direction. Some simple changes and you can find your way to a completely different place.

Bathroom remodeling may be needed due to several reasons. For instance, you may need to install the essentials in a better fashion or you may need more shelves for additional storage. It could be due to the fussiness of your kids or for your own comfort. Whatever may be the reason, you need to fulfill your objective. To begin with, we need to understand that the space is required to be arranged in a certain way.

Start with the floors in first place. You can consider some patterns and designs. Select from the available list of floorings which feature the capability to manage steam and water. Many flooring patterns are economical, convenient to install and pleasing to the eyes. So you need not spend a lot. Make the selection according to your choice and affordability.

Colors also form an essential component of bathroom remodeling. Select the colors which would help in making the bathroom more relaxing and enjoyable. Opt for the colors that you think you would enjoy the most. For instance, sky blue interiors may instill the feeling of being at the "beach" or use pink which could be your favorite color.

Finally, bathroom remodeling remains incomplete without improving upon the essential bathroom components. So, you need to decide whether the shower and tub you are presently using need to be replaced or not. You might prefer using the kind of tub or shower that is present in your favorite spa. Surely you can revive the experience everyday in your own bathroom without visiting the spa!

Just be innovative while remodeling your bathroom and enjoy a real luxury everyday!


thomasgalvin

Find Bathroom remodeling related information at solution-people.net

Tags: