Budgies today are some of the most popular pet birds in the United States. People love them for their colors and their ability to sing, but there are quite a few interesting facts about budgies, you may know or not also. May be surprised, some facts about budgerigars who never knew you. You can find these facts very amusing, and you will probably keep your budgies just a little more after you have learned these facts. Without further ADO, please see below for some fun facts.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Pergo Laminate Flooring is one of the giants in the laminate
hardwood flooring industry. The floors are designed for home remodeling
DIY enthusiasts, so questions related to installing laminate flooring
abound. Pergo, Harmonics, Armstrong Laminate Flooring and similar
products are pounced upon by gleeful, hand-rubbing first-time home
remodelers. An average-sized floor can be ready to use and admire within
a day - just imagine all the compliments from somewhat
green-around-the-gills neighbors...
The days of battling to fit
messy, sticky, glued laminate flooring are long gone thanks to ranges
such as Pergo glueless laminate flooring planks. The unique tongue and
groove designs of Pergo floors simply click together for a perfect
finish. This is one of the most gratifying do it yourself jobs to
tackle, as progress is measurable and the end result quite spectacular.
Is Installing Pergo Flooring Over Existing Floors Advisable?
The
beauty of Pergo Laminate Flooring is that it can be laid directly over
ceramic, vinyl, tiles or real wood floors, saving you the trouble of
ripping out an old floor first. Make sure that the floor is clean,
smooth and carefully sand down any bumps or peaked joints. Carpeting
needs to be taken out however. It is always recommended to do fittings
of cabinets or cupboards first, before tackling your flooring project.
Real hardwood installed over a concrete sub-floor also needs to be
removed before a Pergo installation.
Do I Need Expansion Room Around The Perimeter Of My Pergo Flooring Installation?
Pergo
Laminate Flooring is a floating floor product, meaning that it isn't
permanently fixed to the sub-floor area. These ranges expand and
contract due to changes in humidity and temperature. It is therefore
vital to leave a 1/4" expansion space between the flooring planks and
the adjacent walls or cupboards. If you don't do this, you will have
unsightly buckling floors. The Pergo floor moldings are used to hide
these spaces after installation and to ensure a professional finish. Use
spacers to keep your distances even. If you are tackling a very large
floor area, the expansion space needs to be increased.
Does Pergo Laminate Flooring Also Have A Hollow Sound When Used?
The
sound depends largely on the sub-floor layer and the thickness of the
laminate flooring installation. One way to get around this is to install
a sound underlayment and resin polyethylene film underneath your Pergo
Laminate Flooring planks. This is a highly effective technique to use if
you want to dampen the sound. This protective layer also acts as a
moisture barrier, lengthening the life of the flooring. Take a look at
Pergo SilentStep foam or Soundbloc foam and Moisturbloc vapor barrier.
By adding these a cushioning layer, you also ensure a more comfortable,
soft floor underfoot. If the sub-floor is wood, a vapor barrier isn't
introduced before installing Pergo Laminate Flooring.
Can I Install Pergo Immediately After My Purchase?
To
be on the safe side, acclimate your Pergo floor planks by leaving the
cartons in the room where they will be installed, for a period of 49 to
96 hours. This precaution will give you a floor that remains clicked
into place, rather than becoming an ugly buckling disaster area.
Can I Use Pergo Laminate Flooring In A Bathroom Or Kitchen?
Pergo
Laminate Flooring's surface is highly water resistant, so the planks
can be used in high humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. In
these areas however, the expansion spaces need to be sealed with Pergo
Sealant or a similar mildew-resistant silicone product before installing
the trim or molding. The same should be done where the planks were cut
to make room for cupboards or a dishwasher. Some experts also recommend
sealing the joints by using glue. Check with your supplier about the
most satisfactory installation process. In spite of its water
resistance, Pergo Laminate Flooring are not made to handle standing
water.
Can I Use Pergo On Stairs?
Pergo flooring is
perfect for stairs. Steps are finished with Pergo Stair Nosing. The
nosing is adhered with a quality construction adhesive and finishing
screws. A stair application is the only time that the floating floor
concept of Pergo is replaced with a glued end product.
How Do I Ensure A Professional Finish When Installing Pergo Laminate Flooring?
A
large range of color-coordinated transition moldings are available to
give an elegant and stylish finish to your flooring project. T-Moldings
are used in doorways, while end moldings are used along sliding doors
and around tubs and basins. If you need to go from a raised Pergo
flooring area to a lower hard surface such as vinyl, you would choose a
hard surface reducer.
Oops! I Have A Nick In My Pergo Laminate Flooring! What Now?
No
problem. The folks at Pergo realized that this is an inevitable mishap
in a bustling household. They therefore made sure that you have access
to Pergo Finishing Putty. Simply neaten the edges of the chipped area
with a small knife, make sure the area is clean, and fill the hole with
putty. A spatula gives a neat finish and the excess is simply wiped away
with a clean cloth. Plank replacements are also possible if a more
major repair is needed.
With a gleaming Pergo Presto or Pergo
American Cottage floor installation, your home will be transformed into a
wrinkle-less, stylish lady. Pergo Laminate Flooring has been performing
plastic surgery on properties for years. It's about time to let that
tattered carpet go...
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Flooring of the premises has always been of a vital concern.
Everyone wants to have a polished and attractive looking floor that is
shining. Laminated flooring is a type of flooring that gives you the
desired effect and look. Laminated flooring is fake wood-like flooring,
i.e. it gives impression of a real wooden floor though it is not made of
wood. Laminated flooring is made from synthetic materials combined with
natural ingredients and decorated with appliqué. Such floorings have a
smooth finish and they look highly attractive. Laminated flooring is
just perfect for every type of premises.
Nothing can be much
better than having budgeted flooring for your office or home. Laminated
flooring is the right choice for this purpose. It is lighter than the
actual wooden flooring and cheaper too. You can experience the feel of
having a real wooden floor. These floorings are lighter in weight, which
can be used in homes or offices. It comes within budget and you can
avoid the heavy expenditure in buying real wooden flooring. Another
advantage of applying laminated flooring is that, it is more durable and
easy to remove.
Well, everyone wishes to have flooring that looks
immaculate and has a designer feel. People want that visitors should
praise their choice of flooring of their premises. Laminated flooring is
the best choice to have as it gives a designer feel and that too within
the stipulated budget. Such floorings are designed with fiberboard and
plastic materials. You are on the gaining side with laminated floorings
as they do not fade in the sunlight. Even the shine lasts for a long
time. Moreover, good laminated flooring cannot be easily differentiated
from real wooden flooring.
Laminated flooring gives you an option
of a variety of designs and colors. You can have different shades of
laminated floorings and these shades may range from light ones to dark
ones. An array of beige and brown can be a wonderful choice from the
shade card. You can select the color of the flooring according to the
color of your walls and ceilings. Laminated flooring gives an artistic
touch to the entire room or premises. In fact, the demand for this type
of flooring is gaining day by day. It is because laminated flooring
gives a rich finish to your premise, within the budget.
Cleaning
of laminated flooring is also an advantageous feature of this form of
flooring. Using a vacuum cleaner can solve your problem of cleaning the
dust. Other then this, you can use a piece of cloth dipped in warm water
to retain the shine of laminated flooring. Neutral cleaners can also be
used to remove the paint stains or other markings on the floor. Certain
things have to be noticed in the matter of cleaning laminated flooring.
In order to maintain the shine and grace of laminated flooring, you
should avoid using wax or polish or cleaning chemicals. After all,
everyone wants to retain the original effect that if found in laminated
flooring.
Laminated flooring adds a touch of class to the
appearance of the entire room. These floorings are glued with concrete
or vinyl to the floor. Being cheaper, laminated flooring has got wide
acceptance among the public. Availability of so many designs has made
laminated flooring as the first choice for people. These floorings are
resistant to burns and are becoming a part of every household. If you
are planning to have budgeted and classy flooring, switch to laminated
flooring.
Monday, April 15, 2013
The following procedure is for reapplying coats to an already
finished floor or applying finish to a new floor. When finishing a new
floor always follow the manufacturers recommendations for prepping the
floor. You should always consult the flooring manufacturer on the types
of finishes that are suited to your floor. When finishing any floor we
recommend that you use a quality floor finish that is correctly matched
to your flooring. Our online floor finishing procedures are the general
guidelines for finishing a floor. These days floor finish has become
the alternative to old fashioned waxes. Floor finish can give a floor a
great long lasting shine without the problems of conventional waxes.
Procedure:
Make
sure that your floor has been prepared for finishing. Clean the floor
removing as much dirt and debris as possible. If the floor has more
than 5 coats of finish we recommend stripping the floor first. Too many
layers of finish can dull a floor. Over time floor finish can yellow
in color, if you see any yellowing on the floor we also recommend that
you strip the floor first.
After the floor has been prepared,
vacuum or dust mop the floor to remove any dust. We recommend that you
spray your dust mop with dust mop treatment to remove as much dust as
possible. Make sure to remove anything stuck to the floor, anything
that is on the floor when you finish it will become part of the floor
finish and you will have to strip your floor and begin again.
Make
sure that the floor are you are finishing does not and will not have
traffic moving through it for at least 12 - 24 hours depending on the
type of finish that your are applying (see floor finish manufacturers
specifications for curing and drying time). Use warning signs to make
sure the area where you are finishing is marked out so that everyone is
aware of the area.
Finishing a floor requires the use of two mop
buckets. One bucket will be used to keep the finish mop damp and the
other will be used to apply the floor finish. Line the floor finish
bucket with a clear trash can liner so that you can dispose of the
finish easily after the job is complete.
Fill one mop bucket 1/2
way up with water and the lined mop bucket 1/4 full with floor finish.
Dip your finish mop into the water bucket and wring until the mop is
damp and water does not drip from the end. Next, dip the damp mop into
the floor finish and wring until the finish mop does not drip.
The
best way to finish floors is to divide the floor into sections to
assure that an even amount of floor finish is applied everywhere. Begin
applying the floor finish at the furthest corner from the entrance.
Apply floor finish to the baseboard area first (a block applicator can
be a great tool for this job) working away from the corner. Make sure
the floor finish is going on to the floor in a thin even coat.
After
you have applied floor finish to the baseboard move on to the open
areas of the floor. Move the mop head in a figure eight motion
overlapping mopping sections by about an inch.
After you have
applied the finish evenly to the entire area, let the floor dry. The
floor should look glossy with no raised areas or drip marks. Follow the
floor finish manufacturers recommendations for drying time. Depending
on the floor finish you may wish to apply more than one coat of floor
finish, if so, let the floor dry in between coats. You may also want to
buff the floor in between coats so that the second coat adheres better
to the first coat.
To maintain the new look of the floor finish
you can burnish with a burnishing floor pad, again see the manufacturers
recommendations for maintenance on your floor.
After 12 hours your floor should be fully cured. Floor traffic can now resume.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Many people quite rightly seek out solid hardwood flooring as the
best means to add certain warmth, class, and an atmosphere of homey
comfort to an interior. But, as many find out, hardwood flooring can
have limitations in areas that are prone to climatic changes; when it is
humid or damp, an unfortunate effect in hardwood is often the swelling
or cupping of the hardwood flooring boards. When looking to invest in
long-lasting and attractive flooring therefore, one of the things to
look out for is a flooring material that is likely to respond to these
sorts of environmental changes without losing any of its structural
stability, or its attractiveness. A solution that many have discovered
for versatility, attractiveness, and with a robust design noted for
structural stability is engineered hardwood flooring. But what is
engineered hardwood, and what makes it so resistant to the climatic
forces which usually spell doom for solid hardwood flooring?
Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Anatomy Lesson
Engineered
hardwood flooring is made up of two main elements: the top layer and
the core. The core is made up of stacked layers of medium or
high-density fiberboard, or sometimes plywood, which most often range
from 3 ply to 7 ply construction. This stacking design acts as a means
to allow the flooring to counteract the effects of humidity on the
natural wood, allowing each board to expand and contract without warping
or cupping. As you may guess, this makes for a hardwood floor that is
suitable for an installation in an area that is not environmentally
controlled, or that is characterized by higher levels of dampness or
humidity, such as a basement installation. The top layer of engineered
hardwood floors is a species of real wood. In this sense, engineered
floors are as "genuine" as any hardwood floor, with real wood that lends
a space a decorative dimension that most people interested in hardwood
are looking for. So, with engineered hardwood flooring, you get the
functionality and toughness that the core allows, as well as the refined
beauty of the real hardwood top layer that is indistinguishable to the
eye from solid hardwood.
Installing Engineered Hardwood Floors
An
advantage that engineered flooring has over many flooring options is
that you can install it in any room, either above or below ground. It is
also generally designed to be installed quickly and easily. This is
advantageous not only for the do-it-yourselfer, but also to the hardwood
flooring contractor who may offer engineered hardwood as a means of
moving from one flooring contract to another quickly, but without
sacrificing quality. With many engineered hardwood flooring lines,
there is no need for nailing the boards down to the subfloor. This has a
couple of implications. First, that a concrete slab subfloor is a
suitable substrate on which to install engineered hardwood, unlike solid
hardwood. Second, that many engineered hardwood flooring lines can
either be floated, as you would a laminate floor, or glued down. As
long as you subfloor is clean, level and dry, engineered hardwood
flooring is a versatile option that can yield successful results without
the need to consider whether or not a subfloor is suitable for a
nail-down installation.
In the case of a floating floor, remember
to use a reliable vapor barrier between the subfloor and your flooring.
The adhesives used in a glue-down option often add the advantage of
acting as a built-in vapor barrier. Ask the professionals about the
details on your chosen line of engineered hardwood flooring.
Locking Systems For Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Most
types of engineered hardwood feature a tongue and groove locking
system. These are designed for a level of precision that makes for a
refined flooring surface that is free of unsightly gaps between the
boards. Once again, versatility and practicality are the distinguishing
features of engineered hardwood flooring. Often, these types of
locking systems allow you to take up the boards at a later date when
necessary, if you've chosen a floating floor option. So, you can take
your floor with you when you're moving house, or allow you to more
easily replace any damaged boards. When making a purchase, it is a good
idea to ask whether your chosen line of engineered hardwood flooring
allows for this feature.
Radiant Heat and the Engineered Hardwood Floor
Radiant
heat is a welcome feature to many households and commercial interiors.
But, when choosing a flooring option, it is important to note the impact
that radiant heating may have in the short term as well as the long
term. For solid hardwood, radiant heat can have a significantly negative
effect; the radiant heating can severely dry out the hardwood, which in
turn causes the boards to warp and cup as they would if they were
exposed to excessive moisture. Luckily, engineered hardwood has been
designed to counteract this tendency, just as it has in the case of
humidity and dampness in a below-grade or non-environmentally controlled
interior. Once again, the core of the engineered floor expands and
contracts accordingly, while preserving the structural stability of the
board and the attractiveness of the top layer.
Freedom with Engineered Hardwood Flooring!
With
engineered floors, you are free to consider the possibilities of using
hardwood in areas that would mean disaster for a solid hardwood floor.
Engineered hardwood floors allow you all of the beauty and organic feel,
as well as a greater range of options as far as the location of your
installation. With the dual features of an attractive top layer that is
a real hardwood species, and a core which is designed to shift and move
with climatic changes, engineered hardwood flooring is perfect for a
basement installation, or an installation in a summer home or cottage
that is not environmentally controlled all year round. Along with these
functional benefits, engineered hardwood floors are often less
expensive than their solid hardwood counterparts, making them worth
serious consideration on a budgetary level. With all of its features
that allow these advantages, engineered hardwood truly stands as being
in a class by itself.
Here is a list of things to consider when purchasing, installing and maintaining your engineered hardwood floor:
Do:
Don't:
This
is of course by no means a comprehensive list. When making a purchase
or caring for an existing floor, it can be a great benefit to consult
with the experts. Local flooring contractors and sales experts in the
industry are two great sources of information when you are seeking to
make an informed purchase or when organizing a cleaning regimen. It is
always a good idea to talk with the professionals and use their years of
experience in flooring to your advantage.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Flooring professionals are always looking to source flooring to
their commercial and residential clients that will stand as being both
visually attractive as well as long-lasting. Homeowners are looking for
these benefits too, but many people are becoming more and more aware of
the issues of renewability and the protection of the environment. This
awareness has caused many people to seek alternate sources of flooring
materials that will still serve the needs of look and practicality, but
with the added benefit of sustainability of natural resources. One of
the most popular choices for these reasons remains to be bamboo
flooring. Bamboo is noted for hardness, beauty, variety, and its
"green" friendly nature. But, how exactly is it made, how many types
are there, and just what makes it so renewable anyway?
Bamboo Is A Type of Grass
A
common error some make about bamboo is that it is a type of hardwood.
Not to be confused with common associations of many species of grass,
bamboo is actually a type of grass which matures into a material that
can rival the hardness of maple! Being well adapted to the environment
in which bamboo commonly grows, each bamboo plant thrives in areas of
fair to poor soil quality, and still remains to be one of the fastest
growing plants in the world. Controlled harvesting of the bamboo plant
has very little impact on each individual stalk, which will continue to
grow long after harvesting. This is what makes bamboo such a renewable
source of flooring material, and why it is often associated with
environmentally minded choices for flooring. The fact that it is such a
uniquely attractive flooring option makes bamboo flooring an extremely
beneficial choice for your own interior environment!
How Bamboo Flooring is Made
Once
the bamboo has been harvested, the outer layer of green "skin" is
removed and each stalk is cut into lengthwise strips or "fillets". These
curved fillets of bamboo are milled along their outer edges in order to
flatten them. The excess elements of this process will go into another
type of bamboo flooring that is called "strand-woven bamboo flooring" -
more on that later. The flattened strips of bamboo are then kiln dried
in order to remove the natural moisture in the bamboo, and are then
boiled. The bamboo fillets are now ready to be glued together to make a
solid, dependable surface that is more than suitable for flooring. The
bamboo undergoes one final compression stage, which makes it that much
more durable and ready to ship. Tongue and groove elements are added in
order to make an installation as easy as possible. It should be
mentioned that the outcome of this manufacturing process is dependent on
which kind of bamboo flooring is being made. There are several types
of bamboo flooring, both in terms of cut and of color, and some
differences in how they are processed.
Horizontal or Vertical Bamboo Flooring
During
the gluing process, the bamboo can either be bound with the narrow
edges facing up, which results in a thin, channel pattern in the bamboo
flooring, or so that the broader surface of the bamboo is bound facing
upward, making for a surface that is more akin to traditional hardwood
patterns. These styles of bamboo flooring are known as vertical and
horizontal bamboo flooring respectively. There are visual benefits for
each one, depending on your personal taste, but both remain to be
decorative choices. The horizontal style is striking for its "knuckle"
or "node" patterns, that is, the pattern naturally occurring in the
bamboo that are the equivalent of "growth rings" in many hardwood
species. The vertical style is a unique surface that remains unmatched
by any other natural flooring material, characterized by decorative,
narrow channels caused by the binding of the bamboo strips. Both of
these styles are available in natural or carbonized colors.
Natural and Carbonized Bamboo Flooring
Along
with choices in style you may wish to consider in bamboo flooring,
there is also the question of color. Bamboo flooring is available in
two colors - natural and carbonized. The color is determined at the
boiling process. Natural bamboo appears in a creamy blonde color that
is known to add a touch of brightness to an interior. Carbonized bamboo
is characterized by its smoky, caramel hue which is the result of a
longer boiling process which causes the remaining starches in the bamboo
to caramelize. It should be noted that by the end of the respective
boiling processes, the natural remains to be the slightly harder bamboo
flooring. The carbonization process which defines carbonized bamboo
reduces the bamboo's hardness by about 30%. It must also be noted that
even though this is true, both colors of bamboo flooring can still be
classified as being as hard as some hardwood species.
Strand-Woven Bamboo Flooring
In
the continuing spirit of a "green" flooring option, strand-woven bamboo
flooring is the product of a process that leaves very little wasted.
The excess material left over from the filleting process which goes into
making natural and carbonized bamboo flooring are intertwined,
compressed, and bound. The binding agent is a safe, UV resistant and
scratch-resistant resin which also makes the bamboo even more resistant
to moisture. The process of compression results in a very hard, very
durable type of bamboo flooring typified by grain patterns that are more
like those of a hardwood floor. The strand-woven bamboo is then cut
into planks and is ready to be shipped - no further compression is
needed in this case, unlike regularly manufactured bamboo flooring.
Bamboo: A Renewable Resource Renews Your Interior!
One
of the key elements that makes bamboo flooring so attractive is that it
is an environmentally responsible choice. As you have read, the
harvesting of the individual bamboo plant does no harm to it, and it
remains to be one of the fast-growing plants in the world. Also, there
is very little wastage of materials during the manufacturing process,
making bamboo a truly renewable and sustainable source of flooring
materials.
Bamboo flooring can in turn renew any interior for attractiveness as well as practicality. Bamboo flooring is unique in appearance, and is easy to clean. As such, you will gain both the time it would take to maintain many other types of flooring, as well as the many compliments you'll receive from visitors!
Bamboo flooring can in turn renew any interior for attractiveness as well as practicality. Bamboo flooring is unique in appearance, and is easy to clean. As such, you will gain both the time it would take to maintain many other types of flooring, as well as the many compliments you'll receive from visitors!
Friday, March 1, 2013
What is laminate flooring?
One of
the first mistakes people make is to confuse laminate flooring with
solid hardwood flooring. The two should never be thought of as similar,
despite the obvious visual similarities that makes quality laminate
flooring such an attractive choice. Laminate flooring is not comprised
of any real hardwood species at all. In fact, the surface of a laminate
floor is actually a highly rendered photograph, often of a hardwood
species. This top layer, or decorative layer, is sealed by a
resin-based coating which gives the laminate flooring board its
resistance to many forms of abrasion. The two remaining layers of
laminate flooring are the core layer and the backing layer. The core
layer is most often made of high-density or medium density fiber board,
which serves as a means to absorb the stress of footfalls and other
forms of impact. The backing layer, otherwise known as the stabilizing
layer, is the layer of the laminate flooring which binds all of the
others together. All in all, each layer of the laminate flooring board
is designed for maximum structural strength, although not all laminate
flooring lines are created equal. For a more detailed breakdown of just
how much stress each type of laminate flooring is meant for, you need
to find out what the AC rating of the laminate flooring is.
What is an AC rating?
An AC rating is applied to every line of laminate flooring by an independent body known as EPLF, or European Producers of Laminate Flooring. A series of tests are designed and carried out in order to test each line of laminate flooring for stress resistance. The tests range from resistance to burning, to scratching, to impact, and even tests for resistance against abrasion caused by castors and other furniture legs. When the tests are concluded, those lines of laminate flooring are assigned an AC rating, which is the measurement of stress as applied to where the laminate flooring is to be installed. Here is a general guide to the AC rating:
All reputable manufacturers of laminate flooring adhere to
these standards which are outlined by the industry for the benefit of
consumers. It is important for consumers to note the AC rating on the
laminate flooring they are considering, particularly with the idea of
foot traffic, moisture, and other stresses that the laminate flooring
will need to endure firmly in mind.
Tongue and Groove and Locking Systems
One
of the key characteristics of laminate flooring, and one that is kept
in mind when it is manufactured, is how easy it is to install when
compared to other types of flooring. Of the many designs, some of the
more efficient and mess-free laminate flooring lines are the "glueless"
variety. With this variety, the laminate flooring is generally fitted
together by means of what is called a "tongue and groove" design, with
interlocking elements that slide into place and are made secure as each
row is laid down. Unlike hardwood, no nails are required. Some types
of laminate feature more sophisticated locking systems, designed to be
put down and taken up again where necessary. With some fairly limited
skills in carpentry, laminate flooring can be installed by
do-it-yourselfers in most cases. Choosing to install laminate flooring
commonly cuts down on expenses, as it is rarely necessary to hire an
installer, although many homeowners do for the sake of convenience. For
contractors, offering the option of laminate flooring to clients is
often a time-saving option, as laminate flooring is more quickly
installed than hardwood flooring, allowing them to take on more
contracts.
Laminate flooring dos and don'ts
Generally
speaking, laminate flooring is a low maintenance option that is easily
installed, but there are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing
laminate flooring as well as once they've been installed. Here are a
few pointers when looking to maintain a laminate floor.
Do:
Consider
the area in which you intend to install your choice of flooring. Judge
it for foot traffic and moisture levels in particular to be sure that
your choice of flooring is appropriate. This is where it is handy to
check the AC rating of your chosen laminate floor
Don't
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