When To Use a Damp Proof Membrane

If your plan is to fit a new solid wood or engineered hardwood flooring, it's essential, before you lay the floor to discover in the event that you need to lay a damp proof membrane (DPM). Dampness and moisture may play havoc with hardwood floors and there is little point in investing time and money necessary to put in a new floor over what might already, or what could potentially end up a damp subfloor.

So just what is a damp proof membrane (DPM) used for? Effectively, a damp proof membrane (DPM) can be used to make a barrier between a concrete (or screed) subfloor and a hardwood flooring. This barrier is intended to prevent moisture passing from one to the other. Damp proof membranes (DPMs) may be used to help resolve damp problems which already exist or to prevent damp or moisture issues later on.

How do you decide if you may have to incorporate a damp proof membrane (DPM) on your new wood flooring job? Before you lay a wood floor on a concrete or screed subfloor, it's really important to assess the moisture content of the sub floor. Even though there are a few distinct DIY tests you can use to determine the moisture content of your subfloor (eg. The Calcium Chloride Test and The Plastic Film Test), the most dependable results are likely to be achieved using a licensed, hand-held moisture meter. That said, should you decide to assess the moisture yourself, do be sure the meter you're using has been tested and that you're taking adequate and precise readings, otherwise your results might be completely meaningless.

If you are having your floor professionally installed, it is more than likely that your hardwood floors fitter will measure the moisture content of your subfloor for you. But even when it comes to specialist installers, do not just assume that the will examine the moisture content of your subfloor, it's important to make certain they will. In reality, in case your fitter does not mention measuring moisture content as part of the installation procedure, it might be the alarm bells should start ringing in your head!

Though adequate moisture content guidelines vary, broadly , when the moisture content of your subfloor is over the manufacturers guidelines to your chosen floor, you are more than likely going to be obliged to put a damp proof membrane (DPM). Only by doing so are you sure to stop moisture passage and moist problems. In some instances, even if the moisture content is lower than the suggested level, you might still need to look at investing in a damp proof membrane (DPM) to avoid the chance of future damp issues.

REPAIRING WATER DAMAGED FLOORS

The last thing you want to do is deal with hardwood floor water damage repair. But your home or office is in emergencies. Whether you own a business devastated by an unchecked leak, or you own a condo that sadly got drenched through a recent storm, this blog post will summarize what you have to do in order to repair damaged wood floors.

Measure #1: Dry the floor and keep it from becoming wet again.

This is a clear step, but many homeowners miss it. You have to fix the water damage until you're able to reverse it. When a wooden plank, it can permanently change the board's contour. If the boards curl or cup, do not necessarily freak out. When the boards dry, they may still revert to their original shape -- at least get near.

Cupping Vs. Buckling

Cupped flooring can be sanded down and refinished.

But some water soaked flooring can go beyond cupping and actually buckle. Technically speaking, buckling occurs when the timber breaks off from the subfloor.

While you still may be able to save a buckled floor-- at least parts of the ground -- you might need to have the floor ripped out and replaced entirely. In addition, you might want to"dig deeper" into find/remove hidden sources of moisture or mold which can infect the subfloor and create rust and/or air quality issues down the line.

If your floor was damaged, how can you know when to replace the flooring... or try and save it?

Numerous factors need to be considered, including:

The degree of cupping and/or buckling;
The cost of hardwood flooring refinishing versus the price of replacement;
Whether"doing nothing" could cause environmental hazards, like the development of mould spores or the creation of an easy habitat for insects like termites;
The essence of the distance that you're trying to repair (e.g. is that your living area or an out of the way down space in the basement which nobody ever visits?)

For help understanding best practices, get in touch with the professionals in Floor Sanding Anerley . We can help you with cost-efficient and environmentally sound hardwood floor repair.

Natural Oak Flooring Excellent Backdrop To Bright Colours

At Floor Sanding Anerley, we have seen our normal walnut flooring used with bright acid colours in addition to chintzy country prints, both to good effect. In this article we'll share a couple of great examples together with suggestions about how you could use them in your home.

Both of these flooring work really well with rustic furnishings, chintzy linens and prints. Each produces a real classic look and will set off rustic styling and furniture to a tee without stealing centre stage. A smart method of creating a modern look with a traditional twist, this type of flooring is a solution which you will never tire of.

If you're planning a room in which you have opted to create a real statement, either by utilizing bright colored accessories and furnishing or a real rustic look, getting your flooring directly is paramount. It may be that you have decided that your room is going to be a true power-statement of colour or will resemble a walk in the countryside with good seeming country prints. Either way, the very last thing you want is to get your floor steal the series.

When you are arranging a riot of colour or a real mixture of prints, it is vital to have a neutral and natural looking backdrop so that your flooring is not competing with your star pieces. This is where natural color walnut flooring comes into its own. It really is the perfect backdrop to bright or strong colors and rustic furnishings.

And lastly, in the event that you can't make your mind up , then the best thing to do would be to plump for bare flooring , which permits you to make your mind up when the flooring is set up. Though selecting an unfinished flooring does imply you have another measure to care for in your house, what it also means is that you don't need to dedicate to what type of finish you would like till you find the flooring set up. We discover this is an perfect solution for everybody who isn't sure by taking a look at samples or graphics.

If you are arranging a true statement room and wish to make certain to select the ideal bamboo flooring, why don't you get in contact? At Floor Sanding Anerley. We have styled all kinds of chambers from simple to complex, from neutral to completely wild, so we can certainly help you make the best option.

Wooden Flooring or Carpet?

If you're replacing an old floor, then the likely choices are between the two most well-known kinds of floor covering: hardwood floors or carpeting. Both have their pros and cons so it is well worth thinking about that will best suit your house.

Cosmetic Flooring

Wooden flooring is very versatile and can bring an air of elegance, charm and style to any residence. It can be thought of as a luxury, expensive flooring alternative. However, you can really find wooden floors at reasonable prices depending upon your prerequisites.

Any sort of wooden flooring which you opt for will provide you with a classic floor covering. Many kinds of wood are impartial in colors. This may indicate that your flooring shouldn't seem obsolete. When and if you are feeling the need to decorate your space, you need to find it simple to alter the décor and furnishings and maintain your existing hardwood flooring. 1 great thing about hardwood flooring is that you could add color and patterns along with your décor and not need to think about it clashing with your flooring.

Wooden flooring are aesthetically pleasing and incredibly versatile. A wooden flooring will look great in your hall, living room, dining area, home office as well as bedrooms. Engineered hardwood floors is much more flexible, and may be used with underfloor heating system and also in rooms with varying temperatures such as knots.

Hardwood flooring is very hygienic and a excellent choice for allergy sufferers. You will notice that hardwood flooring require very little care and upkeep. Just routine sweeping and occasional cleaning are able to keep your floor looking its best. You will need to protect your hardwood from spills, scratches and dents. Have a peek at our Care and Maintenance Guide, for ideas on cleaning and preventing damage to your floor.

Fantastic quality hardwood floors, that has been installed properly, can last you a life. If necessary, they may be sanded and re-finished to eliminate scratches and surface damage. Individual planks of this flooring can even be eliminated and replaced if necessary, although this should only be carried out with way of a wooden flooring professional.

Carpet

Carpets are immediately inviting and warm. They are soft under your feet, comfy to sit and walk , and absorb noise so that you should not hear any echoes. Or more neutral tones can bring a blank canvas into your room. The kind of rug you choose is important because you want it to complement or match your décor. You will also have to think about years to come, once you might have to redecorate. Will you want the stripy blue carpet or is it safer to go to get a more neutral option?

Carpets are usually less expensive to purchase and install than wooden flooring. However, this can be a manifestation of the quality of the carpeting. As with most items, the greater the grade, the more it will last but the more costly it might be.

Similar to hardwood floors, carpets are acceptable for most areas in your home. It isn't a good idea to have a carpet in your bathroom, kitchen or laundry area though. A warm and comfy carpet may look great in your a living area or bedroom. Be careful with carpets in your hallway or dining room, they may be very hard to clean, particularly spills, stains or dirt. You'll need to frequently vacuum a carpet to remove daily dirt and dust. You'll also need to steam clean them occasionally. Steam cleaning will help remove more stubborn stains and ground in dirt, but some are difficult or even impossible to eliminate, especially in case you've got a light colored carpet.

Allergy sufferers should avoid having rugs. Some less costly carpets are produced using synthetic products and may contain harsh chemicals. The carpet loops (especially heavy pile carpets) can easily trap pet hair, pollen and dust mites. These may be really difficult to completely get rid of, in spite of a carpet cleaning system.

A rug won't last you a life. Depending on the quality and how often the area is utilized, they could start to become worn appearing after a couple of years. The average lifetime of a carpet is approximately 10 years. Should they get damaged, they are hard to repair and it would most likely be cheaper to replace the whole carpet.

Other alternative flooring alternatives

If you're still unsure whether to select hardwood floors or carpeting, then you might want to think about some other alternatives.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles is floor that's been designed to mimic the appearance of hardwood floors or stone tiles, but it is much more resilient and durable. It's easy to clean, warm and soft underfoot, hardwearing and some types are waterproof. It is the perfect pick for those rooms in which you cannot use hardwood floors or carpeting: baths, laundry rooms and rooms.

Laminate floors is mostly designed to look like wooden flooring but at a much lower price, as it does not actually contain any real hardwood. Even though it's a more affordable alternative, you would have to be careful where you utilized it as isn't necessarily watertight and cheaper version can easily become damaged.

Wooden flooring or carpet?

• Engineered floors is a lot more hygienic and far more appropriate for allergy sufferers.
• Carpets can be found cheaper than hardwood floors but need more maintenance and have a much shorter lifespan.
• Engineered floors may endure for a life of looked after properly.
• Carpets are warmer underfoot and more comfortable to walk on.
• Wooden flooring can be sanded and re-finished to restore their natural attractiveness.
• Cabinets can move out of fashion quite quickly because the tendencies change. Wooden flooring has a timeless charm.
• Wooden flooring is made from natural hardwood. Carpets use synthetic materials.
• Engineered floors is quick and simple to clean and requires little maintenance.

VINTAGE FLOOR OPTIONS

Intricate mouldings, hand-carved details, rustic charm, fancy decor -- there is something about the vintage floors appearance that really brings out the very best in design.

Get the look: Vinatage Floors

In each interior style, your floors brings the mix of various design elements together in a harmonised look and texture. But when it concerns the vintage look, floors are even more significant in the design. Your floors have the capacity to set the whole tone of the room, including drama, intensity, interest and appeal in their own right.

Here are some ways to utilize your floors to get the look:

Finishes

Second time's a charm when it comes to wood flooring. You may easily renew bare, tired hardwood floors to give it a fresh lease of life, while retaining the old-style charm and personality. If you have existing floorboards, you will initially need to sand back the wood to eliminate the present finish. With this clean canvas, you can choose whichever stain, paint and finish you want. For a magical Victorian-inspired appearance, Anerley Floor Sanding recommends a deep rich color.

Wood Wash

Wood washes are easy and efficient method to add subtle colour to your natural wood floor. This is most commonly utilized to create a soft, provincial look. If you are feeling a bit more daring, select white and dark wood washes to make a chequerboard design.

Stains

A huge colour statement on floors can take design aesthetics into the next level and wood stains are a great way to attain this. The Victorian period was about lavish looks and luxury so believe dark stained floors to include sophistication, opulence and warmth to chambers. The floor will also be a potent backdrop for light furniture, cabinetry or rock surfaces. The secret to getting the proper finish is to check the stain on a sample piece of wood .

Wax

There's nothing like an antique oak wooden floor, and wax is a great choice to accomplish a warm, pre-worn appearance on the floorboards. It brings out the true beauty of the grain. And unlike many floor finishes, wax doesn't need sanding before program. You just need to be prepared to use a little elbow grease to get the desired effect.
Black Floors

Why not make a grand announcement with black floors? This can make any space stand out, adding drama and opulence. Dark hardwood flooring will perfectly balance with cream-white furnishings and lighting walls. You can choose between black laminate flooring or black engineered timber flooring available with age distressed finishes for the perfect vintage mood.

Keep the original one!

Sandng process need to be made professional and this is way our experts are leaders in the business but we still improve with every project. We are putting not only time,materials and hard work in this job, but also love. Wood and home atmosphere are the things we care about and this is way we know what results you are looking for – perfect!

We think it is better to restore or renovate an existing wooden floor rather than just replace it. There are many reasons for this, like that hardwood have more character and patina, authentic wood is usually higher quality than modern machined boards . Keeping the original features will undoubtedly enhance your surroundings – whether contemporary or traditional – more than you could ever imagine. We can guarantee your satisfaction!

Floor Sanding Anerley