Choosing the Perfect Colour Scheme for Every Room

Choosing the Perfect Colour Scheme for Every Room

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Category : Home Renovation

While some people will insist that there is such a thing as a perfect colour for every room, we will have to disagree. We are firm believers in not being bound by tradition and to go with what you want. BUT! There are still a few rules you want to abide by if you don’t want a room to turn into a total fiasco.

After all, some colours really do not work in tight spaces or in a warmer region. Remember how school taught us that darker colours are good conductors of heat? Yep. While we are all for letting the child in you run wild, there are still a few things you need to bear in mind before buying wall paint and hiring a painter. One of those includes knowing the type of paint you should get. There are different types of paint on the market. Some of them are oil-based, others are water-based and others are latex. While each painting has its benefits, we would recommend latex paint mostly because it is easy to clean up and lasts long.

Now, let’s dive right in!

Which Colour Should I choose?

For the Living Space

Considering that paint colours for living rooms have a huge impact on the overall mood of your home, you want to pick them carefully. From a natural green that can breathe new life into a room to light shades of grey that create an illusion of spaciousness, there are a lot of colours you can choose from. If you want a calmer atmosphere, blue or beige is the colour is to go for. But if you have a flair for the dramatic, then why not go with navy blue, cobalt blue or even black?

For the Kitchen

The kitchen is the one room you must avoid the single colour schemes at all cost. Those days are long gone! For a more modern, high impact, look you want to mix materials and colours. From white, grey, blue, red, yellow, to green, you have a wide variety of choice. Each of these colours can do something different for the room. You just need to decide if you want to create a warm, welcoming space or a more striking look.

For the Bedroom

The great thing about the bedroom is that it is a private space. So, you could go totally crazy if you want. No one will judge you. and if done well, even the boldest of colours can work magic! If you prefer tranquil spaces, you can stick to softs colours and pastels. Washed-out Lilac and creamy buttermilk would be perfect in that case. If you want something with more character, then why not experiment with bold charcoal hues? Or why not paint the whole room with a shimmering grey? Accessorising with darker furniture will balance with that soft shade of grey and still create a striking vibe.

For the Bathroom

The bathroom is a small room – the more colour you sue, the tackier it will look. It’ such a small space you won’t be able to ignore an explosion of colour. So, in this room, trim it down. Try a monochromatic look. Do not confuse monochrome with black and white, though we have to admit that a black and white colour palette can still class up your bathroom. Monochrome simply refers to the use of a limited amount of colour. You can, therefore, use different shades of the same colour to paint the walls in your bathroom. Them to give the bathroom some pizzazz, accessorise with a pile of coloured towels or with flowers!

For the Study Room

A study room can be designed for several purposes. Entrepreneurs often renovate a room to turn it into an office. Parents design study rooms so that their children have a dedicated space where they can sit down, do their homework and catch up on their studies. Yet, regardless of what you intend to use it for, whether a home office or study room, you need to be a calming. You want as few distractions as possible in that room. We would recommend sticking to white paint for a fuss-free vibe. But if you want to make the room a tad more interesting, you can choose to paint one of the walls a cool shade of blue, yellow or grey.

Bottom Line:

When you are trying to pick the perfect colour palette for the rooms in your house, choose colours that you like. While the perfect paint colour will transform a room, it will be counterproductive if you hate that colour. Instead, try to find a shade close to the ‘perfect’ colour. Ensure that you actually like that shade though. With so many paint shades at your fingertips, you should be able to find one that both compliments the room and makes you happy.

Replacing a Broken Roof Tile

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Category : Home Renovation

While all home problems, whether it’s a broken doorknob or failing light switches, must be resolved as soon as possible, it’s safe to say that homeowners unanimously agree that roof repair must always be at the top of every priority list. One loose shingle can have disastrous effects! If left unattended, that shingle will most definitely lead to water leaking into your house. And water coming through the roof can easily travel from the attic right down to that expensive and painstakingly remodelled living room and maybe even onto that new big-screen TV.

But roof replacement and repair is not simple and cannot be done at leisure. Considering the disastrous consequences you can suffer because of roof failure, roof repair must never be delayed. Whether you think you need to repair one loose shingle or replace the whole roof, you will most probably have to call in an experienced contractor to ensure that the job is done right the first time. This post will help you brush up on roof basics so you are well prepared when it comes time to solicit bids from roofing contractors.

Roofing Materials: Common Choices for Residential Roofing

Roofing materials typically vary from one state to another and from one country to another. This is because it not only depends on individual homeowner’s taste but also because the local weather has to be taken into account.

In the world’s most fire-prone regions, metal roofing is generally the preferred material precisely because of its fire resistance property. In regions prone to cold winters and snow, the choice of roofing material would typically be slate roofing or fibreglass asphalt shingles. On the other hand, in other regions, the predominant home styles might call for a Spanish-influenced tile roof. Another factor influencing the kinds of materials used for a roof is the roof pitch (or the roof angle). The steeper the pitched roof, for example, the wiser it would be to opt for wood shake shingles. This same material will be completely unsuitable for flatter, low-pitched roofs though.

If you are considering replacing the whole roof, you can select from on the most popular choices for residential roofing there are:

1.      Asphalt Composition Shingles 

Even though asphalt composition shingles are generally less attractive than the other options out there, they are relatively cheap and easily obtainable. So, do not let their flat appearance deter you from getting them. There’s a reason why asphalt shingles are by far the most popular type of roofing material.

2.      Ceramic tile or Clay Tile

Ceramic tile, also known as clay tile, are great options. However, these Spanish-style red tile roofs are gradually losing in popularity and are slowly being replaced by metal and composite materials. These new materials have the same fire retardant characteristic as ceramic tile but weigh much less than those. If you want a more traditional look, you can stick with the clay tile. Otherwise, you can adopt the new shingles called the half-barrel for a lighter material that looks just as good.

3.      Composition Slate

Composite slates are synthetic tiles that bear a lot of resemblance to the traditional slate roofs and other forms of stone tiles. Composed of about 95% recycled materials, such as rubber, composition slate are gaining in popularity because even though they look the same as the more traditional materials, they offer greater security as they are less vulnerable to weather damage and are also much lighter.

4.      Metal Roofing:

Although known for being expensive and requiring specialty contractors for installation, metal roofing is gradually gaining traction among homeowners. Made of steel or aluminium, metal roofing is rightfully gaining in popularity because it is both fireproof and highly durable. While they may cost a lot at the beginning, they are eventually more cost-effective than any other roofing systems as they are able to outlast all of the other ones. Metal roofing systems also come in different types, such as raised-seam panels and products that mimic the look of composite shingles.

5.      Slate Roofing

Slate roofing is our personal favourite, to be honest! Slate roofing is incredibly beautiful! But we acknowledge that it probably has cons than pros, what with them being both very expensive and very heavy. To top it all off, they are difficult to repair and tend to be very slippery. But this high-end roofing option beauty is truly timeless and unique!

6.      Wood Shakes or Wood Shingles

Wood shakes, also known as wood shingles, are gorgeous roofing systems as well. But this attractive roof is also pricey and are not great options for houses in regions at risk of fire. However, they are very durable and can withstand harsh wintry weather.

So, Do You Replace the Whole Roof, Tear Off those Loose Shingles and Replace Them, or Simply Lay a New Shingle over the Preexisting Layer?

That depends. If too many shingles are damaged, you would probably be better off replacing the whole thing. If there’s only one shingle that’s damaged, on the other hand, stick with repairing it. Depending on where you are, you might be able to just lay a new shingle on top of another. Just check the regulations in your jurisdiction. If complete tear-off of the previous roofing is not obligatory, go ahead and layer all you want!

Your Ultimate Guide to Tiling: Ceramic Tiles

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Category : Home Renovation

One of the biggest renovation projects you can undertake for your house is redoing the floor! While replacing furniture can be done on a budget and repainting the walls can be time-consuming, replacing these old, worn-out floors are going to cost is going to way costlier and is going to take even more time.

But just because it’s expensive, that doesn’t mean you have to settle for that scuffed-up vinyl or that ratty old carpeting. With the amount of flooring options available on the market nowadays, you are guaranteed to find something that suits your taste and is within your budget! But that doesn’t mean that any cheap flooring picked at random will work either! So, if you want the flooring you choose to work in your home or in the room where you plunk it down, do a little research on the different types of flooring and find out everything you can about them.

If you are looking for information about tiling, you’ve come to the perfect place! Tiling is among the most popular types of flooring choices for a reason. This post will cover ceramic tiles and will list the advantages and disadvantages of installing this type of flooring.

Ceramic Tiles

No one type of flooring is ideal for every room and for every budget. You want to remember that even if one type of flooring is ideal for a room, it could very well be a terrible choice for another. For example, even if a white as snow carpet looks splendid in your bedroom, you wouldn’t want to install that in a high-traffic area like the living room!

Made from clay and shale, ceramic tiles can come in a large array of shapes, colours, patterns and even types. Actually, there are 4 different types of ceramic tiles. (Some of which are not even hard enough to be used for flooring. To ensure you are getting the correct tiles, confirm whether they are rated for use on floors.)

Types of Ceramic Tiles

  • Glazed ceramic tiles

Glazed ceramic tiles have a glass-like coating and requires practically no maintenance. They also come in almost any colour and texture you may think of.

  • Quarry tiles

Quarry tiles are unglazed and are not slippery. The surface has a slightly rough texture which makes it more slip-resistant than glazed tile. The only drawback with this type of tiles is that you are less likely to find the exact colour you like – they come in a limited amount of colours.

  • Porcelain tiles

Whether glazed or unglazed, porcelain tiles are extra-hard and durable tiles because they are fired at very high temperatures. The fact that they are so resistant, both glazed and unglazed tiles are perfect for outdoor space or in high-traffic rooms. They are also stain-resistant.

  • Terracotta tiles

Terracotta tiles are unglazed and come only in earth tones. Less durable than other tiles, they are not great choices for high-traffic spaces. They will also need regular sealing to prevent stains.

Advantages of Installing Ceramic Tiles

  • Offers a wide variety of options

Since ceramic tile come in many colours and shapes, you are guaranteed to find something that matches the style of your home. That includes tiles that mimic the look of wood and natural stone. Thanks to modern printing technology you can make your even your wildest dream come true!

  • Durable

The manufacturing process of ceramic tiles ensure that they are strong enough to withstand a lot of weight. Some studies have even found that porcelain tiles are the sturdiest type of flooring.

  • More Resistant

Ceramic tiles have proven to be highly resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture.

  • Easy to Maintain

Ceramic tiles are generally easy to clean. Some doesn’t even require much maintenance.

Drawbacks to Installing Ceramic Tiles

  • Not that Comfortable

Ceramic tiles tend to get very cold during the winter season.

  • Can Be Noisy

Ceramic tiles tend to make footsteps sound louder.

  • Harder to repair

Even if one tile cracks, you may have difficulties repairing it. You may even have to contact a professional and have them replace the tile.

Is Ceramic Glazed Tiles and Glass Tiles One and The Same?

Nope! Glass tiles must not be confused with glazed ceramic tiles. Even though glazed ceramic tiles have a glass-like surface, they are not manufactured the same way. Unlike glazed ceramic tiles, glass tiles are made from thin pieces of glass with translucent glaze fired onto the back of each tile.

What with the considerable degree of commonality between the two though, it is common to get them confused for one another:

  • Glass tiles and glazed ceramic tiles are installed the same way.
  • Both glass tiles and glazed ceramic tiles are traditional tile material for backsplashes.
  • They come in endless colour varieties.
  • They are easy to clean – a little soapy water is enough to wipe off the surface.

Furniture: When to Go Custom?

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Category : Home Renovation

For most of us, a house is not a short term investment that we can just sell or discard after a few years. It is both a financial and emotional investment that we make when purchasing a house. And it is an investment we intend to hold on to for the longest time possible.

While we hope that the structure we spend our lives in will stand the test of time, there are still adjustments and changes that will have to be made along the way. These changes will range from minor to major but will usually not involve tearing down the whole thing and rebuilding from scratch. And for that to happen, we need to ensure that every step of the building process is well thought out.

So, when looking at long-lasting options, remember that durability and timelessness also apply to furniture. If it’s durable furniture that you seek, there’s no better choice than custom-made. While custom wood furniture sounds expensive, do not settle for furniture that lacks uniqueness because the extra money is well worth the investment.

Never considered custom-made furniture? Well, we’ve prepared a list of 6 reasons detailing why custom-made far outweighs the cost-saving that comes with prefabricated furniture.

6 Reasons for getting Custom Furniture

1. Quality that Doesn’t Deteriorate

The level of attention brought to a custom furniture is different from that brought to the manufacturing of mass-produced furniture. This explains why custom-made wood furniture items are of higher quality, have a better quality finish and are durable. And when we talk of quality, we are not only talking about the basic construction. The team of craftsmen involved in the project will be meticulous about every aspect of the product, from the type of wood to the fabric, glue and stuffing.

Because of the greater attention to detail and build in custom furniture, custom furniture items tend to last longer. Even if they are pricier, custom wood furniture pieces are built to last and hence retain quality and value well.

2. Infinite Options and Better-Fitting Furniture

If you ask us, the most compelling reason to buy a custom-made piece is hands down the range of options available to you. Custom-made furniture outperforms ready-made items by leaps and bounds when it comes to this. From mahogany to teak and sustainable wood, the options for custom furniture are infinite. The designs are really only limited to what you can dream up! If your furniture is tailor-made, you will have greater utilization of space. Unlike prefabricated furniture that has fixed dimensions, custom wood furniture can be customized so the pieces suit your space perfectly.

3. Increased Flexibility When It Comes to Design

When it comes to tailor-made, you are the captain of this ship. From cosmetic options to colours, finish and hardware, you can customize anything. 

Not only do makers care about every aspect of the quality of their product, but they will also provide increased design flexibility by being as accommodating as they can. They will ensure that they understand your vision and interpret your designs before carefully build a timeless piece of furniture.

4. You Get to Pick the Best Materials

Unlike with off-the-shelf items, custom made furniture is made specifically for you and to suit your tastes. You, therefore, have the freedom of choosing the material you want and the material you believe to be of better quality. For example, you get to choose from sustainable wood, such as oak, to lighter wood, like beech.

5. Your Furniture Items Will Look Amazing and Will Be Unique

Since you pick the design, you get to choose a piece of furniture that has phenomenal aesthetic quality and that will match the style of your home. Custom furniture brings a level of elegance to a décor that prefabricated box store items don’t.

With custom wood furniture, you will have the freedom of expressing your unique style. From shape and fabric to colour and trim, every detail is according to your specifications. Since you will have full control of the design, the furniture pieces will blend seamlessly with your décor.

6. Increases the Value of Your Home

One of the best reasons for getting furniture made-to-order furniture is the value it adds to your home. Bespoke items are unique and original and in some cases, can even be called works of art.

The level of artistry and hard work that the piece reflects can add value to your home and is worth the investment. Additionally, this type of furniture promises quality and stylistic timelessness and can, therefore, stay in the family for years, even generations, to come.

So, What Are You Waiting for?

Start transforming your home with custom wood furniture today! Roca Wood Works Inc., Scarborough is here to help turn your vision into reality.

Part 2 of the Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Renovation: Sprucing Up the Windows

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Category : Home Renovation

Now that you’ve improved your kitchen, you may be looking at the end product and still not feel totally satisfied with it. This could probably be because your old windows do not match your new décor. And what’s the point of renovating your kitchen if your windows do not match the new style and architecture of your kitchen? Since it is one of the most used rooms in your house, you want to choose windows that not only look great but that also enhance the room by adding more natural light to it.

But there are a lot of things to take into consideration when looking for kitchen windows. These may include location, ventilation and amount of light. While it’s okay to have more than one style of window for your home, there is such a thing as having too many different styles. If you don’t take into account the overall design of your house when choosing windows for your kitchen, you may end up with an exterior design that looks disjointed.

Read on to find out more about window options that are available to you!

The 4 Best Styles for Kitchen Windows

There are generally 5 window types that go well with almost any kitchen. These include:

  1. Garden windows
  2. Sliding windows
  3. Casement windows
  4. Double-hung windows

Window type 1: Garden Windows

What are the garden windows?

Garden windows are windows that extend past the façade of your home and that look like a glass box. The sides of the glass ‘box’ connect at the rigid and straight front of the window.

Pros of having garden windows installed:

  1. Since it sticks out, it creates space for additional storage.
  2. As every side is made of glass, it can be used to grow herbs all year round.
  3. Its dimension gives the impression that the kitchen is bigger than it really is.
  4. It brings in the perfect amount of light in the kitchen.

Cons of having garden windows installed:

  1. Most windows need thick vinyl or wood frame to be really energy efficient. Garden windows do not come with these thick frames, meaning that cold and hot air is more likely to escape through the windows or pass into the kitchen.

Window type 2: Sliding Windows

What are sliding windows?

Sliding windows are made up of side-by-side windows that open on a sliding track. Mechanically simple, it can also be designed to have both windows or just one window slide horizontally.

Pros of having sliding windows installed:

  1. Sliding windows do not take up much space.
  2. They are easy to open.
  3. Sliding windows tend to be cheaper due to their simple designs.
  4. Since you get to crack the window open just a little bit or open it all the way, this type of window gives you better control over air circulation.
  5. They are very durable.

Cons of having sliding windows installed:

  1. The tracks are not that easy to clean.
  2. The design is not necessarily modern.

Window type 3: Double Hung Windows

What are double-hung windows?

Double-hung windows are quite possibly the most popular type of window. It is very similar to sliding windows, except that in that the two large sashes slide up and down within vertical tracks instead of horizontally.

Pros of having double hung windows installed:

  1. You have the freedom of opening them as wide as you want.
  2. You have a wider selection of styles and sizes when compared to sliding windows.
  3. The springs or weights used in the design make the windows easier to open and close.
  4. The vertical tracks do not accumulate dirt easily.

Cons of having double hung windows installed:

  1. Their design makes them dangerous for little children.
  2. This type of window needs maintenance to ensure that the springs or sash cords do not wear out.

Window type 4: Casement Windows

What are casement windows?

Casement windows are very popular windows that open outwards. They open outwards horizontally via cranks mounted on hinges. These hinges are located on one side of the window and are found both at the top and bottom of the windows. Essentially, when you open the window, it will open like a door with one side of the window staying stationary.

Pros of having casement windows installed:

  1. They probably offer the best over control airflow than any other type of windows.
  2. Since its seal is pretty tight, it is very energy efficient –  it can easily keep out drafts.
  3. Their design allows a lot of light in.

Cons of having casement windows installed:

  1. Casement windows are vulnerable to strong winds.
  2. Because of its cranking mechanism, it has greater chances of breaking when compared to the other window types mentioned in this list.

Part 1 of the Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Renovation: Can I Remodel My Kitchen on a Budget?

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Category : Home Renovation

Sprucing up a kitchen generally costs a lot. In fact, a kitchen renovation can cost significantly more than the renovation of a small bathroom, the living room and bedrooms. But if you plan properly, make wise decisions and stay hands-on, you can give your kitchen the remodelling it desperately needs without draining all your savings.

The good news is that we are here to help you look at all the options available to you. You do not have to follow every tip in this post- you can pick and choose to follow only a few of those and compromise on others. Regardless, these tips will help you cut costs when it comes to the renovation.

Ask yourself these following questions:

Question 1: Is the budget I prepared foolproof?

And by this, we mean have you accounted for “hidden” costs?

Hidden costs can quickly add up and cause you to go above budget or lead to you having to compromise on other things– things that would give your kitchen just the look you want – down the road.  These hidden costs include the cost of labour, materials, delivery as well as taxes.

Question 2: Is this a need or a want?

You may already have an idea of what you want to do for your kitchen. But before going shopping for furniture or thinking about hiring a contractor install that new flooring you really want, evaluate what your idea really is: Is it a want or a need? If it’s a want, will it cost a lot? Can it cause us to go over budget? Or can we afford it?

Not only will this line of questioning force you to stay realistic, it will also discourage you from buying unnecessary items.

Question 3: Can this be a Do It Yourself type of project?

Going the DIY route means you will be able to save on labour costs. Sure, you won’t be able to DIY the project, but there are a few parts that you can complete on your own! For those that are relatively easy, consider doing them yourself. These include changing outlets and lights, painting the walls and hanging drywall.

Question 4: Can I skimp on materials?

No. Absolutely not. You want to aim for quality. Even if the materials come at a cheaper price, the chances of it being faulty are way higher. Instead of saving you money, it will inevitably lead to you spending more.

Good quality materials are relatively expensive. The best solution when you are on a budget is to buy the best quality you can afford. Do not systematically choose the cheaper alternative.

Question 5: Cabinets – replace or refresh?

It’s true that new kitchen cabinets can cost way more than just painting over your old ones. Although a classic method, your existing cabinets may not be as modern or as efficient as newer ones.

If anything, unlike flooring, the benefits of getting new cabinets are two-fold: it not only completely changes the look of your kitchen, but it can also create better storage spaces and organization solutions for you.

Question 6: What about appliances? Refurbish or replace?

If replacing appliances means moving plumbing, gas, or electrical, it would be a better idea to refurbish. Replacing them will cost too much and will not really be worth all the troubles you will have to go through.

Question 7: Will a New Layout Make My Kitchen More Modern?

A new layout can definitely change the whole look of your kitchen. BUT, and that’s a huge but, changing the layout of the kitchen is the surest way of driving up your costs.

Bear in mind that there’s a lot you can change in your kitchen to modernize it. A change in layout is not compulsory.

Question 8: What kind of flooring should I get?

First thing first: Do you need new flooring? Also, remember that kitchens are high-traffic areas that need easy-to-clean, stain-resistant flooring. And these do not come cheap.

If your floors already look good, you may not have to replace them at all. In fact, the less you replace, the less you will have to spend.

Question 9: What kind of countertops do I need?

You don’t need to get that concrete or stone countertops. Really. Yes, we know, they look cool. But a stone countertop will be just as effective as a modest ceramic tile one. And you won’t have to break your budget!

What you may want to splurge on though is the size of the countertop. The more you can fit in your kitchen, the better. You do want enough space for food preparation and your sink.

Question 10: Am I using lighting smartly?

You don’t have to go overboard when designing your new kitchen. Simply hanging a well-designed pendant can change the look in your kitchen. You can also add accent lighting that can be plugged into wall outlets. This can be attached to the underside of your cabinets to update their looks.

Getting LED bulbs is also a good way to save on money in the long term –  these energy-saving bulbs will cause your utility bills to decrease.

Rendering: Everything You Need to Know

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Category : Home Renovation

This blog post will tell you everything that you need to know about rendering if you’re not sure what it is.

Are Rendering and Plastering the Same Thing?

The short answer? No. They are not at all the same thing.

While they are both processes of covering walls and are both made of the same building materials, this is where the similarity ends. These two practices differ from each other in various ways. The main difference between them is that plastering involves coating the interior walls of a building whereas rendering refers to the coating of exterior walls. Moreover, even if the materials used in both processes include cement, sand, water and lime gypsum, plastering and rendering do not produce equally strong finishes.

1. Rendering

Meant for coating exterior surfaces of buildings, rendering contains a higher percentage of cement within its composition when compared to plastering.

2. Plastering

Since plaster is used to coat the interior walls and ceilings of buildings, its composition is made up of less cement than render. This consistency gives plastering a smooth and flat finish that is ideal for painting or wallpapering.

Why Apply Rendering on Exterior Walls?

Needless to state that no one can go past rendering if they are looking for an attractive, cost-effective exterior finish. However, rendering serves two additional purposes other than only making the outside facade of a building more visually appealing:

Rendering increases the safety of a building by providing both waterproofing and fireproofing efficiencies.

Types of Render Finish?

Before the invention of modern renders, concrete renders used to be widely used.  But with the leaps and bounds made by technology, modern renders are able to compete on almost equal footing as concrete renders.

Since different types of render create different types of finish, it would be ill-advised to make a choice before having looked at all the types that exist on the market. From smooth to textured and patterned, you can find several types of finishes that also come in a wide range of colours.

Below is a list of the most common types of renders:

1.      Lime render

Since lime hardens slowly, it is an easily workable material that is also less brittle and less prone to cracking when compared to concrete renders. Even if there are cracks, these areas can mend over time by absorbing carbon dioxide.

In fact, the process that makes lime hard and waterproof is called carbonation. While it sits on the wall, it continuously absorbs carbon from the atmosphere for several days. With a textured or patterned finish, lime renders are perfect for old homes and old, historic buildings. Because it is so flexible and breathable, it helps to alleviate damp problems that are common in old buildings.

2.      Cement render

Consisting of three main components (lime, sand and cement), cement render is the standard choice for external walls. Not only can this type of render be mixed on-site, but the materials used to make it are quite cheap.

However, this type of render require at least 2 – 3 coats of render and needs frequent repainting for it to look as good as new.

3.      Polymer render

In addition to having cement or lime, this type of render also have polymers and some types of plastics added to it. These polymers are added to help prevent cracking, increase flexibility and/or to provide better waterproofing features.

Polymer renders are generally pre-mixed, hydrophobic, vapour permeable and can resist even high impacts. This would explain why this type of render is gradually gaining in popularity.

4.      Acrylic render

This is a wet, thin-coat render which is often used as a topcoat over existing finishes. It comes in a wide variety of colours and can be purchased ready to use.

Acrylic renders stand out when it comes to colours because it can not only be mixed into any shade but with its ability to bond well to colour pigments, it can give very intense colours that last much longer than other coloured renders.

Advantages of the Most Common Type of Rendering: Concrete

There is a reason why concrete rendering is the most popular out of all the options out there: although usually applied to bricks, it can be applied to just about any masonry surface.

On top of that, it also has several other advantages

  1. By just changing the application technique, several types of finishes can be created. These finishes can range from very smooth to very textured.
  2. Because it is comparatively cheaper than other rendering option, it is possible to apply it to larger areas of wall without breaking the budget.
  3. It can be painted over and at any time once the render has set and dried.
  4. Since any outdoor-rated pain can be used on concrete render, you have a wider range of colour to choose from.

How Can I Keep My Bathroom Clean and Fresh?

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Category : Home Renovation

Bathrooms smell. All bathrooms smell. It’s usually the room that smells the most in a house. And it’s quite normal considering what everyone does there… As much as we hate talking about it, this is where we go to do our business – which is pretty disgusting and smelly. But again, these are bodily functions and cannot be stopped – it’s totally normal, everyone has to go!

But it is not easy to clean the bathroom on a daily basis. We all have busy schedules, and we can’t spare hours every day to clean the bathroom from top to bottom. We hear you. But it’s also crucial that this high-traffic room stays clean.

So, to help you out, we’ve come up with a few simple ways to keep the bathroom clean for longer, keep the odours at bay and ensure the bathroom smells fresh naturally. Read on find out how to get more mileage out of your efforts:

Step 1: Keep moisture away

The leading factor to pungent smell is bacteria growth. And the best way to have bacteria grow in your bathroom is to let moisture sit in the bathroom for a long time.

Moisture can accumulate in a bathroom after a shower. Notice how condensation covers the tiles, mirrors and bathroom counter after you get out of the shower? This condensation is caused by the steam of your shower. In addition to making the bathroom smell, this moisture can also cause mildew stains to form in your bathroom.

Solution:

Ensure the shower stays dry. There are a few ways of doing that:

  1. You can wipe down the walls, tub, faucets and shower doors with a squeegee once you are done in the shower.
  2. Use bathmats and dry the floor once you step out of the shower.  (Wash those rugs on a regular basis so they do not harbour any smell.)
  3. Crack a window or the door open while showering. This will help dissipate the moisture.

Step 2: Keep plumbing fixtures and faucets clean 

While hard water deposits do not cause any odour, it does not look attractive, makes the bathroom look dirtier than it really is and, worst, impairs the function of your fixtures.

Because of the high moisture rate and water collection in bathrooms, faucets tend to quickly accumulate hard water deposits. No matter how new the faucet is, these deposits will make it look old and dingy.

Solution:

Everyday cleaning won’t cut it when it comes to hard water deposit – You can’t remove buildup with just water. While you still need to clean the faucets and fixtures regularly in a specific way, you don’t need to get any special cleaning products.

To keep them looking nice and working correctly, do the following:

  1. Pour regular white vinegar in a container.
  2. Soak a clean piece of rag in the vinegar.
  3. Carefully drape the rag over the faucet so the rag covers the areas that have hard water deposits.
  4. Wait 30 – 60 minutes before removing the rag.
  5. With the help of a non-scratch sponge scrub vigorously, while focusing on areas with the most buildup.

Step 3: Keep the grout clean

We can all agree that well-installed tiles can make any bathroom look modern and classy. They are also ideal for bathrooms since they are very resistant to moisture. But there is one downside to having tiles installed, and that is Grout.

It is used to keep the tiles together and looks beautiful when fresh. But because it is porous, it absorbs dirt, debris, and liquids easily and is more prone to staining. If it is not cleaned properly, it will become stained and mildewed, and can even crack. Dirty grout can have a certain smell to it and can make your bathroom smell strangely.

Solution:

To maintain grout in the bathroom and extend its life, follow these simple steps:

  1. Use a squeegee to wipe down the tiles on the walls after your shower. It will help remove excess water.
  2. Lightly spray the tiles with a mild shower cleaner.
  3. Every two weeks rub water and baking soda paste on the grout using a grout brush or an old toothbrush.
  4. Rinse with clear water.
  5. Dry using a squeegee.

Step 4: Keep the shower curtain free from buildup

Since shower curtains are in contact with water from the shower on a daily basis, they can develop mildew and odours if not scrubbed regularly. 

Solution:

  1. If you have a vinyl shower curtain, spray the bottom of the liner with a bleach-containing all-purpose. Do this several times a month to keep soap scum, water minerals, and mildew at bay.
  2. If you have a cloth shower curtain, put it in the washing machine every month.
  3. Coat the shower curtains with a water repellent.

Corrugated Roofing: What Is It and Why You Should Get It

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Category : Home Renovation

What is corrugated roofing?

A type of roofing, corrugated roofing is made of corrugated roof sheets that come in plastic or metal. These types are sheets differ from other sheets in the way their surface is designed. Instead of being flat, the sheet has an undulating and ridged surface. Additionally, the sheets are not haphazardly placed over one another. In fact, each sheet has a slim lap that overlaps with a flat lap and is overlapped while taking the wind direction into account.

Traditionally made of iron, copper, aluminum, and steel, corrugated roofing is mostly used in commercial, industrial, and farming settings. However, in recent years a trend has emerged to install this type of roofing for homes as well. More and more residential homeowners wanting metal corrugated roofing has increased the demand for the product. And it comes as no surprise, considering all the benefits it confers on homeowners.

1. Corrugated aluminum roofing

Corrugated aluminum roofing offers both value and quality, is durable and rust resistant. It doesn’t require additional coating and can be painted a wide range of colors.

2. Corrugated steel roofing

Corrugated steel roofing has a natural gray finish to it that may look drab on a residential home. While it may work on certain designs, it is an expensive alternative that won’t necessarily blend well with others. Additionally, it is harder to change the initial color of the material.

3. Corrugated copper roofing

Corrugated copper roofing is most of the time avoided by residential homeowners because of the hefty price tag that accompanies it. While it is easy to install and is naturally resistant to rust, other options come with the same benefits but at a cheaper cost.

Why install corrugated roofing for your house?

The properties and signature shape of a corrugated metal roof can give your home added protection. Durable, resistant to extreme weather, yet lightweight, corrugated metal roofs are the perfect choice for many construction projects.

1. Corrugated roofing has a long lifespan.

Metal characteristics allow for metal roofs to last for a long time. While average quality, flat metal roofs usually last for about 30 years, corrugated metal sheets can last for over 50 years on average. This is thanks to its shape, which makes it less prone to corrosion.

Recent advances in technology, such as galvanizing, has upgraded this metal roofing from simple sheets to a corrosion-resistant and rust-resistant material that is highly sought-after.  

2. Corrugated roofing is durable.

The rippled surface of corrugated sheets creates a larger surface that has increased durability. This type of roofing can, hence, withstand impacts from large objects that fall may fall on it. These include impacts from pebbles and branches.

It may be hard to believe, but even lightweight materials that are usually considered to be flimsy, such as aluminum, can become sturdy. All thanks to the shape and positioning of the sheets!

3. Corrugated roofing offers excellent weather protection.

Corrugated metal panels are able to withstand extreme weather conditions. Whether it is hail and snow, heat waves, hurricanes, this type of metal roof is highly resistant to harsh weather.

Metal rooftops also now have fire-resistant properties that make them non-combustible.

Installing a corrugated rooftop

Installing this type of roof can be a fun Do-It-Yourself project that you can complete with a friend or family member. Below is a list of tools you will need for the installation:

  1. Gloves
  2. Safety goggles
  3. Measuring tape
  4. Hammer
  5. Cement (especially for meant for the roof)
  6. Nails
  7. Screwdriver
  8. Washers and wood screws
  9. Roofing felt
  10. Staples
  11. Staple gun
  12. Metal panels
  13. Polyurethane sealant
  14. Ridge peak

You are now ready to start installing the corrugated sheets.

1. Get all measurements right

Start by measuring the width, length, peak, and slope of the roof.  

2. Install the purlins

Install the purlins on the roof and ensure that they are equally spaced.

3. Purchase and cut the panels

You will need more panels than the dimensions you got when measuring the roof. This is simply because the sheets will overlap. Buy the corrugated roof panels and cut them to the length of the roof by using circular saws, tin snips, and angle grinders.  

4. Drill holes in the sheets

Before even placing the sheets over the roof, drill holes in them vertically and have the hole be around 6 to 8 inches apart.

5. Installation of the sheets

Place the panels on the purlins in an up and down pattern.

6. Seal the panels

Seal the panels with water-resistant sealant.

7. Screw the corrugated sheets in place

Fasten the panels to the purlins using a polycarbonate washer for the screw. Repeat until you’ve affixed all the screws. You can now add the side ridge flashing, headwall connector flashing, and ridge cap if necessary.

Checklist for Buying Furniture for Your Office

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Category : Home Renovation

Purchasing office furniture for your company is a major responsibility because it involves getting furniture that not only fits the décor of your office but that also supports the comfort of your employees. Uncomfortable employees suffering from back pain will have decreased efficiency, inevitably leading to decreased productivity.

Even though you may be swamped with several people’s opinions and many special requests, do not abdicate the decision to finding a low-priced vendor just to simplify your task. It might alleviate the trouble of searching and meeting various requests, but you want to look for something that has long-term value. Take a careful approach to the decision process, aim for comfort and ergonomics. Skimping here will only lead too deferred costs down the line. Trust us on this. You don’t want to have to throw out bad pieces of furniture barely 1 to 2 years after getting them.

Below is a list of suggestions that will help you as you shop around:

Step 1: Determine Your Needs and Budget

This is, evidently, the first stage of any project. Before looking at your budget, make a list of the furniture that you will need. These can include computer desks, tables, meeting room tables, seating pieces, and cabinets, to name a few. Then, figure out your space and the number of pieces that can fit in this space. How will you fit tables, chairs, and desks for 20 employees in this room? Will the table you want for your meeting room be large enough? Or do you need something smaller?

After determining all these, you can finally start looking at your budget. Budgeting is important because every dollar spent in a business is an investment. You need to ensure that your investment is spent wisely. Using the information you’ve compiled before-hand, allocate specific amounts for chairs, desks and so on. If necessary, eschew aesthetics for superior functionality. Once you have taken note of all budgetary and space constraints you can move to the next stage.

Step 2: Find Your Style 

What you are looking for is a piece of furniture that blends seamlessly with and that complements the color of the walls, the flooring and the space available. Everything has to come together in a neat way and be in a pristine condition while also successfully making the space comfortable and attractive. As you try to create a good office atmosphere that increases productivity, try to find items of furniture that complement and reflect your company’s brand, identity, and culture.

But remember that this does not mean that all coordinating pieces have to match. If well-planned and well-displayed, even an item of custom-made furniture can add character to a room. Whether it’s the meeting room or the reception area, an uncommon piece of furniture can tie in all the other pieces in the area to create a truly unique space.

Step 3: Buy Green

Gone are the days when eco-friendly decor was tacky and just plain ugly. Chances are, like everyone else, you have become more mindful of the planet and the impact of humans on a now more vulnerable ecosystem. In line with that, you will be right to make a conscious decision of supporting sustainable production by choosing eco-friendly options that have been recycled and that will last a long time.

Not only will buying “green” make your company stand out it will also send a message to your employees that the company cares about the environment and the well-being of its employees.

Step 4: Consider the Quality of Wooden Furniture

While it is true that wooden furniture adds warmth and beauty to any space, the quality of the piece will play a major role in its durability. If the construction of the item is not done properly, the item will not last long, will not be able to retain its looks and will lose its level of comfort. Therefore, you should inspect each piece of furniture carefully.

High-quality wood furniture is sturdy and has properly aligned doors and drawers that open and shut smoothly. Even if the furniture has texture, the finish should be smooth and pleasing to the touch. Steer clear of any wooden furniture that has:

  • Rough patches on its surface
  • a cloudy surface
  • scratches
  • dents
  • splintered edges
  • dull spots

You can ignore these if the furniture you are looking at is distressed. Just ensure the distressed furniture is well constructed and is sturdy.

Step 5: Learn Your Fabrics 

Whether you are getting chairs for the meeting room and computer desks or a sofa for the reception area, examine how the fabric looks and feels. Not only must the upholstery fiber complement the style of the space, but it also has to be easy to maintain. You don’t want something that only looks good – you also want to take durability and longevity into consideration.

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