Basement | INSIGHT

Vinyl Tile Flooring – The Challenge

June 2, 2021 Comments Off

If you’ve ever tried to install vinyl tile, you’ll know what I’m talking about when I say, “It’s not as easy as it looks”. While vinyl tile is a very good flooring choice, it’s good looking, very sturdy, warmer on the feet then regular tile (ceramic), and can be installed without a rigid subfloor (unlike ceramic). When installed and sealed properly, it can last for years, giving a warm welcoming look to any mudroom, basement, or laundry room.
Now let’s talk about the installation process. First of all, you must have the floor perfectly flat, no exceptions. The vinyl floor melds itself to the existing floor, whether that floor is flat, or bumpy and uneven. Once you have the floor perfect, then you’ve got to make sure you’re able to put all the glue down, only to have to leave the job for a few hours, so you can come back and finally install the tile. After the vinyl tile has been installed, you need to rent a roller to press it tight to the floor, than clean all the dirt and grime that may have accumulated during the installation process. Now you’re ready to seal the tile. Going over it twice is recommended. Mop the solution on, wait for it to dry, mop the solution on again; finished.
I remember my first experience with vinyl floor tile. I had just purchased a house with some other family members with the intention of fixing it up and selling it, in other words “a quick flip”. The laundry room in my basement of my house really needed some sprucing up, so we decided to install vinyl tile. Good idea, poor execution. First off, we didn’t realize that by just mixing the floor leveler to a wet/soupy consistency, instead of a hard paste consistency, that we could save a lot of head and back ache. As well, I’m sure the floor would have come out a lot smoother in the end.
Now the installation; we had purchased the house on October 15th and we were planning on a three and a half month time frame to flip it. This left us to finish the job right in the middle of Christmas holidays, not a good decision. It ended up that we had to start the flooring on Christmas Eve morning and finish up Christmas afternoon. Not a great way to spend your Christmas holidays. The good news is that it turned out great, at first.
Unfortunately with time, we found out where we hadn’t leveled the floor as well as we should have, the water softeners salt didn’t help matters either. But our biggest problem was when I was away the next winter (yes, I decided to keep it in the end), there was a flood in the backyard that found its way into the back door, and down the steps into the laundry room. Did that ever make a mess! After that, the tiles were never the same and a lot of the glue now does not stick properly to the floor. Fortunately the floor still looks good; it just pops and crackles in certain spots when you walk on it.
So the moral of this story is, always look before you leap. Or, make sure you know a products limits, strengths and weaknesses before you install it. Not that the vinyl tile is necessary a bad choice for that application, I just think that there are better products for that room. I guess I’ll chalk it up to another lesson learned.…

Ceramic Tile Removal in a Bathroom Remodel

May 21, 2021 Comments Off

On this step of removing the ceramic tile it’s going to get dusty so what I did first was remove everything that I could so I wouldn’t have to clean it when I was done. Even though I was not going to reuse the tile, I wanted to be careful because I wanted to put the tile on Freecycle or Craigslist so someone else might be able to use them. The only tools I used were an old flat tip screw driver, hammer and a box cutter.
I should say that the tiles that are offset from the wall about 1/2″ with a mortar mix. The way that the mortar stays on the wall is a wire mesh that is attached to the wall with staples and nails. I started by cutting the bead of caulk around the top edge of the tile being careful not to cut to deep and into the drywall. Now the first tile off is the most critical so you have to be real careful. I just started the screwdriver back behind the tile and pried a little bit at a time at tile I could remove without damaging the wall or the tiles next to it. From that point it gets easier. I worked a line straight down to the floor and then made my way around the room.
Being how we are still using the bathroom I had to work around a few things. The first was the toilet. The tank of the toilet was real close to the tile so it made it difficult to get the tiles off around it. The next thing was the vanity. I should tell you that when they built this house they custom built the vanity and everything before they put up the tile so there is allot of things to cut around. I would have to say that when I got to the mirror I had to be real careful because the mirror was resting on top of the tile. Now I am the kind of guy that if something can go wrong it probable will. I got lucky on this part and didn’t break the mirror.
Another nice thing about doing all the work myself, I get to see how thing’s are built. I am a project engineer for a manufacturing company and I am always looking at how things are built. Okay I better get back to the tile work. Now I mentioned that the tile was about 1/2″ off the wall with a mortar mix. When I got to the door way there was the mortar mix on one side and on the other they built it up with a piece of plywood and used liquid nails to hold the tiles up. Needless to say, I couldn’t save any of the tiles that were glued to the wood. Then I found an area that the tile was glued straight to the drywall. I have to replace some drywall now. Luckily that was the end of removing the tile.
I stacked all of the good tile in a box and threw out all bad ones. Swept up all the debris and put everything back in its place. As I mentioned at the beginning I am going to list the tiles on Freecycle since they are in good condition and hopefully someone else can use them instead of them going into the land fill. As I remodel I’m always looking for ways that I can recycle materials instead of throwing them into a land fill that is already overloaded.
In the next article I’ll be removing the mortar mix and the wire that was attached to the wall.…

Small Bathroom Remodels – Using 24″ Bathroom Vanity Styles

March 14, 2021 Comments Off

Taking on home remodel projects is a fun and creative way to express your DIY self and bring in your personal style. If you are working on a small bathroom, give it a nice open feel and create an appearance of a larger space by using specific items and a some special techniques. Use light colors, the right mirror, and the perfect size of bathroom vanity and your small bathroom will look better than ever.
Open up the Space: When working with a small bathroom, you want to make the most of the space wherever possible. A great way to do this right off the bat is to choose a new vanity that has a good amount of under sink and counter storage space. By using a vanity that has good storage space, it will eliminate the need for things like over-toilet shelving units and multitudes of towel racks and hooks. Another way to create additional space is by using a built-in shelving unit. If you already have one, great; if you don’t, then consider installing one, they are great for storage space and because they are flush against the wall, it gives a clean appearance. Pedestal style vanities pair well with this type of shelving, because they are also great for creating the look of a cleaner and more open space.
Create Illusions: Add the feeling and look of additional space by playing with angles and reflection. Another option is to utilize mirrors for the purpose of creating the illusion of space within the small bathroom. And if you are lucky enough to have a window in your bathroom, then you can use mirrors to add the illusion of more light too, which also helps with the look of more space. Adding a large mirror to your bathroom will create the illusion that the space is a little larger that it looked before. If you’re going to repaint the walls, make sure to use a light color palette. Cool, lighter tones tend to make the space seem more open and less closed in than darker colors, thus making the room feel more spacious. Light colors will also make your bathroom brighter, especially if you have natural light coming in.
Toss the Clutter: No matter what you do, if there’s a lot of stuff in your bathroom will still feel small and claustrophobic. Cut back on decorative objects and go for a minimalist look. Toss anything you don’t really need; if you can’t remember the last time you used it, it goes in the trash. Limit decorative elements to the walls and try to add interest through the frame on your mirror and the light fixtures.
Start your small bathroom remodel creatively by getting some paper and pencil to illustrate a diagram of what you want for the bathroom. Make notations of the room’s dimensions and the estimated dimensions for necessary items you plan to shop for, like a 24″ bathroom vanity and shop for 30″ square mirrors, for example. This way, you’ll have some idea of the existing floor plan as well as the floor plan you desire for the completed project.
Please remember that safety is always the number one priority when working on home remodel projects. If you are unsure of any part of the project, consider speaking with a professional.…

Choosing the Ultimate Gutter Guard for Your Rain Gutters

December 10, 2020 Comments Off

Cleaning clogged debris or stacked water could be an irritating job for every house owner. And if you are not doing this, then it can lead to clog and water back up also. If you are still unable to clean this, then there a chance of water damage in the roof and wall, and sometimes it could be a most expensive repair for you. To resolve this issue, you must use a gutter guard, which reduces the amount of damage of the roof caused by water back up, and it will save more money, time and efforts. If you are still unable to get an idea, then you need to take valuable suggestions from relatives, neighbors, and friends.
There are so many models and different types of gutter guards are available in the present market, and you need to select ultimate one based on your money. The manufacturers of these guards are boasting so much about their products, and it is an important point to check the facts before taking decision to purchase. Here one thing we need to understand that the usage of this guard will depend upon the issues you are having. If you are experiencing issues related with snow and ice, then a nylon gutter would be the best and suitable in those harsh conditions.
If you decide to install this gutter guard yourself on behalf of calling a professional, then you need to check for a self installation of a branded one. In this situation, there are so many gutter brushes are ideal as you can lay them out on the guttering rather than having to attach them to the roof singles. If your house is in a colder environment, then the ice clogging is common and a nylon guard is perfectly suitable to your needs. If you are still confusing about this guard, it is a better idea to visit a website to compare other brands and models.
In most of the times, you can be avail five years of guarantee on all of these brands. And warranty is the widest ranging factor among all other gutter guards. Most of the manufactures are saying so much about their products, but the comparison websites will give a clear indication on what is best for your home needs. And some of the products are offering useful five year warranty and some of them offering life time guarantee with insurance included. However, there are so many reviews in the internet from different kind people will help you regarding this product. After getting a clear cut idea about this product, you need to select the ultimate one for your needs, which reduce tedious cleaning job.…

How to Remove Excess Moisture From Your Home

December 7, 2020 Comments Off

Many people have the problem of having too much moisture in their homes. This can be a problem especially if you have young children, elderly, or sick people in your home. Excess moisture in the home can cause mold problems which can make people sick and people who have asthma will have an even harder time with a mold problem. There are precautions you can take to avoid an excess of moisture and mold in your home.
You want to keep your home as dry as possible. The best way to do this is starting in the rooms that you need to keep the most dry. These rooms would be the kitchen and bathrooms. Your kitchen makes a lot of moisture especially if you are cooking in there a lot. Moisture from the steam of cooking can start to enter into the walls, creating a moist feeling. The bathroom too can be a hotbed of moisture. The bathroom becomes moist when you take a shower or bath. The best way to deal with moisture in these areas is to have a fan running while you are in the kitchen cooking, or in the bathroom, and even after you are done, it is good to let the fan run.
It is good to air out your house in general, for home improvement purposes. In colder, moist climates, it is good to open up your windows. You can even keep them opened up when you are out of the house. It is important to get good circulation in your home to prevent moisture. You want to be especially careful of dark rooms that don’t get exposure to sunlight, as that is a perfect breeding ground for mold and moisture.
So what do you do if you already have excess moisture or a mold problem in your home and need some home improvement? There are air machines you can buy, for not too much money, that suck out the moisture in your home. You simply put the machine in one room and it begins to filter in new air, and suck out the old moist air from your home. You can also start by getting at the mold yourself. It is very important to have air circulating when you are trying to remove the mold yourself, and also to be wearing a mask on your face, as to prevent yourself from breathing in those toxic fumes.
You can just by a scrub brush from your local drug store, a bottle of bleach or mold remover, and a pair of sturdy plastic gloves to attempt to remove the mold on your own. Vinegar sometimes will also do the trick. If you are scrubbing away and the mold just doesn’t seem to be going away, then you have to turn to your next option.
Your last resort would probably be calling up a company that will come to your home to remove mold. This can be costly so that is why it is best to leave this option until last, or unless you are extremely sensitive to mold or chemicals, and in that case, you would have probably called the mold remover company much earlier on in this whole process! You don’t necessarily have to do a whole new home remodeling, as home remodeling can be quite costly.…

Have Fun With The Colors Of Your Floors

November 2, 2020 Comments Off

As concerns the color scheme of tiles, especially if you chose a natural stone, such as marble, you are probably aware that is not – as regards the basic colors – as wide as that of ceramic tiles. But it fully compensates that by veining, patterns and shades. So much so that you will not be able to find two identical tiles! While the tile arrangement will never look seamless, this ‘defect’ may ensure the dynamism a fully or mostly tiled room would miss due to the clean, monotonous aspect of a substantially tiled area.
As with any other color scheme, you have to consider the function of the room and the other items you would like to place in there. Too gay and exciting colors in your bedroom would prevent you from resting, while too dull colors in your living room may ‘help’ you feel blue or bored. On the same lines, if your tiles are not in a neutral color, you can’t have accessories in unpleasantly contrasting colors. Once you mind these tips, you may proceed to choose and match your marble tiles.
If you plan to have a rustic kitchen, you can go for the beige, earthy tones of tumbled marble tiles for your floor. Both by their aged finish and large sizes are fit in there, making your kitchen look more natural and spacious. The rustic aspect will be also guaranteed by their simplicity, given that no veining or patterns are present in their case. If, on the contrary, you would like to have a modern, elegant-looking kitchen, you would better opt for cappuccino marble tiles that are polished and look stately, due to both their classy color variations and capacity for reflecting light. The beige or light brown color with shades of tan or gold gives these marble tiles not only a sumptuous luster but also an inviting aspect, making you feel the need of a cappuccino coffee, to be shared with your friends in this classy setting.
If you move to the bathroom now, you have to decide whether you want it to look warm and cozy or fashionable and sophisticated. In the first case, you may go for some light beige tumbled tiles that impart a warm and authentic feel, in the second you may resort again to some cappuccino tiles in beige and honey shades that, by their lavish polished finish would give a decorative aspect to your floor.
Whatever color you choose for your marble tiles – brown, white, red or black, enriched by whatever veining, shades or patterns, unlike in the case of colors of other items, make sure you consider also their texture and finish. Polished tiles will look different from the honed or tumbled ones, even if coming in the same color or shade.…

Exclusive Yankee Candle Collections Autumn/Winter ’20: “Campfire Nights” and “Magical Christmas Morning”

July 25, 2020 Comments Off

There’s no such thing as too much joy. That’s why Candlemania launches two newest Yankee Candle Collections for autumn and winter seasons. We guarantee that they will quickly make their way into your personal wish list.

Besides, the process of ordering Ireland’s favorite gift became easier than ever. Just go to our website and choose yourself a nice treat from hundreds of magnificent candle styles bouquets.

Relive Pleasant Memories of Summer Adventures With ‘Campfire Nights’ Collection

While most of the world imposed traveling restrictions and millions of people were forced to give up on their summer vacations, there’s always a special place in our hearts for sweet and cozy evenings around the campfire with friends and family.

‘Campfire Nights’ has four distinct candle styles, each of which represents different aspects of the late summer and early autumn.

“Pecan Pie Bites” is the sweetest one. It’ll give you a feeling of the freshly baked pastries with the cinnamon, a sweet profile of honey and rich flavor of the dark chocolate. And all that goodness is topped off with the spicy roasted pecans.
“Crisp Campfire Apples” has a tender fruity foundation but with the twist of firewood and crisp caramelized glaze. Think of fresh apples, roasted on sticks around the fire with your friends, while sharing a good laugh together. Breeze in and feel the scent of the sweet childhood.
“A Night Under The Stars” is a perfect choice for dreamers. It has a fresh forest scent, full of clover and wild roses, finished with the touch of leather and warm driftwood. It feels like time stands still when you’re laying with someone you deeply care for, simply gazing at the stars.
“Warm and Cozy” is exactly how you remembered it. An evening campfire, crackling logs, you wrapped in a soft blanket, holding a warm drink in both hands. The feeling of serenity spreads all over your body and the future is unknown yet so colorful. Feel the beautiful scent of cedar, cashmere and golden amber.

Revisit your dearest memories and recreate those special moments for you and your loved ones with this warming collection. You can buy it online on our website in just a few clicks.

Candlemania is the number one candle expert in Ireland with a perfect product choice for any mood and each occasion.

Fill The Air With A Holiday Spirit By Lighting Up a “Magical Christmas Morning’ Candles

A piney smell of a Christmas tree, sweet balsam, happy laughs, and a great mood all over the place. That’s what the most anticipated holiday in the whole year feels like.

A new special winter collection will please you with scents of baked sweets, evergreen, and berries, making everyone around even more cheerful.

The “Magical Christmas Morning” collection has four outstanding candle styles that will melt even the Grinch’s heart!

“Surprise Snowfall’ is fresh and cozy. Who didn’t feel happy by the first snow as a kid? It was always something special, waking up to see that everything around put a gorgeous white coat of glistering snow. That feeling of joy and adventures is what you’ll get after hearing the calming scent of elderberry, rosemary, and silver spruce.
“Holiday Hearth” is the symbol of holiday traditions. Imagine a bright decor, a warm fireplace, and a happy family gathering around the Christmas tree. It has strong notes of clove, cinnamon, and anise topped off with cedarwood and vanilla cream.
“Christmas Morning Punch” is exactly as fruitful and warm as you expect it to be. A splendid combination of cranberries, strawberries, and ruby-red pomegranate. Just like the Christmas punch is the drink for the whole family, this candle will be everyone’s favorite.
From the very first notes of the “Singing Carols”, every person all around the globe becomes instantly happy. There’s something exciting yet so familiar in this sweet harmony. Juniper and clove, rich aroma of mandarines, and a hard texture of cedarwood and blackberries will make your Christmas truly unforgettable.

It’s never too early to think about Christmas gifts and home decorations. You can pre-order the ‘Magical Christmas Morning” Collection in various sizes and styles right now!

Create Your Own Mood With Carefully Blended Gorgeous Aromas of Yankee Candles

Candlemania is proud to be the biggest candle store chain in Ireland as well as the greatest admirer of unique and calming natural scents that candle masters can reproduce in their products. That’s why we started selling Yankee Candles, also known as ‘The World’s Best Loved Candles’ more than 8 years ago.

After years of a working partnership, we reached a top-notch level of expertise, enough to be able to recognize a candle from the first notes and pick the best fit for every possible situation.

That’s why we’d like to

…