Tiles make great additions to any home, but styles change frequently. Because of this, tiles can date a home. Outgrowing a style is likely when people use one-of-a-kind designs. It’s only a matter of time before the homeowner wants a change, or new buyers feel compelled to update the space by looking for tile removal Tampa services. Tiles can also crack, which can create hazards if not handled quickly.
Tile Removal Tampa Tips for Homeowners
When removing tiles from your home, the first thing you need to determine is why. Are you only planning to fix the tiles? Do you need to update the entire set? Are you ready to try something new, such as custom epoxy flooring? Once you decide what you plan to do after removal, it becomes a little easier to move forward.
1. Dress for the Occasion
Removing tiles on your own can be a dusty process. You also run the risk of cutting yourself. Because of this, wear a dust mask, eye protector, and work gloves. You may also consider wearing overalls or clothes that you don’t mind potentially damaging.
2. Remove the Grout
Grout secures tiles in place and connects each piece to the next. You need a rotary tool or grout saw to cut into the grout and start separating tiles. Cut as deeply into the tile as you can, but be mindful of the wall or floor structure behind it. Some of the tiles may chip, crack, or break. You may also need someone to stay close by with a hand vacuum to get rid of the dust.
3. Break Up the Old Tile
Use a suitable tool to hit the center of the tile to cause it to break it up. Some contractors or DIYers like to use a cold chisel. You can place this in the center of the tile and then hammer it. You can also do this at the diagonal ends of the tiles to make the tile removal Tampa process a little easier.
4. Remove the Old Mortar
Whether you plan to put tiles back on or use something else, it is important to remove the old mortar. This creates a clean and even surface for you to work with. A bricklayer’s chisel is a great tool for removing the mortar, too.
How To Get Dust Free Tile Removal Tampa Services
If you worry about the dust in your home and vacuuming up the dust does not do the job well enough for you, consider hiring contractors. These professionals have years of experience, and all the expensive tools required to minimize dust in your home. If you need tile removal Tampa services, they also have enough manpower to turn a long, painstaking process into a few hours of work.
In some cases, getting rid of the tiles is part of your floor removal Tampa project. Floor tiles are often much easier to remove because previous contractors may have installed them on subfloors. When this is the case, contractors may have the option of simply removing the entire subfloor with the tiles in place.
What Floor Options To Consider After Removing Tiles
Most people only remove tiles to replace them with a new set. However, if you remain openminded to other options, there are many to choose from. Consider your needs and preferences versus the pros and cons of each option:
Hardwood: The wood-grain is beautiful and adds warmth to the design of the home, but they often scratch easily and require a lot of maintenance.
Carpet: Carpets provide additional insulation value and feel more comfortable beneath your feet, but they trap allergens, are a pain to clean, and need to be replaced often.
Vinyl or Linoleum: You can get virtually any pattern printed as vinyl or linoleum, but some are not as durable as other material options.
Epoxy: The fact that epoxy floors were first common in industrial applications speaks to the durability, but new design developments have made epoxy more compatible with home decor.
Despite the beauty of tiles in your home, grout makes it difficult to keep them clean. Custom epoxy flooring makes it possible for you to get virtually any tile-design you want without the grout. Does this sound like something you would like to learn more about? Check out some of our favorite projects and then give us a call at 813-358-3100.
Each choice in epoxy flooring comes with a set of attributes which greatly enhance the flooring of a building. The durability and spill/stain resistance makes it an excellent flooring for harsh conditions. It’s non-slip and takes a great deal of foot traffic with minimal, easy maintenance. Once a building owner or homeowner decides on epoxy flooring, the next step is to choose a style. Even form of epoxy, once poured and cured, will have a vastly different look. One of them is sure to please.
Within each style, there is a vast range of colors and looks. Generally speaking, the more complex the application and the more coats, the higher the cost will be. Here are the three basic types of epoxy flooring:
Solid
Solid is generally a matte color and offers the advantage of affordability and dust control. It’s the cleanest-looking epoxy because the solid colors don’t have variants which can make the cleanliness of the floor questionable. It also offers tremendous longevity.
Flake
Epoxy flake is decorative, and the natural mica material (or synthetic, which is also available) flakes are incorporated into the flooring while it’s still in a liquid form. The quantity of each color can make each floor unique and beautiful. Once the epoxy cures, the flakes won’t–flake. They are stable, durable, and retain their unique color and form. Epoxy flake is a popular option for garages since it’s tremendously chemical resistant. It stops the concrete dust entirely and makes the garage brighter when lighter colors are used because it’s so reflective.
Metallic
Metallic epoxy uses metallic glitter material to create a highly three-dimensional look from a two-dimensional floor surface. A primer coat will add depth to the finish. Ripples, swirls, drizzle, blending, and other options are possible. Once it cures, it’s smooth, durable, and microbial surface produces an exotic, dazzling finish favored by high-end retail stores, salons, upscale nightclubs, and restaurants. It can provide a solid color or a color which looks more stained in appearance. Metallic stains are luxurious, glossy without being slippery, and reflective. Once it dries, a final gloss coat can be added.
Regardless of which type of epoxy is used, the result is gorgeous and upkeep minimal. Low maintenance and longevity make epoxy flooring an excellent value for the money. Epoxy offers very few problems beyond occasional dusting or mopping.
Premier Epoxy is your flooring expert in the Tampa area, featuring epoxy floors, polished and stained concrete. Call us at 813-296-2937 today!
Those who are unfamiliar with epoxy flooring may wonder why it is increasing in popularity when there are so many other floorings available. However, the use of epoxy flooring is spreading because it’s affordable, sturdy, attractive, and easy to keep clean.
Affordable
For a homeowner, a durable flooring which doesn’t require regrouting or waxing is ideal. A floor which is stain, spot, and odor-resistant needs even less maintenance in the long run. There is an economy in a low-maintenance floor, both in terms of product and effort. Sweeping and periodic mopping is all that is required to make epoxy flooring look great again.
Stays clean
The smooth surface of the epoxy makes it easy to clean. It repels chemicals, laundry products, automotive products, home improvement fluids, and more. Because it doesn’t have cracks, crevices or grout, there is no place for dirt to hide on an epoxy floor. The most it needs in the way of cleaning is a dust mop and occasional mopping.
Anyone who has managed a concrete floor knows that concrete sheds dust regularly, and continues to do so for years. It may even begin to crack in places. But, when an epoxy floor is added to a garage, the concrete dust becomes a thing of the past. Those who were dealing with a layer of concrete dust on cars, tools, or anything else stored in the garage are finally free from having to deal with it. Concrete dust can also no longer get into the home through the connecting door.
Non-slip
A garage is a place of mishaps. A little grease from the car or laundry liquid on the floor can create a slipping hazard. But epoxy flooring won’t allow products to absorb into it, so slipping is minimized.
Also, epoxy flooring reflects more light than concrete, making the area brighter. Meaning, the potential for accidents is less when it’s easier to see hazards.
Attractive
The colors and styles available in epoxy floor are fantastic. Once epoxy covers the concrete floor (including any developing cracks), it stays beautiful for years, without fading, chipping, or peeling. There isn’t another flooring option for a garage which eliminates the need for timely and expensive cleaning or maintenance.
If you’re looking for the most economical way possible to make your garage look stunning, try epoxy flooring. It will minimize the need for cleaning the garage and its contents and create a look that will add to the appeal of your home.
Premier Epoxy is your flooring expert in the Tampa area, featuring epoxy floors, polished and stained concrete. Call us at 813-296-2937 today!
Whether you’re planning to use an epoxy coating or concrete stain in a garage, living room, or somewhere else, sometimes choosing the right color can be challenging. Is it better to go bright and bold? Something neutral? A homeowner wants all facets of their home to reflect their tastes, even if it’s the basement or garage. Today, we’re going to talk about how to choose an epoxy flooring or stain color.
Neutral colors
Neutral colors are classic. They never go out of style and blend well with everything. A neutral color keeps options open and offers natural beauty, allowing the other colors in the decor to make a statement. In a situation where there is potential for a lot of dirt, neutral colors save the day because they hide everything.
Brown
Brown is rich, warm, and rustic. Browns are a bold, beautiful choice which brings the room alive. If a homeowner chooses brown, the office or area will exude a natural ambiance. Plus, it will allow features or decorations to stand out.
White
White is another classic. There is a reason why so many ceilings are white–white makes a room feel big. If a homeowner chooses white, it will exude a clean openness and breeziness. While white can be a challenge to keep looking spotless, people who enjoy white are not afraid of a little work, or a small amount of dirt. Pristine white epoxy can be a dream come true.
Colors
Cool colors can range from unusual to exotic. Cool colors such as blue and green stain or epoxy are soothing and create a calm effect. Reds, yellows, and oranges create a bold, cheerful option. People who use color aren’t afraid to express themselves.
Black
Black is pure drama in epoxy. Black shines and gleams in a way that says it’s not messing around, but beware that it will absorb the light in the room, which can be dramatic, or create a feeling of cramped quarters or claustrophobia.
If the room already has a color theme, epoxy flooring can blend in or be a complementary element. A room or garage can become a reflection of the homeowner’s personality by just changing the color of the flooring. Or, epoxy stain or coating can create a focal point and change the whole feeling of the room.
Stained concrete or epoxy flooring can take decorating to a whole new level. A homeowner can enjoy easy-care, gorgeous flooring which lasts for years.
Premier Epoxy is your flooring expert in the Tampa area, featuring epoxy floors, polished and stained concrete. Call us at 813-296-2937 today!
Once a homeowner decides they’re interested in having epoxy flooring, polished or stained concrete, it’s time to consider what they want from an epoxy flooring company. There are fundamental traits which a customer should seek in the company and product they choose for their flooring project.
There are some of the things a flooring solution company can offer which make hiring a pro worth the investment.
Products and professionalism
During the exploratory process, look at the different products they offer and the colors and styles of each. Determine if their rep explains the process and communicates options effectively. If they are punctual and professional, these are also good signs. You know the kind of people with whom you want to do business and shouldn’t have to settle for less than the best.
Make sure the product you choose is one which meets your needs and doesn’t require more attention or maintenance than you’re willing to give it. Also, it should be able to stand up to the demands of the area where it’s applied.
Skill in their craft
An epoxy flooring expert has specific training and years of experience in floor coatings and polishing. When the craftsmen come to perform the job, they will use professional tools and equipment to ensure a perfect application.
This assures that the result will transform an eyesore concrete floor into a smooth, even, and elegant product. The project will be strong, durable, and last for many years with minimal care.
Results
The best way to determine if an epoxy flooring company is right for you is to look at examples of their work. Meet with their expert, discuss options, and see floors they’ve already done. For instance, we have before and after pictures on our website so potential customers can see some of their options.
Reviews
Often, a flooring company will come to the attention of a homeowner through friends and relatives, but another way to see what customers have said about them is through online reviews. If they have a solid history of good reviews and customers express satisfaction, that’s a good sign.
The Wow factor
After the flooring is applied, it’s essential that you’re happy with the results. Money spent on a long term investment like flooring should have outstanding results. Our goal is that every customer, whether they are a commercial or a residential client, should be supremely happy with their new floor.
Premier Epoxy is your flooring expert in the Tampa area, featuring epoxy floors, polished and stained concrete. Call us at 813-296-2937 today!
Everyone has one of those friends who is constantly sneezing and sniffling due to allergies. It might be your best friend or neighbor, a co-worker or loved one. Or, it might be you.
The cost to allergy sufferers isn’t limited to the money spent on tissues or allergy medication. It also doesn’t stop at the resulting ear, throat, and respiratory infections which allergies can trigger. It also costs the lost moments of joy the person with allergies misses.
Medical professionals are compassionate: said one local physician, “My own experience with allergies is that when I sneeze five or six times, I have to cross my legs, so I don’t pee my pants.”
Fighting back
One of the more unusual ways allergy-sufferers control their allergies is by controlling their environment. That control extends to textiles they permit in their homes and offices. “The first thing I did was rip out the carpeting in my new condo,” said one, “The second thing I did was to have epoxy flooring treatment instead of replacing that flooring with some other allergen-trapping textile.”
Clean is so clean!
One of the benefits of epoxy flooring and polished or stained concrete is the ease of cleaning. Carpet and many forms of tile trap dirt and mold spores into the cracks and fibers, which are then released when the air conditioning kicks on, when someone turns on a fan, or even when someone walks into the room. Epoxy flooring doesn’t permit dust, dirt, mold spores, or other allergens permeate the floor, which means there are fewer to kick up and fly around the room.
What about other sources?
A good number of allergens settle into a home by finding their way into the house, most often through the front door. The beauty of epoxy flooring is that it can be cleaned easily, meaning that even when allergens find their way in, once they land, they can be banished with a damp mop. A doormat or throw rug at the front door will also prohibit some allergens from getting in by collecting dirt before it spreads to the rest of the premises.
Epoxy flooring isn’t the miracle cure for allergies, but given that it doesn’t trap or hold allergens, it gives allergy sufferers a real opportunity to fight back because it’s easier to keep a home clean when the flooring is friendly.
Modern, gorgeous epoxy flooring can be one of several measures an allergy-sufferer can take to cut down on the contaminants which enter their home and create an unhealthy environment.
Premier Epoxy is your flooring expert in the Tampa area, featuring epoxy floors, polished and stained concrete. Call us at 813-296-2937 today!
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