From the Floors Up

The Right Tile for Home Exteriors and Patios

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Tile is a timeless and beautiful floor and wall covering. It has been being used in homes for centuries and continues to stay a staple in home improvement. Plus, there are hundreds of options available when it comes to shopping for tile. Different constructs of tiles will work best in different environments. However, no atmosphere is more demanding than your home’s exterior. In fact, the outside your home will experience extreme temperature changes and water exposure. These factors can make choosing the right tile a little more challenging. That being said, have no fear. This versatile flooring option can work in almost any environment! If you are looking to tile a patio, walkway, driveway, or anywhere else outside your home, here is what you should know:

Best Tile Option

When it comes to choosing tile for outside, you need a more durable option. While ceramic is excellent, it is not as durable as porcelain. For instance, when you install it over concrete outside, moisture is a considerable concern. Moisture can travel up through the concrete and underneath your tiles; therefore, you need to invest in a polymer-modified mortar to waterproof your concrete. This factor will give you porcelain tiles much longer longevity.

Slip-Proof

When looking for slip-resistant tiles, natural stone is your best bet. This factor makes sense because natural stone already endures nature daily. However, porcelain is still another great option yet, quarried marble, granite, or limestone are all excellent options. Do remember that some of these options will need to be sealed to protect their natural-looking finish. There is no completely slip-proof tile option, though. Remember, just because a type of flooring may be extremely slip-resistant to your bare feet, does not mean it will react the same if you are wearing heels or nonslip resistant shoes!

Grout Reminders

When choosing your outdoor grout, it is best to go with a sanded grout! Your grout lines will be traditionally larger visually with this option. It would help if you also looked into getting a grout sealer to help protect your grout from the harsh outdoor conditions.

Picking tile for outside comes down to its longevity and durability. Natural stone and porcelain are excellent options to explore. Just make sure you do not neglect your grout when preparing to invest in your patio tile or outside tile projects. For more insight on flooring, make sure to subscribe!

Frequently Asked Questions About Roofs

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Your roof is a vital part of your home’s structural integrity. If your roof begins to leak and goes unattended for too long, it can open a plethora of more unwanted and expensive problems. If you are considering replacing your roof, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns. Well, have no fear, we are here to help. Here, you can find some of the most frequently asked questions about roofing.

How Long Should a New Roof System Last?

Typically, roofs are marketed as thirty years shingles–however, most roofing system last twenty to twenty-five years with proper care. Different shingles can offer different life expectancy. Wood shake roofs are known to last for longer times than fiber cement shingles while asphalt shingles or composition roofs can last less time than fiber cement shingles.

What Roofing Shingles Are Best for My Roof?

A determining factor to this question is what are you looking for out of your roof shingles? Consider if your home experiences high wind. You should also determine how long you are planning on living in your home while one of the most important factors for most individuals is cost.

What if My New Roofing System Leaks After Installation?

Do not panic! Contact your contractor or the people who took care of your installation. Let them know exactly what is going on so they can address the issue, and remember that this is why it is best to go through a company that has reliable reviews and warranties.

Full Roof Replacement Verses Re-Cover the Existing Roof System

It is best to get a couple of roofing professionals’ opinions. If your roof is relatively new, you may be able to recover a bad area; however, roofing professionals will look at where the leak is and the extent of it, the moisture infiltration it has had on the insulation layer, and if it has jeopardized the structural integrity of the home.

Can I Replace My Roof Myself?

If you consider yourself a good handyman around the house, you may be able to tackle this project. This is a very labor-intensive job and can be physically demanding. If you are questioning your ability to do it, it may be best to hire a professional. As we discussed prior, a contractor will know how to troubleshoot situations that may occur after installation. This is the main concern that you will have when doing your own work.

For more frequently asked questions and concerns on home improvements projects, make sure to subscribe!

How To Use the Elements and Principles Of Design To Decorate Like An Interior Designer, Part 17

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Part 17 Variety

Now that you discovered the importance of unity in Part 16, you can transition to the more exciting concept of variety. It is the absence of monotony or sameness. Variety serves well to make a room more engaging and stimulating. The degree of variety you want to include is typically dictated by your personal taste. Some people favor a simple design, others prefer something more varied, and some love a room full of unique features!

Take a look at the photo of the indoor/outdoor space. It is a great example of the middle road of variety. There’s enough to truly enjoy looking around the room, but the overall design of the room is still refined. Moreover this example stands out because it does not rely on color to break up any monotony. Color is an easy go-to, but sometimes it overwhelms the smaller details that keep things interesting. Here’s an easy reference list for the elements of the room that create variety:

  • Purpose – room’s door and window are open =an appreciation of the outdoors and fresh air; room is closed up = comfort of being protected from the elements while still enjoying the beauty that surrounds the room outside
  • Texture – wood, stone, fabric, glass, and plant life
  • Scale – massive glass doorway and tree; medium scale windows and couch; small tables, accessories, and plants
  • Light – natural light, table lamps, glass sconces, pedant fixture
  • Lines – angular = columns, windows, rug; curvilinear = sconces, furniture legs, coffee table, and arch

If you are a minimalist at heart, ensure your room wows your guests by incorporating a bit of variety. If you adore detail, take it further. Either way, enjoy the effectiveness of this technique!

Next read Part 18 – Harmony

Don’t forget to go back and start by reading Part 1

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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