Looking at alternative ways to build your home? Most homes – over 90% – according to a recent NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) are stick built – meaning out of 2 x 4’s. As a custom home builder, I never build anything that resembles the “standard.”

According to a survey done by the NAHB in 2005, the “typical” home built in America is approximately 2200 square feet, 2 stories, 3 – 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, powder room built on a concrete slab, uses gas forced air heat, is stick built on site (vs. modular), has a 2 car garage, vinyl siding (second place stucco), porch and a fireplace. Many “typical” practices are unique to each area of the country, such as a typical basement in the Northeast vs. a slab in the Southwest, but the overall numbers show the above example.

My definition of a custom home is:

A unique home built according to the custom plans and specifications of an architect or designer, working with a client, for a unique piece of land. This plan takes into account the clients wishes and dreams, the unique environment, and a particular budget. All materials are delivered and assembled on site by a unique set of craftsmen consisting of 200 or more unique trades, suppliers and specialists. This home is built one time!

Although we predominately build homes of “stick frame” (meaning 2 x 4 or dimensional lumber), there is growing interest in special homes built of new materials.

Stick Frame
The most typical type of construction by far – the stick frame is largely composed of “dimensional” lumber or “engineered” lumber (I-joists or other types of framing that are comprised of various solid and plywood combinations)

1. Log
Log home enthusiasts are devoted to their logs! In the style of the “pioneer” homes, log homes are literally logs that have been stacked up on top of each other to construct the walls. The end result is a solid wood wall. Log homes are currently available in a wide variety of pre built kits. Although log homes have a terrific look and style – solid wood is not a very good method of insulation nor a very efficient way of using wood.

2. Post and Beam
An advanced method of using the “log, ” post and beam homes are beautifully crafted frames of solid timber often exposed on the interior of the home. The finely crafted joints showcase the builders talents. Although still probably not the most efficient way of using wood – a hybrid home using a “SIP” (structural insulated panel) skin creates a super efficient home. Using this method of construction, a home can be largely manufactured off site – assembled quickly on the site (think of the Amish farmers erecting a barn) and covered with the high insulating and efficient skin.

3. Rammed Earth
An age old technique has been modernized so that a newly constructed rammed earth home is very similar in structure to a solid reinforced concrete wall yet with the beautiful colors of the soils that are mixed into the rammed earth. These homes benefit from thick thermal mass.

4. ICF – Insulated Concrete Forms
This relatively new technology combines several techniques to construct highly insulated, concrete structures. Although several unique, hybrid products exist such as Rastra, Performwall, the typical ICF wall consists of two layers of EPS foam insulation which create the form for a reinforced concrete wall. Various thicknesses are available. The walls not only have very high insulation values (R values 25 or higher) but they also benefit from the “thermal mass” of the concrete and the fact that the wall does not suffer from the “thermal bridging” effect (the interruption of an insulated stick frame wall by the wood itself- which has a poor insulation quality) and the ability to create a very air tight shell.

5. Straw Bale
A “natural” building technique, straw bale construction creates a massively thick wall – 24 inches – using a waste product (straw). Popular with “do it your selfers,” this technique can create very comfortable, natural looking homes. I have seen straw bale homes using natural clay based floors as well. I also toured a “green home” in southern California built of straw bale. At almost 8,000 square feet, the two story house actually had a custom steel frame that provided the structure required by strict southern California building codes and the straw bale was used as in fill for the walls. Check the code requirements in your area.

6. Rammed Tire
Another hybrid made popular with the Earthship home, rammed tire construction consists of ramming earth into old tires to create walls. Not only does this remove a worthless waste product from landfills but it creates a super high insulated wall. Pretty unique!

When considering working with an alternative building technique – pay special attention to the details. Find an architect, designer or specialist who can advise you on the nuances of the product you want to use. Pay attention to where your material meets other materials – such as roof to wall connections and window and door placement. Many builders, after building with more traditional methods, have common practices that will not work well in specialty applications. Good luck with your dream home!

Otis Bradley is an addicted custom home builder for over 30 years! Get more free information at http://50Green.com/subscriber

Feel free to publish this article as long as you include the entire article and the author’s infomation Otis Bradley All Rights Reserved

A lot of people often consider building a conservatory for a variety of reasons, and it’s not difficult to see why. A conservatory can look great and add a great deal to your home both in space and value. Of course if someone is on the fence there are a variety of specific reasons why a conservatory can be a worthwhile project despite the costs.

Of course the cost is in most cases the major issue which comes up when someone is considering getting a conservatory. Why wouldn’t it be as there is no denying that it can be pricey and is a big decision to make.

The first top reason to go forward with getting a conservatory is the amount of space it can offer and what you can do with that space. Basically a conservatory is another room to your house but with the added benefit of a great deal more natural lighting and a feel that goes beyond your home. It can be an escape, somewhere to relax at night or entertain in the summer. A great atmosphere for a barbecue or a children’s play area a conservatory provides another dimension to your house.

Another great reason is that it can dramatically increase the value of your home. Whether you’re planning to move or planning to stay, ensuring the value of your home increases is always going to be a good thing.

Thirdly, it’s not as difficult to do as you might think. You might be put off by worrying that it’s a lot to deal with getting estimates, planning permission, etc, etc. However you will almost certainly find that it’s easier than you expect. There is a very competitive market for businesses who provide this kind of service so they will often offer complete coverage of the difficult early stages such as securing planning permission and working out the fine details. As a result you will find that everything is handled and you can have as much or as little input as you like.

The location of the company that is completing the work is also important, if you live in a specific area then you may want to focus on conservatories Edinburgh. The same goes for other building work, the same person may look at windows Edinburgh for other home improvements.

While you will likely have a great deal of apprehension about going forward with this there are so many benefits that in almost all cases where it can be afforded a conservatory turns out to be a great success and few who do, ever regret getting one.

Author
Jack Mack

Plumbing fittings include a wide assortment of plumbing hardware including pipes, faucets and the joints that connect these fixtures. It is important to install quality plumbing fittings in order to have an uninterrupted water supply and properly functioning drainage system.

Many people give more attention to internal plumbing fixtures while they ignore the basic plumbing fittings and pipelines that run underneath and alongside their house. They do not entirely realize the importance of having a safe and strong plumbing system. If the plumbing fittings are not working properly, it can lead to leakages. And if such leakages remain undetected, it can lead to wet walls and cracks in the concrete due to water seepage. The situation can weaken the foundation of your walls. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain a well functioning plumbing system.

Plumbing works need regular checkup and maintenance. Technically speaking, plumbing fittings are nothing but the objects used for connecting two or more pipes. There are different types of fittings available in the market and you should choose only those that are recommended for your plumbing fixtures and pipeline patterns.

If you plumbing system are made of copper piping, brass-bodied fittings would be a more suitable choice. However, the material used for making these fittings is most often made of the same base material as used in case of the pipes. The common metals used for constructing plumbing fixtures and fittings are steel, copper, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), and polyvinyl chloride or PVC.

Finding cheap and affordable plumbing equipments is not a really challenging task. You can begin your quest in your local plumbing supplies store. Common plumbing hardware stores usually offer pipes and fittings at a comparatively reasonable price than your plumber services or local plumbers would provide.

If you need to purchase plumbing equipments for your home, you should know the right size of these fittings and fixtures. You should know the correct measurement or the exact size of the pipe that has to be repaired or jointed using a new fitting. Further, you should be able to identify superior quality fittings from the cheaper ones. if you end up using cheap or used materials for your plumbing system, it will only pay way for more expenses in the form of repair and further maintenance.

So, the bottom line is, in order to ensure that your house is sealed with a high performing plumbing system; you should take the help of an expert. Only a professional plumber would know what kind of plumbing fittings or devices would work well for your pipeline system. A lot of reputed plumbing companies are also offering their services at reasonable rates. By and large, main plumbing supplies that are quite imperative at the time of construction includes sinks, faucets, bath tubs, showers, water heaters and dish washers. All of these items are available in the market in different varieties. There are countless sizes and shapes to choose from.

Are you looking for plumbing fiitings in order to furnish your home? Well, to get more information simply click on the link http://www.wetanddamp.co.uk/plumbing-run-flexibility-with-plumbing-fittings/

One of the things that first drew you to your home was the fantasy of you and your family sitting down next to a crackling blaze inside those wonderful brick fireplaces. While you have spent many great evenings and weekends sitting comfortably around a roaring fire, the reality is that where there is a fire, there are smoky stains, black soot and piles of old ashes on your brick fireplaces.

Tips on Cleaning Brick Fireplaces with Wood Fireboxes:

In many cases, you can clean fireplaces with some simple household items. First, gather together your “toolbox”. Most of these items can be gotten affordably at most hardware or home maintenance stores.

You will need:

o A couple of plastic buckets and a good stiff scrub brush
o A vacuum cleaner with disposable bags
o A rubber gloves
o A set of goggles or safety glasses for protecting your eyes
o A disposable drop cloth
o A container of TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) or a commercial scrubbing powder
o A “green” substitute for TSP is white household vinegar
o A small bottle of chlorine bleach (optional – for mold and mildew removal)
o A heavy duty broom, shovel and metal bucket for handling wood ashes
o Paper towels, sponges and cloth cleaning rags
o A soot removal sponge

First, you need to remove any piles of ashes from inside the firebox or ash pit, if you fireplace has one. Be careful how you trash your ash…always store ashes inside a metal container until you can dispose of them properly. Remember ashes can keep embers hot and combustible for as long as four days!

You can use a wet-and-dry vacuum to clean up any leftover dust or small bits too small to sweep from the pit and firebox. Next you start the cleaning up process. If you have glass fire screens you can use a half-and-half mixture of the white vinegar and water to make a streak-free cleaner.

Now for the smoke – take a bucket of clean water and a sponge and wet down section of facing you will be working with. Work your way from top to bottom. This water saturation is to keep any cleaners and solvents from soaking into the pores of the mortar and brick.

Next mix up a mild solution of TSP or use your scouring powder and scrub brush to go over the face of each brick of the fireplace. You should do only one section at time and rinse as you go along. Be careful of the mortar joints or else you run the risk damaging the masonry or mantels for brick fireplaces and resurfacing fireplaces can be very expensive.

Once you have finished working the mantel, hearth and external walls, you can move into working on the firebox. Here you will find more soot and ash debris. Since it is a carbonized residue, it will literally turn into a quick staining ink if you wet it.

First, you must clean up the soot as much as possible using your broom, shovel and soot removal sponge. Don’t wet this sponge! Just use it on drag down the soot from the top of the firebox to the bottom.

Remove the debris with the broom, shovel or shop vacuum. Polish any metalwork and you are done cleaning your brick fireplaces.

My dad was a shipping magnet and because of that, me and my family had to travel with him constantly.I gained a lot of knowledge through that. With my dad’s influence I went into importing and exporting and this kept me on the road. I am settled now in one place and find it most fulfilling in writing articles. View some more articles by Marc Willis at http://www.fireplaceguide.net

Finding a style you like and one that will fit your home is one of the most difficult aspects of decorating. People will sometimes spend more time coming up with a décor theme than actually shopping for the items and decorating the room. If you’re having some difficulty coming up with a great style for you and your home, then here are some great suggestions that can help get you started.

Consider the Natural Style of Your Home
One of the easiest ways to pick a style for your home is if your home exudes a particular feel. If you live in an old country home, for instance, then you would go with a country or traditional style. A home with Spanish architecture would naturally suggest a Spanish-influenced theme—for instance, a Southwestern décor. These suggestions, of course, aren’t set in stone, but they are a great way to go if you’re unsure about which decorating style to pick.

Look Through Home Decorating Magazines and Books
If you head to your local library, you can leaf through home decorating magazines and books to find tons of ideas for your home. You want to choose a style that you’ve fallen in love with and one that fits with the architecture of your home. Keep in mind that you don’t need to settle on only one theme; rather, you can create a different style in each room of your home if you really want to. As you’re doing your research, take notes on the styles you come across and, if necessary, make some photocopies for future reference.

Do Research on the Internet on Different Decorating Styles
If you’re considering a few different decorating styles, research your interests via the Internet. You should be able to find lots of pictures of many different styles as well as articles and tips on decorating. This may help you narrow things down to one or two styles and then you can drop the rest of them.

Determine the Function of a Room Before Choosing a Decorating Style
You need to keep in mind that not every decorating style is going to match the purpose of a room. For example, if you envision your family room as a comfortable place to relax, watch television, and play games, then a modern décor style may not be the most appropriate choice. So think about what you really want from each room in the house before you start spending time and money on the project. After all, you don’t want to go through all the work of decorating only to realize that what you’ve done doesn’t fit the function of the room and you have to start over.

Consider Who Is Living in the House
Your options are going to be limited if you’re living with either pets or small children. Thus, before you decorate you need to assess who’s living in the home and who will actually be using the room. After all, if you and your spouse are the only ones you need to please, then the sky’s the limit.

In order to find a decorating style you love that fits your home and needs, you may have to spend some time planning, but it shouldn’t be stressful. Use these guidelines to determine the best style and you will enjoy spending time in your home day after day.

About the Author…
For over forty years Leon Tuberman has helped people with their furniture and interior design needs. He owns and operates his family owned furniture store. They offer a huge assortment of solid wood furniture for your living room, home office and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. Whether you’re looking for a wood bookcase for your home office or a oak coffee table for your family room then they carry everything you need.

Tags: decorating styles, decorators, interior decorators, living room, nterior Decorator

Berber carpet is one of the more popular types of carpeting today and can be found in beautiful homes throughout the country. Berber does not actually refer to the material the carpet is made from, but rather the carpet’s weave. In fact, Berber carpeting can be made from a number of materials, with wool, nylon, and olefin being the most common.

While Berber carpeting is typically more durable and stain-resistant than standard carpet, it still needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. The process for cleaning this type of carpeting is a little different than most carpet. Here are some tips to help keep your Berber carpet looking clean and attractive.

The simplest way to keep your carpet looking great is to simply prevent any dirt and dust from actually penetrating the carpet’s weave. The best way to ensure this does not happen is to vacuum on a regular basis. Vacuuming once or twice a week should be more than sufficient to get the job done. It would also help to have everyone remove their shoes before entering your home.

Using a steam cleaner is one of the best ways to clean Berber carpets. This method is highly effective in carpet cleaning and stain removal. However, since the carpet has such tight woven fabric, it makes any moisture from the steam cleaning more difficult to remove. What this essentially means is that you will need to allot more type for the carpet to dry after a steam cleaning than you would with most carpet.

Another important point to remember is to never scrub a stain on your Berber carpeting. Actually, you should never scrub a stain on any type of carpeting. The reason for this is that scrubbing actually causes the stain to penetrate deeper into the carpet and subsequently causing more damage than what you started with.

Simply use a clean, damp cloth to dilute and absorb the stain. The key to removing stains is to act quickly and immediately right after a spill takes place. If you follow the above cleaning steps, your Berber carpet will look great for many years to come.

Tracy is an avid interior designer with a new website where she reviews the most popular brown shag rug models available today. For the best deals, reviews, and design tips on brown area rugs, visit her website today.

While almost all Lenexa self storage facilities are reputed to be good, it always helps to do some basic research before deciding on any one company. This article talks about some of the parameters to judge these companies as well as some considerations to keep in mind. But the most important thing is to be sure of one’s own requirements when one is looking for storage. This means knowing what one want’s to store, for how long and for what reason.

Kind of Units: The first thing to consider is the kind of units on offer. This includes the flexibility in sizes available as the quality of construction. The size determines the total cost, so it is best not to rent anything bigger than one’s requirement. As for materials, tensile steel is supposed to be excellent in providing resistance against harsh weather conditions and pests. There is also the option of climate controlled units which ensure a particular temperature inside the storage area. This kind of storage is very relevant for expensive art pieces, antiques, furniture’s, electronics, and even clothes. Depending on where the facility is located, high heat and humidity can destroy most things over a period of time. Even if the object in question is not spoiled during the course of the storage, its shelf life is greatly reduced.

Security Arrangements: Every facility should have 24×7 security arrangements which should include state-of-the-art equipment and personnel. Many facilities, of course, offer advanced features like finger print access, facial recognition, etc. Ensure that only you as the owner of the goods have access to the Lenexa self storage unit that you have rented and nobody else. You can get an add on access card for your wife or friend, if required. A storing house that is located in a very remote location may offer cheaper rates but may be more unsafe as well. When considering security also consider security against weather elements, pests, extremes of temperatures, and not just burglars.

Accessibility: Another important thing to consider when choosing your Lenexa self storage is how conveniently you can access your belongings at the time of need. Some of the questions you may want to ask yourself include – Is the facility open 24×7 all 365 days of the year? What happens if I need something on the day of their holiday? How much time do I spend in going to the facility and back? What is the cost of the trip? Can I take my family along and what will they do there?

Then, finally, there are factors to consider like the reputation of the company, the total cost of hiring the storage, availability, and others. It is always a good idea to ask for add on facilities in case you are not getting the required discount. Lenexa self storage companies offer gifting services, maintenance, as well as home consultancy apart from the basic packing, storing and unpacking. In case you are planning on renting the storing unit for a long time, you may get a customer’s bonus as well.

Visit the given link to select from a range of Lenexa self storage facilities to store personal belongings and business inventory for a short-term or a long-term basis.

As of late there has been a surge in enquiries for more energy efficient double glazing across the United Kingdom. The reason for this is due to new homes being subject to an energy compliance and efficiency rating by councils before the house is to be sold. Energy efficient homes will also be easier to sell in the future with the introduction of new laws and taxes with regards to heating and the environment.

So what exactly are A rated windows or double glazing, well they are windows which whilst keeping cold out of a house they are the most efficient at keeping heat in with minimal loss through gaps and the window itself. This is achieved by filling the glass units with argon gas and keeping glass and frame depth at a minimum. New materials are also used for the actual UPVC frames that are fitted which are more thermally efficient than previous offerings, steel and metal reinforcing that used to be used for windows and doors has also been minimised due to heat loss.

The glass used in the new style of windows is low ‘e’ glass which has a special coating that helps the efficiency of the windows. The favoured glass in the UK at the moment is developed by a company called Pilkington which boasts the most energy efficient glass surpassing the ratings and tests of all companies so far. After installation of these new windows house holders can expect a reduction in heating bills of at leat 30% as well as extra noise reduction.

For more information click the following link A rated windows

Summer is a time when we want to just relax and chill out. There is an urgent desperation to stay cool and fresh. But its not just about dressing cool. The dressing of the surroundings makes a difference too. Check your living space – indoors and outdoors for cool, chic summer look.

Use more of the cooler colors like leaf green, sky blue, translucent mauve, baby pink, snow white and tulip yellow. Here is a detailed set of ideas for a super cool, fresh look for your mansion.

Clean it Up: Cleanliness is godliness. Keep your home neat and clean, This is a must look for the summers. Also include lot of empty spaces in your furniture arrangement. Heavy decor is for winters. It should all appears light, spacious and refreshing. Put away the extra tables, chairs and lighting fixtures for your summer patio decor.

Lighter paints: If you are about to get your room, home painted, choose the cool summer colors. They can be easily darkened during the winters. Stay away from off whites and creams. White has to be snow white, yellow has to be paler than tulip yellow, and green, paler than leaf green. The paint has to be the lighter ’cause usually, the furnishings accentuate the colors. Light pinks and mauves and greens are suggested.

In case you already have a bright paint in your room, no harm. Try and get some jute wall mats – light shades – and put them on the walls. It will lighten the heavy tone of the room. Similarly, you can get cloth wall hanging with lighter bright colors.

Furnishings: Keep your furnishing light and simple. Cottons, georgettes and laces. Get light-weight curtains in same or contrasting colors. For example blue walls can have sea blue, transparent curtains with brown sequin work, green lacy curtains with pink sequins and needle work.

Get nice lacy, cotton slip covers for sofa, table runners, bright colored linens for bed, and pillows and the throws.

Revamp Your Porch: If you have ignored your backyard for the last season. It is time to de-clutter and revamp. Clean it up, straighten things, get the grass growing, flowers blooming, squirrels running and birds chirping. Put your patio back to life. Put a swing chair, revive your old wooden table sand chairs, carpets. In short arrange for proper seating arrangements.

Add outdoor lanterns for a rustic look, and lighting. A bird feeder would make it livelier. Get a colorful bird feeder – put both food and water in it. Also make a shelter space for them to rest when it turns scorching hot.

Decorate with Flowers & Plants: White and yellow and pink and blue and lilac. Get the flowers in any color that you like. They add a fresh look to your place and bring a sense of cool in the summer season. Put them in almost any nook of the house – center tables, bathroom corners, bedside tables, window sills, sofa sides, anywhere.

The easy way is to put them in sleek and smart vases. But to arrange them creatively, you can check out various flower arrangement ideas and guide available on the net.

Coastal or beach home decor brings about a sense of calm and peace in the scorching summer heat. Add some colorful summer special serve wares to the kitchen too. Let summer also have a chilled out, cool welcome with ready-to-beat-the-heat decor at your home.

Are your hard floors looking dirty even after they are mopped? Is there no shine left in your floors? Maybe your floors were recently stripped and waxed, but now a few months later, you cannot even tell it. Below are some basic steps to care for your VCT floors that will provide a consistent shine.

VCT is short for vinyl composite tile. This is the type of floor that you see in most hospital hallways and many other commercial buildings. Some people just call it “tile” floors, but I find this ambiguous since ceramic tile is becoming more frequent in commercial buildings.

VCT has been around for many years. The most common size is twelve inches by twelve inches. You may also find eight by eight inch tiles in older buildings, but this will commonly be ACT (asbestos composite tile). ACT has been phased out, but if your building has it, the tips we give below will work on either type of floor.

The steps in care for your VCT floor are pretty straight forward. You may have heard terms such as strip and wax, buffing, polishing, and scrubbing. We will also explain each of these.

Stripping and waxing is a term that refers to removing the existing wax on your floor and applying new wax. Wax is also referred to as “finish” and these two terms are interchangeable. Stripping is a labor intensive process where low speed buffers (floor machines that run 175 rpm) are brought in and remove the wax. First, a mop is used to apply stripper, which should be allowed to sit for ten to fifteen minutes. Then, the low speed buffer is run over the floor with an abrasive pad for stripping. The result is a combination of old wax and stripper that is then vacuumed or mopped up. This process is repeated until all of the wax is removed.

In areas where there is much of wax, it will be necessary to repeat the stripping process. However, in areas where there is high foot traffic, the wax remaining is usually not heavy and easy to remove. Also, small pads or razors are used against walls or in corners to remove the wax that the buffer cannot reach.

During the strip, a second solution of floor rinse and water is used to clean the floor and prevent the old wax from drying back into the floor. If the old wax dries, then the stripping process must be redone to remove the wax again. Once the floor is stripped, the floors should be rinsed once more to remove any loose remaining wax or particulates, and ensure a clean floor to wax.

The floor must then be allowed to dry completely before any wax can be applied. Wax is applied in coats. The first coat is applied by a mop and allowed to dry. Then each additional coat is applied. Depending on the specifications and desired shine, the number of coats of wax is determined.

If a high, lustrous shine is desired, it will typically require six to eight coats. Four coats of wax will deliver a medium shine.

After the above steps are completed, your floor is now stripped and waxed. After the last coat of wax is dry, the floor is safe to walk on. It is advisable to allow the floor two to three days to completely “cure” before performing any high speed buffing.

Buffing or polishing refers to using a high speed buffer on the VCT floor to bring back a shine and make the wax harder. High speed buffing is done one of three ways: propane, battery operated, and electric. High speed buffers run between 1500 rpms and 2000 rpms depending on the manufacturer. We prefer the propane buffers out of the three we mentioned.

Scrub and recoat is a term that refers to using a light rinse on the waxed VCT floor with a low speed machine. The floor is not stripped, but just the first coat or two of wax is removed. Then, wax is applied to renew the shine of the VCT floor. A scrub and recoat is a good interim method to be used between stripping and waxing.

How often should a floor be stripped and waxed? There is no right answer to this question, because each floor is different. A good rule of thumb is to strip and wax at least once a year. Some floors may need to be stripped and waxed twice a year or more. High speed buffing should be done at least once a month. If a VCT floor has high foot traffic, it can be buffed once a week to maintain a good appearance. Scrub and recoats can be done at the half way mark between strip and waxes.

Even a brand new VCT floor should be stripped and waxed. New VCT comes from the manufacturer with a factory sealer, but usually cannot stand up to high traffic.

The most important step of any VCT floor is sweeping and mopping. VCT floors should be swept and mopped daily to prevent dirt from scratching and marring the appearance of the floor. Mopping should be done with cold water and a neutral cleaner. If hot water is used on a waxed VCT floor, it can cause the wax to come up with the mop and also gives the wax a cloudy appearance. Also, do not use harsh cleaners to mop a VCT floor. Bleach or ammonia based products will strip wax off of the VCT floor. If you cannot find or run out of neutral cleaner, just use plain cold water. Then, find a suitable neutral cleaner when you resume the maintenance the next day.

To recap the above steps:
1. Sweep and mop your VCT floors daily.
2. High speed buff your VCT floors at least once a month.
3. Strip and wax your VCT floors at least once a year.
4. Scrub and recoats may be done interim of stripping and waxing. (every 6 months)

By following the above steps, or making sure your janitorial provider does, will provide a VCT floor with a desirable shine and appearance. It will also increase the life of your VCT floors. If properly cared for, VCT floors can last for forty years or more.

If you would like a floor consultation, or get a no obligation floor bid, please contact us at 903-291-8169. Or, look us up on the web at http://www.allianceofeasttexas.com/. We would be happy to help you in the care and maintenance of your floors.

Steve W. Davis has been an owner of janitorial companies for 8 years. The Alliance Maintenance office he now directs services North East Texas and North West Louisiana.

We can be reached at the following site:
http://www.allianceofeasttexas.com