Slight cuts or scratches in your vinyl flooring can be easily patched with liquid seam sealers. Otherwise, the damaged area may need to be patched with replacement tile.

Measure the length and width of the damaged area [square]. Place the patch over this area matching the pattern. Now, lay duct tape around the edges of this patch square, on top of the damaged area. When the patch is securely in place, use a utility knife to cut around the edges of the repair patch and through the old damaged tile. A carpenter’s square serves as a cutting guide.

When you have made the cuts, remove the duct tape, lift off the patch you will use for to replace the damaged area. Use a heat gun to soften the adhesive under the tile and a putty knife to lift the damaged tile. Use a chisel, putty knife,  Goo Gone and a sharp floor scraper to remove the remaining adhesive from the floor underneath.

Apply adhesive to the back of the replacement patch. A notched trowel [1/8" V-shaped notches] should be used to spread the adhesive. Hold the trowel at a 45 degree angle as you spread the adhesive. Lay one edge to the floor and lower the patch into place. Starting at the center and working out toward the edges, use a j-roller and pressure to avoid air bubbles and get a solid bond. Apply a thin bead of seam sealer to the outer edges of the patch. Avoid foot traffic across this area for 24 hours.

Nothing starts off a chilly winter morning like a hot pot of coffee. But, what do you have to go through to reach it? If your trek takes you barefoot across ceramic tiles in your kitchen, you will appreciate the ingenuity of under-floor heating. This idea dates back to the era of the Roman Empire (the same civilization that invented indoor plumbing). These days, you have two options for keeping your toes toasty - electric and hydronic.

Electric

This type of radiant heating system generally features cables fixed in a looping pattern on a mesh backing. Some manufacturers recommend placing a cork layer or other insulator between your concrete foundation and the heating system for greater energy efficiency. The cable matting is laid down over this substrate and affixed firmly to it. Thinset mortar is poured and leveled as usual (taking care not to damage the underlying electrical system). Finally, the tile is laid down, grouted, and sealed.

An electrical floor heating system can also be used under stone, marble, or wood flooring. Some manufacturers make a product that is simple enough for a DIY job. However, you will want a licensed electrician to handle connecting the heating system to your house’s wiring.

Hydronic

A hydronic system runs heated water through metal pipes to achieve a radiant heating effect. This application is not limited to kitchens and bathrooms but can be used throughout the house as a substitute for traditional central heating. Some products feature piping laid down in grooves cut in aluminum coated wood panels. This increases the efficiency of heating compared to pipes set in gypsum concrete. Carpet as well as hard flooring surfaces can be installed over these floor boards.

Our world’s forests are vanishing at a rate of 1 million acres per week. This practice has caused an alarming rate of deforestation, and many of the world’s economies have taken notice and changed their manufacturing and business practices. A sixty foot tree that is cut for hardwood floor manufacturing and the hardwood floor market, takes approximately 60 years to replace. Meanwhile, a sixty foot piece of bamboo that is cut for the worlds market, only takes approximately 60 days to replace. Bamboo is a great green alternative. Bamboo is recognized as the fastest growing plant in the world, with a tensile strength comparable to steel. Manufacturers in Asia produce high quality bamboo flooring products. All products are made with a Moso species bamboo. This is highly regarded as the sturdiest of all the bamboo species. The bamboo used in this Ambient  flooring production method has reached its full maturity of 5 years before it becomes a commercial product.  Bamboo is being used as an alternative to wood flooring. Not only is Bamboo a great renewable resource, they are also one of the most beautiful materials available in the wood flooring industry. The tensile strength in the Bamboo also makes the natural wear and tear in the flooring material very desirable for its longevity.