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Are Travertine Pavers Slippery
You are probably wondering just what exactly are travertine pavers? In short, they are made out of natural stone and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be easily matched to one another, to create a beautiful and unique look. They are designed to be used in both pool and patio areas.
Due to their unique look, this makes them stand out and different than those that chose to use cement pavers or brick pavers. They are also much more affordable than most other pavers.
One of the main things to worry about, especially with children, is someone slipping by the pool due to the stone around the pool being wet. One of the great things about travertine pavers is that it is much less slippery than all others.
How are they less slippery than other pavers? Due to travertine being porous and without a sealant, it absorbs the water, which is what usually makes pavers slippery. When water sets on top of the paver, this causes it to be slippery.
This is one of the major benefits why homeowners chose travertine pavers over most others, especially those with children. Which means that they have better safety than most others.
There are several other benefits that we are going to discuss as well about the advantages of choosing travertine pavers, though we will get to some of the disadvantages as well.
One thing that is great is that if they are installed correctly, they will not crack, which means that they are strong and have great durability. They are great in multiple types of climates, even those further north where it freezes, which travertine pavers can withstand.
If you chose travertine pavers and wish to add onto your deck or the surrounding area around your pool, you can easily add to it. Also, it is easy to take away or repair anything that needs to be fixed.
Travertine pavers are long lasting when it comes to their color, which means that they are resistant to discoloration.
They also do no tend to contain debris, so they stay rather clean and do not have buildup. This makes them very easy to clean and usually does not take longer than a few minutes to complete.
If you live in a hotter climate, like we do down here in Houston, Texas, you will find that travertine pavers tend to stay much cooler than the other pavers. Which is nice because who likes to get out of the nice, cool pool and walk around on smoking hot surface? Especially if it can burn the bottoms of your feet.
There are, thankfully, not too many disadvantages to choosing travertine pavers, even less if they are installed correctly. One big one is that though there is a variety in color and patterns, they are still a bit more limited in choices than other pavers.
If you have your travertine pavers installed correctly, you will not need to worry about these disadvantages, but if they were not installed correctly, you may have to worry about them settling and moving over time.
You may also need to worry about weeds and such growing between the pavers if a polymeric sand was not used between the pavers. The polymeric sand causes them to bind together and harden, which makes it difficult for anything to grow up between the pavers.
Even with these disadvantages, travertine pavers may be the best choice for you. Make sure to do all research on all pavers you are considering before making a definite choice.
When in doubt contact a professional, contact us today to schedule your appointment to polish your granite flooring or if you have any questions.
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What Are Travertine Tiles’ Pros and Cons
When it comes to choosing flooring tiles, travertine is a very popular choice. Due to its close resemblance to marble makes it very popular among homeowners. It is one of those that look very luxurious and beautiful, also coming in a variety of colors. There are many pros, as well as cons to consider before deciding on travertine for your new flooring.
One of the big pros is that travertine offers a variety of different styles and colors. Depending on how much iron is present in the stone will depend if the colorings runs from reds, ivory, beige, to a reddish brown or even a gold. There are different finishes that can be chosen as well such as, matte, polished, brushed, or tumbled.
If you are looking for something bold and unique, this is another big pro for travertine. Due to it being a natural stone, you will fine small, vein like forms throughout the stone that form unique and bold patterns. Very few stone have this uniqueness naturally. This gives your flooring a unique look that is both bold and elegant.
Do you have a travertine tile or two that need to be replaced? Thankfully, fixing travertine is very easy and simple. Finding new tiles to match your current tiles is much more simple than most other natural stones. You will also find that cutting out the ruined tiles and replacing them is very simple to do. It is also very reasonable in pricing to fix and install travertine tiles.
The last, big pro with travertine is it is very eco-friendly compared to most other choices in tile flooring. Due to it being a natural stone, it is made out of natural materials that make it environmentally friendly.
Now after speaking about the advantages about choosing travertine as your flooring tiles, its best to gain knowledge about the disadvantages as well. It is always best to make a choice on floor tiles after gaining as much information on both advantages and disadvantages.
One of the biggest disadvantages of choosing travertine flooring is due to it being extremely porous. Natural wear and tear can happen to the surface of travertine due to it having multiple holes in it, which means it is very porous.
The other big disadvantages of having travertine floors is that it can etch. You must be careful when it comes to foods and liquids spilling on it. If they are acidic in nature, then this can cause etching.
One of the ways to protect your travertine floors against these disadvantages is by making sure that when they are installed, that a sealant is added. From there, make sure throughout the years that you make sure that a sealant is reapplied to give continual protection.
When in doubt contact a professional, contact us today to schedule your appointment to polish your granite flooring or if you have any questions.
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Why Does Travertine Need To Be Sealed
When it comes to travertine, there’s been an on going debate about whether or not they should add the sealant. Let’s better understand what a sealer actually does when applied.
Sealant is a form of protection the travertine by creating a clear layer on the surface. What it does is if a liquid or solid food is spilled on the floor, it slows down the absorption tremendously, which gives you more time to clean it up.
The best way to decide if your travertine needs sealant is by knowing that sealing is really only needed in areas that are in a high risk of staining. Remember that travertine is a natural and very porous stone, which means that it will absorb liquids.
Certain liquids and solid foods can ruin the natural beauty of travertine tiles. If they end up being acidic, it can cause etching on the surface of the tiles or even cause stains that can become permanent.
Sealant can act as a barrier that can protect travertine tiles from both potential stains as well as every day wear and tear. Though sealant can preserve its natural beauty, there is a sealant, which is an enhancing sealant that leaves the floors with a wet look. The natural sealants will preserve the travertine’s natural beauty.
There are a few things to consider when deciding if you need to seal your travertine floors or not. Have your travertine floor tiles been polished or honed? Does a sealing test show that it could be sealed? Are you planning on installing the travertine in your bathroom, living room, or kitchen? And how many square feet are you thinking about needing to seal?
If you have your travertine floors polished or find that they are polished, then you will most likely not need to have it sealed. When travertine tiles are polished, they are nearly stain proof. During the polishing process, the pores in the travertine are closed, making it stain-resistant. Even if you attempt to apply a sealer, it more than likely will not be absorbed into the surface.
If you have had the travertine honed, it should be sealed, especially if you plan to have it in the kitchen or bathroom. This is due to the fact that it’s in the area that liquid and solid foods can spill on the surface and cause issues with the surface of the stone.
It is always best to gain as much knowledge as possible, especially when making an investment in flooring, so that you properly take care of it and it does not cost you more in maintenance down the road.
Though you can apply a sealant yourself, it is a very precise and detailed job. If you do not have experience or knowledge about how and what sealants are, it is always best to contact a professional, like Floor ReNew Houston.
When in doubt contact a professional, contact us today to schedule your appointment to polish your granite flooring or if you have any questions.
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Friday, June 17, 2016
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Saturday, June 11, 2016
Find out more about comparing epoxy floor coatings: https://t.co/J7rLHePFuI
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Comparing Epoxy Coatings for Garage Floors Houston
You will find that as you start comparing different epoxy coatings that like paint, they are not all equal. You will see that there are different types of epoxy too such as solvent based and water based epoxy. Prices will vary as well with each kit, and bear in mind that if you are looking for quality, going for lower pricing is not best. So with all these options, how are you to know what one is best for you and your needs?
It is most important to become knowledgeable of the basic properties of the epoxy floor coating before you go about applying one to your garage floor or even hiring a professional to do it for you. Gaining the knowledge needed will help you greatly with making a decision of which is best to suit your needs. So let’s get down to the nitty gritty about the differences between all of these.
The use of Carrier Agents in epoxy:
You will find that water and solvents are what is typically used as carrier agents for some of the epoxy resins and they would assist in the adhesion, self-leveling properties, and ease of the application. They also give you a longer “pot life” which means that once you mix the two components together, the epoxy starts the curing process. This only gives you so long to get the epoxy applied to your garage floor, but these carriers help prolong that “pot life” so that you have a little longer to get it applied.
These have been found to be much more DIYer friendly because of the ease of application. You will find that the average “pot life” is about 2 hours, which means you have that long to apply it to the garage floor. It will roll on smoothly just like paint during these 2 hours.
Water based vs. Solvent based epoxy:
Solvent used to be the more popular of the carrier agents to be used in epoxy coating. It could be applied during cooler temperatures and within higher humidity. It also does a better job with tolerating petroleum contaminates within the concrete surface. It once use to have a glossier surface than the water based epoxy and is some of the cases is much more durable.
There was a big problem with solvent-based epoxy though. The high VOC’s content, which is volatile organic compounds. It cannot be used indoors without proper ventilation due to all of the fumes. If you are applying one in a garage, it is best to have the proper respirators worn during the entire process. Also, kept away from all open flames such as a furnace or water heater.
Many states throughout the United States does not allow solvent based epoxy due to the high VOC’s unless it is one that has lower VOC’s. Which if the VOC’s are lessened, then this makes the solvent based epoxy less in quality than one with higher VOC’s.
Water-based epoxy have really grown and flourished from ones in the past. Especially since the US has started prohibiting products with high VOC’s. It has become the more prominent epoxy than the solvent based. Some of the water based epoxy products have been found to be just as durable as most of the solvent based and give off just as much shine. What is also nice about the water-based products is that they do not produce any fumes or odor, which makes them very environmentally safe.
Another known fact is that some water based epoxies can be applied to a concrete floor that is still damp and make a good sealant that helps stop the hydrostatic pressure from the moisture vapor transmission. Which is why you will find most epoxy primers are water based.
100% solids epoxy:
With 100% solids epoxies do not have any water or solvents in it that will need to evaporate. Due to this, once it has cured and completely dried it will be much thicker. Like water-based products, there is no worry about VOC’s, which also makes them environmentally friends, and the coating cures mainly by chemical catalization.
100% solids epoxies are much more resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and stains which is one big and main reason why this type is used often for commercial use. They are also very long lasting, some as long as 20 years or even more. It makes them the most durable of the garage floor epoxies.
Due to their thicker consistency, they have a shorter “pot life” which is anywhere from 30-40 minutes instead of 2 hours that the water and solvent based epoxies have. Which makes these much more difficult to work with. Though these can be done as a DIY, it is always best that who is applying this type of epoxy is one that is very confident in their skills.
That explains the differences between the different types of epoxies. The last little tip before closing is to make sure that you take a look at the technical data sheets, or TDS for the product. They are easily found online or ask an associate at the store.
If you are ever in doubt, you can always reach out to a professional like Floor ReNew Houston for more information or to even possibly schedule an appointment today.
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What is Epoxy Floor Coating Houston
Epoxy is known for its durability, low maintenance, and strength, and because of this, it is commonly used in garages. With it being very resistant towards many things such as dust, moisture, and more, applying it to a garage floor is perfect.
Epoxy is made out of polymer materials that generally begin out as liquids and then are chemically changed into a solid. These epoxy based polymer are mechanically strong, making them resistant to degradation from chemical elements that are in solid form and highly adhesive during the conversion from liquid to solid. Epoxy coating system can be formulated from a wide range of basic epoxy chemicals.
Physical epoxy coating systems contain two main components, which are resins and hardeners. The resin component you will find is usually close to clear and almost odor free. Hardeners are usually darker in color and carry a slight odor. Once these two are mixed together, they will chemically bond together and once they are chemically bonded they form a strong and rigid plastic material.
Epoxy coating needs time to cure, which is nothing like paint drying. During this time the chemical reaction between both components is taking effect with making the epoxy a very hard and durable surface. This makes it resistant to staining, abrasion, and even chemicals.
After the curing has completed, which generally takes about 24 hours, it will thicken covering all the small imperfections and small flaws throughout the concrete itself.
There does happen to be confusion among homeowners when they are in search of an epoxy finish for their garage flooring. There is epoxy paint and epoxy coating. Usually when someone sees this they wonder if there is a difference and which one is the best recommended.
The best way to figure this out is to learn and become knowledgeable in the differences between epoxy paint, epoxy coating, and paint. Once you do, this will help clear any confusion you may have and help you with deciding.
Mainly, epoxy paints are typically a paint that has a small percentage of epoxy mixed into the paint. It will help with durability, but it is not the same as epoxy coating. Epoxy manufactures have chosen to use both terms for their products. The way you can tell the difference is that epoxy paints that only have a small portion of epoxy are usually already mixed, whereas epoxy coating has the two components that need to be mixed together.
Though you can easily purchase a kit at your local handyman store like Home Depot or Lowe’s, always do as much research as possible before making a decision on which you will like to use, baring in mind that it meets your needs and desires. Never hesitate to reach out to a professional like Floor ReNew Houston with any questions or concerns you may have.
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Why Epoxy Your Garage Floors Houston
Thinking about having epoxy coating applied to your garage floors? There are so many advantages to having that done, and it is very low maintenance to keep up with. It is especially nice to have in our garages down here in Houston, Texas where it seems that all dirt and debris from our yards tend to end up in the garage.
You will find if you research epoxy garage floors that they are tough and very durable. It adds the protection that your garage floors needs as well as giving that beauty that most cannot find in a garage. Making it look not only beauty, but very professional as well.
There are many different ways that you can make the epoxy floor unique to you. There are a variety of solid colors and hues as well as custom colors and blending in the color flakes that match you and your style.
The first thing that most people mistaken about epoxy coating are thinking that it is paint. It is not paint what so ever, though it is not uncommon that the paint used to paint garage floors do contain a small amount of epoxy in them. Mixing some epoxy in their latex, acrylic product helps make it a bit more durable than the regular old paint. These are named epoxy paints or 1-part epoxy paint.
Epoxy is a thermosetting resin that is applied as a coating to your garage floor. The kit comes with two parts that you must mix together to achieve epoxy. The two parts are epoxide resin and polyamine hardener, the hardener is to become a catalyst, which gives the epoxy strength.
Once you have applied the epoxy, it needs to cure. While it is curing, it produces the polymer structures that are closely cross-linked together, which gives the epoxy its superior strength and durability. Once it finishes curing, it has become much thicker than paint and bonds tenaciously to your garage flooring.
Epoxy itself is very resistant towards chipping, chemicals, impacts, stains, and surface abrasions. Just because you drop a hammer or one of the kid’s bikes fall over, you do not need to panic thinking this will cause damage to your epoxy garage floors.
Epoxy is also nice with covering up any minor imperfections throughout the garage floors. Such as small spider cracks or other flaws that can be seen.
The epoxy itself a topical sealer, which means that it, is resistant to dust as well. You will find that most dust you find in a garage is mainly from the concrete flooring shedding it. Normal traffic on the flooring can stir up this dusty powder which can track anywhere from your cars to your tools to even being tracked into the house. Having epoxy applied definitely takes care of this issue.
Another advantage with it acting as a topical sealer is that it is resistant towards moisture as well. Though we have humid summers and do not have to deal so much with snow, having it resistant towards moisture can be very helpful.
Clean up is very simple and easy to do. Any minor spills or leaks from your vehicles can be easily wiped up with a paper towel or clean cloth. Dirt and debris do not stick, as easily to epoxy like it does to regular concrete, so sweeping is much easier to do. With mopping, on average people do not need to mop more than a couple times a year. If you mop too often, you can end up with soap buildup, which can end up being very slippery if it ever gets wet.
Though there area lot of advantages to having an epoxy garage floor, there are a few things that you need to be aware of before installing. Thankfully, there is not many.
One is if you are a welder. Welding can be very hard on an epoxy floor; it can leave burn marks when hot items fall on it. Though if you use a welding mat, this will take care of this issue.
Another issue is if your garage floor has moisture issues. It is not best recommended to apply an epoxy to a garage floor with this issues as it will cause it to delaminate if the moisture vapor transmission gets too high.
Of course, if you ever have any questions or concerns with epoxy garage flooring, feel free to contact your local professional like, Floor ReNew Houston, and they can gladly answer them as well as help in any way possible. They can even apply it for you and can get your appointment set up today.
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Friday, June 10, 2016
How to Clean Epoxy Floor in the Garage Houston
One of the great reasons for having epoxy flooring in your garage here in Houston, Texas is just how low maintenance they are. It is hard to find time to clean everything, especially if it is something that is suppose to be done nearly on a daily basis. So having an epoxy garage flooring is one less thing on your to do list.
Now even though epoxy floors are low maintenance does not mean that they can be completely forgotten about. There is some cleaning that will need to be done throughout the year in order to help keep your epoxy flooring cleaned.
Of course there will be the typical routine maintenance cleaning which you can simply use a soft bristle broom and pan or one of those commercial dust mops.
If there are any minor spills or drippings from your vehicle, you can just wipe them right up with paper towels or soft cloths. If it needs a bit more cleaning, you can hose it down and then dry it by using a squeegee.
If your epoxy floor is very dirty sweep away all the loose dirt and debris and then mop it down using a hard foam mop. With the mop you will need to use hot water and clear ammonia.
For rust stains or other types of stains, you may possibly need to light scrub with a kitchen scrubber pad. Try using just hot water with the kitchen scrubber, but if it still will not come up, try using Soft Scrub with it. Avoid using any cleansers that have abrasive chemicals in them that can cause damage to your epoxy floors.
If you plan to use any types of rolling jacks on your epoxy flooring, make sure that the entire area is clean of all dirt and debris. Or if you need to use a jack stand, make sure to place a thin piece of plywood underneath it. When welding, make sure to have a welding mat underneath your work area.
A kickstand on a motorcycle can cause some damage due to the weight from the cycle. To avoid it causing any damage or deep scratches, you can place a mouse pad for a computer underneath it.
Make sure to avoid all cleansers that contain acids or are soap-based. Cleansers with acid in them can cause damage to the coating. Cleansers that are soap-based will leave a soapy residue on the surface of the flooring, which will take away from the shine as well as become slippery when it becomes wet.
Having a doormat inside the entry door will help remove any debris or water from the bottom of your shoes that could potential cause damages to your epoxy floors.
The last little tidbit we can offer is not to over mop your floors. You really probably do not need to mop more than a couple times a year unless the floor becomes heavily soiled. If you mop too often, it will build up a soapy residue, which is not very good, and can becoming very slippery.
When in doubt, contact a professional contact us today to schedule your appointment or if you have any questions.
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How to Repair Concrete Floors Houston
To some of us living in Houston, Texas, finding a whopper of a crack in our garage may seem like the end of the world. Thoughts of how much will this cost or does this mean we have to repave our garage fly through our minds and then we are on edge of panicking. Or there are those that think that they will simply get a mixture at Home Depot down the road and pour it in the crack and it’s fixed.
Thankfully, with following these steps and tips below you will not have to panic. And though it’s more than just one step than just pouring concrete mixture in, it will give you a long lasting repair. There is a correct way that is simple to follow and guarantees a long lasting repair.
First thing that needs to be checked is how deep the crack is. If it is deeper than 1 inch, it is said to use a concrete mix that has coarse, crushed-stone aggregate. This will bond very well with the concrete below it and next to it.
If it is less than an inch deep, then you will only need a sand mix. Great news that no matter which one you need, the steps are the same.
What you will need to do next is with a hammer and a cold chisel level the bottom of the hole and undercut its sides slightly so that the patch cannot pop loose. The shape will be similar to a trapezoid.
Then vacuum out the crack of all dirt and debris, use some water and a wire brush to get any loose particles and then wipe clean.
You will then need to brush on the bonding liquid which you can find bottles of at any of your home stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s.
You will then want to mix the concrete with water and then place some into the hole. Using a trowel you will just need to press it into the corners and against the edges. After this, finish filling in the rest of the hole until there are some a little higher than the height of the floor.
Now you will level the patch with a board that is straight-edged out about a foot longer than the width of the entire hole. You will just move it back and forth in a sawing motion. What this does is push down the aggregate and makes the final smoothing easier.
Once the surface does not have its wet sheen anymore and feels firm to touch, smooth it next with magnesium or a wooden trowel. This will not affect the curing at all. Start working the trowel in a fanning motion; this will blend the edges with the older concrete floor.
You will need to do this several times as the mixture continues to cure. To make it very smooth, use a steel trowel with the past few passes, but if you would like some texture, use a damp push broom and pass over it once or twice.
Allow it to dry for about 24 hours before attempting to walk on or place things on the patch. With driving over it, it will need at least a week or longer to dry fully.
When in doubt, contact a professional contact us today to schedule your appointment or if you have any questions.
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Why Concrete Floors Crack Houston
When concrete is installed properly, it is one of the most durable and long lasting used in around your home. When a concrete contractor follows the guidelines to the T, this is what makes the concrete ever lasting, durable, and crack resistant.
Now, you may still be wondering what exactly can cause concrete to crack. We will go over this with you throughout this post.
Excess water in the mix:
When mixing concrete, it does not require very much water to reach the maximum strength. This is what happens to the majority of concrete in residential work, too much water is added to the concrete. Workers have found that adding excessive water makes it easier to install, even though it vastly reduces the strength of the concrete.
What happens is shrinkage; this is the leading cause of cracking. When the concrete starts to harden, it shrinks as it dries. This happens because of the excessive water being evaporated. You will find that the more wet or soup like the concrete mix is, the greater the shrinkage. This can be as much as shrinking ½ an inch per 100 feet. This will cause the forces within the concrete to basically pull the slab apart, which results in cracking.
What can be done: Be knowledgeable on knowing just how much water is needed. Make sure that the contractor that you hire is reputable and would make sure that the concrete is mixed correctly.
Lack of control joints:
Joints are located generally located about 2-3 (feet) more times the thickness of the concrete (inches). So example would be, if the concrete were 6 inches thick, then the joints will be placed about 12-18 feet apart. These are meant to crack the concrete where you want it.
The concrete dries too fast:
Your concrete drying so fast can help increase the potential for cracks. How the drying process works is the chemical reaction, the reaction causes the concrete to go from the liquid or plastic state to a solid state, which requires water. This will occur for days and weeks after the concrete is poured.
Improper strength concrete poured on the job:
This means when you do not choose a concrete with the needed strength and it cracks. Be aware that concrete comes in many different forms of strengths.
You will find that during the curing, or drying process of concrete, that hairline cracks can happen. This is due to it shrinking slightly upon drying and the water evaporating out of the mixture. This is common to happen.
With larger cracks that are created due to stress happen when a house settles or the ground that the slab is sitting on shifts. These types of cracks do not tend to threaten the structure itself but they can allow groundwater, radon gas, and insects an entry point.
Having cracks like these makes it highly recommended to see about getting your concrete fixed with the grind and seal process that most professionals offer. Call a highly recommended professional, like Floor ReNew Houston, today for more details!
When in doubt, contact a professional contact us today to schedule your appointment or if you have any questions.
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When To Stain Concrete Floors Houston
With stained concrete floorings becoming more and more popular, most everyone considering having them wonder just exactly how the entire process works. When does the design work get laid out? When do you add the stains to the concrete flooring? And so on. Well, here is a break down for you.
Here is an idea of what the ideal schedule would look like when it comes to staining your concrete flooring. Bear in mind, that this is mainly based off the assumption of a new construction home.
The best time to score, which is to cut the lines or pattern into the concrete to the design of your desire, is done right after the concrete has been poured. Before any framing has been done.
After the concrete has cure, or dried and the building process is reached the place where the roof has been placed on and windows installed, but its before the sheetrock has been hung. That is the best time to stain and then seal your concrete flooring.
Make sure that the workers are not eating on the concrete floors, as anything with grease that is dropped on the floor will more than likely leave a stain. And also make sure that they are sweeping and not leaving materials behind on a daily basis.
Make sure that after your concrete flooring has been stained, that you have then covered them with either cardboard or a material called thermoply that helps to protect them against items such a paint, spills, glue, marks, and more items that can damage or leave permanent stains.
Also make sure to also avoid getting the tape that you use to hold down the cardboard and thermoply down directly onto the concrete itself. Tape, when you take it off the concrete, will actually leave permanent stripes on the concrete.
Now if you plan to do this to a concrete floor that is already in your home and wish to liven it up some, the process is different. The first thing that is different is the type of stain that you would use. You would need to choose one that is either water or dye based stain
Due to the concrete already before 90+ days old, it is lacking lime content with is what causes the chemical reaction with acid stains and without the lime content, will not get the desired stain you are looking for.
There is a process of making sure to remove all paint, coats, adhesives, and more from the flooring as well as making sure that you clean the floor thoroughly. Both sweeping, dust mopping, and then mopping it completely.
Then make sure that you have taped all baseboards with painters tape in the area that you plan to stain, that way it keeps from staining those. Make that there are no cracks in the floor that need to be patched up before the staining begins.
From there you just need to pour your water- or dye- based stain into a handheld airless sprayer. Go around the room spraying in a circular motion making sure that no puddles are created. If a puddle does form, just dab at it with a clean cloth.
It may take a few coats to reach the desired look that you are looking for, but after that you just need to allow it to dry for 24 hours. After that, you just need to apply your sealant using a paint roller to your freshly stained concrete flooring.
It’s recommended with these types of stains to wax the surface after your sealant has fully dried. Usually it takes about 24 hours for a sealant to dry. The waxing will help enhance and prolong the stain color or colors. There are two different types of finishes, matte and glossy.
To apply the wax, simply pour it into a spray bottle and using a mop that has a microfiber pad, evenly spray the wax out one section at a time. Then mop in a circular motion. The wax should only take about 8 hours to dry. After that you are finished.
When in doubt, contact a professional contact us today to schedule your appointment or if you have any questions.
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How to Stain Concrete Floors Houston
Staining your concrete floors will give it that beautiful finish that you are looking for, one that will not fade, crack, peel, or dull. It’s a great way to add color to your room instead of settling with that dull grey. Even using the same color of stain on two different floors, each floor will be unique in its own way because each concrete absorbs the stain differently.
The process of staining concrete floor takes just a few steps to complete. The first step is about removing all furniture and other items from the room that you plan to stain the concrete. You will want everything out of your way and to prevent from getting any stain on them.
You will want to use a concrete grinder with a coarse pad to remove any stubborn stains mopping was not able to remove as well as smooth out the surface. This will make sure there are no rough spots and also take care of any finishes that may have been applied to the surface beforehand.
From there you will want to take a broom and/or vacuum and remove any dirt or debris that is on the floors. After this, using a dust mop to remove any fine particles and dust that the broom and/or vacuum may have missed.
After you have done that, filling a bucket with warm water and a mild detergent such as Dawn, the dish soap, and a mop, start mopping the entire area that you plan to stain. Let it either air dry or wipe it down with a soft, clean cloth.
Take some painters tape and tape off the area you are staining, meaning to tape along the baseboards so you do not end up staining them as well.
For this next step you will a basic pump style garden sprayer. There you will mix the stain that you place on using inside of it. Now you will pump and spray the stain onto the concrete, make sure that you are using even strokes and that the surface is completely coated, but without any puddles.
Allow it to set and then go around and see if there are any areas that are lighters than you liked. You will then need to apply a second and third coat to more than likely accomplish the look you are envisioning.
Finally you will need to finish the last and final step, sealing the concrete. Once you have allowed the stain to set and dry to how you like, you will need to apply a concrete sealant. You can use a paint roller with a synthetic fiber, not a cotton fiber, to apply the sealant evenly without streaking.
You will need to allow the sealant to dry and check to see if you need to apply another coat or not. If not, then once it is completely dry, you can place the furniture back into the area.
When in doubt contact a professional, contact us today to schedule your appointment or if you have any questions.
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Thursday, June 9, 2016
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When to Seal Concrete Floors Houston
When it comes to installing decorative concrete flooring, it is not cheap. It is an investment in your home and one that you should make sure that you take very good care of. So keeping up with the general maintenance is a great way, but also making sure that a sealant is applied is another.
Sealing your decorative concrete flooring adds to protecting your floors as helps prolong the lifespan of them. It will also help and enhance and preserve their appearance. Below we are going to answer some very common questions about sealants.
Which sealers will protect my concrete floors from scuffs or stains?
It comes highly recommended to use a sealer that is high-build, which has good resistance towards scuffs and staining. These would be like epoxy or polyurethane, which generally provide the best protection and are easier to maintain. These are especially great to use in high-traffic areas.
How long will the sealers typically last on my concrete flooring?
There are many variables to consider before being able to give a definite answer. Typically epoxies and urethanes are known to last years before you would need to think about reapplying. Though this entirely depends on how well the floor is maintained as well as the types of conditions it is exposed to.
It is best not to nickel and dime on a sealant as you get what you pay for. The cheaper finishes are known to last for a short while, as little as a year, and then need to be reapplied. Which in the long run, ends up costing you just as much or more.
Are sealants known to be hazardous to breath in when they are being installed?
If you are sealing a concrete floor indoors, it is usually always safer to use a water-based rather than a solvent-based sealer. Especially if you are not able to appropriately ventilate the area. There are ingredients in solvent-based sealers that make them very flammable and the fumes they emit can be rather hazardous to breathe in. They are also known to contain volatile VOC’s.
What are the types of sealants used on decorative interior concrete flooring?
There is a sealer that creates a protective film on the concrete’s surface, which are called film-forming sealers. These are generally the more commonly used to seal interior decorative concrete floorings. There are various different types of film-forming sealants so be sure to research the advantages and limitations of each before deciding on one.
How best to know which sealant will provide just the right sheen that I am wishing on my concrete flooring?
Of course there are various different sheens found in each sealant. It all will depend on your preference as to which one you would like more. Say you were after the look of polished marble, and then a sealer that has a medium to high gloss sheen will be perfect. If you wish for a more matte or low gloss look, choosing a film-forming sealant is what you are looking for. You will also find that most acrylic sealants are available in a variety of sheen levels.
How to know if the sealant is compatible with my decorative treatment?
It is always best to check with the sealant’s manufacturer in order to verify the compatibility of their product with the type of decorative surface you place to apply it to. You do not wish to choose a sealant and apply it without checking because there could be a chemical reaction with certain overlays or coloring agents in the decorative concrete flooring and will produce results such as bubbling, bleeding, and blistering.
When in doubt contact a professional, contact us today to schedule your appointment to polish your granite flooring or if you have any questions.
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How To Clean Concrete Flooring Houston
Its that time of year, spring cleaning time, getting the house back into shape from top to bottom before that heat wave hits here in Houston, Texas. Spring cleaning is usually the deep cleaning of everything in the home that includes your concrete flooring.
Before you dive into cleaning your concrete floors, it is best to figure out just what kind of concrete flooring you have, as the cleaning technique is quite different.
There are two different types of concrete flooring, there is the standard concrete, which is what you will find in every garage, and then there’s this interior decorative concrete.
Interior Decorative Concrete:
Interior decorative concrete flooring is becoming more and more popular over the years and this is mainly due to how stain resistant it is as well as its durability.
First you will need a soft bristle broom, using this you will thoroughly sweep your floors. This will remove all debris that is on the surface of your interior decorative concrete.
Next you will take a clean, untreated dust mop and run this along your concrete flooring. This will remove and dust and smaller particles that the broom missed.
Now, you just need to fill your bucket up with about 1 gallon of warm water. Add in a small amount of mild cleanser or dish soap like Dawn. Do not use any cleansers that have an acidic base, this can cause etching and other damage to your flooring.
Using a soft, clean mop going one small section at a time, clean your interior decorative concrete flooring. Make sure as you are going along that you are rinsing and wringing out your mop very frequently. This way you are not just pushing around dirty water on your floor.
Once you have washed each section, dump the water from the bucket and rinse out the bucket thoroughly. Then fill it up with warm water. What you will do now is use the mop to rinse away all the remaining soap so that there is no soap buildup. Working in small sections like you did with cleaning will is best recommended.
TIP: Make sure that every few years you have your interior decorative concrete flooring resealed; this will help keep it from being damaged from everyday life.
Standard Concrete Flooring:
Cleaning a standard concrete flooring takes a few extra steps that interior decorative concrete flooring does not. First step is to make sure that the day you choose to clean your flooring is a day that is suppose to be dry and sunny out.
Now you must make sure that you have cleaned out the garage completely so that there are no obstacles in your way. From there, you will need to sweep and/or vacuum away all the dust and debris that maybe littering the floor.
The next best step is to take a water hose and attach this to a water supply, turning it completely on. It is best to use a spray attachment that allows you to have a strong, powerful setting so that you are able to spray down the entire floor.
It is best to work from the back to the front, that way you do not corner yourself. Make sure that you pay close attention to all corners and crevices that dirt and grime can accumulate.
While the floor is still wet, you will need to sprinkle the entire floor with the cleanser you chose. Then using either a push broom or a scrub cleaner, and work the cleanser in.
From there you simply just need to use the hose to rinse the area clean again.
Stains on your Standard Concrete Flooring:
If you have an oil stain, try applying bleach, allowing it to set for about 20 minutes. Then using a scrub brush, scrub and then rinse.
Now if you have a grease stain, you will need to apply a thick layer of fresh kitty liter over the spot. This needs to set for a couple of days and then swept away. Throw away the now dirty kitty liter. If it still remains, you can also try sprinkling the area with dry concrete mix and allow this to sit for a couple of days, then swept away.
If you have tire marks, wet the area and use an over-the-counter degreaser. Allow this to sit for a few hours and then with a scrub brush, scrub and then rinse.
When in doubt contact a professional, contact us today to schedule your appointment to polish your granite flooring or if you have any questions.
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When to Polish Concrete Floors Houston
Polished concrete floorings are becoming quite popular thanks to its durability, low maintenance, and long lasting shine. When a concrete flooring is polished, there is no need for waxes or coatings to bring out the shine, polishing does it naturally. What is even better is that these polishes can last as long as 15 years before they would need to be re-polished.
Polished concrete started out in retail stores, warehouses, and office buildings and now have branched out to personal homes due not only for the durability, low maintenance, and long lasting shine, but also its beauty and ability to be stained to look exactly like polished stone.
Here’s a list of some of the amazing benefits when you choose to polish your concrete flooring:
- High resistances to wear, scratches, and most chemicals
- Long-term lifespan
- No unnecessary vibrations
- Natural product and one that is already present as a sub floor
- The floor becomes hard and strong
- No solvents that evaporate into the air
- No products that can cause allergies
- No thickness that can cause “Sick Houses”
- No odor or migration from chemicals
- Floors found to be a bit warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer because it obtains its temperature from the ground and not the outside weather.
- Low maintenance cost
- Easy to clean, just sweeping and light scrub only
- Can stain in many different ways
- Looks exactly like polished stone
- High gloss gives off a beautiful wet look finish
The process to polish concrete is a slightly lengthy one, but definitely one that has beautiful results. Since there is a multistep process, you are able to choose the sheen going from satin up to high-gloss.
Now there are two different processes depending on if you are polishing new concrete floors or polishing existing concrete floors. Of course if you are polishing existing concrete floors, there are a few extra steps that need to taken to make sure that you are getting your full value.
Polishing Existing Concrete Floors:
It is very important that all old coatings must be removed from the surface to bare the concrete, and then cleaned. After they have been cleaned up, go through and make sure there are no cracks in the concrete floor.
If there is, it needs to be filled, but first you must use a chisel and hammer to get any large pieces out, this is called “keying”. After that, you must clean up all the dirt and debris with a broom and/or a vacuum. After that, you can use a concrete filler to fill the crack.
You will need to allow it to cure overnight, afterwards you just need to check and make sure that no other additional patches are needed.
After this is completed, you need to use a concrete grinder with a pad on it. The type of pad is going to depend on how much of a sheen or gloss you would like. The higher the gloss/sheen, then the more different pads you would need to use are you need to work your way up to the level you wish. Next you will need to infuse with a hardener and then polish with resin bond disk.
This next step is important, as it will help protect your concrete floors from stains, scraps, and scuffs. This step is applying a sealant to your polished concrete flooring.
And then the final step, after the sealant as dried, is to buff the surface with pads to give that last and final shine.
Polishing New Concrete Floors:
This is the fun part because the first step is selecting the colors and aggregates of concrete that you are wanting. As well as add anything else additional that you are wanting. After they have placed the concrete, it needs to be left to cure for roughly 4 weeks or longer.
The next step is the grinding process with the concrete grinder. And like with existing concrete floors, this process take be a little lengthy just depending on how much of a sheen or gloss you are looking for.
Next you will need to infuse with a hardener or stain with your choice of color. Though if you do decide to stain the concrete, it needs to be left to cure for about 2 weeks, allowing it to cure for 4 weeks is even better. Then you will need to polish the concrete with 4 different resin disks.
After that is the important process of applying a sealant to the polished concrete to protect it from everyday life. And the final step is giving it a nice, loving buff with pads to give it that final shine.
Having polished concrete has many different benefits that could be just what you need in great, dependable flooring. It can also add that beauty that you are looking for in your home. Especially here in Houston, Texas during our crazy hot summers, and our warm winters.
When in doubt contact a professional, contact us today to schedule your appointment or if you have any questions.
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Monday, June 6, 2016
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Natural Stone Floor Cleaning Houston
When choosing beautiful and natural stone for your flooring, taking the proper care of it is taking care of your investment. Giving your natural stone flooring the proper care has many positives. One of the big ones is that it will give your flooring the expected lifespan of the natural stone.
It’s very important to keep up with the proper maintenance for your natural stone flooring as well as be well knowledgeable on what cleaning supplies you will need.
- One of the big things to ensure proper care for your natural stone flooring is when you first have the floor installed, make sure that they sealed it. If you have installed this in a bathroom or kitchen, it is best to make sure that where the wall and flooring meet that it is caulked. By doing this, it will help prevent moisture from getting up underneath the natural stone flooring which can cause it to rot.
It is best to sweep or dust your natural stone flooring daily if possible. The best way to clean your is by using a dry, untreated dust mop. This will gather all debris and dust.
You can use a vacuum, though it needs to be one that has a hard floor setting as that will not have a rotating brush that can cause damage. Also make sure that no missing pieces or broken parts are exposed as these can scratch and cause harm on the surface.
It is best on a weekly basis to make sure that you use a damp mop to mop your natural stone floors. It is best to use warm water and a cleanser that is specified for the stone or tile of your floor.
To help protect your floor from dust and dirt that is tracked into your home from the bottom of your shoes, place out area rugs or doormats. These will catch any debris that can cause damage to the surface of your natural stone flooring. Also, removing your shoes and not wearing them throughout the house will help as well.
It is best not to use any abrasive or acidic cleaners as these can not only scratch, but also dull the surface of you natural stone flooring. It can also harm the sealant and cause it to deteriorate over time also possibly staining your grout.
Make sure that any spills from liquids or foods are cleaning up immediately, as these can contain acids that can harm and cause damage to your flooring.
It is always best to make sure to give your floors a good, deep cleaning from time to time. This will prevent from any grit or dirt buildup on your floor as well as grout.
The last little bit to make sure that you have done from time to time is to make sure that your sealant is not damaged or deteriorated. Having parts of your floor where the sealant is no longer there and leaving the natural stone floor expose can cause damage to the floor.
Sealant is a semi-thick coat of liquid that is coated on the surface of your natural stone flooring that not only brings a beautiful shine, but also protects it from everyday wear and tear.
When in doubt contact a professional, contact us today to schedule your appointment to polish your granite flooring or if you have any questions.
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Sunday, June 5, 2016
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Saturday, June 4, 2016
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Tile and Grout Cleaning Tips
Cleaning tile and grout can be a major pain, especially when in high traffic areas such as an entry way, mudroom, or even in the shower. Though the tiles themselves are very durable and easy to clean, the grout that links them together is another story. Grout, especially one that is not sealed, catches a lot of dirt and grime, and due to most grout being light colored it makes it very noticeable.
Thankfully, there are some tips that you can do that can make cleaning and maintaining your tile and grout a bit easier.
To start off, it is always best to use the least acidic cleaning solution to clean the tile and grout. This type of cleaning solution is a mixture of a few items that are usually found in every household. Here is what you will need:
- Vinegar, distilled, white vinegar is just fine.
- Baking Soda
- 2 spray bottles {you can usually find one in the travel section for very cheap.}
- A stiff brush, a grout brush, or an old toothbrush.
- Small bowl
- Hydrogen peroxide {optional}
The first step you do is simple mix a solution of half water and half vinegar in the spray bottle. From there you generously spray all the tile and grout that you wish to clean. Let this sit for approximately 5 minutes or so, and then you will take your choice of brush and start scrubbing in a circular motion. Then rinse with warm water.
The next step is the baking soda. You will mix the baking soda with water until it creates a paste. From there, you will dip your scrub brush into the paste and proceed to scrubbing in a circular motion to dislodge all the dirt, mold, or grim from the grout. After this, spray the whole area with your vinegar/water solution. What the vinegar does is cause a chemical reaction to the baking soda that makes it bubble and work away all the dirt, soap scum, etc. from the grout. Using your scrub brush, go over the grout one last time to get any remaining buildup in the grout, and then rinse again with warm water.
If you still have any remaining buildup or have any mildew this will bring in your optional hydrogen peroxide. Pour hydrogen peroxide into another spray bottle and simple spray the area that wish. From there, let it sit for just a few minutes and then with your scrub brush, scrub in circular motions. If the stain is a very tough one, you may have to repeat this a few more times.
If the stain is still being rather stubborn, there is one last option that you can do. Grab another small bowl and mix both baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in together to create another paste. Apply this to the grout, let it set for a few minutes, and then scrub in circular motions with the scrub brush. Finally, rinse with warm water.
If there are still quite a few stains and this process does not bring them out, the next step would be to try a cleaner that is specific to grout such as Lysol or a powder-based cleaner. Sometimes even a steam cleaner can help bring out the stubborn grim. In high traffic walking areas such as entryways, pathways, etc. tend to be harder to not only keep clean, but to clean as well. It’s always recommended top hire a professional tile cleaning company to come out and clean and sealing the grout. Hiring a professional not only helps with larger areas, but they know exactly what cleaners and sealants to use on your tiles and grout.
Please feel free to contact us today to schedule your appointment to polish your granite flooring or if you have any questions.
Floor ReNew Houston
4530 W. 34th Street Suite C
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 418-9983
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Garage Floor Coating Tips https://t.co/IfwHhuh1yZ
Garage Floor Coating Tips https://t.co/IfwHhuh1yZ
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June 04, 2016 at 06:08PM
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Garage Floor Coating Tips
Throughout the course of years, our garage floors can take some abuse and usage, which leads it to be deeply stained and not very pretty to look at. A great way to solve this issue and to prevent it from ever happening again is placing an epoxy coat on top of the cement. It’s long lasting and helps keep your work place look nice as well as its easier to keep clean.
To get started, here is what you will need:
Tool:
- Paint roller plus extension
- Safety goggles
- Nylon paintbrush
- Floor scraper
- Carbon filter paint order mask
- 5 gallon bucket
- Stiff-bristled push broom
- Plastic spackle knife
- Floor scraper
- Squeegee
Materials:
- Concrete floor patch
- Two-part high-gloss epoxy kit
- Clay cat litter
- Degreaser
- Painter’s tape
- Half inch nap roller cover
First Step: The first and most important step is to check for moisture. The reason why this is needed is because if your slab was laid out without a vapor barrier or if you have high ground water, this can cause water vapor pressure that can lift off any coatings from the surface.
There is a simple way to test for this, all you need to do is tape down a 2’ b 2’ clear piece of plastic all along its edges and leave it for 24 hours. When you come back to check on it, if the concrete is dark or there are water droplets on the plastic, it is then best to speak to an epoxy professional to find out if there is a solution to place a vapor barrier.
Second Step: Next, you’ll need to check the temperature and make sure that the temperature outside is at least 60 and rising, and that the concrete itself is at least 50 degrees or higher. This is best done during the spring or summer seasons due to the temperature.
Third Step: Grab your broom and give the concrete a nice sweep, getting all the dirt and debris out. Make sure to get along the walls as well as around the tracks to the garage door.
Fourth Step: Then you will use your scrapper and scrape away all dirt and grease. Any areas that are deep stains that this doesn’t work use the degreaser on and continue to scrape the area. Using the dry clay cat litter will help bring out the oils that are embedded in the concrete. Then just scrape it away with the scrapper.
Fifth Step: Washing the concrete is the next step that needs to be done. Using a diluted degreaser across the concrete and then scrubbing it will wash away everything else that is left. Then taking the squeegee, immediately remove all the standing liquid from the concrete. Removing all liquid from the concrete will help it dry quicker.
Sixth Step: Now, you need to apply the etching pretreatment. Mix the mix with warm water according to the instructions. Then you will apply and scrubs the floors with it, followed by squeegee it off. This process is done so that it opens up the top pores in the concrete so the epoxy will adhere with no issues.
Seventh Step: From there you need to allow the concrete to dry, bringing in fans will help speed up the process.
Eighth Step: Now you need to test for a sealer, You simply drop a drop of water onto the surface, if it seeps in then there is no sealer, but if it beads then there is still sealer and if not removed, it will cause issues with the epoxy adhering to the concrete. Usually repeating the etching process will help remove the remaining sealant.
Ninth Step: Walk through and make sure that there are no cracks or holes throughout the concrete. If these are not fixed, this can show imperfections through the epoxy. You can easily fix this by using the mixture that in usually included in the epoxy kit. Applying this with a plastic spackle knife and allow it to harden for eight hours, and finally sanding and smoothing it out with a coarse sanding block will eliminate the issues.
Tenth Step: The final step before applying the epoxy is doing a final clean throughout the floor. Make sure that you pay attention to edges and walls for any pieces that can get in the finish. Like with painting, using painter’s tape will help keep the epoxy off anything you don’t wish to have it one such as base boards.
Eleventh Step: Next is mixing the epoxy mixture together. You can get epoxy in various colors, though the two most popular are gray and tan. You’ll know that it is mixed when the liquid is no longer swirly looking in color, but one solid color.
Twelfth Step: Check on the can and see if how long the reaction time is recommended depending on the temperature outside. It is best to be as accurate as possible on this step so that you are not left with a non-hardening sticky mess.
Thirteenth Step: Now here comes the applying stage. Pour some of the mixture into a roller tray and use your paint brush to apply this to the edges. It is best to start applying these in small sections as a time such as 4’ by 4’, that way the epoxy doesn’t harden and dry before you apply the flakes that help prevent it from being slippery. Fill in the section with the roller paint brush.
Fourteenth Step: You need to make sure that you are rolling out the epoxy much heavier than you expect and don’t use a bunch of the flakes in one section. You want the epoxy to soak and be absorbed into the pores of the concrete and will not have a glossy sheen if it is not applied heavy enough. Also make sure that you are strategic in painting so you do not pin yourself in a corner, unable to leave the garage.
Fifteenth Step: With the flakes, make sure that you are tossing them as high and thin as possible. This will create a light random pattern that way it does not miss a small section of the epoxy and thus not making that spot slip resistance.
Sixteenth Step: After finishing, allow the floor to dry and set. This generally will take anywhere from one to three days.
Though this is possible to accomplish on one’s own, sometimes with projects this large, with this many steps, a professional comes in handy so that if any issues arise they know what ways to solve the issue or overcome it. Also, that way no steps are missed and you get the most professional and beautiful work you are wishing to have.
Please feel free to contact us today to schedule your appointment to polish your granite flooring or if you have any questions.
Floor ReNew Houston
4530 W. 34th Street Suite C
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 418-9983
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